Engagement at Supported Independence: Giving Service Users A Voice

Every Year Supported Independence has an event where all service users and community groups are invited to get together, in an event which reflects research on social inclusion which shows health and happiness benefits from being part of a community. 

As an organisation, SI provides residential, supported living and outreach services for adults with mental health problems and a range of complex needs. They use this day event to ask service users to consider what SI does well and what they could do better. 

Manager, Tracey Richardson says: "We work really hard to bridge the gap between Supported Independence, service Users and the Community. I think different community groups spending time with the service users when they are relaxed, is beneficial for everyone"

The day produced some fun! People were able to make delicious and healthy smoothies using a blender generated by a bicycle. Adding to the health theme, the local church contributed health checks for blood pressure and sugar levels for residents and staff. 

Additional initiatives going forward are a planned football team and a communal cafe to be opened at SI's new service Devon House.

To end the day Supported Independence unveiled this large mural, created by service users and depicting scenes from Bristol