Our Service Users
Mental Health
About one in six people in England has a mental health problem at any given time. About one in a hundred has a "severe mental health condition" such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic depression). We work with men and women who experience mental distress. Most of the people we support have been diagnosed as having severe and enduring mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders or self-harm. Our Approach is to look beyond the diagnosis to focus on each individual. We work flexibly with each person to help them manage their mental health issues and take control of their own lives to achieve their goals and have a greater sense of well being.
HIV/AIDS
In the UK 7000 people are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS every year. We work with men and women living with HIV/AIDS some of whom have children who may, or may not, also have HIV/AIDS. New drug treatments have improved outcomes. Typically there are phases of severe illness and remission linked to HIV infection and related illnesses and the therapies themselves. The illness affects all their lives in many ways. People often experience chronic fatigue and depression and some have additional issues of drug and or alcohol misuse. HIV/AIDS is still a stigmatised condition often compounded by racism and homophobia. We support each person individually working with them to create a supportive network from which to manage their lives and illness effectively and positively.
Domestic Violence
1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. We work with women who experience domestic violence and their children. Domestic violence comes in many forms – physical, sexual, financial and psychological. The damage caused is enormous both to the woman and child. Living in constant fear and not knowing when the next attack is coming – but wanting to believe “he” has changed – leads to loss of confidence and self-esteem, shame and extreme stress apart from physical injuries. It affects children’s progress and development and can cause behavioural problems. We help every women and every child we support to rebuild their lives, gain confidence and make their own choices and live a life free from abuse.
If you are a woman who needs help to be referred to one of our refuges or another UK refuge telephone National Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 2000 247
Young Parents
1 in 10 babies born in England is to a teenage mother and 3% of all lone parents are teenagers. Young parents get a bad press and are considered irresponsible and unfit carers. They are considered to be a root cause of future social problems. However, young parents face challenges of isolation, no-one to share concerns and responsibilities, lack of confidence and experience. They can be vulnerable to depression and exploitation and finding solace in substance misuse. We find they are courageous and inspiring in overcoming obstacles in bringing up a child alone. We support them to find practical support and emotional stamina through a range of networks and help with information regarding training and employment so they can face the future informed, prepared and confident.
Physical disabilities
We do not specialise in any one area of physical disability but work with people with differing physical disabilities, sensory impairment and hidden impairments. Some people rely on wheelchairs to obtain mobility others do not but have problems such as respiratory diseases, heart problems or neuromuscular conditions. Some people may have other problems in addition to their physical disability such as mental illness, drug or alcohol misuse or ex offender or experienced domestic violence. Our work focuses on the individual and their unique needs and aspirations.
Drugs and Alcohol Misuse
The misuse of drugs and alcohol is a serious social and health problem. We work with people by addressing the underlying and often complex problems that lead to drug and alcohol misuse. Often the people we support have other problems such as homelessness, history of offending, mental health issues and difficulties going back to childhood. Every individual has different needs and problems and we work with them to adapt to a healthier lifestyle, gain confidence and control of their lives in a friendly, non-judgemental way.
If you have a drugs problem call Frank 0800 77 66 00
If you have an alcohol problem call 0800 917 82 82
Offenders/Ex Offender/ Mentally Disordered Offenders
The numbers in the prison population is at an all time high and the number of offenders with mental disorders whether mental illness or personality disorder has also increased. We work with people at different stages – for those on bail it is a troubled time awaiting their court hearing and for those who have just left prison, whether in approved premises or supported housing, it is a bewildering time of readjustment in the outside world. We work with them to strengthen their support networks, develop skills and find training and work to help them face the future without re-offending.
Some mentally vulnerable and homeless people with less serious mental health problems get caught up into a cycle of homelessness, offending and hospital admissions. We support them in the community to manage their lives and to deal with their varied and complex needs and achieve improved outcomes in the future.
People don’t fit into neat categories - most of those in contact with the criminal justice system also have drink and or alcohol problems often with difficult social backgrounds and a complexity of needs.