The Elders Project is a Trust initiative supported by the SCC REACH OUT Equalities Task & Finish Group chaired by Dr Kenney-Herbert. The project was approved via the Dragons’ Den process and emerged from a response to the literature about the disadvantage of black African-Caribbean service users within mental health settings.
Whilst the initial target cohort was Afro-Caribbean service users, the project could benefit service users from any background and thus wider inclusion is encouraged.
The Elders Project was initiated to offer a proactive approach to supporting service users during their recovery journey with a specific focus on the difficult period of transition and discharge. The Elders project will first be introduced as a pilot intended for elected service users in Secured Services at the Tamarind Centre.
A cohort of Community Elders will be recruited from Faith, Sports and Music backgrounds to support the selected service users during their admission in Secure Care. Elders will be providing support in a range of methods including 1:1 support and group socials. Support with community integration and involvement, including service users’ period of transition from hospital to discharge into the community.
Initial visits will be for a maximum of 60 minutes duration on a weekly basis for a period of 6 weeks which will then be reviewed and evaluated by the Elders project team.
Download the full summary here >
If you would like to find out more regarding becoming a Community Elder Volunteer contact:
Beresford Dawkins or Caroline Mitcham
Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust
B1, 50 Summer Hill Road
Birmingham, B1 3RB
Tel: 0121 301 1067
Article Image Credit : Jack Moreh at www.FreeRangeStock.com
