New Types of Worker - Mind Skills and Opportunities Centre
Mind Skills and Opportunities Centre, Mind in Taunton
Summary
Mind in Taunton opened the Mind Skills and Opportunities Centre as an outreach service providing short term focused support to those experiencing emotional distress. Based in central Taunton, this centre piloted the new role of volunteer listener/buddy which has proved to be useful in supporting those unable (or unwilling) to access statutory services.
Description
The Mind Skills and Opportunities Centre ran for 2 years, and provided flexible support to those unable, or unwilling, to access mainstream services. The Centre offered three main types of service: information (providing access to IT facilities); signposting (promoting access to other community organisations; support (drop-in, volunteer listener/buddys, volunteer-led counselling and 1-2-1 sessions with staff).
Volunteer listeners and buddies, many having personal experience of mental distress, were trained by the centre and supported by a paid worker. Listeners were available on site, accessible via the walk in service. Buddies, however, supported people in a neutral location off-site.
Outcomes
- Mind in Taunton developed and delivered an accredited NOCN level two course 'Supporting People in Emotional Distress' to train listeners/buddies
- In addition to their listening/buddying service, the Mind Skills and Opportunities Centre also coordinated volunteer counseling service
- Those accessing the services reported increases in wellbeing, emotional health and social contacts. They have largely been very satisfied with the Centre
- The centre provided a valuable resource for those who don't meet the criteria for more intensive statutory support (which may have prevented the need for such support in the long run)
Themes/Issues
- Job descriptions and training for all staff and volunteers focused on skills and attitude, rather than on academic achievement. Paid workers were recruited from a variety of backgrounds outside of the statutory mental health sector, including: health and fitness, voluntary sector management, marketing, working with young people and the employment service.
- The location of the Centre was key in reaching service users not currently involved with other agencies. Instead of being signposted, or referred, to the centre they were able to pop in when passing by
- The most common reasons for accessing the service included job related worried and loneliness
- A third of the people accessing the service used it once only. However those interviewed reported that just knowing that the service was available was helpful
- Whilst relationships with outside agencies were solid, a greater level of communication was needed to keep everyone updated of new developments to the service
- In order to reach people before they need to access more intensive support, it is important to publicise the service widely and creatively. These skills are an essential part of the manager's role
