Services

Advantages of Groupwork

KIM is run by women for women. Feedback gained from those who attend our service has consistently shown that women benefit from, and often prefer, women-only environments in which to address very personal issues that they consider affect their mental health. We provide a wide range of activities and opportunities for personal development and self-help. We currently work with approximately seventy-six women, in each of four programmes over the year. Examples of KIM groups include arts and crafts, an introduction to Welsh language and culture, assertiveness, gentle exercise, better self awareness, developing healthier eating and lifestyles, managing emotions, developing better relationships, women's health matters and a self help group for women who self harm. An essential part of our service is an annual weekend away, where women get the opportunity to spend time together in a beautiful location with activities that are geared towards developing their self awareness and coping skills as well as having opportunities to try new activities such as outdoor pursuits or creative writing.

KIM's group work is funded by The Big Lottery Fund (Widening Horizons Project) and Flintshire County Council Adult Social Services.

“Light at the end of the tunnel” (walking in the Aberglaslyn Pass)

Attendance at a KIM group can be a lifeline for women, often proving the supportive step needed in order to cope with mental health concerns and to help towards increased self-awareness, self esteem and confidence and in regaining control over their lives and futures. This in turn can improve women's family and social networks, having wider benefits for community integration and employment prospects.

Surprise yourself everyday with your own courage

Branching out support

In November 2007, with support from the Big Lottery Fund (People and Places Programme) and the Tudor Trust, KIM appointed a “Branching Out worker”. As a result of the individual and group support on offer, the women who attend Branching Out are accessing resources available in the local community, for example starting or returning to work, taking up volunteer work and educational opportunities or trying new hobbies. Our aim is to promote personal growth and development, to enable individuals to overcome any fears they may have and to encourage fuller participation in the community. This in itself can help to challenge the stigma associated with mental health concerns.

The women who have attended the Branching Out groups have told us that as a result of trying different activities with KIM that they now have more confidence to continue the activities or to try new ones for themselves.

Volunteering with KIM

Our team of volunteers are enthusiastic, well trained and enjoy the challenge of being a valued part of KIM. The volunteer team was ‘highly commended’ in the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award 2007, and we are at present awaiting our "Investors in Volunteers" Accreditation.

Training opportunities are many and varied, and after induction training there is a mentoring process that supports and guides the new volunteers for a further six months. Volunteers contribute to supporting our groupwork, help organise various events, are involved with shaping the future of KIM, also supporting the organisation by taking on administrative tasks.

There is a wide variety of training opportunities sources available, and support is given to gain additional skills and benefit from personal development opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering with KIM please contact Anne Hooper, Volunteer Coordinator (See contact us page for details).

Peer Mentoring Support (PMS)

After spending time with KIM some women may feel that they are at a stage where they want to ‘give something back’ and to feel more involved with KIM, however they might not feel ready to take the step from being a client to becoming a volunteer. In this case, they may want to embark on the role of Peer Mentor Supporter (PMS). This enables clients to provide assistance in groupwork situations to other women who are new to KIM or who have been with KIM for some time and who may be feeling particularly vulnerable. KIM provides two induction courses per year, plus ongoing support and training.

Some women’s comments on being a peer mentor with KIM “…(PMS) has given me a feeling of responsibility and some sort of commitment….makes me feel better about myself….I feel I am giving something back to the project which has helped me…makes me feel good knowing I can help others feel more at ease…”

Try Again - “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says “I'll try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher

Support whilst in hospital

Since April 2006 KIM has provided innovative schemes of group work support to women receiving mental health care in hospital, complimenting existing statutory provision and establishing positive relationships between KIM and women whilst in hospital. We play an essential supporting role to patients in their difficult transition from hospital through to independence in their community.

The Hospital Project Worker with the support of skilled KIM volunteers provides weekly group activities in hospital. Based on the successful groupwork that takes place in the community, the hospital sessions provide safe and stimulating activities for women in the psychiatric unit of Wrexham Maelor Hospital, aiming to increase patients’ confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance. Activities have included pamper sessions, willow weaving, ceramics, arts and crafts, gardening and so much more. Whatever the activity, the women who join in enjoy the conversation, company and the very frequent laughter.

Some comments from the women in hospital include: ………‘I look forward to you all coming each week………I think I will move house, just so I can access the KIM…………Thank you for listening………….I think it is brilliant what you are doing in the hospital, thank you…………I forgot what it was I was worrying about’

In addition, KIM’s work in the hospital ensures closer links with hospital managers and staff, community mental health services and other agencies.

In November 2006, our work in the hospital achieved joint third place in the Michael Griffiths Award for ‘Sharing Innovation and Good Practice’.

The KIM Project. Providing mental health support to women with Kindness in Mind.
Working in partnership with Flintshire Community Mental Health Services to provide a creative and responsive service to women. The KIM Project is committed to achieving equal opportunities.
Funded with the support of Flintshire Social Services, Welsh Assembly Government, Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, Big Lottery Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, J.Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust, Tudor Trust and Flintshire Local Health Board.
Company Limited by Guarantee No. 4464874     Registered Charity no. 1104186