Our Opportunities programme provides safe, flexible and inclusive ways for people to nurture their personal wellbeing and development, breaking down stigma and isolation and supporting recovery through involvement in learning.
The programme offers a wide range of therapeutic and skills-based activities, from arts and crafts, gardening and food growing, social and wellbeing events, to peer-led IT workshops, motivational training and employability support.
In 2016-17, more than 1,000 individual clients attended at least one activity from the programme.
A recent survey of people who had taken part in the programme revealed the breadth of their interests and aspirations together with the wealth of inner resources or ‘recovery capital’ many of them already had. The vast majority saw finding a job as a key long term goal, with 76 per cent saying they wanted to secure paid employment.
As well as preparing people for the world of work, the sessions help clients to better engage with services, form relationships, learn to work as part of a team, and develop a sense of meaning and purpose.
The effect can be transformative. We see people making huge strides in their recovery journey, tapping into their strengths and talents and emerging with a renewed sense of hope and confidence. Many clients describe joining the programme as a turning point which helped reignite their "spark”. Some say it was the single most important factor in their recovery.
Art can change lives. It's a powerful therapeutic tool and taking part in creative activities in a safe and supportive environment is the starting point for many of our clients’ recovery journeys.Read more
Everyone knows gardening keeps you fit, but spending quality time in the garden can also have enormous benefits for mental wellbeing, personal development and recovery.Read more
Our Fuchsia programme works with clients to build their confidence and self-esteem, and gain new skills in order to support them to move into employment.Read more