3 July 2009 Good Morning

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User Led SUCH Project, Taunton

Summary

The SUCH Project provides a range of complementary therapies for people who are experiencing mental distress. The project has developed a range of employment and volunteering opportunities, enabling service users to gain meaningful employment at their own pace.

Description

The SUCH Project, based in Taunton, provides accessible complementary therapies to anyone experiencing mental distress (including service users, carers and staff). These therapies include reflexology, massage and juicing therapy. Hosted by Mind in Taunton, The SUCH Project’s ethos is one of personal growth and development, both for staff and clients. People with lived experience of mental distress are involved throughout the project, from the holistic helpers to the management committee.

The role of Holistic Helper has provided those with personal experience of mental distress an opportunity to gain meaningful employment at their own pace. Holistic helpers are supported in supervision by the project therapists, and help with a variety of tasks from reception/computer duties to juicing. They are currently developing a competency manual to enable the holistic helpers to recognise their own skills and development. This will include listening skills, first aid, hygiene and IT skills.

Outcomes

• The SUCH Project has developed a strong relationship with the local mental health trust, and as such runs a weekly clinic at an inpatient unit
• A recent evaluation of the project (using the MYCAW tool) showed that 94% of respondents said their symptoms had reduced after their session
• Their complementary therapies have helped people cope with their symptoms, medication side effects, physical health problems and stress/exhaustion of being a carer
• Anecdotal evidence shows that service users value the safe and supportive environment created by staff and volunteers.
• The project has created an induction pack for workers/volunteers
• The role of holistic helper has led to increased self esteem, skills and sense of purpose
• The SUCH Project has formed links in Liverpool, with the hope that a sister project will be created there

Themes/Issues

• Whilst the role of Holistic Helper has given people with experience of mental distress an opportunity to gain employment, it is important that this is handled sensitively. The SUCH Project’s strength is that it offers a supportive environment and allows the worker to develop in their own time.
• Although the involvement of those with lived experience of mental distress is key to SUCH’s approach, it brings with it issues around reliability when that person is unwell. However the benefits far outweigh the difficulties, providing they are appropriately managed.
• The manager is the lynch pin of this project, and it’s her drive and vision that hold it together. It’s important that she has effective support in her role, which in SUCH’s case is provided by the Management Committee.
• The SUCH Project is currently outside of statutory services. This independence may contribute to the flexibility of services (and employment/volunteering opportunities) that it can provide.