28th Annual Report April 2011— March 2012
2012 The Jubilee was lovely Olympics were on track We would like to celebrate Another year of WHAC
Client Testimonial This is to all of you associated with the very professional management of WHAC, Volunteers, Counsellors, Administration, all those associated with the delivery of a first class service for women in need of help in Ashington. During the last four years, I have twice called upon the services of WHAC and each time I have been supported very well by the service you all offer. Four years ago, I had some counselling that really helped me through a rough time. This lasted four months and after that period, I felt able to cope and returned to my husband. Yes, big mistake. When a woman is experiencing domestic abuse ie being physically and mentally beaten, you forget who you were – no matter who you were and I became dependent upon the aggressor. It is not always possible to tell people or family what is happening or even admit it to yourself and I for one found it easier to render myself totally incapable, rather than face up to reality. This was never more the case than a year ago last July. My husband left me and I believed I could not cope. I really did not want to. I wanted to be with this person who beat me mentally and physically. He had controlled me for 12 years, cut me off from all my family and friends. I could not cope. I began to drink, I was stranded in a village. I wanted to die. One evening, I took a huge dose of morphine and ended up in hospital. I had to have a plan before they would let me go home and WHAC was to play a huge part of that. I got to see a counsellor, every time I telephoned WHAC, I was greeted not only professionally, but respectively and friendly by everyone. The whole team. I have to say in these times, which are harsh for most people, one does not expect every member of a service such as WHAC to be like this, there will always be “the one” who didn’t deliver or maybe one session “not up to scratch”. I never experienced anything “wrong”. In fact, I have always found WHAC to exceed my expectations. Thank you. Let me tell you all the best bit. I am now divorced. I am not suicidal. I am happy. I am moving to another part of the country where I am renting a house. My son lives there with his wife and my granddaughter who is 18 months old, who I will be helping to look after. I am looking at some local work opportunities. I am my old self and better person with wider experiences made possible by WHAC. I am not being dramatic, you all helped save my life. Thank you. All the best.
Chairperson’s Report WHAC has had another year where it effectively supported the women who use its services, met current challenges and made positive plans for the future. Over the past year WHAC provided for over 2600 attendances at counselling, advice or training services, and another 5600 telephone contacts for advice and information. WHAC’s counselling service has taken on 120 new clients. Seven new volunteer counsellors were recruited to enable us to take more referrals and reduce waiting times considerably. Together with the support and advice services (family law, housing, debt and welfare benefits) this is a valuable support network for local women. WHAC’s courses were again popular, with 169 enrolments. The courses included weight management and healthy eating, ‘making ends meet’, personal safety, empowering women, expressive art, and confidence and assertiveness. All of these supported the personal development of women in Northumberland. This year, several individuals have donated money to WHAC, or have fundraised for us. Their support is greatly appreciated and will help WHAC to continue supporting the women who use our services. Plans for the new Northumberland Support and Advice Service are well developed. This exciting new service from WHAC will launch in autumn 2012 and will offer cost effective bespoke packages of support to women and men aged 14+ who are referred from external organisations. WHAC’s ability to develop in this innovative service shows how determined we are to continue supporting our clients and to evolve to deal with the new financial environment. WHAC’s past and future success rely on the excellent staff and volunteers who deliver the valued and needed services. A huge thanks to all WHAC staff and volunteers past, present and future! Sarah Abernethy
Mission Statement WHAC:Aims to provide women in Northumberland with free quality counselling, personal development, education and information on issues contributing to their mental health and well-being. Offers a confidential service in a safe, supportive environment. Is a needs led independent organisation which aims to offer a flexible and comprehensive service. Uses quality personnel consisting of trained volunteers, 3 full-time staff: Manager, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Finance & Quality Assurance Officer, and 3 part-time staff; Administrator, Training & Education Officer, SWAN Project worker/counsellor, and a Health Trainer who is employed by Northumbria Health Care Trust, as well as freelance supervisors and trainers.
Aims To encourage women to take responsibility for their own physical, emotional and social well-being and to help them develop a positive attitude. To respond to the needs of women and girls aged 14+. To be supplementary and complementary to the services provided by the Health and Social Services. To increase knowledge and confidence through information, workshops, courses and self-help groups.
