Mental Health Support Services VCS providers view Pioneering Care Partnership Mental Health Support Services VCS providers view

What is mental health Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organisation 2014)

Wellbeing for Life engaged with 7,759 individuals Wellbeing for Life aims to build people’s capacity to live healthier lives by addressing the factors that influence health and wellbeing. Support will be time limited and interventions will support people to maximize their wellbeing without creating dependency. 2017-18 engaged with 7,759 individuals 78% of clients achieved or part achieve their goals Focus on 5 Ways to Wellbeing

Community Gardening ‘Growing Our Community’ providing Horticultural Therapy activities a monthly social activity and lunch club at Woodham Community Centre 34 registered gardeners 13 volunteers. Over 400 people benefiting from gardening activities and visits 170 attended lunch club. Cree Group supporting ‘Super Shed’ 2017! Greenfield Community Arts Centre, GAMP, livin and NCS, Palram and BTS Fabrications, Cemex,

Workplace Health In 2016-17: 68 businesses supported The aim of the Workplace Health programme is to create workplaces that both protect the health and well-being of employees and optimise the opportunity to help people improve their own health and well-being. In 2016-17: 68 businesses supported 127700 employees participated in health awareness campaigns 796 employees trained in mental health 93 health advocates trained 206 employees attending the celebration event   Delivered in partnership with

Buddies Befriending Supporting people aged 50 years and over with 1-2-1 befriending support from a trained volunteer, the project aims to reduce social isolation and helps people to develop networks and friendships.   25 health buddies were recruited 283 clients accessed day trips 57 clients supported by one-to-one befriending 96 clients accessed talks, events and activities 56 clients from residential care settings accessed group activities 80% of clients reported increased social inclusion 72% of clients reported an increase in their confidence 

Stockton Service Navigation Service Offering one to one support to people over the age of 16 living in Stockton-on-Tees who need support to live a healthier life. Following a social prescribing model the service exists to help people increase their confidence, control, independence, and to reduce stress and isolation. In 2016-17: 339 people were supported 20 GP practices regularly use the service (54 individual GPs) 100% of people reported increasing knowledge and skills 49% of clients reported having considered themselves to have a physical, learning or sensory disability or a mental health issue.  

Celebrating Volunteering We couldn’t achieve so much without our dedicated volunteers, since 2007: 47,728 hours have been provided £403,302 equivalent savings/time donated 896 volunteers have been registered with PCP 94% accessed training 94% reported increased confidence and self esteem 79% of volunteers increase in knowledge and skills 73% report improved physical health

Reflections ‘Mental Health’ is not included in any of the titles of these examples yet all contribute significantly helping people to cope, connect and make positive contributions. Nothing about these projects is unique, new or special. Any VSCE organisation has the ability to run similar (or even better services). People in the County, in fact the Country, can benefit from many fabulous projects and services offered by the sector…..

Support snapshot…

Challenges Navigating the system - professional struggle how can local residents be expected to find the right service Unnecessary competition, clients and funding. WHO definition is about a ‘state of well-being in which every individual can cope and County Durham is vast (population of 517,800 in 2014 set to increase by 9.2% to 565,900 by 2039). Partnership working can be tough. Challenging organisations values, ethos and individuality.

Opportunities Advice in County Durham is a great example of how the sectors can come together. A local Social Prescribing Network could help residents and everyone who supports them. Community centres, libraries, youth centres, leisure centres, one stop shops, learning centres could all be more connected – but that takes effort from all. People the key Navigators, Health Link Workers, Connectors, Advisers, Buddies, many VCSE organisations have the staff and volunteers with the passion to support local people, it’s how we harness this. We are working towards Consistent competency based Social Prescribing training with national standards and recognition

Better Together - for the people we’re here to support

For more information contact Carol Gaskarth carol.gaskarth@pcp.uk.net