COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
(South Devon)
“A helping hand and support, when YOU need it !”
DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES
Recognising
the increased importance of services delivered directly within the community, we
have been developing the support we provide to enable more people with a range
of vulnerabilities to maintain independence in their own homes.
The
expansion of our Community Support Services has been built on the good
reputation the Society has earned in its residential care and supported housing
services for clients with either mental health problems or learning
difficulties.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
Our community staff are experienced, comprehensively trained and subject to appropriate CRB checks and reference procedures on appointment. The team currently deliver services on behalf of the Torbay Care Trust, Devon Partnership Trust, Devon and Torbay Supporting People.
Based
on existing services we offer a range of support to individuals including
monitoring and supporting emotional well being, assistance with accessing
services, personal and financial organisation, encouraging personal and domestic
hygiene, travel and recreational activities. Visits by our friendly staff offer
the reassurance of a ‘helping hand’ – someone who is keen to listen and
give whatever support is necessary and appropriate.
Our aim is to encourage and promote client’s independence and
self-confidence, moving on to greater self-sufficiency wherever possible.
“I
prefer to live by myself, but I need a bit of a hand sometimes when I’m not
feeling so good”.
Support will be defined via
assessment and will contribute and compliment any available Support/Care Plan a
client may be working towards with their CPN/Care Manager/other agencies.
The Society’s other work and local contacts means our staff team have a broad range of experience, including working with:
 | clients
with mental health issues |
| clients
with learning difficulties |
|
| vulnerable/isolated elderly |
| domestic
violence cases |
| clients
with drug and alcohol dependency |
| the homeless |
| |
|
offenders |
“Sometimes
juggling the shopping, bills, rent and benefit claims can be tricky! I just need
a bit of help now and again to keep on top of it”.
Any services we provide will be based around individual need within a quality framework. Therefore charges for services will be made with regard to the actual service provided. The team undertakes work that can range from one off interventions to long-term support for some clients.
The team also have a mini-bus available to provide more social/recreational activities for groups of clients, as and when required.
CASE
STUDIES
The
following are brief examples of some of the work undertaken by the team:
Client
1 – Referred to the team from the Mental Health Team based in Torbay.
History of violence to others, due to issues relating to childhood abuse
and alcohol problems leading to extreme anxiety and stress.
When the team worked with him initially we assisted in finding
alternative accommodation due to his existing accommodation being
unsatisfactory. He was supported in
taking active interest in improving and personalising his new accommodation,
making him more emotionally secure in the environment, which he had himself
created.
The
team supported him through a lengthy court case in relation to previous abuse,
which enabled him to begin to move on from the past and look more positively to
the future. During the time that we
have been supporting him he has worked on a voluntary basis helping other
clients improve and personalise their accommodation, which has in turn helped
his confidence.
To
date he is now employed and is getting married in the autumn.
Client
2 – Living in residential home after her father and sole carer had died.
After living in our supported house for a year with daily support with
all issues relating to a more structured and independent lifestyle she was able
to move on to a more independent flat in a less supported environment.
Client
3 – After the breakdown of his marriage he began abusing alcohol, which
lead to serious financial problems. During
this time he attempted suicide. After
a period of intensive care and admittance to a mental health unit for
assessment, he was discharged but homeless.
After his application for emergency accommodation to the local council
there was a referral sent to the team to assess support needs and risk.
Because
of his mental health and ongoing physical issues a property was found within a
warden-controlled site that was deemed as appropriate.
The team assisted with transporting him and his personal possessions to
the new location and also ensured benefits claimed and bills were changed over
to his name. The team helped with
applying for grant that helped with the purchasing of items of furniture and any
other household items that were necessary to make his new home comfortable.
Within
the six-week follow up period we prompted him to attend appointments with his GP
etc. and if necessary took him if we found that he needed support.
At
present he has settled in extremely well, now has re-established family contact
and currently has a positive outlook on life in the future.
PARKVIEW SOCIETY
COMMUNITY
SUPPORT SERVICES
(South
Devon)
“A
helping hand and support, was just what I needed, I’m now more confident about
doing things by myself”.
If you are interested in finding
out more about our Community Support Services please contact:
Bev Robinson
Community Co-ordinator
Mobile: 07876 597269
Tel. and Fax: (01803) 607960
Email: css@parkviewsociety.org.uk
COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
“A helping hand and support, when YOU need it !”