“Thanks for all your help. New Woman!� th
Note: At an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 June 2012 a special resolution was passed to amend the objects of WHAC to allow delivery of the services county wide and also to include men in the client group. See page 16 - Northumberland Support & Advice Service
Contents Attendance Overview................................................................................. 1 Some of Our Achievements.................................................................... 2 Staff Members................................................................................................ 3 Trustees and Volunteers......................................................................... 4 Volunteers........................................................................................................ 5 Volunteers Comments............................................................................... 6 Counselling......................................................................................... 7 Issues dealt with in Counselling.......................................................... 8 Courses and Workshops.......................................................................... 9 Supporting Women around Northumberland (SWAN).......... 11 Support and Advice Services................................................................ 13 Awareness Raising Campaigns..................................................... 14 Collaborative Working..................................................................... 15 Northumberland Support & Advice Service............................. 16 Acknowledgements..................................................................................... 17 Financial Report.......................................................................................... 18 Accounts............................................................................................................ 19
Attendance Overview 01/01/2011 – 31/12/2011
No of Clients
Counselling & Assessment Sessions (including SWAN)
(new clients only)
120
Information & Advice
No of Attendances 1030
282
332
Support & Relaxation Groups
28
200
One to one sessions
90
149
Course Enrolments
246
894
TOTAL CLIENTS
766
2605
Telephone/email Info & Advice Enquiries
5,626
• 28 volunteers did over 2,337 hours of work during the year. This does not include attendance at all meetings and training. • A total of 171 clients accessed the counselling service throughout the year each having, on average, 6 sessions including assessment. • At the year end 77 clients were attending counselling. • The course enrolments and attendances include clients attending Seaton Valley courses. • The SWAN project has once again been very successful with 20 clients attending 116 sessions during the year “I am sure I could not have had more professional help. All the staff at WHAC have been supportive on the phone, administration and face to face”
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Achievements Better Health at Work Gold Award
Fundraising – going the extra mile James Charlton and Ryan Hart have both been fundraising for WHAC. Ryan ran the 7.5 mile Sunderland to South Shields Pier to Pier race in May and raised £251.25. Ryan only started running earlier this year after giving up smoking.
On 11th January 2012, WHAC were presented with their Gold Certificate for the North East Better Health at Work Award, following a successful assessment in October 2011. The Assessors commented: “The assessors acknowledge the excellent work that has been done by the Health Advocates and the fantastic standard of the Portfolio, certainly an example that we would like to highlight to other participants on the award. WHAC is a small organisation with limited time and funding, but they have used innovative and creative ideas to involve both staff and clients in improving health and wellbeing. Well done!”
James, a solicitor with DAWN Advice, ran the 110 Hard Moors race in June. After a gruelling 115 miles over the Yorkshire Moors James finished the race 5th place with a time of 25 hours 30 mins. He raised a total of £852.50. Well done lads and thank you so much, your support is appreciated. You’ve made a lot of women very happy!!! WHAC is relying more and more on individual donations so if you are taking part in an event why not raise funds for WHAC. You can create a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com for online sponsorship or if you prefer we can supply sponsor forms. You can also donate by cash, cheque or via our website www.whac-online.co.uk using the local giving button. Communication & Marketing We have made progress with marketing WHAC’s activities through our new and improved website www.whac-online.co.uk
Qualifications A number of our volunteers have increased their qualifications this year.
Cath and Amanda were able to promote WHAC through an interview with local community radio station ‘Synergy’, to listen to the interview visit our website and follow the link.
5 completed their Foundation Degree in Counselling. 2 completed their BA Honours Degree in counselling.
WHAC features in a local publication, Action Coupons, and took the opportunity offered by ASDA to set up a promotional stall in the Ashington store, which meant over 90 people signing up to support WHAC.
