Recent News 

We are launched! // March 29 2012

The launch of the Newcastle base for the New Days service was a huge success and at the final count we had 100 visitors through the doors!

Everyone there got to find out more information about this fantastic service which supports people who have mental health problems and live in the Borough of Newcastle to make positive changes to their lives. Visitors also got to have a look around the building which is situated in Merrial Street (across from the Police Station).

The feedback was amazing, everyone commented on the lovely, calm atmosphere of the building which was originally home to the caretaker of the church next door.

Big, big thanks to all the customers, volunteers and staff who helped out during the day. We are so pleased that we had customers running the kitchen, giving out information and even one who was our doorman / bouncer! You were all amazing and we couldn’t have done it without you.

If you think New Days could help you or someone you know please call us on 01782 835220.

 

0 comments

Don’t forget! // March 28 2012

Tomorrow is the official launch of our new Newcastle base for the New Days scheme. Anyone with an interest in finding out more about what the service offers is welcome to come along to meet the team, talk to customers and have a look around the building. We’re there between 11am – 3pm with the official ribbon cutting at 11.30am, free refreshments and buffet throughout the event.

Venue: Methodist Church, Merrial Street, Newcastle (opposite the Police Station)

See you there!

 

0 comments

We are featured in ‘Psychologically Informed Services for Homeless People’ Good Practice Guide // March 22 2012

This document describes how providers and commissioners can develop psychologically aware services for homeless people, in particular for rough sleepers and young people.

Previous good practice ( www.nmhdu.org.uk/complextrauma ) has shown that up to 60% of adults in hostels have a diagnosable personality disorder. The behaviour observed in people with personality disorder can often be seen as a way of coping with the traumatic experience of difficult childhoods and the cumulative effect of adverse life events. It is better described as ‘complex trauma’, in other words, as a reaction to an ongoing and sustained traumatic experience.

Many of the people that homelessness and rough sleeper services work with may for example:

seem to have difficulty managing their emotions

self-harm or have an uncontrolled drug and/or alcohol problem

appear impulsive and not consider the consequences of their actions

appear withdrawn or socially isolated and reluctant to engage with help which is offered

exhibit anti-social or aggressive behaviour

lack any structure or regular daily routine

not have been in work or education for significant periods of time

have come to the attention of the criminal justice system due to offending.

There are particular issues to consider around 16-17 year olds who may have had traumatic and abusive childhoods. On top of the challenges of adolescence which all young people go through, they may also exhibit emotional and behavioural problems often associated with antisocial behaviour, which can lead to homelessness.

Psychologically informed environments are intended to help staff and services understand where these behaviours are coming from, and so to be able to work more creatively and constructively with people with so-called challenging behaviours.

Psychologically informed environments are intended to use the latest insights and evidence from the psychological disciplines to give rough sleepers and homeless people the best chance of sustainably escaping the cycle of poor wellbeing and chronic homelessness. The PDF describes the key elements of developing psychologically aware services for homeless people and provides a range of case studies where providers and commissioners are in the process of training and supporting staff to develop clear and suitably consistent responses to clients who may be chaotic and distressed and who have learned not to trust.

 

0 comments

Page 1 of 2 pages  < 1 2