Day 8- An Interview with Head of Support, Damaris Charnley
Tell us about your role at Change Please
"I trained as an occupational therapist, where I was taught vital skills to help people with their mental health and helping people into occupations including employment.
I started on acute mental health work and have experience working in outpatients, community services and most recently in therapeutic group work for high risk clients with a history of complex trauma, self harm and suicide attempts. During my role at Change Please, I have created support structures, offering 1:1 therapy to all trainees, as well as ensuring support and impact is at the centre of Change Please and that we are continually offering the best for our trainees."
What is the relationship between mental health and homelessness, do you see a correlation?
"We understand that the people we work with have often experienced multiple traumatic experiences. This can impact on their Mental Health and ability to trust services and sense of self efficacy."
What services do you offer for those experiencing mental health issues?
"We offer all our trainees:
- 1:1 employment skills support – such as personal plans to improve time keeping, self care, interactions etc.
- Advocacy to navigate services e.g. UC, immigration, accommodation, access to physical and mental health support, support with managing finances etc
- Therapy- we can offer every trainee therapy either through our support team, our counsellor or help trainees needing longer term/ specialist therapy to access this through NHS services.
- For those needing Mental Health support my years of experience in the NHS means I know how to help them with navigating services and can offer them an independent view on diagnosis, treatment and follow up.
- Additionally, for trainees experiencing low mood / suicidal thoughts / crisis we can support on a 1:1 basis thinking how they cope and empower them to try and take control again and supporting them when they feel too overwhelmed."
What partners do you work with?
"We work with mental health professionals and other organisations such as the NHS to ensure trainees have access to the mental health support they need. This may include therapy, counseling, and peer support groups."
What can you do if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues?
We encourage you to contact The Samaritans on 116 123, even if you just want to talk.
Look up your local recovery café, a safe space to drop in or visit through self referral. Here you can go if you need mental health support or just a safe space to sit. They are all Charity lead with professional on board to help. To find your local recovery café search on the internet or contact your local NHS crisis line who will be able to provide details for services such as recovery cafes in your local area."