1 completed their Degree in Psychotherapy. Well done to everyone
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Staff Members
Cath Carnaby
Manager
Linda-Jaine Clair
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Judith Pleasance
Finance & Quality Assurance Officer
Amanda Sayers
Education and Training Officer
Jen Anderson
Administrator
Lorraine Burley
SWAN Project Worker
Sharon Hepplewhite
Health Trainer (employed by Northumbria Healthcare Trust)
Cath
Linda
Judith
Jen
Lorraine
Sharon
“From day one all staff have been very helpful, considerate and friendly”
“Good at listening, helped to understand and see things better”
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Amanda
Trustees and Volunteers Board of Trustees Chair Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary
Sarah Abernethy Sarah Kerrigan Mandy Small Declan Baharini
General Board Members Lisa Jenkinson Maureen Sanderson× Penny Borgen* Karen Haggerty* Jill Scarr* Tracie Redfern-Morrison*×
Volunteers Lucy Brace Marie Stirzaker Jennie Robson Fiona Damm× Brenda Potts Sangeeta Murkunde Anna Robinson Deborah McLean Mande Stoves Mary Turner×
Pru Heathcote Elsie Townley Christine Carruthers Jayne Hedley Claudia Venosa Ingrid Pitt Lucy Greensmith Jane Lawson Vicki Smith× Mikala Richards*
Audrey Lenthall Ann Cossar Elaine Finlay Deborah Heron Ruth Chapman Anne Sporne Linda Ainsley DeniseTempleton Sue Saunders* Viv Brooks*
Joined since last AGM * Left since last AGM ×
“ Being a Counsellor at WHAC has given me the experience of working with a range of clients in a supporting and encouraging environment”
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Volunteers WHAC has an extremely robust team of Volunteers who provide a range of services to clients who use the centre. Volunteers come with a wide range of skills and experience; volunteers are underpinned by experienced paid staff who have overall responsibility for the day to day running of the centre. The management of the organisation lies with the Board of Trustees, who are also Volunteers. There are currently 8 trustees with backgrounds in housing, health, family law, education, community development, mental health, regeneration and skills in HR, finance, project management, partnerships and commissioning. Our last Counsellor recruitment took place in October 2011 with 7 Counsellors successfully completing WHAC’S accredited Counsellor Training Programme, at present we await the learner certificates from the awarding body, NCFE. This brought our team of Volunteer Counsellors to a healthy number of 14. WHAC also works closely with the Northern Guild For Psychotherapy with team of 6 Psychotherapists ( 4 trainee, 2 qualified) . This service enhances our already highly recommended Counselling service. Our Support and Advice Service is an extremely valuable asset to WHAC with 5 Volunteers working 1-2-1 with clients, relaxation sessions, admin, publication of a newsletter and supporting clients with financial difficulties.
Digital Story Telling A Volunteer’s Journey
Training Volunteers and staff have attended a number of training sessions in the last year. These have included:
A series of Women’s Health Workshops supported by the WEA allowed WHAC’s staff and volunteers to make links with three other Women’s organisations in the North East – WHiST, Bridge and the Angelou Centre. Participating in joint working and sharing expertise and knowledge, the workshops demonstrated the range of support and services being offered to Women in the region. The workshops led to WHAC’s involvement in a Digital Storytelling project, with two of the counselling volunteers learning skills to create and develop the powerful story “A Volunteer’s Journey” which can be viewed from WHAC’s website www.whac-online.co.uk/get-involved
• •
• • •
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Emergency First Aid Training (6 attended). Recovery Toolkit – Specialist Domestic Abuse Training (3 attended). Tools & Techniques in CBT (12 attended). Mental Health First Aid (2 Attended). Digital Storytelling (3 Attended).
