Developing effective community-based mental health support for migrant communities who do not speak English.
What its all about
For years we have battled with the chasm that exists between the mental health services on offer in our area and the local communities which we help but which barely ever access these services despite the expansive need.
Journey of Hope is a deliberate effort to transform the effectiveness of mental health services for BME migrant women in West London.
OUR MODEL
Our approach to mental health support in the community emphasises cultural familiarity, lived experience and community leadership to build awareness and understanding and to encourage a willingness to address issues. We work gently from a zero-point starting point, guiding conversations and generating community acceptance and response rather than trying to prompt engagement from an individual-need perspective.
It's an "I'll do this because WE feel that it is good for US" approach rather than an "I'll do this because I think that it is good for ME" approach.
We work within the existing cultural, religious and linguistic framework in the community to build interventions that are easily grasped and accepted and which are likely to spread through natural community dynamics.
OUTREACH
I accept an invitation to talk from someone who speaks my language, lives in my community and shares my culture. I am comfortable to talk because of our shared community identity.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
We speak a common language and others share their experiences which I realise is similar to my own. I feel like we're in this together. I feel like there is less shame because it is a shared community concern.
PEER SUPPORT
We agree that there is a community problem and that we need to address it. We are comfortable doing this together by helping each other. We feel like we are more effective together. I feel responsibility to contribute
TARGETED SUPPORT
I start to make choices to help me in my responsibility to myself and to others. I agree to learn more, join other activities and get individual support.
ACTIVITIES ON OFFER EVERY WEEK
5
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
4
COUNSELLING CLINICS
2
WORKSHOPS
3
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GROUPS