November 24, 2022

Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment provides tailored support for people in North Cumbria who are facing challenges from Severe Mental Health Experiences (SMHE). It aims to address the barriers faced when it comes to accessing volunteering, work readiness training and work opportunities.

Officially launched on 10 October 2022, we are a NHS integration funded by the Mental health Transformation Fund and commissioned by the North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning group; we work in partnership with Together We, Carlisle Eden mind and the Glenmore Trust.

We are a holistic strengths-based service following IPS (Individual Placement Support) methodology; which is a recognised pathway and health outcome when delivered well and in accordance with the IPS principles. We have diverted from true IPS in that we embrace, value and recognise the worth of volunteering and aim to prove the significant impact volunteering can have on wellbeing and mental health.

Metrics

Here are the latest metrics which give a very brief overview and insight into what the project has achieved thus far.

The Step Forward in to Volunteering and Employment target is 40 individuals to be supported into volunteering/employment.

As of 23 November 2022 we have 25 referrals (x15 Females & x10 Males):

• 11 active – with 3 in active employment
• 8 potential
• 3 declines
• 2 discharged
• 1 lost

x9 Step Forward Buddies (Including Advisory Group participants).

x5 SMHE Advisory Group meetings have taken place, the project embraces co-production of those with lived and very real experience and insight.

x30+ Events/networking attended, leaflets distributed raising awareness of the project.

x1 press release issued. x35+ social posts delivered across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, with posts shared/reposted by others.

x1 BBC Cumbria Radio interview – Shelley Studholme talked all things Step Forward with Val Armstrong.

x1 podcast has gone live. Listen to Becky Towns chatting all things Step Forward with Jenna from We Can Cumbria.