Evidence has shown that volunteering is an effective way for people who experience mental health difficulties to increase their community participation, increase confidence, reduce social isolation, and create a greater sense of self worth.
People participating in Small Steps will discover new skills, use skills that they already have, music, writing, gardening etc. resulting in a fuller more rounded experience of being a resident of an exciting borough like Lewisham.
Small Steps will provide direct one to one support to individuals who experience mental health difficulties or learning difficulties. This may be in the form of simply helping someone to find suitable volunteering opportunities, or complete registration forms, or attend interviews.
The project requires a support worker to make contact with local support groups and recruit volunteers who can mentor those people who need a greater level of input, such as attending the first few days of volunteering.
What we'll deliver:
- Participants will experience reduced isolation
- Participants will identify as having improved sense of self esteem ad confidence
- Support 15 Lewisham residents who have learning difficulties into volunteering
- Support 20 Lewisham residents who experience mental health difficulties into volunteering
Why it's a great idea:
The world is a challenging place, fast paced and less social. For people who lack confidence and self esteem or do not have the tools to engage in social activities, isolation becomes an ever increasing problem.
Volunteering gives people the chance to engage with others who have similar interests. They will be able to get involved with activities that improve their confidence, and provide them with some of the tools that increase social engagement and quality of life.
Volunteering has proven to reduce reliance on NHS services, both in hospital and the community.
Volunteers with mental health and/or learning difficulties bring a greater understanding of the needs of part of the community, and bring great skills and experience with them, benefiting organisations and other members of the community.
Steps to get it done:
- Assistance with application forms and interviews
- Providing a tailor made support programme for individuals
- Providing support to contact organistions
- Supporting people to find the right volunteering opportunities for them
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