Services
Accessing the services
An uncomplicated open referral system is used enabling the person or referrer to refer in person or over the telephone. We aim to provide quality mental health services in a non stigmatising environment for those aged 16 and above, who are experiencing, or who are at risk of, developing mental ill health and emotional distress. Ensuring accessibility through an open referral system enables service users and their family or carers to refer themselves to services that are easy to access and based in their local community.
Assessment
A comprehensive assessment procedure is in place to ensure those referred to Washington Mind are enabled to access the right support for them or signposted to a more appropriate service for their needs This is a face to face appointment with trained staff to enable the person to identify their own needs whilst being introduced to how Washington Mind works and what we can provide. The initial appointment is an opportunity to discuss in confidence the appropriateness of the services available here and elsewhere.
Holistic Therapies
To compliment existing provision we offer evidence based Holistic therapies aim to treat the whole person, not focusing on one single symptom that a person may present with. There are many holistic therapies now available and in certain circumstances can be of benefit when used alongside conventional medicine. Some of the therapies on offer are:
- Clinical Aromatherapy – massage using soothing aromatherapy oils to aid relaxation. Using a combination of deep and lighter strokes which can reduce muscle tension, ease pain and bring emotions into balance.
- Indian Head Massage – relaxing seated massage focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. Much of our stress is held in these muscle groups.
- Reiki – healing aimed at balancing the body´s energy flow to enhance well being.
- Life Coaching – a process of empowering you to define and achieve your goals in life, career and relationships.
- Relaxation – simple relaxation techniques, with considerable health benefits, to equip you to deal with stressful situations with a new confidence.
- Clinical Hypnotherapy – a process commonly employing relation and visualisation to assist the person to activate their inner resources and potential.
- Chair Yoga -a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support.
- Tai Chi - the slow, rhythmic exercise favoured by many Chinese and increasingly by people around the world.
Indirect Support
Consultation, support and information is available from trained staff for those who are concerned about their own mental health, or alternatively to family members, carers and professionals on behalf of the individual experiencing mental ill health/emotional distress.
We provide Information in the following ways:
- Telephone: 0191 4178043
- Text: 07807 395561
- Email: washingtonmind@btconnect.com
Independent Advocacy
The Advocacy in Mind project provides inpatient advocacy at Cherry Knowle Hospital for people who live in North Easington (SR7/SR8). The advocate visits wards on a weekly basis or can be contacted at Washington Mind.
We are currently developing a Community Advocacy project to offer people support. Many find their voices go unheard as they attempt to access services/support with regard to health (mental and physical), housing (shelter) and income (benefits entitlements/finances). Too often are those who experience mental ill health/ emotional distress discounted, ignored, disbelieved.
By ensuring individuals have access to a service that will listen, take direction and explore realistic options our service will support individuals to have their needs known, their voices heard and their rights (civil, legal, human) upheld by attending appointments and providing representation in these three key critical areas of life. The people who access the advocacy services will:
- Be enabled to identify and prioritise their own needs and consider a range of solutions
- Be more aware of the choices available to them and support the service users right to exercise that choice.
- Be able to access appropriate services
- Become more involved by being supported to highlight their own concerns through exploring options and providing information
- Have more confidence in communicating with professionals
- Have increased independence and autonomy
- Be supported to have a clearer understanding of their 'condition' and encouraged to become more involved in managing their 'illness' so they feel more in control thus preventing deterioration and assisting the recovery process.
- To be listened to, believed and taken seriously.
Drop-in
For those experiencing social isolation/loneliness, we provide a Drop-In where people can call in to socialise, meet new people who may have had similar experiences, and obtain peer support, information and/or signposting to other more appropriate services. The Drop-ins take place in outreach locations as well as Washington Mind premises and during the day and early evenings. The Drop-in offers an opportunity to develop a genuinely user focused service, with participation at all levels of planning and service delivery.
"They showed me the help and support and are very caring towards me at a stressed time in my mental health... they were there when I had no one to turn to."