The Friends try to meet the needs of mental health service users in the Cambridge area by offering a personal touch, and innovation in the setting up of projects which offer the normality so greatly needed by the mentally ill. Our 14-year old, city-based Forum Club, for example, offers older people more intellectual stimulation than is provided by conventional day-care. Our award-winning, 10-year old Millennium Arts Project offers access to a range of arts activities, run by community-based artists with volunteer helpers.

Traditionally the Friends maintained regular contacts with the large number of patients in the hospital, many of them long-term. We organised ward parties and musical entertainment, an annual hospital barbecue, befriended individuals and provided Christmas presents. Some of these activities continue and will always be needed; others are no longer relevant because patient numbers have dropped, and due to more effective medical treatment the majority, but not all of those who are now admitted, usually spend weeks or perhaps months, rather than years as in-patients.

In contrast to the former 'medical' approach, the focus is now on 'recovery'. Recovery in this sense does not mean that an illness has gone into complete remission but that, over time, through what for many can be a long and difficult process, individuals learn to come to terms with their illness, first to accept it and then to move beyond it. They are helped to regain a belief in themselves, learn their strengths as well as their limitations, and realise that they still have the capacity to find purpose and enjoyment in their lives, despite their mental health problem.

Top >

The recovery approach focuses on the potential for growth within the individual. This can be developed through integrating medical and psychological interventions, combined with a wider scope of community-based, social activities, which will assist recovery.

It is the latter which our Outlook Project aims to provide. Small groups of 3-4 risk-assessed, Fulbourn Hospital patients are offered opportunities to travel to the city-centre, accompanied by an occupational therapist and 1-2 trained and accredited volunteers, to take part in a range of community activities not otherwise available to them. Examples are afternoon visits to, or guided tours of art galleries and museums and the University Botanic Garden, all of which already collaborate with the Friends. Or singing with the weekly Arts and Minds-run Michaelhouse Chorale for service users, their carers and friends, on Friday afternoons in Trinity Street.

We welcome volunteers who would be interested in becoming involved. Transport costs are paid. All helpers must have a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced check which can be carried out at no cost to them, by the Mental Health Trust.

Download this page as a flyer (PDF) >

For more information, please contact us using the contact details at the foot of the page.

Top >