Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.

The One Sketchley Close is a Rethink managed accommodation service in Smethwick, that provides a high level of social care and support to African-Caribbeans who have experienced a life trauma.  We offer a service that is culturally based in all spheres of a person's daily life.

Our principles 'The Seven Principles of Man' (NGUZA SABA) aim to provide a good quality of life in a supportive community environment, encouraging individuals to play an active, independent and culturally valued part in everyday life.

The project is run ins an African centred manner applying the (NGUZU SABA) principles.  The seven principles take into account nutrition, religion, spirituality, language, arts, decor, work and family.

This approach is delivered in a respectful manner and in full co-operation of tenants and their families.  If you suffer or know anyone that has suffered from a mental health problem, please read on as we may be able to help you.

Contact Details:

Rethink - The ONE Sketchley Close Project
Regent Street
Smethwick
B66 3BN

Telephone: 0121 555 7501
Fax:
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www.rethink.org

Accommodation

The accommodation has a preventative role, in that it is a provision that offers an alternative to institutional care, and has an organisational directive to challenge issues regarding African-Caribbeans who are affected by mental ill health and the reflective service provisions available to the black community.

It provides rehabilitation, where tenants deal with 'real lief' situations in a controlled environment and have access to supervised practice of independent living skills

The One Sketchley Close Project consists of eight furnished bed-sits for single people, sharing well equipped bathrooms and kitchen facilities.

A laundry area and comfortable lounge is also incorporated into the accommodation.  An office is also situated on site, which is staffed by a Team Leader, Community Mental Heatlh Workers and Volunteers.

Objectives

• To provide a home as long as required for people, who would otherwise be homeless or inappropriately housed and unable to cope without some element of assistance.

• To offer a high standard of culturally sensitive support in a positive environment to African-Caribbean people.

• To encourage access to services used by all the public at large such as primary care, secondary care education, training, employment and leisure facilities.  Making sure the dependence will be at a level that is compatible with maximising the individual's independence.

Referral Criteria

• Potential referrals should be aged between 18-60 years, and of African-Caribbean descent

• Applicants will have experienced mental ill health problems

• People applying must be able to demonstrate their need for the support available, and the support will meet their needs

• The service is available to both men and women

Statement of intent

Rethink is committed to openness and accountability to everyone who uses our service.

The One Sketchley Close Project supported housing scheme believes that working with tenants to reach decisions that affect their home environment, is an essential part of the support that is provided.  Rethink will ensure that the tenants understand the overall aims for our supported housing mental health services, about the running of schemes as well as the development of new housing projects.

All tenants will have access to Rethink staff during office hours, either by phone or in person.  Arrangements will be made for our of hours emergencies usually by phone

Rethink will consult with tenants when proposing any action in respect of:

• Complaints about the service and treatment of tenants and applications

• Complaints about the behaviour of other tenant

• Environment improvements

• Arrears of rent or other charges - all tenants to be offered where applicable choice of method of payment, budgeting to help clear receipts and statements of accounts and debt counselling when needed.

• Charges in Housing Management

• Health and Safety Regulations

• Maintenance and improvement of property

All tenants in housing tenancies will be subject to the tenants guarantee, this document sets out guidance in good practice in the management of the shared housing and special needs scheme.  It is both monitored by the housing corporation and housing association.