Active Choices

Description of Service:
The service offers one to one support to access social, educational, health and exercise activities in the local community. The team also delivers a range of group activities in both mental health and mainstream settings. It is a recovery-based service with an emphasis on enabling people to explore their choices and opportunities.

Description of Service Users:
People of 16 years and upwards who experience mental health difficulties and want support to make changes in their lives.

Referral procedure:
By care co-ordinator only.

Assessment description:
We have an occupational therapist who will make an initial assessment following a discussion with the service user.  Plans to develop a self-assessment process are underway.

Admission procedure:
Following assessment, identification of areas of interest and agreement of support needs, a keyworker is allocated and service start date arranged.

Treatment description:
A key worker will support the service user to establish and work towards their personal goals, promoting recovery and social inclusion.

Discharge procedure:
Discharge is planned with the service user and will occur when personal goals are achieved and support is no longer needed.

Education:
Group activities provide opportunities for learning, ranging from the development of skills in gardening to anxiety management techniques or basic cookery.

Outreach:
Support arrangements are flexible and can be carried out in locations that best meet the needs of the service user.

Developing services:
Current developments include self-referral and self-assessment along with increasing time dedicated to supporting people to become involved in their local communities.