Mental Health Services

You might be surprised to learn how many of us are affected by mental ill health.  One in four of us will experience it at some point during our lives. Anxiety; depression; bereavement; stress: they can all affect the way we think, the way we feel, or the way we behave.

People picture mental health issues differently.  You might think that a mental health issue is always a severe issue that can only be “coped” with; that there is no real moving on, but this isn’t accurate.

It is true that for some, a mental health issue is severe … and enduring, and we work with many whose mental health issues could be described in this way.  But for others, a mental health issue is more temporary.  It might reoccur from time to time, but the point is that they cope and move on to recovery.

In either case, a mental health issue shouldn’t define who someone is.

And in either case, Independence Trust is here to help.

We offer support to help people maintain their independence; to be as active a member of the community as possible.  So people might need some practical support, or help with their confidence to be more active in the community.  They might want some emotional support.  We have the staff and the experience to help, and we believe that for most people, there are real possibilities for recovery; or at least for an improved quality of life.

If you want to make a referral, please just contact us.

How do we offer this help?

Wellbeing Centres

We are proud of the wide choice of activities initiated from our Health and Wellbeing centres.  We draw up personal plans with the individual, tailored to their specific wants and needs.

The programme has been designed in collaboration with colleagues in partner organisations to fit the need in the County.  It delivers services from the centres themselves and also out in the community.

Broadly, the programme is split into six main themes:

• Education: There are lots of local educational facilities, not just college or university.  There are libraries, third sector organisations that run low cost courses. Lots of these do not require an exam to be taken, but still provide qualifications.  There are lots of courses that help confidence building and social networking.  We will also help people access distance learning courses if they find mixing socially difficult.
• Vocation: We have close links with local vocational workers, including Working Links, Back to Work, Gloucestershire first and 2Gether Trust.  Meetings can be arranged and support can be provided to organise a CV and practice interview questions to provide confidence prior to referral.
• Volunteering: We facilitate putting people in contact with the huge range of volunteer agencies, and to secure placements.
• Sport: Sport is proved to enhance healthy lifestyles and living.  Appearance, as well as confidence, can be vastly improved.  Health and Wellbeing Workers support linking into these activities.
• Faith and spirituality: Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion (although for many it does) for others it means being at peace with oneself, whether going on visits to places of interest, or just walking and reflecting on the next part of life’s journey.
• Arts: There are lots of local theatre groups and opportunities to get involved with.  This can include writing screen plays, scripts, making costumes and being involved in role plays.  There are also opportunities to partake in drawing and painting groups and exhibit and sell works of art locally.
  

We use outcome tools including the “Recovery Star” and “Inclusion Web”, which are built to help people become more socially included, to monitor people’s progress.

Friday Wellbeing Group

This project helps people to keep their independence and to live at home.  The group provides friendship and social contact to help people improve their quality of life.  It also helps family and friends to find some time for themselves.

We can introduce carers to other services that can be of help including advocacy services.  Our client group includes those suffering from a range of mental health conditions including dementia, depression & anxiety.

Group members come together to enjoy a two-course lunch and a range of activities and outings. These can include:

• Flower arranging
• Art and craft – silk painting, papier mache, mosaic, collages
• Reminiscence
• Gentle exercise
• Relaxation
• Quizzes
• Word games
• Bingo
• Singing
• Gardening

We have links with the local colleges where people can develop new skills and interests.

Community outreach project - GL11

This project operates out of Cam community centre and is for women experiencing mental health issues. We use art as a way of building self-esteem and confidence and reducing anxiety.  It is an opportunity to meet other women and build a positive support network.

At the same time, we offer a safe place where women can share their concerns and feel supported and encouraged to look forward and set achievable goals.  Many return to education, training or employment.

There are free crèche facilities available with experienced and qualified staff.