People with mental health needs and those with autism are being encouraged to take an active part in their local Wealden communities. On the third Tuesday of every month, Southdown Housing’s East Sussex Community Links team is running a FREE drop-in service in Wealden.—Wealden District Council, 10 May 2016
The open sessions will run from 12pm to 2pm at the Wealden District Council offices on Vicarage Lane (BN27 2AX), with the next session scheduled for Tuesday 17 May 2016 and followed by Tuesday 21 June 2016.
Stephanie Foard, Community Links Manager at Southdown Housing Association, says: “The service can support you to find out about, and access, activities in your local community that you’re interested in and help you create links with support agencies and groups. We will encourage you to have confidence in your own abilities and work with you to overcome any challenges you may have. Meeting people and developing networks of support can make a big difference.”
A client of the service said, “Community Links has given me confidence and helped me see what’s available in my community. Thanks to the support I receive, I really feel like I’m getting somewhere.”
“I’m delighted that Wealden District Council and Southdown Housing are offering this new service. Taking part and getting involved in the community is both tremendously rewarding and a great way of improving your local community and yourself. No-one should feel excluded,” said Claire Dowling, Cabinet Member for Public Health. “’If you are interested please come along and tell anyone else who may benefit.”
The Community Links service offers individually tailored support for all adults (aged 16+) with mental health needs and people with autism and mental health needs to identify and achieve goals, develop skills and sustain participation in a variety of activities including: employment / volunteering; education / training; faith / spirituality; arts / culture; health / leisure, and special interests.
For further information about the drop in sessions and the East Sussex Community Links service contact Stephanie Foard on 01273 405 800, email , or visit www.southdownhousing.org