Volunteers Comments ‘Volunteering at WHAC has provided me with a broad range of clinical experience’...Claudia Venosa ‘The support that I have received not only from my Line Manager, but all members of the WHAC Team has been pivotal in contributing to making the experience of working as a counsellor rich and rewarding. I look forward to continuing my relationship with WHAC as I grow and develop as a practitioner within the organisation’... Debbie Maidwell
‘I have been given opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge far beyond any expectation I had, and have felt completely supported throughout my time at WHAC’... Elaine Finlay ‘Volunteering for WHAC has been an important part of my life for almost 30 years now. I feel very proud that I was one of the original team that helped get WHAC off the ground all those years ago, and we are both still going strong - well, WHAC is anyway. My role as a volunteer has changed a lot over the years, from being Chairwoman, to arranging the education programme and a counsellor at various times, but now I enjoy taking more of a back seat and contributing to WHAC by running the weekly relaxation sessions, something I hope to continue for as long as I can’...Pru Heathcote
‘Volunteering at WHAC is about being part of a fantastic organisation that is right at the heart of the community it serves. It is a rewarding, life enhancing experience and every time I come in to volunteer it gives me perspective on the things that are important in life like a warm welcome, safety and time, real time, for others. I feel very privileged to volunteer for such a caring and professional organisation, that whilst small, definitely punches above its weight’...Deborah Heron
Volunteers give the precious gift of time to the services of WHAC, and give added value to the service. A huge thanks to all Volunteers who have supported WHAC in the past year. Anyone interested in Volunteering, please contact the centre on 01670 853977 or alternatively email Linda-JaineClair@whac.uk.com
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Counselling WHAC offers a free one to one confidential counselling service to women and girls 14+, which is delivered by qualified volunteer counsellors. WHAC has organisational membership to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and are bound by its code of ethics. 1030 sessions were carried out this year. The graph below shows how clients attending counselling during 2011 showed improvement in their Mental Health and Well being. A score of around 51 shows good mental health and well being. Issues Most clients come with more than one issue, with most experiencing some level of mental health e.g. depression/anxiety, suicidal. Over 50% have presented with various levels of Domestic/sexual violence. We work closely with Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), which assesses the needs of high risk, vulnerable clients.
Evaluation
We have also noted a high number of clients with issues around bereavement.
Clients who have agreed to be contacted are asked to complete a form about the counselling process. We also contact these clients to complete a form 3 months after the counselling has ended which provides a snapshot of their mental health and well being. This information is used to produce a report the latest can be seen on WHAC’s website - About us/Annual reviews’
Clients We are seeing a noticeable increase in the number of new clients with many of those being under 25. Fortunately due to the recruitment of new counsellors in this year, the waiting times are actually down, with people usually being seen within four weeks of being referred.
Monitoring This is achieved due to the dedication of the volunteer counsellors and psychotherapists; under the supervision of Linda-Jaine Clair who oversees this vital service.
Regular monitoring is carried out to ensure that clients are receiving the service they deserve and also who refers or recommends them to WHAC. The majority are from GPs however, there is an increase in referrals from other organisations.
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Issues Presented by women attending counselling assessment sessions.
ISSUES KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
19.
Women’s Health Issues e.g. Menopause/PMT/Infertility Physical Health problems e.g. STD’s, Mastectomy Mental Health e.g. Stress Depression Abortion Bereavement/ Loss Relationship Problems e.g. Sexual issues/family/relationship breakdown. Drug/Alcohol issues Caring responsibilities Rape/sexual assault including harassment Child Sexual Abuse Domestic Violence – Physical violence/bullying Relatives/carers affected by abuse/trauma Self esteem/body image Work related issues Suicidal Financial Anger Management Eating Disorders Life Stages/Choices
119 clients attended an Assessment and all presented with more than one Issue
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Courses and Workshops The last 12 months has seen three full programmes of training and education workshops being rolled out, offering WHAC’s clients and service users a wide range of courses focusing on health and wellbeing. The courses have covered many aspects of health & wellbeing, from physical, mental and emotional health to financial health and even personal creativity and wellbeing. As well as the core education courses in Creative Writing, Tai Chi and the Relaxation drop in, WHAC has offered its clients: • • • • • • •
Two 10 week Weight management programmes Healthy Eating Cook & Taste practical sessions Financial Inclusion taster and full courses ‘Making Ends Meet’ Personal safety course Empowering Women workshops for women only Expressive Art Various confidence and assertiveness courses: How to be Confident and Assertive Women, How to be Happy, and It’s My Life • Stresspac – a course to help support people with depression and anxiety These programmes have been delivered often in partnership with other organisations, including Healthy Living Initiative, NHS Trust, Clean Slate Financial Inclusion Services, MHCO and Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Whilst the courses are predominantly developed to support women, where appropriate, at venues other than WHAC, men can also attend and have accessed a number of courses over the last year Levels of interest and enrolment onto courses varied throughout the year, with a total of 169 course enrolments. Some courses were well subscribed and sadly other sessions had to be cancelled due to lack of numbers. This is reflected, not only in WHAC, but in adult education and learning in general throughout the area and may be influenced by the current economic difficulties affecting many people living in the North East. This has led to a rethink in how, when and where WHAC should offer some of its workshops and courses, and greater engagement with other service providers, such as the Children’s Centres in order to offer free courses with crèche facilities to help people with families access courses more easily.
