New funding for Liverpool community mental health service

mondrian-1An innovative community mental health service will continue to operate following additional funding from Liverpool City Council.

Our Time, a time banking service operated by national mental health charity Richmond Fellowship, first started in 2012 as a six month pilot before being extended.

Since its inception the service has helped hundreds of people to learn new skills, tackle social isolation and improve both their mental health physical health.

Cath Lee, team leader for Our Time, said:

“We’re thrilled that the funding is available to continue with Our Time.

“More and more people have been using our service to learn new skills, tackle feelings of loneliness and social isolation and to make great progress with their recovery. With the additional funding we’ll be able to reach out and support even more people.”

Time Banking sees people donate their skills and expertise to help others. In exchange they then benefit from the knowledge, skills and time other people have donated.

The project has seen people learn musical instruments, aid one another with DIY as well as exchanging beauty tips and treatments. 92% of people accessing the service said the service had helped increase their social interactions whilst 69% saw an improvement in their mental health.

img_0864-smallMichelle Warr from Anfield lives with Bi-Polar and has used the service for a number of years. She said:

“Having mental health problems can make you feel very isolated. When I first got involved with Our Time I was nervous, but it’s been so positive and has made a huge difference in my life.

“I’ve taken people swimming and shopping, helped with leaflet drops and visited people for a chat and a cuppa. I even took someone metal detecting on Crosby beach. In return I’ve had my garden done, DIY in my house, has my hair coloured and enjoyed Reiki therapy.

“We all need to feel useful and it’s very easy to lose that when you have a mental health problem. We all have skills, even if it’s just a bit of extra time to visit someone for a chat and Our Time has helped me see that.”

Find out more about our services in Liverpool.

Hide This Page