Support from the Maudsley Charity will enable Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans to rebuild and strengthen all aspects of their outreach programme, following suspension during the COVID 19 crisis and its after-effects. The service will provide direct emotional support to vulnerable groups including the homeless, those with mental ill-health, children and young people.
The project will build the skills and capacity of partner organisations to respond to the emotional support needs of their clients, and play an active part in the cross-sector response to local needs and gaps in mental health service provision through participation in multi-agency Suicide Prevention Groups in each Borough.
The Outreach programme not only raises awareness of the services available through the Samaritans, but also upskills their partners to facilitate conversations and promote positivity around mental health.
A new member of the team, Nathan Lewis, has been appointed to carry out the role of Community Outreach Manager. Speaking about the challenges now faced by COVID-19, he said that he expects that digital technology will become increasingly important in combatting isolation and creating links with the local community.
The project will start in January 2021. Throughout its duration the Samaritans will look to develop their relationship with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, by developing and strengthening the existing referral pathways.
Find out more about Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/branches/lewisham-greenwich-southwark