Edberts House: Work for Health
The 'Work for Health' programme is an intensive one-to-one, 'shoulder to shoulder' support service for Gateshead residents who are economically inactive, working in partnership with primary care, Gateshead Learning Skills and Edberts House Community Development team.
It is built upon our existing successful support work across Gateshead based in 24 GP surgeries and our four community houses.
Contact:
Project contact: Jennie Senior
Email: jennie@edbertshouse.org
Phone: 07376 217042
Website: Edberts House
Case Studies
Case Study Q1: 12763 Glenpark
Patient 12763 was referred for support with mental health and social isolation. The patients SPLW talked through what was available in the local community and together identified a local friendship group that meets each week at the patient's local community center. The patients SPLW supported the patient to attend the first time, picking her up from her home address and taking her to the community center. Upon arrival, the patient soon became very withdrawn, nervous, emotional and visibly shaky. With support from her SPLW, the patient stayed in the group for a short time but each time the noise levels increased, the patient jumped and became frightened. It was agreed that a smaller and quieter group might be more suitable and the patients SPLW helped identify a locally run yarn and stitch group which the patient liked the sound of and was happy to go along to.
Again, the SPLW supported the patient to attend and accompanied her to the first visit, so that she didn't feel alone. Upon arrival her SPLW introduced her to the other ladies within the group, who were all very welcoming and supportive of one another, which helped put the patient at ease. The patient enjoyed the group and with support from her SPLW attended the next three weeks, slowly building in her confidence being around others and engaging with other people more each time. Although the patient was still feeling a bit frightened, she started to attend part of the sessions alone, with the SPLW leaving after the session had started. The patient continued to attend the group after this each week, no longer feeling like she needed the support from her SPLW to attend with her. Over time her confidence, communication and motivation to be around others continued to grow and feedback from a member of the group said that the patient was no longer withdrawn, observing a huge change in her 'from being frightened and emotional to looking happy and engaging with the group'.
As a result, the patient is no longer feeling as socially isolated, she looks forward to attending the group each week and continues to do this without the need for her SPLW to accompany her.
The patient has also been referred to an NHS Peer Mental Health Support Worker by her SPLW. As a result of this referral, the patient is also now receiving specialist support with improving her mental health and wellbeing.