How do you become a member of Healthy Friendships?
There are a number of ways to become a member:-
Community Mental Health Teams
If you see a mental health professional in one of Radnorshire or Montgomeryshire teams e.g. Bryntrion Welshpool, Broharen Newtown, Hazel Centre Llandrindod Wells, Nantawelon Knighton you can ask them for details and they will supply you with one of our leaflets and will offer to make a referral directly to us.
Social Services
Our information has been circulated to all Social Services offices in the area and we are happy to accept referrals from them.
Doctors Surgeries
All the doctors surgeries have been supplied with Healthy Friendships leaflets and your GP should be aware of us and can refer directly to us. Each of the doctors surgeries have a Primary Care worker based with them. The Primary Care worker is a qualified mental health professional and has a supply of our information and will refer directly to us once they have discussed how we can support you or whether you may be interested in volunteering.
Other Organisations
We have very close links with a number of voluntary/charity organisations throughout Powys and are happy to take referrals from them. These organisations include Age Concern, Community Support, Mind Powys Mind, Ponthafren Association, Family Crisis, Gwalia Mental Health, Mental Health Advocacy, Powys Carers etc. We are happy to accept referrals from any of these organisations.
Self Referral
Of course you do not need to go through any of these organisations, you can contact us direct and arrange for a member of staff to come see you to explain what we do and how can work together.
What happens next?
Once we have received a referral a member of staff will arrange to visit to discuss how Healthy Friendships can help you. Whether you want to become a member and receive support or you are interested in becoming a volunteer.
Members
We need to make sure we have all your relevant details on file such as name, address, GP, next of kin etc. We also need to complete a risk assessment. The risk assessment is very important as we need you to be able to tell us how we can assist you. This assessment will cover any physical and mental health needs you may have. Our prime aim is to ensure that you are well looked after and safe when participating in activities with Healthy Friendships.
Volunteers
All volunteers complete an application form asking why they want to volunteer and what sort of things they are interested in doing. Two references are requested and will be followed up to make sure that we only accept appropriate people. All volunteers have to undergo a full Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check, to ascertain if they have been involved in any criminal activities. Healthy Friendships only accepts volunteers who are deemed to be honest and trustworthy. Our main aim is to make sure are members are safe at all times. If potential volunteers refuse to undergo a CRB check or do not give referees we will not accept them as part of our organisation.
I hope this information has been of assistance to you. If you want to find out more, please ring us on 01686 626221 we will be pleased to talk to you.