A charity organisation in Reading has signposted the services it provides to those in need of support in the town and beyond.
Together for Mental Wellbeing is a national charity with a presence in Reading dedicated to helping those with mental health issues live independent and fulfilling lives.
Recently volunteers held an open day to network with partner organisations to highlight the services it provides at St John & St Stephen’s Church in Orts Road, close to its Reading offices in Rupert Street.
The event was attended by Together for Mental Wellbeing national chief executive Linda Bryant, who said the organisation provides a crucial care role.
Ms Bryant said: “This is very much what I would call social care, and often we think of social care for older people, but a lot of people who experience mental distress also have a lot of practical needs around where they live, financial challenges, they might need help to get into work, employment and training.
“So we do an awful lot of very practical support to people.”
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The organisation provides three services in Reading.
The Reading Community Outreach Service, provides mental and emotional support to people recovering from mental health issues, with a specific aim of helping those from ethnically diverse communities and refugees.
The Berkshire West Managing Emotions Programme is a number of courses provided based around understanding and managing emotions, and a carers course for those who want to support people with emotional difficulties.
The Berkshire West Breathing Space is provided to help and support those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Ms Bryant said: “The really important thing about the crisis service is that it operates in the evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays when the main mental health services are shut.
“This is about working to really flexibly to what people need when they need it.”
The charity is funded through donations and commissioning for the services it provides.
It has been commissioned by Reading Borough Council to conduct the Reading Community Outreach Service, and the NHS for its managing emotions programme and provision of the Berkshire West Breathing Space.
André Silva, services and project oversight manager said: “We are promoting our service to be able to help more people and target the people who need our help.”
Ms Bryant added that it was ‘lovely’ that the open day was held in a church.
Although Together for Mental Wellbeing is a secular organisation, it was founded by Reverend Henry Hawkins in 1879.
The day was attended by councillor Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood), deputy mayor of Reading.
Cllr Dennis said: ” I had the privilege of attending the Community Mental Wellbeing Open Day, an inspiring event organised by Together for Mental Wellbeing – Reading.
“This day was all about shining a light on the incredible work being done in our community to support mental health.
“Let’s continue working together to create a community where mental well-being is a top priority.
“Your involvement and support matter greatly in this endeavour.”
You can learn more about the services the charity in Reading provides online.
Mr Silva said the charity will be holding another open day in Spring 2024 to promote services and partnerships for 2024-25.
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