assertive outreach...
Assertive Outreach is a pro-active, positive, progressive and creative service.
The service is Community Based,
and compliments existing services by offering
culturally sensitive services to people with long term mental health problems.
The Assertive Outreach Team are based in Deptford, and provide:
Assertive Outreach is available to residents of London Borough of Lewisham.
and clients must meet the following criteria:
Be of African / African-Caribbean origin.
Minimum of 18 years old.
Be on the enhanced CPA level.
Referrals via Speedwell CMHT or Family Health Isis . more info>>
Assertive Outreach is a flexible and creative client focused approach to assisting
vulnerable people, with mental health challenges, to meet complex health and
social needs.
The AOT supports clients to become more knowledgeable and empowered in
managing their health issues, as well as supporting clients to be more active
members of their local community.
Members will be supported within their local environment, and are encouraged to
make full use of their local services to explore opportunities for education,
housing, employment and training. Members are also encouraged to be socially
included by attending local facilities such as café’s, cinema’s, Parks or other
places of interest in the community.
The Assertive Outreach Team will act as an interface between our members and
other agencies, private or statutory to ensure that our members views are heard.
This will involve advocacy and support on a wide range of issues including
welfare rights, housing, benefit issues, medical and other issues which our
members identify as unmanageable.
A culturally sensitive approach, geared to the needs of African and African-Caribbean
people is applied in creating a working environment where members have easier access
to services. Practical and emotional support is also provided.
The AOT aim to promote activities that improve the quality of members daily living,
e.g. skills training, counselling, creative therapies / workshops, support groups
and access to occupational therapy.
The AOT also promotes a holistic approach by providing support for carers and
families of members with mental illness.
Some members need to go into hospital for treatment or respite. The AOT will
facilitate the process and support members whilst they are in-patients. This is to
ensure that the process is less traumatic and with minimal disruption to things
like housing, benefits or payments of bills whilst convalescing.