We are an independent local mental health charity operating in West Sussex. Our work is driven by the needs and experiences of people with a mental health problem. We provide information and support to anyone experiencing mental health issues and campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Our innovative services develop mental well-being, resilience and recovery. We work with young people, adults, older adults, carers and families. Our intention is for people have control of their lives and be as independent as possible.
Communities in Mind:
This grant will allow us to support older adults aged 65+, in the Bognor and Chichester areas, to improve their mental health and well-being. We will do this by providing:
One to one mental health support
A befriending service
Provision of social and well-being activities
Community Awareness Activities
I lost my husband about seven years ago. My only child has learning difficulties and visits once a week and other family is not local. I felt very lonely. I used to go into Bognor town centre and sit on the seats, hoping someone would talk to me. My neighbour, who was working at the time, invited me in to meet a friend whose mother went to Coastal West Sussex Mind's Tea and Chat group in Bognor. I spoke with the friend's mother, Pat, on the phone and then the manager. When I went along, I stood by the door and nearly didn't go in. But I'm so glad I did. Now I have a group of friends and we keep in touch, speaking on the phone every day. Going to Tea and Chat has helped me get some confidence back. The manager, Jo, and Mary are wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble and they are always there to help and to talk when we need it. I can't praise them enough.
Pam is just one case study of an older person we support and of course each has different needs.
We will provide flexible, responsive and person-centred support to older adults who have needs around their mental health and emotional well-being by:
promoting and raising awareness around mental health and well-being, and building emotional resilience
reaching out to and contacting older adults who are experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties and their carers
providing advice, information and sign-posting to individuals and their carers around their mental health
providing individual mental health and befriending support
providing social and activity group sessions to support the reduction in social isolation and the development of improved mental health and well-being
facilitating and developing the giving and receiving of peer support
developing an in-depth knowledge of and making links with local social activities and resources which could support older adults with mental needs and supporting pathways into these activities for people using the service.
On behalf of Coastal West Sussex Mind
