Recovery Services

What is Active Choices?

Active Choices is a work based training recovery project, incorporating Graphic Design and Print, Picture Framing, Reception and Administration.

The project provides the structure of a work environment, with added therapeutic support, and a range of vocational training options.

What does a Project Member Do?

Project Members are actively involved in all aspects of running the workshops, (which operate as small businesses), actively reaching out to and serving the local community.

How long can a Project Member stay?

Project Members can attend for between 2 to 4 days a week, for a maximum of 24 months.

How does a Project Member know they are developing while on the programme?

To map progress and work towards objectives, 6 monthly reviews are set. These serve as a focus, and goal setting exercise to facilitate move-on to further educational and employment opportunities

Who can attend Active Choices?

To be eligible for Active Choices, a person must be resident of Camden, have current mental health problems, and be between 18 and 55 years old.

What is linkwork?

Linkwork is an instrumental part of the Active Choices Project. Once a Project Member has been accepted onto the project then they will be linked with a nominated member of staff. The staff member will then meet with the Project Member on a weekly basis for half an hour. This is a space outside the workshops to reflect on progress, discuss any current issues or to work on managing mental health.

What is the Referral Criteria and Application Procedure?

In order to be eligible for a place on the Active Choices programme service users must meet the following criteria:

• Have a history of mental health problems
• Be free of drug and alcohol problems for at least 6 months
• Have an appropriate mental health support e.g. a GP, Key Worker, Psychiatrist, etc
• Aged between 18 and 55.
• Resident of Camden (if the person lives outside the district then we may be able to offer a place on a spot funding basis)
• No history of physical violence towards another person for least 12 months. If there is a recent history of aggressive behaviour SJH will need details regarding the context of the behaviour and a copy of any risk assessments that has been completed, before we can make a decision as to whether we can accept the referral
• Service Users attending the rehabilitation programme must able to commit to at least 2 full days per week (the working day is 10.00am-4.00pm with 1 hour for lunch)
• Service Users attending the IT Training Programme must be able to commit to at least 1 session per week. After 6 weeks trainees may be offered a second session. (Training sessions are from 10.30-12.30 and 2.00-4.00)

How can I make a referral?

If you are interested in the project, download the Active Choices application pack for more information and a referral form. You can also attend an Open Session to find out more. These are held every fortnight, on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

If you would like to make an appointment, please call 020 7428 5999 to book your place.

Community Views Urban Growth Project

The newest project at St. James’ House, Urban Growth engages disadvantaged and unemployed people with mental health problems in an environmental project through workshops and therapeutic support.

Project aims include:

• Improving neglected green space
• Edible hedge propagation and planting
• Vegetable, herbs and soft fruit growing
• Horticultural and environment awareness and skills training for local communities

Project members will attend structured workshops focussing on horticulture, food growing and healthy eating / cooking and they will receive one to one weekly therapeutic support for the length of the 2 year programme. Opportunity for accreditation will also be given.

The project is open to residents of Camden, Islington and surrounding boroughs with mental health difficulties, aged between 18 and 60.

For more information or to refer, call us on 0207 428 5999 or download the Urban Growth application pack.

Personal Development

Jobs in Mind offers personal development sessions where clients attend over a period of 4-6 sessions to increase assertiveness and confidence. The programme runs three times a year and caters for up to 8 clients at a time.

Our experience of working with clients with mental health problems has taught us that some clients disengage with their vocation on account of not having the confidence levels necessary to engage in mainstream settings.

How will you benefit?

The workshops are designed to assist clients to

• Control stress, tension and pressure at work or home
• Develop interpersonal skills and assertiveness
• Gain confidence in group situations

The personal development workshops are run over a six week period of which clients have to commit to a minimum of four sessions in order to successfully complete the programme and receive a certificate.

To find out more, call us on 0207 428 8678.