The Living Well Portfolio tri-fold flyer gives an overview of what THH offers, how people can help and key contacts for Service Users. It should always be at hand in the Crisis Area or at Events to give out to anyone showing an interest in THH services. Open The Living Well Portfolio Flyer up, and you will see the THH Services Pathway mapped out from Crisis through to Empowerment.
The range of activities, workshops & courses varies according to SUs needs, funding and staffing levels. Volunteer support is also crucial for the successful delivery of all aspects of the Living Well Portfolio. Read in more detail about the Living Well Portfolio here.
- Examples of Living Well Activities – board games, quizzes, jigsaws or craft activities.
- Living Well Workshops (one-off sessions) at THH or Outreach – mental or physical health & wellbeing topics, (Managing difficult feelings, Addiction & Building self-confidence, Healthy eating, Choosing food for mood, & Various Cooking demonstrations, Kintsugi Hope)
- Short Courses (funding permitting) at THH or Outreach – linked workshops (Affordable Cookery, Basic Budgeting & Understanding Tenancies). Courses are great for building up a support group and a routine commitment, helping SUs become work ready.
- Sadly courses are expensive to run and challenging to fund, so the goal remains to include more of the Living Well course content in ‘bite-sized’ activities in the Crisis area.
“This is where as a Living Well volunteer, as part of the Welcome team, you can really help”
How as a volunteer could you be asked to help? You could be asked to assist, join in with any of the above! Often volunteers are needed to support a course or lead an activity during a session. Every session is slightly different, depending on the SUs participating.
- When you arrive always ask what the Living Well activities are for the day. The Day Service Manager, Clare, or the Head of Service Delivery, Camilla, the duty case worker or any member of staff (in that order) will be happy to tell you the plan for the session, what is expected and answer your questions.
- You could be asked to help with a course for which you will receive instructions before hand often by email (see cookery courses post) or participate in a craft activity, game, puzzle, quiz etc. that you will receive instruction during the session.
- It can be daunting at first. Don’t be overwhelmed, just come and have fun! Listen to people, encourage, support and where needed ask a THH staff member to link in with the wider support available from The Hope Hub; never underestimate the power of a smile or a listening ear.
- SUs often share stories & information, if you hear something you think the case workers should know please let the duty officer or any member of staff know. See guidance on “responding to a disclosure“. Similarly if you feel uncomfortable, please go straight to a member of staff. (THH operates a zero tolerance policy – no swearing, raised voices, vaping, smoking, stealing fighting. Remember to use the safe word; although its rarely used it is there for your safety.)
- Please do talk to Clare or Camilla about your session before you leave. Volunteers should leave the hub “unburdened”!
- There is a book in the kitchen to record any positive stories you hear. Please write a brief synopsis with the date and SUs first name. This is used for funding reports.
- Read an example of Living Well Autumn Activities planned here; (Please Note, this is just an example and not reflective of current planned activities.)
From a current Living Well Volunteer
“I wanted to become a volunteer with the Hope Hub to help make a difference for those who needed it most, but it’s been so much more rewarding than I ever imagined. From day one, the service users and caseworkers have been incredibly warm, kind, and above all, patient with me. Their openness made it easy to feel welcomed.”“What has made this experience even more special are the amazing people I’ve met along the way. We have shared stories, laughs, and moments that have made me feel part of a close-knit, supportive community. In just a few months, I have come to see that this is so much more than volunteering. It has become a meaningful part of my week.”“Every Friday volunteering at the Hub has been a joy. I’ve gained as much if not more than I have given. I would encourage anyone to get involved and take the time to listen to the incredible stories of our service users. It is an experience that truly stays with you.”
Please, if you have a skill, or a particular interest, or you would like to branch out into other areas offered in the Living Well Portfolio, then please contact the Head of Service Delivery, Camilla, or the Day Service Manager, Clare.
For example currently Volunteers work 1:1 with SUs by appointment as:
- digital buddies (helping with anything tech related) and
- financial buddies (helping with finances & budgeting).
Whatever your interests or offer of time there should be a channel for SUs & THH to benefit from the gift of your specific skills & expertise.