How Brighterway’s Funding Empowers Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare’s Social Inclusion Group
Brighterway has proudly supported a life-changing initiative within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust that’s providing a new lease of life for individuals overcoming complex mental health challenges. Thanks to our funding, the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) launched the Social Inclusion Group, helping participants reconnect with their communities, build friendships, and regain confidence through meaningful activities.
Filling a Critical Gap in Support
The journey from secure care back into the community can be daunting, especially for those who have faced isolation and a loss of identity. Recognising a gap in services tailored to individuals with forensic mental health needs, Occupational Therapist Maddie Drewett and Occupational Therapy Assistant Nick Matthews established the Social Inclusion Group. Their goal was to create a safe, stigma-free space where participants could rebuild their independence, connect with others, and rediscover their interests.
“We wanted to offer a place where people on similar journeys could meet, share skills, and support each other,” says Maddie. This group wasn’t just about providing support but enabling individuals to flourish through new hobbies, social activities, and leisure experiences.
How Brighterway’s Funding Made the Difference
With an initial grant of £660, Maddie and Nick organised a variety of community outings, from ice skating and museum visits to meet-ups at local cafes. The funding was critical in covering essential costs like venue fees, transport, and activity charges, ensuring that participants, many of whom live on limited budgets, could join in without financial worry.
Nick reflects, “Without Brighterway’s funding, we wouldn’t have been able to run the group. Many of the people we work with are on benefits, so the funding made these activities accessible to everyone.”
Transformative Impact on Participants
The Social Inclusion Group has had an extraordinary impact. Many participants, having spent years in secure settings, have experienced newfound confidence and joy through these activities. Attendees consistently speak of how the group has helped them form connections and engage in meaningful activities. One member even revisited a beloved hobby, ice skating, rekindling a sense of identity they feared was lost.
From playing board games at cafes to sharing stories over coffee, each experience has fostered bonds among participants. One individual shared, “Today was great. I won in the game of Monopoly! Time really flew by; I could have kept going.”
Building Lasting Connections and New Beginnings
One of the Social Inclusion Group’s main goals is to help participants form lasting friendships. In their first year, four regular members have attended, sharing feedback on how the group has positively impacted their lives. Maddie and Nick have seen the benefits of these connections firsthand, such as when one participant invited a fellow group member to a coffee morning at their supported accommodation – a significant step toward social reintegration.
“The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive,” Maddie notes. “We’re incredibly thankful for Brighterway’s support, and we hope to continue this work, helping more people feel a part of their community again.”
A Bright Future for the Social Inclusion Group
The success of the Social Inclusion Group highlights how targeted support can change lives for the better. Maddie and Nick are now exploring ways to sustain and expand the project, hoping to support even more individuals as they transition back into the community.
The Social Inclusion Group is a testament to the power of community engagement and holistic support in mental health recovery. Brighterway is honoured to have played a part in this transformative journey, helping individuals live fuller, more meaningful lives.
For more about our initiatives, visit www.brighterway.org.uk, or check out the Social Inclusion Group’s activities on Instagram at @ssoccupationaltherapyshft. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on lives across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
