Mental Health Resource

 

WHO ARE WE?

Mental Health Resource is a local, award-winning charity, founded in 1993, to provide practical and emotional support in a safe and caring environment, for people with mental health issues.

Our aim is to improve mental wellbeing in our community by enabling people to feel supported and valued, providing opportunities for social connections and by raising awareness of mental health.

Our Vision: We believe in improved mental well-being for everyone.

Our Mission: We provide safe spaces and person-centred mental health support in our community to help people improve their wellbeing.

WHAT ARE OUR VALUES?

We are:

  • Non-judgemental – we treat people with dignity and respecting their views, values, preferences and expressed needs.

  • Person-centred – we focus on individuals’ needs and wishes to enable them to reach their own goals.

  • Supportive – we are thoughtful, caring and professional towards clients, volunteers, staff and organisations.

  • Community- focused – we build effective relationships and partnerships with individuals, groups and organisations in our community.

We are a well-networked local charity and have good links with other local charities, organisations and statutory services. We believe in working constructively in partnership with other organisations to deliver the best outcomes for people who need mental health support.

“I owe so much to the charity and am very grateful for the service it provides, for the part it has played in helping me get my life back on track and also for the resource it is for others who are in desperate need in the community.”

WHAT SERVICES DO WE OFFER?

We offer 5 free & confidential services:

The Hub: Our friendly wellbeing centre, located in Tunbridge Wells, with wellbeing activities available Monday- Friday, for all adults with emotional or mental health needs. Wellbeing activities include creative writing groups, art groups, an allotment group, walking groups, talking groups and others. The Hub also offers individual appointments & a safe space to talk.

Out of hours support: Our free & non-judgmental out of hours service is open every Sunday 2-4.30pm. Our experienced staff provide a safe space and guidance to help clients improve their wellbeing and prevent escalation. These peer support group calls provide 1:1 support, group-based activities and tools and techniques to manage mental health conditions.

Reachout: These confidential peer support groups are for adults which take place across West Kent, including Edenbridge, Paddock Wood and Southborough. The groups are framed around friendly conversations and support, discussions on wellbeing, mindful and relaxation exercises, quizzes and games and creative activities.

Reachout Youth: Our fun and confidential groups for young people aged 13-19 years old take place in Tunbridge Wells & online every week during term time. These fun, free and creative groups are designed to boost self esteem and offer young people a safe space to talk about anything which might be bothering them.

Assert: Our specialist advocacy support service for those detained under the Mental Health Act and in the community across West Kent and Maidstone, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

WHO DO WE SUPPORT?

Every year, we support on average 1000 people with their mental wellbeing across Kent. Our clients have mental health problems requiring long term support, including complex mental health conditions, such as

  • Anxiety & depression

  • PTSD

  • Self-harm

  • Psychosis

  • Schizophrenia

  • Bipolar

Many also struggle with low self-esteem, physical neglect, substance abuse, the inability to manage routines and some lack skills to manage even basic activities of daily living. Other challenges include food and benefit issues, unhealthy lifestyles, agrophboia, loneliness, bereavement, housing problems, anti-social residents and isolation.

WHAT IS OUR IMPACT?

We have a range of outcomes, which lead to improving or maintaining mental wellbeing, these include reduced isolation, improved confidence and self esteem, better management of illness and increased awareness of mental health in the community.

Of the 947 clients who we supported last year:

  • 88% reported improved wellbeing

  • 76% felt better supported

  • 76% felt more valued

  • 74% felt less isolated