“I did not realise how much support is out there”

Background (reasons for referral, who referred client): 

W is a 60 year old male who was referred to Your Voice Community Connector project from psychiatric mental health team nurse Sophie McQueen at Crown House. 

W experiencing Social isolation, low mental health and well being and looking to explore opportunities that may help build self esteem and confidence. 

The work and support undertaken 

Community Connector advised W of various opportunities and encouraged to come along to In Touch Through Conversation group at YV with initial support from Crown House nurse to attend and participate. After group ended, Community Connector had a 1:1 chat with W to get some feedback on how he enjoyed his first group session and explore further support. 

W disclosed that he was made to feel really welcomed and was also very comfortable about sharing his mental health recovery journey. W explained that Sophie from Crown House has been fantastic support as W advised he had a breakdown due to lack of support from former employer due to his difficulty in reading/writing and digital skills. 

Sophie has been instrumental  in supporting W by initially having W’s medication reviewed and changed as previous meds were no longer effective and also arranged support for W to attend classes to help with his writing/reading and digital skills. As W had been working but is now no longer able to gain employment at present, Sophie also ensured and helped to support W to be in receipt of correct benefits. Sophie continues to offer much-needed support to W by working at a pace that is comfortable for W and referring to Community Connectors to sustain wrap around support for W. 

W was keen to engage in other group sessions where he felt was a safe space to share and talk about his experience, how he was feeling and also to give some structure/routine to his week, Community Connector provided light support to attend CCC group at Broomhill with W which he has continued to participate in weekly, W has expressed how much he enjoys his time while there, light support has been successful to help build confidence for W to attend and engage groups/activities which has resulted in W being comfortable to attend on his own. 

Interventions/social prescriptions 

1: Crown House support from mental health team 

2: Community Connector confidence building 

3: Community Connector light support 

4: YV In Touch Through Conversation peer support group 

5: CCC support group at Broomhill Community Gardens 

What difference has it made to you? (progress made by client) 

W expressed that the support given by Sophie at Crown House has stopped his mental health and well being from deteriorating, W also commented his confidence has grown as he continues his journey. W added by connecting to groups through Community Connectors has had a positive impact as it has created the opportunity for W to connect and identify with other group members while building new friendships along the way within a safe environment. 

PRE Outcome Wellbeing Star completed, POST due End of May 2024 

Would you recommend the service to family/friends? 

“I would most definitely recommend the services of those at Crown House and Your Voice as I did not realise how much support is out there”