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4 minute read
Charity
Colebrook has been supporting vulnerable adults for support our clients emotionally and signpost them to over 35 years. Over the years, like other charities we other services as appropriate. have had to respond to local need, take opportunities as Where do we do this? they’ve arisen and adapt to a changing world, so we look We have eight supported living projects in Plymouth – but quite different now than we did then! some people receive support in their own home. Who are Colebrook Support Services? We have many success stories – here’s a letter of thanks We are a local charity who supports vulnerable adults from just one of our clients: to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Some people ‘When I first moved into a Colebrook accommodation, find managing a home, having relationships and being I was a complete mess, and without any direction. But healthy and happy quite challenging, so in time, I started a journey to get my at Colebrook, we aim to teach everyone life in check and a journey my support to have the skills to live as independently workers were with me on, they believed as possible. Our clients are usually in me when I did not. It was enough people who have a severe and enduring to spur me on and to fight my battles mental health condition, a learning and demons. Very early on I knew my disability, or are vulnerable in some support workers were with me, and not other way, maybe they have experienced to do it for me, I had to do it for myself. trauma in their lives or were never They of course encouraged me. quite taught the skills that are needed to ‘At first, I did start slipping back, but manage in everyday life. I spoke to all my support workers and How we do this started to believe in myself. I found We find out what area a person may strength and the fight I never knew I have difficulties in – initially, we all had, but with thanks to Colebrook, I need shelter, food and warmth. We knew I could do it, I just had to put my then get to know the person better and aim to teach people the skills to meet other needs and develop a plan with our clients to address other areas. For example, do they have any debt? Can “ At Colebrook, we aim to teach everyone to have the skills to mind to it. ‘So, I worked hard, and I made a commitment to myself to never hurt myself ever again, to never give up like I did in my past – giving up is not an option!! the client look after their home and keep live as independently ‘Today I am finally free from my past safe? Are they meeting their nutritional and health needs? Can they understand any medication and manage any symptoms? as possible The network of sensors, including scientific data buoy networks and autonomous vessels in Plymouth Sound affecting me like it did. Life is to be cherished and lived to the full with my dog I never thought I would have. ” But life isn’t all about paying the bills and running a Thank you to you all for being with me on my journey.’ home! We also support people to improve their quality Then and now of life through their friends and relationships. Hobbies, When we opened in 1983, our organisation only provided recreation and spiritual needs are addressed and of direct support services as described above. Now we have course, meaningful activity and good citizenship such many other teams and services including the Healthwatch as work, study and volunteering. Throughout all this we service for the whole of Devon, the Headspace and
Headscount, community centres, a Wellbeing Hub, self help groups funded by the lottery, and a gardening project. We have been working with individuals, communities and organisations in and around Plymouth for more than 35 years now and pride ourselves in putting people at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to inspire and empower people and communities to achieve their independence and aspirations. We will achieve this by supporting people to achieve skills, realise goals and improve independence, support community independence and sustainable growth and involve people, providing them with a voice to help shape our services. If you are interested in receiving a support service from Colebrook, you would usually need a social worker to refer you – but some people also pay for their own support. We do not provide any personal care and support is a minimum of two hours – contact us via email on
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referrals@colebrooksw.org for more information. We are currently looking for board members who volunteer some time to help steer our organisation and we have other volunteering opportunities available. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us via enquiries@ colebrooksw.org or call ✆ 01752 205210. Finally, we are always interested in hearing from supportive and passionate people with the right ethos to help us achieve our mission and join our fantastically dedicated staff team. If you think this could be you please have a look at the vacancies on our website www. colebrooksw.org/jobs/n Shelley Sanderson Senior Support Services Manager
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More Information:
Visit our website for more information on the wonderful and varied work our colleagues do: www.colebrooksw.org/colebrook-services/