Hartlepool Now : Local services and groups : Choices for Life

Choices for Life

Choices for Life is a new and exciting day service for people with mental health needs in Hartlepool.

Based in the town centre, Choices for Life is run by the not-for profit agency Creative Support, a provider of person-centred social care services for people with learning disabilities, mental health and other needs.

Sessions and activities

The Choices for Life service offers group sessions and activities designed to build on each person's strengths and social networks to increase their confidence, self esteem and independence, including:

Art and holistic therapies
Curriculum vitae (CV) preparation
Keeping fit and healthy eating
Internet and computer classes
Welfare, budgeting and housing advice

Choices for Life will offer information and advice on a variety of topics including volunteering and learning opportunities. Expert confidential advice and support will be available in one-to-one sessions with trained support workers.

Creative Cafe

Opening later this year, the Creative Choices cafe - as well as providing tasty snacks and free internet access - will give Choices for Life clients the chance to gain hands-on work experience which they can put towards a qualification in catering.

Eligibility

To use the services at Choices for Life you must be:

Aged 18 years or over
A resident of Hartlepool
Recovering from or living with mental health needs
Able to attend sessions either independently or with your own support staff (after an initial introduction from Creative Support staff or a mental health professional)

Accessing Choices for Life

You must be referred to Choices for Life by your social worker, mental health nurse or other professional.

To make a referral or for more information contact Lucy Turner, access and inclusion co-ordinator, on 07967 192174. Alternatively, contact Creative Support's North East office by:

email: northeast@creativesupport.co.uk
Telephone: 01642 661890
Post:
2 Innovation Court
Yarm Road
Stockton on Tees
TS13 3DA

Choices for Life addresses and contact details

The Choices for Life service is currently in a temporary office at:

Grange Road Methodist Church Community Centre
Tankerville Street
Hartlepool
TS26 8DU

The Creative Cafe will be opening in Church Square during 2012.

For all enquiries relating to Choices for Life and the Creative Cafe please contact Lucy Turner, access and inclusion co-ordinator, on 07967 192174. Alternatively, contact Creative Support's North East office by: