Aims
Stafford Social Hub is a social support network for adults struggling to socialise and meet people. The group runs a simple user-led programme of social and cultural activities to encourage social interaction.
We believe social health is as important as mental and physical health and that socialising should be part of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. We realise many people suffer with their social health in silence due to their situation or their frame of mind and we want to change this. We want to give people who are suffering, somewhere to go and someone to see that understands them. Our support group is here as a friendly stepping stone to help people feel confident in socialising and to get "back out there".
The group can be used as a preventative measure against the stresses of everyday life, helping people to relax and find pleasure in the simple act of being sociable and getting out and about. The support group acts as a form of early intervention, helping to improve social lives through meaningful cultural activity.
See Social Health for more information on the benefits of social interaction, social support and cultural activity in promoting good health.
Objectives
- Promote independent living by helping people to take responsibility for their own social life and integrate (back) into society.
- Promote the therapeutic benefits of social interaction in relation to physical, mental and social health.
- Develop self-esteem, a sense of identity and social skills
- Develop and enrich social networks and community spirit.
- Promote and signpost local organisations, services and businesses as appropriate to the service users' needs and interests.
- Work in a non-discriminatory, socially inclusive manner, working with people rather than their labels.