Commissioner testimonials
“…putting the needs of the Service User at the heart of what they do”
“Richmond Fellowship has a long track record of effectively engaging and working with individuals with severe and challenging issues and conditions. They do this in an inclusive and non-stigmatising way. Their ability to work with this client group is impressive, and is built on their philosophy and practical application of putting the needs of the Service User at the heart of what they do.”
John Marshall, Assistant Director, Priority Services Ashton Leigh and Wigan PCT
“…creating an environment of empowerment and autonomy”
“It is clear to me that Richmond Fellowship operates an ethos of enabling and facilitating Service Users to work towards independence whilst managing risk and maintaining duty of care, thereby creating an environment of empowerment and autonomy.”
Jackie Watkins, Programme Development Director, Supporting People Portsmouth City Council
“…strong partnership working and commitment to social inclusion”
“In West Sussex RF provides housing support services that enable people with mental health problems to sustain their accommodation and increase their independence. The service provided is flexible and responsive to individual needs, and delivers positive outcomes to people through strong partnership working and commitment to social inclusion.”
Jenny Burnett, Contracts Commissioning Officer, Supporting People West Sussex County Council
“…specialist skills in dealing with complex problems”
“They’re very caring, hardworking, friendly and easy to work with, and also innovative. They have specialist skills in dealing with complex problems, and knowledge of the local community. They are genuinely committed to social inclusion.”
Helen Lammond, Deputy Director of Commissioning, Priority Services Blackpool PCT
Client testimonials
“…I felt absolutely fantastic. I had been to London by myself!”
Steve O’Driscoll (see attached)
“…I owe it all to Richmond Fellowship”
“I have been a member of RF Services for some time now. Since the beginning, I have always felt welcomed and supported by the Staff and volunteers. They have helped me with fully supported accommodation and have provided me with the safe and nurturing environment I needed to get me on my feet. I am now enjoying life, the quality of which has dramatically improved and I owe it all to Richmond Fellowship.”
Matthew Sparham, Service User RF Repton House Milton Keynes
“…with support I can do so many more things now”
“I have had mental health problems since I was a teenager. I was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder six years ago. I’d left university and drifted about doing odd bits of menial work and periodically getting ill and having to leave jobs that depressed and stressed me. Eventually my psychiatrist referred me to Richmond Fellowship to ‘get me doing something’. I did a computer course, then helped as a volunteer teaching others. I also go to the community arts studio Art Matters. This has helped me get back into art and I volunteer there now too. I also work on the No Label Required magazine. I think my psychiatrist was right, I just needed a little shove and with support I can do so many more things now. I hope to go back to work someday in the art world since that is what I trained in.”
Anonymous Service User
Client quotes
“It feels better than winning the lottery to get back to full time work and feel like I can cope with my mental health.”
“The Staff believed it for me, until I believed it myself.”
“I am a different person now, generally happier, with more self esteem, willing to listen, to learn and to try new things and activities. I feel like I have been let out of a cage.”
“I find the support given very useful and appreciate that there is always someone about to help if I need support.”
“For me it was the fact that I was always treated with respect and as an equal no matter what I did. RF believed in me even when I didn’t.”
“They make things happen. It’s more than just a service.”
“I have gone from a reserved, obsessive individual into a much more rounded, spontaneous, more popular person, happier and more ‘human’ than before and I am grateful for that.”
“I’ve got my own space, my independence, my privacy. The sun’s shining and there’s more to come! Thank you RF!”
“I used to feel expendable. When it all went pear shaped, as it did for me so many times, I lost all confidence. With RF’s support, I now have a sense of hope about my future.”