Outreach One2one
Mission: To reduce isolation and provide opportunities for people with an enduring mental health illness living in both the city and the more rural areas of Salisbury to play a fuller part in the community and realise their potential.
Outreach One2one, which is funded by NHS Primary Care Trust Wiltshire, aims to reduce isolation and improve the mental health of service users. Staff and volunteers provide one2one support to service users away from their homes, helping them set short-term goals. Service users are encouraged to take part in small social groups and activities, improving their self esteem, social skills, confidence and independence. Support workers can also give advice on housing, benefits, education and employment.
Outcomes for clients:
- Feeling less isolated
- Improved self esteem, confidence and independence
- Increased access to other services and agencies
- Improved access to further education, other learning/training and employment opportunities
- Realising their full potential and playing a fuller part in the community
Mentoring and Befriending scheme
In an effort to reach out to those lacking in confidence and get them into paid/voluntary work, Outreach One2one decided to put together a befriending and mentoring scheme. It offers support to clients on a one to one basis.
Befrienders provide informal social support and will often identify additional objectives to work towards, such as increasing involvement in community activities. Mentors however, work with individuals solely on agreed objectives that have been identified from the start. Whilst there is a social element with mentoring, the focus remains on the client’s objectives.
Volunteers are needed to become mentors and befrienders, full training is given.
To find out more contact project manager Jeremy Bugden on 01722 322882 or j.bugden@alabare.co.uk
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