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These informal (or drop-in) day services for people with
mental health needs are provided by Kent Adult Social Services in
three
Resource
Houses - Ashford, Deal and Dover.
They aim to provide easy access to a friendly, relaxed, social
environment where people can meet others, be supported and informed
about what's available for them locally. The houses are open at
times people are most likely to feel vulnerable and alone, i.e.
weekends, evenings, bank holidays as well as weekdays (this varies
between the houses) and they are always staffed. People choose to
use the facilities provided as and when they wish. This can vary
from calling in to meet others over a coffee once a week, looking
for information and help for an immediate problem to spending time
every day involved in one of the many activities on offer. These
activities are unlimited but can include basic cookery, arts and
crafts, computing, gardening, finance and sharing skills with
others.
These services are strongly based on full service user
participation at every level of decision making and planning,
including recruitment. They aim to empower people, build confidence
and support them in moving on to their chosen goals whether this be
further education, paid or unpaid employment, or simply being
meaningfully occupied. Our Success is when our service users feel
they have purpose and are leading the life they choose.
What experience is required to work in these Day Services?
Our current team members come from a variety of backgrounds, do
not need to have a professional qualification but do have a range
of practical skills to offer.
What Skills and Abilities Are Required?
Some positions may be advertised asking for specific skills such
as gardening or art/crafts, but for the most part it is important
that all members of the team:
- Have an understanding of how mental ill health can affect
peoples' lives
- Are responsive and able to work in a spontaneous way
- Are keen to support people moving closer to their goals
- Are able to work well in a small team
- Are enthusiastic and flexible
- Have excellent communication skills
- Are keen learners
What Hours could I work?
The nature of the resource houses means that the majority of our
staff are part time, working anything from 3 to 19 hours per week.
These hours can fit well around other commitments, and work
especially well for students.
Occasionally, additional hours will be needed for training and
meetings. Permanent Relief staff are also employed to work casual
hours covering the leave of contracted
staff.
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