In July, Heads On launched Good Space - a unique platform supporting creative, inclusive and meaningful volunteering opportunities in Sussex based arts, heritage, and sports organisations.
We're now ready to move into the next phase of this project with our early intervention in psychosis services buddy model - a scheme to support volunteers who may need a bit of extra support as they start their volunteering journey.
Good Space is a partnership between Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, Sussex Archaeological Society (Sussex Past) and Heads On. Funded by The Arts Council from the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sports) through the Volunteering Futures fund it aims to increase and diversify participation in volunteering through engaging with people who access mental health services both within the NHS and voluntary sector to encourage them to take on volunteering roles.
Currently opportunities with Good Space include; Writer for the Mass Observation Archive at The Keep, Gardener at Charleston and assisting at a match day with Sussex Cricket - there really is something for everyone.
We encourage anyone using our services who is ready to take the next step in their recovery to use the Good Space website to apply for a volunteering role in the arts, heritage and sport sectors. For those that need a bit more support to get going with volunteering there is the opportunity to get involved with our newly developed buddy scheme.
What is the buddy model?
A core part of the Good Space project and Heads On involvement to diversify volunteering is the co-production of a buddy model for users of EIP (Early Intervention in Psychosis) services across Sussex Partnership. The aim is that this model, produced in partnership with service users, will enable everyone to access volunteering opportunities in a way that feels safe and supported. The model is also about providing opportunities where Buddies and volunteers equally benefit from the experience.
How has it been developed?
During the last few months we have had a series of co-production meetings where we have created the role description and the buddying process with a core group made up of EIP Experts By Experience, Peer Support and Recovery Time Support Workers, Lead Practitioners, Good Space partner organisations and our Participation Team.
In addition to this we have had a steering group to oversee and approve work from the co-production group. In this way we have sought to create a robust process with input from a wide variety of stakeholders. We are now at the stage where we are ready to recruit our first group of paid buddies (from those trained as Experts by Experience), which is very exciting, and pilot this role from the Autumn.
Please get in touch with Zoe Webb, Good Space Project Manager if you have any questions or would like to be involved in this piece of work. There's still plenty to be done and we would love your input.
To find out about the full list of partner organisation and opportunities visit the Good Space website.