Community Support Services (South Devon)
Development of Services
Recognising the increased importance of services delivered directly within the community, we have been developing the support we provide to enable more people with a range of vulnerabilities to maintain independence in their own homes.
The expansion of our Community Support Services has been built on the good reputation the Society has earned in its residential care and supported housing services for clients with either mental health problems or learning difficulties.
What we can offer
Our community support services staff are experienced, comprehensively trained and subject to appropriate DBS checks and reference procedures on appointment. The team currently deliver services on behalf of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
“A helping hand and support, when YOU need it!”
Based on existing services we offer a range of support to individuals including monitoring and supporting emotional well being, assistance with accessing services, personal and financial organisation, encouraging personal and domestic hygiene, travel and recreational activities. Visits by our friendly staff offer the reassurance of a ‘helping hand’ – someone who is keen to listen and give whatever support is necessary and appropriate. Our aim is to encourage and promote client independence and self-confidence, moving on to greater self-sufficiency wherever possible.
“I prefer to live by myself, but I need a bit of a hand sometimes when I’m not feeling so good”.
Support will be defined via assessment and will be driven by and complement, any available support/care plan which a client may be working towards with their CPN, care manager or other agencies.
The Society’s other work and local contacts means our staff team have a broad range of experience, including working with:
- Clients with mental health issues.
- Clients with learning difficulties.
- Vulnerable clients with associated physical and sensory issues (including ABI).
- Vulnerable/isolated elderly clients.
- Domestic violence cases.
- Clients with drug and alcohol dependency.
- The homeless.
- Vulnerable young people (18+).
- Offenders.
“Sometimes juggling the shopping, bills, rent and benefit claims can be tricky!
I just need a bit of help now and again to keep on top of it”.
Any services we provide will be based around individual need within a quality framework. Therefore charges for services will be made with regard to the actual service provided. The team undertakes work that can range from one off interventions to long-term support for some clients. We welcome all enquiries and our enabling service offered to private clients continues to grow.
If you would like more details, then please contact our Community Support Services manager:
Lisa Robins
The Parkview Society Ltd
Community Support Services
36A Walnut Road
Torquay
TQ2 6HS
Tel: (01803) 607960
Email: [email protected]
Case Studies
The following are brief examples of some of the work undertaken by the team:
Client One
Having lived in residential care after her father and sole carer had died. This client received our support via our supported accommodation and had help for a year on a daily basis with all issues relating to achieving a more structured and independent lifestyle. She has now been able to move on to a more independent flat in a less supported environment.
Client Two
Referred to us from our local mental health team based in Torbay. With a history of violence to others and alcohol problems (due to issues relating to childhood abuse) this client had extreme anxiety and stress. We assisted in finding alternative accommodation due to his existing accommodation being unsatisfactory. He was encouraged to take active interest in improving and personalising his new home, making him more emotionally secure in the environment, which he had himself created.
The team also supported him through a lengthy court case in relation to his previous abuse, which enabled him to begin moving on from the past and looking more positively to the future. During this time, he has worked on a voluntary basis, helping other clients improve and personalise their accommodation too, which has in turn helped with his confidence.
Client Three
After the breakdown of his marriage, this client began abusing alcohol, which lead to serious financial problems. During this time, he attempted suicide. Following a period of intensive care and admittance to a mental health unit for assessment, he was discharged but homeless. An application for emergency accommodation was made to the local council, who in turn, sent our team a request to assess his support needs and risk.
An appropriate warden-controlled facility was found, and the team assisted with moving him and his possessions. Benefits being claimed, and bills were changed over to his name at the new address. A grant was applied for to help with the purchasing of items of furniture and other household items that were necessary to make his new home comfortable.
During the six week follow up period our staff ensured that he was able to attend appointments with his G.P. and have been happy to report that he has settled in extremely well and re-established family contact. He now has a positive outlook on life for the future.