A charity-funded social group is helping people living with psychosis build confidence, make friends and take part in activities in their local community.
Patients supported by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (EPUT) Mid Essex Early Intervention in Psychosis team are invited to join the fortnightly group, which was created following feedback from people using the service who wanted an informal space to meet others with similar experiences.
More than three years on, the group meets across Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon, with activities including walks, creative sessions, bowling, pool and crazy golf.
Charitable funding is helping remove financial barriers to taking part, covering the cost of activities and refreshments so people aren’t excluded because they can’t afford them.
Physical activity, spending time outdoors and socialising can support mental wellbeing, helping people feel less isolated, build confidence and improve their mood.
For those who may have spent time in hospital or become disconnected from their usual routines, getting back into the community can be an important step.
Community Support Worker Jayne Scott said the group has become an important part of the support offered by the team: “For some people, getting back out into the community and socialising after being unwell or in hospital can be a really big step.
The group gives people a safe space to do that, at their own pace.
“We’ve seen people gain confidence, make friendships and start doing things together outside of the group. Some people have told us it’s the best part of their week, which is really lovely to hear.
“The funding makes a real difference because people aren’t excluded from activities simply because they can’t afford them. It means we can do things like bowling, crazy golf or stop for a coffee after a walk without people having to worry about paying.
“It’s also about helping people realise what they’re capable of. We might visit somewhere or try something that someone hasn’t done before and they realise, ‘Actually, I can do this.’ Those experiences can really help build confidence and independence.”
The group is shaped around the interests of the people who attend, with the team regularly asking for ideas and adapting activities to suit the group and the weather.
Recent activities have included walks along Maldon promenade, visits to Galleywood Heritage Centre, creative sessions at a library and crazy golf in Maldon. The group has also visited a petting zoo and the Museum of Power in Chelmsford.
Activities provide a relaxed way for people to spend time together, with something to focus on helping conversations develop naturally. Staff are also on hand to provide support when needed.
Jayne said: “Sometimes people can find it difficult to know what to say or how to join in socially. When you’re playing crazy golf, for example, you’ve got something to talk about and laugh about together. We’ve seen people who might initially be quite anxious gradually become more comfortable.
“We have a really varied group. Some people live on their own and don’t have much contact with others, while others have busy family lives and appreciate having some time for themselves.
“It’s a really valuable part of the service because people get to spend time with staff and other people they might not normally see. Our aim is always to help people become more independent, but we’re there to support them along the way.”
The team can also provide additional support with transport when needed, while encouraging people to gradually become more confident and independent in getting out and about.
Charitable funding has also been used to buy copies of a book written by a former patient about their experience of psychosis. The books are being used to support conversations with patients and a book club, giving people the opportunity to hear about someone else’s experiences and share their own if they wish.
The Mid Essex Early Intervention in Psychosis service supports people aged 18 to 64 across Braintree, Halstead, Chelmsford and Maldon, including people who may have recently been discharged from hospital. Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear and believing things that are not actually true. It may also involve confused thinking and speaking.
Jayne added: “When someone has been in hospital, getting back outside and into everyday life can feel like a huge step.
“We can really see that when people are getting outside, socialising and exercising more, their confidence grows and their recovery can accelerate. The charitable funding helps us create those opportunities for people.”
EPUT Charitable Funds supports projects that enhance the experience of patients, families and colleagues beyond what NHS funding provides. Funding can support activities, equipment and initiatives that improve people’s wellbeing and experience of care. Every donation, big or small, can help improve care and people’s experience of our services. Find out more on our website.
About EPUT:
- EPUT has a vision to be the leading health and wellbeing service in the provision of mental health and community care: Who we are – Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- EPUT provides services to more than 100,000 patients at any one time and our staff are focused on providing high quality care in often complex situations.
- The organisation has invested in inpatient facilities and community services to make them safer and more therapeutic. We have extensively invested in technology to keep patients safer, enhanced training, and are continuously working with our staff, patients, their families and carers to use learning and best practice to enhance our quality of care.
- While there is more to do, the Trust has made significant progress through innovation:
- Our 111 mental health crisis phone line ensures people in need can access support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- People with lived experience have been employed in designated roles across the Trust, ensuring patient voice is heart of the organisation and all that we do.
- A number of new initiatives have been launched, helping people access the support they need when they need it most. These include a mental health urgent care department, By Your Side maternal mental health service, Rough Sleeper team, mental health crisis ambulance cars, virtual wards and neuromodulation service.
- EPUT was formed on 1 April 2017 and provides community health, mental health and learning disability services across Essex, Luton and Bedfordshire and Suffolk. We employ more than 7,200 staff working across more than 200 sites.
- To read more about our priorities and commitments to deliver the highest quality and safest care possible, visit https://eput.nhs.uk/about-us/2023-2028-strategic-plan/