Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind works to improve the lives of people in emotional distress by providing a range of services. All of our services provide support and information to people with mental health needs or to those who want to learn more about the importance of being mentally healthy. All of our services are encompassed by an ethos called Circle of Friends, an initiative designed to assist people with mental health difficulties to become more included in the communities and neighbourhoods in which they live without facing stigma or discrimination. Circle of Friends support - The Circle of Friends is an innovative but very simple idea. Modelled on friendship it aims to enable people to use a network of support as and when they need it. It offers emotional support, practical support, social support, information and advocacy, that is the things that good friends offer one another. If you want to contact us, please visit the contact us page of this website. Our services: Befriending – trained and well supported volunteers provide support to people with mental health problems aged 16 and above (there is no upper age limit). This is a popular and successful project – if you would like to become involved please click below for application forms and information booklets. Volunteer friend application form Friend (service user) application form Drop-In support – Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind run two drop-in services: Scarborough – at Westborough Methodist Church, 12.30 – 3.30 p.m. each Friday (except Bank Holidays). Westborough church is situated close to the town centre opposite the railway station long stay car park. Whitby – at the Evangelical Church, Skinner St each Monday, 12.30 – 3.30 p.m. (except bank Holidays). All are welcome to visit us at either drop-in. Call in for a confidential consultation or simply for coffee and a chat. Art activities are also on offer. Housing support – Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind offers support to people with enduring mental health difficulties. Housing Support Workers provide help for people who need some support to live inependently in their own homes. Volunteering Opportunities: The contribution that volunteer workers make to the work of Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind is central to its service and philosophy. We welcome volunteers from a range of backgrounds and ages and offer training and support to them. Information: Reliable and up to date information is essential for all of us. Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind has access to a wide range of information about mental health and related issues. Health Promotion: Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind is committed to challenging the stigma and discrimination affecting people with mental health difficulties. One in four people will experience mental ill health in the course of a year, many due to work related stress, bereavement, divorce or financial pressure. Understanding the cause and effects of common mental health difficulties and appreciating the importance of looking after our mental well being is something we can all benefit from. Quality Management in Mind: Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind applies quality standards to the management and delivery of its services. We are guided by National Mind who provides best practice standards for the different services that can be provided by Local Mind Associations such as Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind. These quality standards ensure that our services are: • Well planned and organised • Appropriate to those who use them • Consistent with the values of Mind • Support the workers who deliver services The standards apply to all direct support and care services provided by Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind and they cover all the quality areas that are essential to ensure safe and respectful practice for all service users. For more information about Quality Management in Mind, visit www.mind.org.uk Equal Opportunities: Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind's Equal Opportunities policy is designed for the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment whether paid or voluntary. The charity regards its Equal Opportunities policy as a commitment to make full use of the talents and resources of all of its volunteers, service users where appropriate and its employees, and to provide a healthy environment which will encourage good and productive working relationships. Our Equal Opportunities policy aims to ensure: That no service user, volunteer, job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of sex, marital status, disability, ethnic origin, religion or age and which cannot be shown to be justifiable on any other grounds.