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Participant evaluation of Healthy Eating Cook & Taste course 5.00 Session 1
4.00
Session 6
3.00 2.00
Key
1.00
1 - Very poor
0.00
2 - Poor 3 - Average 4 - Good 5 - Very Good
Some of the comments we received from course participants “Sara was wonderful. Friendly, gentle, enthusiastic, well prepared and she has helped me get creative again” (Expressive Art) “Inclusive, supportive, warm, understanding. Feels like a family. Great social value. All very positive.” (Creative Writing) “I have ME and doing Tai Chi helps to increase and balance my energy. It helps me to feel calmer and more in touch with myself” (Tai Chi) “A good course, which I have enjoyed and found very helpful in recognising ‘myself’ and that I can change for the better, as stress and anxiety has always impacted on my life, and I always thought I couldn’t change as it was ‘just me’. Knowing that I can change my thoughts will hopefully improve my life and others for the better” (Stresspac)
In my first year in post I have really enjoyed being part of WHAC as a vibrant and supportive organisation. The time has flown by so quickly and I look forward to working over the next year with staff, volunteers, clients and tutors to continue the valuable work that is done by everyone who contributes to WHAC’s success. Amanda Sayers Education & Training Officer
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Support For Women Around Northumberland (SWAN)
WHAC has continued to work in partnership with other agencies from the voluntary sector. – Escape Family Support (lead agency), Fourth Action and Relate Northumberland and Tyneside, the partnership is known as SWAN The SWAN Project first became operational in February 2010 and has had continued funding for 2011-2013. The objective of the Project is to reduce the number of women re-offending. Lorraine Burley continues to work as the project worker/counsellor at WHAC delivering 1-2-1 counselling to the women on the project. Recently one of WHAC’s volunteer counsellors Anna Robinson has also become involved in the project, delivering 1-2-1 counselling. The pathway of referrals to the SWAN counselling service varies from WHAC internal referrals to Probation, Police, housing associations, social and children’s services, as well as self referrals etc. To date 53 swan clients have been referred to Lorraine for counselling. The counselling service is not time limited and provides a flexible service to fit around the lives of the women; with outreach work on the increase. Lorraine is currently working with 12 clients, whilst Anna has recently begun work with 2 SWAN clients. Lorraine works closely with the SWAN Intervention workers, as well as collaborating with outside agencies to ensure that the individual needs of each client are met. The services that SWAN offer are extensive and the women can be supported with a range of issues. • Accommodation • Skills and Employment • Health • Drugs &Alcohol • Families & Children • Relationships
• Finances • Attitude and Thinking Behaviour • Survivors of domestic abuse & sexual violence • Women who affected by or involved in sex work
SWAN clients have access to any of the services offered at WHAC as well as having the option of being appropriately referred for additional support to partnership agencies.
