Press Release

Outreach One2one holds a special party

Alabaré’s Outreach one2one service has rounded off a successful year with a very special Road2Recovery Awards party.

One2one, which is funded by South Wiltshire PCT, is an outreach service for people with enduring mental health issues.  The aim of the service is to reduce isolation and improve the mental health of those living in the city and rural parts of South Wiltshire through social groups and skills workshops.

Staff and volunteers wanted to celebrate a successful 2007 by highlighting the achievements of some of their service users.

They decided to hold a Road2Recovery Awards party, where they presented 13 of their 152 service users with special achievement awards.  The awards were handed out in three categories; Creativity, Courage and Inter-dependence and the decisions were made based on the personal journeys made by each individual.  The nominees were put forward by other service users, staff and volunteers and the awards were dished out by local celebrity Jonathan the Jester.

Each award was personalised for the recipient:

Gold Award winner Mark’s award read “Heartfelt service to others” – Having helped serve up a Boxing Day lunch to lonely and isolated senior citizens last year, he set up another fortnightly Oasis Club so that new friendships could be forged.  Mark makes sure the group can go on trips and days out to places like Salisbury Museum and the New Forest and for nights out at the City Hall.

Another winner called Claire’s read “Embracing New Skills” – after becoming an established Flower Arranger at one of our social & skills groups has now decided to put her knitting and needlework skills to use by making mini-blankets and baby clothes for premature babies.

Stuart’s read “Pride in Parenting” – not only has Stuart consistently shown care and attention to his partner during her pregnancy, he has proved to be solid as rock since the birth and been valuable support for both baby Imogen and mother!

There was also entertainment for the 50 guests in the form of tasty food prepared by the Outreach one2one team and some quality music from Sean and Dave of The Hot Tomales.

Jeremy Bugden, Alabare Outreach one2one Manager, said; “We called these achievement awards the Road2Recovery Awards because they represent the long and often difficult journeys each and every one of our service users have to undertake.”

He added “The Awards Party was a fantastic evening for all involved; it was great to see our service users getting the recognition they deserve for their remarkable achievements.  The food and music were great too!”

Gold Award winner Mark said “To win a gold award was brilliant!  It’s been great to have the opportunity to help other local people.  I also help at the Salisbury Drop In Centre and would really like to do care work one day.” 

If you would like to support the work of Outreach one2one or find out more about what they do, call Jeremy Bugden on 01722 820417.

The award winners show off their certificates.

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For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.  www.alabare.co.uk

The Rural and City Outreach One2one service aims to reduce isolation and improve the mental health of service users living in the city and the more rural parts of Salisbury District. 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.