Stockport charity, Pure Innovations, have praised the work of its mental health and wellbeing teams during the coronavirus pandemic.
Much of the charity’s teams’ work centres on breaking social isolation, however they were faced with the challenge of social distancing. In recent weeks Pure Innovations Stockport Mental Health Network (MHN) and Wellbeing and Independence Network (WIN) have supported approaching 600 clients through providing important services.
Essential Shopping
Many MHN and WIN clients are shielding, self-isolating or just unable to get out for essential supplies. Our teams have access to a pool of volunteers with full Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Team members and volunteers have mobilised to provide an essential shopping service for clients, delivering the goods to their homes.
The teams also put out an appeal for donations of board games, puzzles, activity packs and computer games to help beat lockdown boredom. There was a fantastic response. Now these items have been distributed along with the shopping.
Phone Support For Mental Health and Wellbeing
In hosting activities such as its weekly Dementia Cafe and social drop-ins, the WIN team has always brought people together. In these difficult times, such activities are on hold. The phone lines however are buzzing.
Staff and volunteers have been busy dialling up clients, letting them know that they are not alone. A friendly voice at the end of the line can be so important. These calls can also flag up hidden needs. For example, a team member helped register a client as vulnerable on the Government website as they couldn’t manage it themselves.
They also help clients in difficulties by liaising with GPs and other community health teams. As community advocates are supporting people often with specific and very urgent needs. Pure Innovations’ Kristian Wraxall said:
Through these unprecedented times The Mental Health Network, WIN as Pure Wellbeing has been providing help and support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“It makes me extremely proud to work with such a dedicated and professional team. They are delivering direct practical support on a daily basis and keeping our service users connected to the help they need in these difficult times.”
Food Parcel Delivery
The MHN and WIN teams have also assisted other organisations such as local food banks with the distribution of food parcels to vulnerable groups.
They’ve been working with Gatley, Chelwood and Brinnington Foodbanks, Stockport Council and the Lancashire Hill resident volunteers amongst others. They’ve also delivered meals and fresh bread from our very Pure Innovations bakery The Kitchen.