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How SWAN has made a difference Progress Report SWAN is funded to divert women from custody and reoffending. In 2011 Barefoot Research produced a progress report using data supplied by Northumbria Police. This showed a significant drop in the number of arrests, charges, convictions and appearances before magistrate court of women once they engaged in the SWAN project compared to the 6 months before. Women who are on suspended sentences or have previously received sentences of less than 12 months are considered to be most at risk of going back to prison. Of the 14 women in this category that were referred into SWAN, the number reoffending was ZERO. Social Return on Investment (SROI) The SROI report, funded by the Corston Coalition, demonstrates the social value of the project in monetary terms. The ratio 1:6.65 was calculated using data supplied by all stakeholders in the project (beneficiaries and funders). This means that for every ÂŁ1 invested in SWAN activities ÂŁ6.65 of social and economic value is created for beneficiaries and the community. Both these reports can be found on our website.www.whac-online.co.uk
Client Statement Beth is 33 year old client and was referred to WHAC by an outside agency, she had gone through a messy divorce and a residency order had been made in favour of her ex-husband. When Beth came for counselling she felt totally destroyed; unsure of herself, her life and had been left feeling that she had been a victim of misjustice. Beth has now been a client for 2 years; engaging in the SWAN counselling service as well as accessing partnership agencies, since coming Beth has grown in confidence, she has secured a job, a home, has regular contact with her children and is currently accessing support from DAWN (Advice) Ltd to gain part residency of her children. Beth values her counselling sessions, they help her to stay strong, focused and enable her to deal with all the challenges that life throws at her.
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Support and Advice Services The Support and Advice services are delivered by volunteers who support clients receiving advice in such matters as debt benefits advice, family law and housing. Our volunteers can help complete forms and accompany clients to appointments with outside agencies if necessary. Housing Family Law We continue to help clients to access the Family Law Advice section of DAWN (Advice) Ltd. During the last year 16 clients have benefitted from this invaluable service with an average of 3 sessions per client. Following changes at DAWN, clients can no longer be seen at WHAC but the solicitors are now located at Wansbeck CVS so are still easily accessible to our clients. Clients can also be seen in Morpeth, Berwick, Alnwick, Wooler, Seahouses, Amble and Ponteland
An increasing number of clients have needed support through housing difficulties. These have included young homeless clients, clients with rent and council tax arrears and repossessions of mortgaged properties. We have worked with DAWN (Advice) Ltd, Northumberland County Council Homelessness Section and Council Tax Section to support our clients.
Welfare Benefits The support for clients requiring advice for benefits is provided by Community Legal Services and Citizens Advice Bureau. Due to benefit reforms a number of clients have needed support during the appeal process after their claims have been declined. Attending the tribunal can be a distressing time, and our volunteers have accompanied clients offering support.
Debt Staff and Volunteers continue to support and help clients through what can be a very difficult time, offering face to face support to complement DAWN’s telephone service. We can help to complete financial forms, liaise with other organisations, accompany clients to court, banks, solicitors etc.
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Awareness Raising Campaigns As part of our health promotion strategy, WHAC has regular displays on health issues to raise awareness and provide information. Articles are included in our internal newsletter too. A number of health issues have been covered including: •
Heart Health – how to keep your heart healthy by healthy eating, exercise and a healthy lifeststyle “Good information on how to look after the heart from appropriate exercise to healthy eating” “It made me stop and think about my age and eating and drinking habits”
•
Mental Health (combined with Tea & Talk with cake open day) – information on ways to look after your mental health
•
Alcohol/Don’t Drink & Drive – information on drinking & driving over the festive season “I think all the promotions so far have been very useful and informative”
•
Take the Leap & Stop Smoking – information on stopping smoking “I gave up smoking years ago – well worth it both for health and finance – keep up the good work”
•
Cancer Prevention Open Day (combined with Fruity Friday 2012) – 45 people attended our ‘Fruity Friday’. This was a fun day with the emphasis on cancer prevention. Cancer Prevention information provided by Angela Wheaton and Lesley Allcock an NHS Health Trainer was on hand to take blood pressures. Fruit smoothies were available along with healthy snacks.
“A fantastic day! Shame I wasn’t there for all of it. Well done everyone!” Health campaigns still to come in 2012: Sexual Health – June/July 2012 Mental Health Open Day (incorporating Tea & Talk) – Friday, 12th October 2012 Asthma and/or Migraine TBA
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Collaborative Working WHAC provides representation on a number of steering groups and local initiatives they include: • • • • • • • • • •
Northumberland Well Being & Work Group Northumberland Volunteer & Community Sector Consortium * Northumbria Health Care Trust (representing NVCSC) * Vision Group Employability & Health Task Group SWAN Steering Group Rape Steering Group South East Northumberland Domestic Violence forum Domestic Violence Service Providers group North East Women’s Network
(* Consortium no longer meets)
Representation at these forums and meetings allows WHAC to maintain networks, provide suggestions and advice on improving services for women and act as advocates for women , based on experience of delivering services.
