The Elders Project is a Trust initiative supported by the SCC REACH OUT Equalities Task and Finish Group chaired by Dr Kenney-Herbert. The project emerged from a response to the literature regarding the disadvantage of black African-Caribbean service users within mental health settings. Whilst the initial target cohort is African-Caribbean service users, the project progression is anticipated to benefit service users from any background.
The Elders Project was initiated to offer a proactive approach to supporting service users during their recovery journey with a specific focus on the difficult period of transition and discharge. The Elders project will first be introduced as a pilot intended for elected service users in Secured Services at the Tamarind Centre.
Volunteer ‘Elders’ will be identified who will have strong family ties and individual skills and influence in their respective communities within the local area, who are willing to share this with patients in the SCC directorate. Bringing this wealth of culture and positive life experience into a forensic setting provides hope for recovery within a community overrepresented in secure mental health settings.
Community Elders are being recruited from various backgrounds including Faith, Sports and Music to support service users during their admission in Secure Care. Elders will be providing support in a range of methods including 1:1 support and group socials. Support will include community integration and involvement, including service users’ period of transition from hospital to discharge into the community.
For further information please contact Beresford.dawkins@nhs.net.
