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SEVENOAKS AREA MIND |
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Housing Projects |
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Sevenoaks Area Mind Housing Project
Mission Statement
Sevenoaks Area Mind works to empower mental health service users. We believe that enabling people to assert their needs and rights will allow them to achieve greater control over their lives and to participate in the community as valued citizens.
It is not sufficient however, to tell people they have a choice if they are not aware of what the options are or to have no power to implement their decisions. The choice needs to be an informed one. People may need help to make their decision reality. We see it as our responsibility to help our service users acquire the understanding they need to make such informed choices and to support them in achieving their personal goals.
Freshfields and The Drive
Freshfields and The Drive are supported houses for people suffering or recovering from mental ill health. We provide low housing related support Monday to Friday during the day, and there is an on-call system for emergencies from Friday evening 6pm to Monday morning at 9am.
Service Description
They are large pleasantly situated houses on three floors, with large secluded rear gardens with patios and other pleasant seating areas for tenants to enjoy.
Each bed sitting room contains basic furniture including a handbasin, a small fridge and basic linen. Although kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared, there are adequate facilities so sharing is kept to a minimum. Each house has a large comfortable lounge with TV, DVD and CD player. There is use of a washing machine, coin operated tumble dryer and a pay phone. The houses have central heating and are very well maintained.
Unfortunately the houses as buildings are not adaptable for some people with physical difficulties or who require wheelchair access. But wherever possible we will adapt services to meet the needs of tenants.
Staffing
There is a full time Housing Project Manager, Deputy Manager and two Support workers one of which is part time. The staff team work across both Freshfields and The Drive and have an office at The Glen Dunlop Centre.
Empowerment
We are committed fully to involving our service users in everything we do:
• As an organisation we actively promote and encourage tenant participation. We believe that tenants should be fully informed about the running of their house, fully informed of the choices available to them and have the right to express their views and concerns. This enables tenants to have greater control over their lives and increases confidence and independence
• We will adapt services to meet the needs of the client.
• The service takes a proactive approach to involving other agencies and has built up a wide resource network of contacts in order to be able to promote independent living. This may include not only work and leisure based activities, but referral to other appropriate services to ensure a range of support to promote the ability to continue to live independently.
Equal Opportunity
Sevenoaks area mind operates a policy which does not discriminate against applicants on the grounds of the colour of their skin, ethnic origin, gender, sexuality or religious beliefs.
As a housing project we have a duty to maintain an environment where prejudices and harassment are always challenged. At all times there is a clear message of what is and is not acceptable
Diversity
We recognise, appreciate and encourage differences in lifestyles and culture and awareness of social and racial issues together with all those things that create a diverse community.
Support
All Tenants have individual support plans which address the needs identified by the assessment process and outcomes that they want to secure from the service.
To help Tenants achieve independence the staff team will work in partnership with individuals in implementing the support plans.
Assessments and reviews involve Tenants and take full account of their views, targets and aspirations.
The service takes a proactive approach to involving other agencies.
The timing of support plan reviews are responsive to the Tenants so that in addition to planned reviews, Tenants are able to request a review.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have experienced mental ill health, be motivated to tackle ensuing problems and prepared to work towards greater independence.
Applicants must be sufficiently recovered to be able to look after their own personal needs and undertake a reasonable level of self care, such as cooking, cleaning, personal care and budgeting.
Applicants should be able to learn to live in the company of other people.
Applicants must understand and accept the importance of taking their own medication as prescribed and be self medicating.
Applicants must be supported by professionals involved in the person's treatment and care planning.
It is possible that our service will not be appropriate for everyone. Because of the shared nature of our facilities and because we are not staffed 24 hours, thorough information would be needed where an applicant has experienced a problem with alcohol, illegal drugs, arson, violent behaviour, sexual offences or other criminal offences so that we may make a reasonable and safe assessment of the risks entailed.
Referral Process
To access supported housing in the local area, you, your care manager or other professional can request an application form from Sevenoaks District Council. The completed application form should then be returned to West Kent Housing.
Your Care Manager or the professional referring you is then invited to a panel meeting to present your case. These are held monthly at Sevenoaks District Council and all the housing providers in the area are present.
If the housing providers feel you meet the criteria for their project you will be placed on the waiting list. When a vacancy arises at one of our houses you will then be invited to an interview and have the opportunity to meet informally with the other tenants.
Applicants who live in the Sevenoaks district or have family connections will be given priority. Applicants who apply from outside Sevenoaks will be considered on the basis of need both for accommodation and support.
If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact the housing project manager on 01732 460266 or write to:
Sevenoaks Area Mind Housing Project Manager 34 St John’s Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LW
Tel: (01732) 459-558
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