Servol is one of 160 organisations in the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Mental Health Collective – our partner in the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism provider collaborative.
In this ‘spotlight on’ feature, find out more about their role in supporting people with mental illness to live well in the community.
Servol was established 46 years ago with the aim of supporting people from a black minority and ethnic background with mental ill health, working with professionals and communities to promote a better understanding and challenge stigma.
Today, they offer individualised care and support for anyone diagnosed with a mental illness, irrespective of their ethnicity or cultural background and in Birmingham and Solihull, are commissioned to provide long-term accommodation or supported living to people with mental ill health.
Referrals
The majority of people referred to Servol’s accommodation – which range from 24/7 supported accommodation to semi-independent and supported living – do so as a step down from a mental health inpatient ward, as area manager Mark Shergold explains:
“Most people that are referred to us need somewhere to stay long term, either because their previous accommodation is no longer available or it may be unsuitable or triggering for someone with a mental health need.
“With us, they can live in a safe, secure and supported environment, while also retaining or working towards more independence.
Independence
During a recent visit to Servol’s accommodation in Moseley, deputy director of commissioning and transformation Jenny Watson joined residents during a ‘Healthy Eating, Happy Living’ session, where residents were given the opportunity to help prepare a healthy meal alongside staff.
Mark said: “Day to day, meals are provided, but we are keen to support our residents in learning more about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise in a safe environment to help them gain confidence and independence.”
Alongside the healthy eating project, Servol is driving two further initiatives in the region to support its residents:
- The provider-collaborative funded project ‘My Path, My Journey’ provides dedicated support to people living with severe mental illness in their transition from acute care, and to reduce the possibility of relapse and readmission.
- The Phoenix Project, a 12-bedded supported accommodation opening later this year in West Bromwich, will provide specialist supported accommodation for prison leavers with complex mental health needs, helping them reintegrate into the local community and reduce reoffending.
VCFSE support
Servol finds being part of the VCFSE Collective really helpful in sharing learning and navigating the challenges faced by VCFSE organisations.
Mark said: “Being part of the collective is really beneficial for us – it’s an opportunity to learn from others, gain a wider understanding of the mental health landscape and provide mutual support – if we’re having a particular issue, it’s just good to know we’re not the only ones.”
For more information visit: Servol Community Service | Mental Health Services Birmingham & London – Servol Community Services
