:: Action Mental Health - The Junction ::

"I found I could do things I didn't think were possible. "

"I found that I was more than capable in the activities and social situations. "

"It has helped me with my confidence to socialise with people and to realise I am not alone"

"I socialise more and take part in activities I wouldn't have done otherwise. "

"It has given me confidence, I've made friends, been given new opportunities and acquired new skills. "

"AMH The Junction has helped me a lot with coping with my illness and getting on with people."

A referral form must be completed by a member of the mental health team in South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust. This referral will be discussed at the community meeting at the Lagan Valley Hospital to access suitability. The individual will be asked to attend a meeting accompanied with their key worker to identify an action plan.

AMH The Junction

The Junction programme facilitates the social and vocational needs of young people with mental illness, aged between 18 and 30 years of age, who reside in the Lisburn City Council area. The Junction has a social focus, comprising of organised activities in the community, individual outreach programmes (where appropriate), action planning and courses delivered at AMH Accept in Derriaghy.

The Junction promotes a user ownership approach where users are encouraged to treat the programme as their own and become involved in the planning, running and future focus of the project.

AMH Accept in Derriaghy has a social room for use by Junction clients, where users can relax and watch T.V, DVDs, play the Playstation or WII. Service users can also make use of the computer suite in Accept, where Broadband internet and various software programmes are available.

Activities

The Junction offers a number of organised activities, such as cinema, bowling, crafts, day trips, gym groups and pool, which rotate on a weekly basis. We make use of available community facilities and public transportation. For particular courses, rooms are available at AMH Accept. The Junction also offers a wide range of workshops that run throughout the year. Workshops to date have included a DJ course, animation, beginners and intermediate guitar lessons, confidence building, multiple realities, drama and assertiveness training. Various sporting activities have included tennis lessons, gym, outdoor pursuits and swimming. These workshops aim to provide an opportunity for users to explore creative new skills.

Review

Junction clients have a quarterly review facilitated by the Development Officer. This review allows for the clients’ progress to be discussed and future goals to be set. The outcomes of reviews help in the planning of Junction activities and courses, to best suit the needs of clients. It also aids clients to think about their needs outside The Junction. The Junction aims to support clients to become more independent in their community by helping them to access available facilities.

Client meetings

Client meetings are held with staff on a regular basis to discuss the provision of service, activities, opening times etc, and to address changes that meet the needs of the users.

Outreach

The Junction provides individual outreach sessions to clients who feel they need some extra support. This service aims to build the confidence of clients, supporting them to eventually engage in group activities with the Junction and become more involved with the wider local community. Outreach is delivered in a goal orientated and person centred approach. It aims to increase independence and well being.

Outreach provision to date has included home visits, transport training, supported socialisation, trips to the local pool and gym, and support upon new endeavours such as accessing the Internet at the library. Junction staff will attempt to facilitate whatever is necessary to meet the individual goals of the client, whether educational, vocational, personal or social.

Employment Programme

The Employment Officer delivers Pre employment training and can organise work experience and voluntary placements, as well as assistance to obtain paid work. Junction clients can be referred to The Employment Officer at their request. Pre-employment is an accredited course available to Junction users at no charge.

Referral

A referral form must be completed by your key worker from the Community Mental Health Team. New Clients, accompanied by their key worker, will be asked to attend an initial referral meeting so that an individual action plan can be developed and agreed.

Travel

Public transport expenses to and from Junction activities, (i.e. bus and trains - not Taxis) are refunded to clients, up to a maximum value of £4 per day.

Based at: AMH Accept

44-46 City Business Park

Dunmurry

Belfast

BT17 9GX

MOB: 07813838265

Junction group activities:

Mondays- Thursdays PM

Outreach Available:

Tuesday-Friday AM,

Friday PM