SAM Project

(Social Activation Model)

But what does SAM do? SAM is a programme offering support for those recovering from mental health problems. Through various training opportunities and social activities, the Project helps them to gain skills and attributes often sought after by employers.

As a project, it supports and encourages social interaction; it runs a structured timetable of training courses and social activities, and even offers the occasional international opportunity. The regular attendance of both participants and volunteers creates a friendly familiar atmosphere, in which it is easier for those with low self esteem to face unfamiliar activities.

What activities and training does SAM offer? All the activities and training courses on offer are based in CSV Media Clubhouse, Ipswich. This one building is a well established multi-media centre at the heart of the town. It houses all the facilities needed on any of the courses and serves as a meeting point for the less formal activities too.

Activities include: Accredited digital media training; sport, social, health and well-being activities.

Some groups can be broken down further, into: Smile @ me (Social group), Football group, Radio group, Live Music Group, Eco Routes Conservation Group – So there’s something to appeal to everyone! Both participants and volunteers can take part in as much or as little as they want, with a minimum commitment of 2 – 3 hours a week.

There’s a copy of the timetable attached that shows things in more detail.

So where do the volunteers come in? Volunteers are really important in the SAM Project. They play a vital role in the dynamics of the group, offering their time and support to help ensure everyone is happy.

All volunteers have access to the training and activities on offer to the participants – so they gain skills and qualifications to add to their CV as well. Again, you can do as much or as little as you like. However, if you’re interested in being a volunteer, it’s important to be consistent and committed to the groups / courses you’ve chosen. If, for whatever reason, you can’t make a session then just let one of the team know so that plans can be made accordingly.

There is only one major difference between the volunteer and the participant – as a volunteer, you have to be aware of your supportive role in the group. Although you’re there to learn (and hopefully get back into employment too) you must not forget that you are there to support the participants. The support we ask you to offer is to give them a familiar face, someone to chat to and ask questions if anything is unclear. On top of this, you may also be asked to support the group leader and make sure the group stays together when out and about.

All volunteers take part in the ‘Mental Health Training’. This offers a basic foundation in what different mental health problems actually are – cutting through the common misconceptions people often have about mental health. Although the people you will be working with are recovering, and looking to get back in to the work place, it’s a good way to gain some understanding of what they might have been through and what issues they might still have.

Volunteering can be truly rewarding and is increasingly being recognised as a legitimate pathway into employment. The opportunity of volunteering with SAM could not only give you skills to add to your CV, but could also offer you a chance to gain invaluable life skills

CONTACT

Website: www.thesamproject.org.uk

Faye, Sarah or Bethany: 01473 418 036

Email: sboycott@csv.org.uk

Testimonials

“SAM has helped me get more confident in front of strangers; it has helped me learn new techniques to deal with my mental health through calm, friendly environments, caring mentors and a pleasant atmosphere. I have broadened my perception of the mental health world, as well as given me the chance to meet people in similar position, where we can talk about our experiences and techniques to help make the most of our lives; it has also helped me with my ocd, by being in a nice environment and learning from the mentors. It’s also made me want to help others who are in the same situation as me

(u guys have helped me enormously but I can’t put it in words)”

Dec 2009

“Regaining confidence is an uphill struggle so when an opportunity arises to test myself I foolishly try it. Speaking to people is difficult so I try not to think about it beforehand; the focus was working on my website, not meeting strangers. Having support from my mentor helped, it curbed the urge to run away & kept me focussed. Afterwards I panicked & felt vulnerable at what I’d done, but I’m glad I persevered. You could say I succeeded at something!”

Jan 2010

Provisional Timetable for September