Sociability’s venue is situation in one of the most deprived areas in England ‘Vange’. Therefore, financial deprivation has a detrimental effect on people’s ability to reach our services. We provide our services free of charges, yet we have found that it is transportation which is a real issue for people on low incomes. A minibus would transform several of our members lives, people who often go from one week to the next without seeing anyone while often enduring ill health. It is essential for our health and well-being that everyone has the opportunity to socialise and benefit from peer support, regardless of ill health or money. A mini-bus will provide us with the ability to reach and include anyone who calls us for support.
What we'll deliver:
- Transport vulnerable people from their home to support groups
- Proactively tackle loneliness
- Have a positive impact on people's health and well-being
Why it's a great idea:
Sociability is a registered charity providing social activities and peer support for people who endure mental and chronic health conditions…along with people who are isolated and lonely. Sociability have been providing services in Basildon for a little over 3 years, in which time we have seen our membership grow to 150 members. However, most of our membership is shaped by people who are extremely vulnerable due to health issues, which has an impact on their ability to use public transport. Yet, the social element is essential to good health, isolation contributes to poor health and increased use of primary and secondary health care services.
Sociability provides sessions to increase empowerment and coping strategies including: socialising, craft, art, computers, singing, sewing, social eating, mindfulness and Tai Chi. We have guest speakers who attend. However, it's irrelevant if people can not access what we are providing...which is why we need your support please.
Steps to get it done:
- purchase vehicle
- Tax, Insurance
- First pick up and drop off
Sociability practices reciprocal support, we are a self-help non-clinical service provider, completely founded and facilitated by people with lived experience of chronic or mental health conditions. Most of our clientele access our services due to mental health issues. We know the services we provide work because we have the living proof. It’s the problem of getting people to and from our services which remains a constant obstacle. Please, pledge to help us address this issue...we can all choose to be alone, but none of us would choose to be lonely…thank you for making a difference.