Other Partnerships We continue to work successfully with DAWN (Advice) Ltd providing clients with an even wider range of services. We also work successfully with Housing providers. The services link to a variety of outside partners, some are listed below: •
NCFE
•
Northern Guild of Psychotherapists
•
Public Safety Unit
•
Northumbria Care Trust (Health Trainers)
•
Freelance Tutors
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Northumberland Support & Advice Service (NSAS) A new project developed to extend Women’s Health Advice Centre’s services to include men and young people. Northumberland Support and Advice Service was developed following consultation with staff, volunteers and referrers at WHAC. An extensive external evaluation commissioned by WHAC made recommendations to address issues around future funding and gaps in the services within Northumberland. The Northumberland Support & Advice Service project is based on WHAC’s tried and tested model of addressing and reducing inequalities so clients experience and benefit from: improved health and well being, being work ready, relief from depression and anxiety, overcoming trauma and reduced isolation and loneliness. Clients will gain increased confidence and self esteem, making it less likely to stay/return to abusive relationships, feel empowered to work towards future aspirations and goals, have the information and knowledge to make informed decisions about their lives, create a healthier lifestyle, and be able to plan their own progression route. Through commissioning or contracts Northumberland Support & Advice Service offers bespoke packages of support to women and men 14+ referred from external organisations. NSAS can provide: • •
•
counselling, 1-1 support and courses. new services to boys (14+) and men, building on existing services to girls and women, as well as a number of specific highly vulnerable client groups (including issue based: sexual violence, domestic abuse, care leavers, exoffenders, transgender, lesbian and gay, depression, trauma) a tailored and flexible service to meet individual needs, based on initial assessment and recommending a range of appropriate support for individual clients, which is then negotiated and agreed with the commissioning partner, whoever is ‘buying in’ the service
NSAS will meet the growing demand for specialist support and advice services for vulnerable people with multiple, debilitating problems and complex needs in Northumberland, who are currently not served. This is a new and exciting venture for WHAC and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead. For more information about NSAS visit www.NSAS-NE.co.uk
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Acknowledgements
WHAC would like to thank the following for Financial Contributions NHS North of Tyne Big Lottery Fund Northumberland County Council Ministry of Justice National Offender Management Service New Deal PCC Church of Ascension Kenton Individual Donations
We also thank all other partners and organisations we have worked with during the year for their support
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Financial Report We have enjoyed continued financial support from The Big Lottery, NHS North of Tyne and National Offenders Management Service (part of the Ministry of Justice).Unfortunately we have had to use some of our reserves to keep WHAC going following unsuccessful funding applications. Grant funding sources are not as readily available now and more emphasis is being put on commissioned work via contracts. We will, however, continue to work hard to keep funding at a level that ensures WHAC’s survival. Our Gross Income for 2011/2012 was £154,061 which is significantly lower than the previous year (£219,575), with costs of £162,427, the shortfall having to be met from our reserves. At the Year End £100,356 was carried forward, of this £31,522 is already committed to existing and future services. Unless further funding is secured during 2012-13 our reserves will be depleted. WHAC would need to raise substantial additional funding if it were not for the commitment and contribution of our volunteers. The cost of providing our services during 2011-12, based on ‘Full Cost Recovery’ is shown below using the number of counselling sessions and volunteer hours during the year. No of Hours Based On Counselling Sessions Volunteer Hours
920
Cost for Year £70 per hour £64,400
2337
£20 per hour
£46,740
Finally, on behalf of WHAC Ltd Board of Trustees, we would like to thank all those who have provided their time, financial assistance and donations to the Project.
Mandy Small Treasurer
Judith Pleasance Finance Worker
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1 Council Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 8RZ Tel: 01670 853977 Fax: 01670 858984 www.whac-online.co.uk E-mail: admin@whac.uk.com Opening Hours Monday-Thursday 9.00am-5.00pm Friday 9.00am-4.30pm Evening and weekends by appointment only
Company No: 5987640
Charity No: 1119121