peer power 2017 - connect and do
TRANSCRIPT
PEERPOWER2017NEWSLETTER - MAY
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‘While living in the Lambeth IPSA flat I not only learned to recognise my skills, but also to use those skills in a constructive way. I learned how to communicate with people. Before I was reclusive, but my time living in the flat helped me to build confidence. I find that now I am able to be more open.
It was a good experience overall, with the IPSA team showing me that I could take a different direction in life. They took notice of me and welcomed my opinion. They listened to me and understood what MY needs were rather than telling me what I needed;
this helped me to believe in myself more. I enjoyed having the opportunity to help out on reception and the feeling of having a real input.’
Lambeth IPSA flats operates under the Lambeth Integrated Personalised Support Alliance (IPSA) and offers people with mental health needs who currently go into long-term, expensive hospital rehabilitation wards or registered care homes the chance to live more independently, offering community rehabilitation where possible as an alternative to hospital. The aim is to help people who use the services recover and stay well,
participate on an equal footing in daily life and make their own choices. The service consists of 9 self contained flats with 24h on site support and offers a maximum of 18 months stay for people to re-build skills, focus on their strengths and get ready to step down to more independent living and achieve their personal goals and fulfil their dreams.
make you never miss an issue simply send an email to:
COMMUNITYCONNECTING
2 . P E E R P O W E R
What made you choose to do the job of community connecting?
I have a very caring, protective nature and enjoy helping people to start the process of positive change. Having completed work placements in organisations that focus on mental health rehabilitation, my original perceptions were challenged and changed. I learned that my original, stigma-influenced ideas about mental health were in fact incorrect. I realised that my caring nature would lend itself to the role of a Community Connector, supporting people who are isolated from their community to re-connect.
What have you learned since starting your role as a Community Connector?
I have learned that I don’t have all of the answers and the encouraging thing that I’ve taken away from this is the fact that I don’t have to. Often we do our best, with the right intentions to provide care, to help people with a solution that we hope works for everyone. The truth is, what we class as help may not actually be what
someone wants, the positive change that we envisage seeing may give us a feeling of satisfaction upon successful conclusion but more often than not, the goals and aspirations of the person that we are working alongside have been ignored. I have learned that many times, people want space to express themselves and be listened to. All people have a right to be heard and the chance to make decisions on their own, progressive future. Positive encouragement and a listening ear can often go a long way.
Is there anyone in particular that you have worked with that inspires you to continue to work as a community connector?
Sandra*, a lady with whom I was working had been left in a situation that led to depression for a number of years. Having immigration issues hanging over her head meant that she had a critical view of things and her frustration was often apparent in her abrupt communication. The positive encouragement, coupled with the space needed to express herself meant that things began to
change and Sandra began to open up and try new things. We visited a place called Inner Space Brixton where they have empowering workshops such as ‘Women Inspired’ and ‘Meditation’. In the beginning Sandra expressed that she was bored and stressed but now she has a new lease of life and has found that there are positive things to be happy about.
The important thing to note is that there is always hope and opportunity to take forward steps, realising that everyone has a different goal and I am glad to be a part of a team that works alongside people so that together, we can all achieve our goals.
*Names Changed to protect Identity
CLAUDETTE DAWESMICHAEL HAYLES
BRIXTON SOUP KITCHEN
‘We are a service offering help to the homeless and vulnerable people in need of assistance. We’re based in Brixton but offer to help anyone who walks through the door. We rely on donations and volunteers to keep the wheels turning’
The Brixton Soup Kitchen was started in January 2013 and quickly gained traction, as it was a much-needed service in the local community. Solomon Smith & Mahamed Hashi, the founders, and fellow Director, Derrick Anderson, were all youth workers at the time.
The BSK is a welcoming community hub. It is a secure, warm place to visit where not only will a hot lunch be served, there is also a food bank, a clothes bank, a weekly reading group called Book at Breakfast the Thursday Legal Evening and
several other regular training & advice gatherings. Several people who visit have been helped to find employment or housing and others have gained the confidence to enrol in training & further education. The BSK also does remarkable outreach work on a regular basis, taking hot food and clothing to those living on the street and to families in need across London.
For questions and inquires you can email us at [email protected] or you may call uson 07538 419514
4 . P E E R P O W E R
GREAT WALL
LOUGHBOROUGH FARM IS A GREAT PLACE TO BE
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As well as the joy of being in the fresh air and growing our own food and diverse, communal spirit, we believe in growing people and ideas. This has seen us develop a Farm Community Cafe, which has just received funding to start up again. Using people’s assets is really important as our wonderful volunteer Charlotte who leads on the cafe and Zeenat, who has been part of Wish You Were Here, have illustrated. Zeenat had a breakdown in 2011 and got involved after being inspired by the benefits she felt from being at the Farm. “I am planning to use my own lived experience to set up workshops to inspire others and show them there is hope to have a fulfilling life after such an experience. I also want to make this into paid work.”
Karen Hooper
Please visit our donations page if you can support us:
http://www.loughboroughjunction.org/the-farm-needs-you
The farm sessions are: Tuesday and Saturday - 1-3pm email: [email protected]
For more information on the Community Cafe contact Charlotte O’Connor:
email: [email protected]
RUNNING TOGETHER
6 . P E E R P O W E R
Run Together is a great way for people to come together, talk about their mental health, enjoy some exercise and hopefully use the sessions as a tool to manage their own wellbeing.
The sessions are fully inclusive, meaning everyone’s welcome.
The first session took place on Saturday 1st April at 12pm with the group meeting at the Connect and Do Space at 107 Railton Road, Brixton, SE27 0LR.
To book your space on the next run or to volunteer to lead a group please email: [email protected]
Digital Champions Chess Club Brockwell Park WalkCome and join these sessions and learn some new computer skills.
Thursdays/Fridays from 10am-1pmBrixton LibraryBrixton Oval, Brixton SW2 1JQ
Like to play chess or want to learn? Come to Durning Library’s Chess Club.Saturdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pmDurning Library167 Kennington Lane, SE11 4HF
Our friendly walk leaders will support and encourage you on this walk.
Tuesdays from 11:00amBrockwell LidoDulwich Road, SE24 0PA
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Coffee Mornings
Vintage Voices
Knitting Class
Tai Chi
Mosaic Making
Project Yoga
Join us and meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere.
Wednesdays from 10am-12pm &Fridays from 3pm to 5pm107 Railton Road, Brixton, SE24 0LR
Creative writing workshops for Lambeth’s Elders.
Thursdays from 12:30pm-3pmBrixton Community BaseTalma Road SW2 1AS
Learn a new skill at your own pace while meeting new people.
Fridays from 11am-3pm107 Railton Road, Brixton, SE24 0LR
Regular Tai Chi exercise can improve mobility and balance and help relieve joint pain.Saturday from 11am-12 noonWindmill Gardens, Brixton HillSW2 5EU
Learn the art of Mosaic making and create your very own piece of Mosaic Art.Fridays from 11am-2pm107 Railton Road, Brixton, SE24 0LR
Free kids yoga, parent and todler yoga and yoga for mums and children.Taking place at Pop Brixton and other locations. Visit: www.projectyogi.com for more details.
