“The meaningful occupation consultation has helped me to decide what I want in life and what I need to do”
Art Classes - Part of the Lifeskills Training
Each resident’s key-worker encourages them to think not only about where they will live, but what else they will need to make the move a long-term success. Residents are encouraged to develop the skills and support networks they need, and to find constructive ways to occupy their time, such as work, training and hobbies.
In our experience, things can start to go wrong for people who have moved on if they are lonely and/or bored. So we help residents to find work, training, voluntary work, hobbies and other ways of spending their time constructively in places where they can meet new people.
This is given a kick start by the Meaningful Occupation Consultation which most residents attend within their first 2 months in the service.
This interview helps to motivate people by concentrating on their strengths, rather than their problems; and 85% of people who attend take up a new activity which they are still doing 2 months later.
Carl’s Story
Carl’s marriage ran into difficulties because of his excessive drug taking and aggressive behaviour. He and his wife Joanne were arguing constantly, and eventually their relationship broke down altogether. Carl left the family home, and found that he had nowhere else to go.
When Carl arrived at St James’ Lifeskills Service, he was determined to do whatever he had to do to repair his marriage and return back home. With support from his key worker, Carl began to attend the Bridge – our drug support service. Carl’s GP also referred him into a counselling service to help him manage his anger.
Carl made great progress. He managed to reduce his drug taking dramatically, and as Joanne saw the progress Carl was making she gradually felt able to trust him again. Thanks to his hard work and determination, and the support of our staff, Carl was able to repair his marriage, and is now back at home once more.
Please donate and support us so that we can help other people like Carl.
