NUCF Minutes 19/02/2015

Minutes of NUCF

Date: 19/02/2015

Location: Plummer Court

Chair: Paula

Apologies:  Andy H, Andrea, Terry T, Kev and Gary.

Update on Client Advisory Groups and Events

Trading Places – Cliff reported there were 29 people on Sunday and it is on every Sunday now. The service is going really well with no issues or problems to report and there are plenty of clothes, the food is good as always and the service users are happy with everything and enjoy being there and fellowship. The volunteers are happy with everything and working hard as ever and enjoying giving back to those in need.

Plummer Court – Steve R updated on the recovery clinic, reported it is going well and suggested we must keep working at it as it takes time and patience to build these types of groups and it is letting clients know they have choices and there is a way out. Clients aren’t always receptive due to frame of mind. Paula mentioned it’s very important that the NUCF has a presence there as staff can see and get a better understanding of how well peer to peer support works especially ex-service users of Plummer Court.

Recovery Clinic - Going well supporting people in end of care and continuing care. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities – see Andy.

Special Guest: Streetwise Opera

The Streetwise Opera attended the Forum and first of all updated us on what they do and have been doing in the community lately. They bring singing and Opera in to the community and engage with all types of people and organisations, especially those people who may have never experienced this type of thing due to their personal circumstances e.g. homeless, isolated or in active addiction and recovery. Their purpose is to try and bring a bit of joy and fun in to people’s lives and help build confidence and self-esteem.

They have been attending Ron Eager House in the mornings and Recovery Centre on a Thursday at 1-3pm. They said Ron Eager House and the Recovery Centre was going really well and the service users enjoyed engaging with them and had a really good time.

The Streetwise Opera Gang then got the Forum to introduce themselves in their unique way and got us all singing different songs and in harmony. Everyone really seemed to enjoy taking part, singing and it was all really good fun.

Streetwise Opera do a big production every year at the SAGE Gateshead with a band and singers and volunteers and people who have engaged with them are invited along to join in or help run the production. They also organise Theatre trips to the Theatre Royal and all tickets are paid for. They offer these opportunities to people who have been disadvantaged or feel excluded from society in some way and otherwise may not get the chance to experience something like this. They also arrange work placements in the music and entertainment industry for people who engage with them which can really help with their confidence, self-esteem and getting back in to full-time employment.

Streetwise Opera will be running sessions Every Thursday at the Recovery Centre.

http://www.streetwiseopera.org/

Trinity College

Richard updated on the NUCF visit to Trinity College in Fenham, which ran from Monday 9^th to Thursday 12^th February. Trinity College is a school for excluded children with emotional and mental health problems who age from 11-16 and have been expelled from other schools they have attended. The NUCF sent in 3-4 service users every day to chat with the teachers, kids and also carers of the kids like parents and Foster Carers.

We shared our experiences of addiction and recovery with the kids, teachers and carers and the kids were really respectful and interested in what we were talking about, our experiences and they engaged and asked us lots of questions during and after our shares. The teachers and carers were also fascinated and humbled by our experiences and were extremely grateful for our honesty and openness.

The college appreciated our visit so much they invited us to come back and visit at any time and Andy said he would arrange another visit in the near future. The Forum also offered its time freely to the college and offered to go back at any time to engage with them and the kids.

Team Building Event

Cliff suggested Go Karting which was a popular idea which could be done at Gateshead, but cost unknown at present. Steve R suggested a day out at an Outdoor Activities Centre, which was also well received, but again costs were not known. Paula suggested a Spa day at Newcastle or Gateshead College as the students run these as part of their studies and this was also well received, but costs were not known. Chris mentioned Paint Balling as well.

Paula said she would discuss with Andy and ask him to look in to these events.

AOB

None

Next NUCF 05/03/15

Venue Plummer Court

Chair – Richard