Neshama
Re-establishing control for people with mental health problems.
Neshama helps people with mental health problems to re-establish control of their lives, enabling them to make their own choices, ultimately recover their independence and lead a more fulfilling life.
One service user, after attempting suicide, wrote to her social worker during her recovery, to say: ‘Thank you for taking me on board, giving me some direction and saving my life.’
Social Work Support:
Neshama is managed by Janine Field and is supported by three social workers and two Housing Support Workers. All members of the highly experienced and qualified team, work to offer a comprehensive package of care and support. Our aim is to assist all service users to access and engage with the necessary health and social care services on offer, to promote recovery. We work with any adult experiencing a mental health or psychological need.
Stone Court:
Stone Court is a supported housing project offering independent flats for 12 individuals. This enables the tenants to live independently in their own homes, with the support of the Housing Support Workers. Stone Court tenants can take advantage of reading and video libraries, trips, holidays and celebrating Shabbat and Festival meals together. This helps to maintain a strong sense of tradition by recognising and celebrating the Jewish way of life in a culturally sensitive environment.
Outreach/Floating Support:
The Housing Support Workers visit individuals regularly in their own homes, help to monitor their well- being and provide emotional and practical support when necessary. This helps to promote an independent lifestyle for service users.
Art Therapy:
Art Therapy is beneficial for personal development and growth to identify problem areas and then transform negative images into positive ones.
Employment Project:
Suffering from mental illness can result in isolation, poverty and social exclusion from the Community. One of our social workers is successfully networking with employers, to provide paid work or voluntary placements, initially on a part time basis. Through these partnerships, we help the more vulnerable members of our Community to achieve their full potential and goals. This assists in the development of their independence, self esteem and confidence. Our social work team also provides support for the employer to help break down any barriers of stigma, prejudice and fear.
Carers Group:
A bi-monthly group which offers support to those who care for people with mental health problems. By sharing personal and painful experiences, carers are able to put their own issues into perspective and realise they are not on their own.
Social Group:
This group enables participants to develop greater confidence and self esteem in relation to other people.
‘The project has allowed me to socialise with other people and has given me a reason to leave the house.’ Social group member.
Walking Group:
‘Research has shown that physical exercise e.g. walking can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression.’ Dr Marcus Roberts, Head of Policy at Mind.
Allotment Project
This weekly group meets to dig, plant, grow and harvest fruit, vegetables and plants. Evidence suggests people are mentally stimulated by gardening activities and can often cope better with existing health problems, as well as feeling less prone to low moods and depression.
