WHAT WE DO
We know that there are many issues facing our community and an array of services trying to address a wide variety of problems, however due to over-pressured and underfunded services, individuals are often just left with a plaster over the problem… that’s not what we’re about.
At Number 11, we’re aiming to eradicate the root cause of these issues, helping clients to reach a place of stability and self-sustainability – in addition to providing immediate crisis support, where it’s needed. Not putting a plaster over the problem, but instead walking with clients every step of the way, investing in them, supporting their development – always working towards sustainable change.
The Number 11 ‘Journey of Change’
It’s important to us that every individual who accesses Number 11 can see where they are and where they’re going on their own individual journey towards self-sustainability. Our ‘Journey of Change’ helps clients to plot their progress as they make their way through an interactive 5-stage process from ‘Stuck’ to ‘Independence’. All of our clients receive 1:1 support whilst doing this from their assigned peer mentors. The journey may be challenging for many and some may take longer than others, but we are committed to support every single person, wherever they find themselves.
Re-build
From chaos to stability
Many of those visiting Number 11, first come to us in crisis – often stemming from problems outside of their control. Our focus is on getting to know the whole person, their story and where they’ve come from. We work with clients to identify the roots and causes of problems, but also we look at what makes them tick, what they like doing, which methods help them engage and how they would like to move forward.
We then begin a bespoke coaching and mentoring process, beginning to address some of these root causes, this is often a long and complex process and whilst we have many different evidence-based models that we use, there is never a one size fits all, and so we emphasise thinking creatively to make sure each individual’s journey is tailored to them.
This is not a quick process, imagine you’ve suffered decades of abuse, struggles with addiction or mental health issues – it doesn’t get fixed overnight. This is why we’re in it for the long run, as we know a plaster over the problem doesn’t work. In order to help clients break down entrenched behaviours, develop healthier coping strategies and see sustainable change in their lives we need to give individuals the time they really deserve. This then provides the platform by which they can begin develop hope, aspirations and a life they feel has purpose.
Re-engage
From isolation to inclusion
For many in our community, loneliness and boredom are an everyday reality and struggle. Our Re-engage activities go alongside our Re-build programme, seeking to help everyone feel part of the community through providing a family, a listening ear, laughter, and well-being support, alongside more structured leisure and group activities.
Our centre is based around a Pay-As-You-Feel Cafe, as mentioned this is firstly because we know the value of good nutrition – but most importantly it’s because we know that eating together helps us build community and break down barriers. Our focus in the cafe is on creating a family, with lots of laughter, games and fun. Whilst offering the quality in our services is vital, ultimately, we’re aware that it’s not programmes and services which change lives, but instead it’s relationship, and so creating a family runs through the heart of all we do.
On top of this we run workshops focussed on bringing people together. Whether it’s music, arts and crafts or group games, we’re simply providing our clients with opportunities to develop relationships which don’t have an agenda. These support networks are vital for those going through other programmes, such as Re-Build. We were made to do life together and that’s what Re-Engage helps our clients to do.
Next Steps
From hopelessness to employment
Next Steps is our latest programme, which is designed to support individuals into employment, taking them from positions of hopelessness to aspiration and from unemployment to finding work. Once clients have built stable foundations by accessing the different services within the Re-Build programme, opportunities are provided to improve one’s knowledge and education through a range of interactive workshops and educational courses. Core subjects such as I.T, English and Mathematics are on offer to clients and they also have the opportunity of gaining official, accredited qualifications. Additional workshops are on offer which are designed for individuals to develop and improve their social and practical skills such as cooking, budgeting and gardening.
Having provided opportunities for learning, clients are then encouraged to find employment. We do this by offering a range of interactive workshops, which are focused specifically on topics such as Searching and Applying for Jobs, CV building and Interview Technique. At this stage, clients are also provided with opportunities to develop their work experience by engaging in community and enterprise projects as well as exploring the idea of committing themselves to volunteering at local organisations and services. Every client’s progress is tracked thoroughly and any progress made is recorded and monitored throughout the Next Steps programme.