Touchstone is delighted to announce we are an Investors in People Gold organisation. During a rigorous assessment of our policies, strategies, training and development over 4 days in October, IiP found that Touchstone had evidence to support every indicator of excellence at the gold standard and that we had staff whose commitment was second to none with 100% of staff scoring top marks in this category. Touchstone’s expertise in
The latest annual report from the Kirklees Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Brokerage services is available below. The report was written and compiled by Jane Mackay, the service manager. The Advocacy Service works with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties to speak up for themselves. Our team of experienced advocates support people on wards and in the community, empowering them to know their rights, to have a voice
Hundreds of people with multiple needs, including mental health problems, are set to benefit from the launch of a multi-million pound project. West Yorkshire Finding Independence (WY-FI), a new Big Lottery funded programme, is run by a consortium of the region’s community organisations and has now gone live. The project aims to help people with multiple and complex needs to access the services and support they need to overcome
The PCP is now accepting new referrals from anyone in West Yorkshire who has not completed the programme previously. To refer yourself to the PCP please download our Referral Form or to find out more information please contact the PCP staff on 0113 3876473 or 0113 3786474 or email them at pcp@touchstonesupport.org.uk Who does it support? * People with Long Term Conditions, including mental health problems * Unpaid Carers What does it do?
Touchstone Community Development Service (CDS) in partnership with Leeds City Council Migration Partnership have recently completed training with 26 volunteers from 15 different countries, for the Migrant Access Project. The Migrant Access Project is a way of reducing pressure on public services where migration has impacted the most. Volunteers, known as 'Migrant Community Networkers', who collectively speak 27 different languages, were equipped with up to date information to help
It may not be quite the Tour de France, but a 22 mile tandem ride is no mean feat. And doing it to raise money for charity is even better. Here's the story of Senior Operations Manager Gemma and Finance Director Ed's ride... The pre-launch event: Touchstone's Alison Lowe is flanked by Christian (Tour de France) and Gary (Welcome to Yorkshire). The riders: Gemma and Ed. The aim: to
From the playground to the workplace, the opinions we form of other people and the way we express those opinions can make a big difference. If people feel they have to change or hide fundamental things about themselves, in order to avoid teasing, bullying or segregation, then the long term effects on mental health can be huge. Touchstone is supporting Stonewall's "No Bystanders" campaign, which calls on all of
More than 70 people from businesses, public services and community groups across the city came to the open meeting of the Leeds Dementia Action Alliance on 19 May at West Yorkshire Playhouse, to find out more about building dementia friendly communities in Leeds. Bob Fulcher spoke eloquently and with a dash of humour about living with dementia, setting the scene for other speakers. Inspector Yvette Hamill from West Yorkshire
Hamari Yaadain - A Dementia Cafe for South Asian people in Leeds. Hamari Yaadain Dementia Cafe Group, October 2017 Hamari Yaadain, which means 'Our Memories' in some South Asian languages, runs twice a month on the first and third Thursday of each month from 1pm - 3pm at Touchstone Support Centre, Harehills Avenue, LS8 4EX. The cafe is for people with dementia and their carers and is accessible to
Touchstone's Advocacy Service in Kirklees is adding two new strands to its work. Independent Mental Health Advocacy The Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) service will be working with people who have been sectioned or conditionally discharged, to ensure that they know about and are able to ask for their rights. They can also work with patients who are likely to be detained, or patients under 18 who are discussing