The overall outcomes of this platform 1) Look to enhance and compliment current provision and 3rd sector involvement 2) Build stronger links with statutory and third sector services 2) Create a long-term funding solution that brings together statutory services, third sector operators/funders, the business community, and local individuals, with the aim to create a long-term community-based funding model 4) Allow individuals to take part in improving their own wellbeing, and that of the wider community. Community Wellbeing will be operated by Synolos, for the support of the community, the NHS, 3rd sector providers and the business community and will focus on the following 5 key areas: 1) A Centre for mild depression and anxiety needs (THE CENTRE)It will seek to grow awareness of all current mental health provision within West Oxfordshire, and signpost those in need of support, with the ambition of creating an easier pathway to recovery. 2) Seek to plugs gaps in provision (THE PLUG) With a knowledge of local provision, Community Wellbeing will seek to plug gaps in provision, by either facilitating other organisations to increase capacity, or create new provision. In addition to this, Community Wellbeing will look at creating provision in-house. To relieve pressure on existing services, Community Wellbeing aims to offer provision away from a clinical setting – where appropriate – with a strong emphasis on reducing isolation and bringing people together. 3) To be a research facilitator, expanding UK knowledge on the root causes of environmentally-affected mental health issues (THE WHY) It is important to create provision that tackles expanding health issues, but the long-term solution to reduce this tidal wave of mental health issues has to address the reasons behind them. Only when we know WHY we are seeing this increase will we be able to handle the growing issue. Many say the reasons we are seeing an increase in mental illness due to a reduction in personal resilience. While this is certainly a factor, it does not offer the full answer. The question that needs to be asked is, ‘What has changed within society to lower our resilience from previous generations?’ Only with this understanding and the courage to make social change will we move forward. Community Wellbeing aims to find that answer. 4) Operate a unique and innovative funding model (THE MEANS) This funding model will be centred on community engagement. It will promote the idea that funding is not merely financial resources, but should draw on local expertise, physical effort and local awareness. This model is summarised as The 4 Corners of Community that work together to create A Powerhouse of Change. Each corner consists of: *Statutory services *Third Sector operators and funders *The Business Community *Local Individuals. To illustrate this point, we will look at one corner more closely: The Business Community. There are a reported 8,000 businesses in West Oxfordshire. If each business on average donated just £150 to Community Wellbeing per year, the income generated would have a massive impact and generate £1.2m (£150 x 8,000 = £1.2m.) The business would benefit from a raised profile and engender productivity. If each other sector - statutory, third sector, and individual – contributes, you then create a funding Powerhouse that will lead to a Powerhouse of Change which is community-led and locally- focused. 5) Harness the power of the individual The individual is the key to Community Wellbeing being successful. There are obvious fundraising activities that an individual can become involved in, however this will not be the main focus. There is far more depth and value that can be had by empowering the individual. For example: * People changing their own lives by becoming informed and educated on day-to-day living in the modern world * Looking out for each other - seeing that someone is struggling and simply saying hello, or showing small acts of kindness * Arranging get-togethers, like craft or sport activities * Becoming educated in how to help or support family or friends These simple examples alone would empower communities to help and support each other, in a way that historically communities have always done. In doing so, we then reduce mental health escalations and free up the NHS to work with more complex caseloads. |
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