Hear Us has an Anti Stigma Project, called the Reachout. We have two arms of this project: Reachout Challenge and Reachout Create.
Our Reachout Challenge is about challenging the discrimination that people with mental health problems can experience in their lives. We have worked with 10 key organisations in the Borough of Croydon (including Croydon Job centres, Croydon Council, the Police, Fire brigade and Ambulance services, Croydon University Hospital, Arriva Buses and more). We hold a session with staff that allows them to have open conversations with our lived experience volunteers to understand more about what it is like to live with a mental health condition.
Reachout Create is about empowering mental health service users with the skills to express their lived experience stories in more inclusive and creative ways.
To make these projects a huge success, we need Volunteers.
There are just 2 criteria to be a volunteer:
- You have personal experience of mental health difficulties
- You are willing to give a few hours of your time (as few or as many as you like over the next 12 months)
Although we are not able to pay people for their time we offer:
- Refreshments and/or lunch as appropriate
- Travel expenses (including cabs where necessary)
- Full Training and Support
If you are interested in joining the project, but want to know more, call me on 020 8681 6888
If you would like to book on to one of the training days please let me know which day suits you best. The training is free and will include training on:
- Assertiveness
- Building self confidence
- Holding effective conversations
- Looking after YOUR needs when volunteering