June 26, 2017
|By aissagallie
|
Our mission at Foundation is to ‘build inclusive communities where everyone matters’. We bring this mission into our work, with a strong emphasis on co-production wherever possible. We also understand that being inclusive is also about working in partnership giving customers an opportunity to work with local agencies that have a joined up and holistic approach to working. Our Durham team have been working with the local police service as part of an ‘integrated offender management’ (IOM) service, providing social inclusion groups and activities for women. The team report on their third group meeting:
Our third women’s only event was held this week at the Durham office in partnership with Durham police IOM. The event was attended by customers who are engaging well with the IOM service and are encouraged to attend this women only event. The customers who have complex needs were able to relax, listen to soothing music, experience aromatherapy, model with clay and make their own stress balls. They helped themselves to healthy snacks donated by Tesco Fare Share scheme and were able to informally mix with police, volunteers, students and other customers. A short mindfulness session was on offer where they took part in relaxing breathing techniques and each attendee received a loyalty card and reed burner to take home. The next event on the 25th July is a cooking session and the women were asked what they would like to cook. Suggestions made were chicken korma and banana loaf. As long as the customers continue to engage well with the IOM and Foundation they will continue to enjoy these monthly sessions.
