Promoting social inclusion and better mental health

Mental health problems can seem worse when a person feels lonely and isolated. Building Bridges for WEllbeing is a programme developed by West Essex Mind to help people who have a mental health issue feel more involved in their local community.

What do we do?

Our Community Bridge Builders work with individuals tohelp them identify their own ways to make and maintain new friendships and try new activities. These might include making use of public transport, joining an exercise class, learning new skills such as cooking healthy meals, or being comfortable going out for a coffee or to the cinema.

The areas of life we can look at together are:

• Housing and finance
• Arts and cultural activities
• Physical health, sports and exercise
• Education, training and vocational activities
• Community participation, faith based groups
• Social networks, family and neighbourhood
• Mental wellbeing

We choose one or more of these areas based on each person's own needs and interests. We can then identify goals to work towards over time and agree a plan. Working towards these goals may involve support from others, such as Befrienders, carers, friends and family. Community Bridge Builders work with people in all sorts of places such as within our Open Access Sessions, Leisure centres, Libraries, and Coffee shops. Times and places to meet are arranged by the Bridge Builder and the individual to suit his or her needs.

Confidentiality

Our Community Bridge Builders are aware of the need to maintain people's confidentiality; we do not share information with others outside our organisation without a person's explicit permission. (Except in exceptional cases of legal obligation, or if it is felt an individual is at risk of harm.)

Towards Inclusion

A grant can be made available for Bridge Building activities through the WEllbeing: Towards Inclusion Scheme. For more information Click here to see the Towards Inclusion leaflet.

You can also download a Word document of the application form: Click here.

And you can download a Word document with notes on how to apply: Click here.

How to get in touch

If you feel that working with a Community Bridge Builder would be of benefit you can get in touch directly with West Essex Mind. We welcome referrals from other organisations and are keen to work in partnership to promote our joint aims.

You can also download a Word document of the WEllbeing Referral Form: Click here.

Or if you would prefer to be sent one, or for further information,

Please call: 01279 421 308

Or email: admin@westessexmind.org.uk

Or write to:

Kelly Dorrington,
West Essex Mind
10-11 Corner House,
Bush Fair,
Harlow,
Essex CM18 6NZ