Statement 4

• Voluntary providers


  Charities that play a significant role in the provision of health and social care
• Voluntary organisations


  • Work alongside statutory organisations and support the services they offer
  • Strengthen the bonds within society and help people to feel cared for and supported in their own communities
  • Provide care and support in a very responsive way and service users do not need to wait for the service as is often the case with the statutory sector
  • Non-profit making organisations
• Variety of charities


  • Praxis care
  • Mind wise
  • Action Mental Health (AMH)
• How voluntary organisations support service users with mental illnesses

  1. Befriending services

  2. Fund research

  3. Giving information and advice

  4. Providing financial support/assistance with managing finances
• Befriending services


  • Provide one to one support and companionship to people who are feeling isolated as a result of their mental ill health
  • Reduce feelings of isolation, provide a listening ear, build confidence and increase self-esteem
  • Involve everyday activities with the service user e.g. going for a walk, meeting for a coffee, going to the cinema or out shopping
  • Particularly effective for people who have all the practical skills for community living, but experience loneliness and isolation helping to address these issues
  • May allow a carer some time out from their caring role
• Fundraising for research


  Allows service users to benefit when there are advances in treatments, when new drugs become available, and benefits are increased
• Giving information and advice

  On employment, coping strategies on how to live with mental illness, and guidance for family members and friends to support a loved one or friend who is struggling with their mental health
• Providing financial support/assistance with managing finances

  • Benefits advisors who can help service users complete forms to claim benefits, give information on managing debt and run budgeting courses
  • Provide food/food vouchers, clothing, furniture and fuel etc.
  • Offer free financial tools and calculators to help the service user manage their money and plan ahead