The Ashen Tree House project

This is one example of the many projects organised by Kent Safe Schools.

This is a community centre offering help and guidance to a range of people in the Dover area with mental health needs. The centre is an important part of the local community. It provides a drop-in centre and long-term support to a wide age group. The aim of the project was to improve the look of the garden and make it more user-friendly, making it a safe and pleasant area for service users to enjoy.

All of the young people on the programme were from the local area. None of them were in education, employment or training at the time. They all faced a variety of challenges to finding employment, such as: being young parents, substance misuse, low self esteem, lack of motivation and skills. They were referred to the project by Connexions, the Youth Offending Service, Social Services, CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) and other youth organisations.

Feedback from young people

Anthony

Anthony finished the programme and went into employment through an agency.

Anthony said:  “I really enjoyed the project it gave me a reason to get up in the morning and stopped me getting bored. I also improved my CV and reference which helped me get a me a job with Adecco”

Chris

Chris finished the programme and went into employment.

Chris said: “I stayed on for the full three months. I managed to get loads of experience and qualifications. I thought that I really improved also in my practical skills, Thanks Jo”

Sonny

“Before I joined this course I would not really have stuck at anything, but since I joined this programme I am more confident and motivated. Jo and Martin helped me re-write my CV and then they gave me the chance to drive around with them handing it out to local companies, I would never have done that before on my own, City Link was one of the companies I dropped of my CV to, and they gave me a job!”

Sonny was desperate for any work, but in the long term wanted to go into the construction trade.

Sonny left the course early because he was offered a job.

The manager of the centre:

“The outside space has been much improved, and is now offering a tranquil haven to many of our members when distressed, or just needing quiet time to enjoy being outdoors.
 
“The introduction of the KCP team to our service has had many benefits. Bringing young people in to a service like ours, where many of our members have long term mental health conditions, has given both groups a wonderful chance to explode the myths about each other. Having KCP here has given our members the opportunity to see that there are hard working, willing and friendly young people out there, who will not undermine, victimise or stigmatise them. By the same token, that same group of young people have had the opportunity to see that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time just like a physical illness, and that people can maintain ordinary lives.
 
“There was a very real sense of community and camaraderie during the time the KCP team was with us, with beliefs and attitudes on both sides challenged.”