Practical skills workshop offering mental health support for people of Calderdale has been recognised in regional awards
Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) is pleased to announce it has been shortlisted for an NHS Excellence Award 2022, through the mental health support it provides from its practical skills upcycling workshop based at Hanson Lane, Halifax. The Shortlist is in the category of ‘Partnership Working Excellence’ and the winner will be revealed at a virtual Awards Ceremony on Thursday 7th April 2022.
The shortlisted ‘Shabby Chic’ project was created in partnership with The Workshop, set-up by Halifax Opportunities Trust and the NHS; funded by Creative Minds and EY UP! The furniture upcycling Workshop takes place each Thursday and provides practical opportunities to help patients of the NHS Early Intervention Psychosis Service build skills and confidence, in a safe space. It has meant that individuals can be observed so that development and support can be put in place, whilst identifying any barriers and ensuring sustainability.
Lisa Connelly, Employment Project Lead, comments: “The Workshop is a space that is extremely beneficial for the people of Calderdale. Our work with the NHS has helped give participants skills and aspirations that can help them to make positive changes to their lives. We are dedicated to intervention-based support and the Upcycling Workshop is just one example of how well these kinds of projects work. We are also able to offer participants the opportunity to join our Hopeful Families provision, which is joint funded by the National Lottery Community Fund & European Social Fund, and offers a lifeline for people to build their confidence & achieve their life goals.”
The ‘Shabby Chic’ upcycling workshop helps people develop practical skills, through giving old and unused furniture a new lease of life. From sourcing pieces, to stripping them back, fixing and re-painting ready for their new owner, participants are able to feel a sense of purpose while meeting new people.
Julie Metcalf, NHS, says: “Working alongside Halifax Opportunities Trust was a simple step to effective partnership working, a positive, flexible approach, ensuring the best possible service for individuals, whilst working towards similar core values and mission, enabling our service users to live well in the community.”
Kim Sugden, Volunteer, adds: “The workshop means the world to me, it gives me a reason to get out of bed, a sense of purpose & making new friends. “
There were over 240 entries to the 2022 awards, of which just 30 projects were shortlisted. This is an achievement in itself and recognises the important work involved in intervention-based programmes, like ‘Shabby Chic’. Halifax Opportunities Trust is looking forward to the event and has every confidence the project has the potential to win, through the transformative results it has had on participants’ lives.
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