Our services help people see the light
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health - that's the belief of a charity helping thousands of people each year.
Since 1973, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, based in West Bromwich, has been supporting people to achieve better health and wellbeing.
It runs a wide range of services for those experiencing mental health difficulties and also works in the community providing opportunities for anyone who is interested to improve their own sense of wellbeing.
People experiencing stress, phobias, anxiety, panic or low mood can talk about their concerns with a trained practitioner in a safe environment. It could be face-to-face, over the phone or via text or email.
The charity, which supports 9,000 people across the Black Country each year, also provides counselling for young people and adults, mental health training, and also runs a residential care home and supported house.
While its Sandwell Outreach, Recovery Team supports 100 people each week in Sandwell who have mental ill health to remain living in their own homes by helping them keep on top of their bills, their finances and routine household tasks.
There are also a range of wellbeing sessions sessions across Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley, which are open to the whole community.
They include exercise and sports, crafts, singing, music and baking as well as support groups giving people the chance to talk through their experiences with others in the same boat.
"When people come to us they are often in a dark place and feel like they have no one that can turn to. They are lacking in hope and feel worthless.
"We help to raise their self-esteem, their confidence and give them belief that they are worthy and that they can achieve something.
"Our services help people to see the light and we give them hope. We've had people say there wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for us," said Monica Shafaq, who has been chief executive since 2009.
Among those who have benefited from the charity's services is 22-year-old Lacie Buckley from Tipton, who now runs her own poetry group.
"When I started coming to Kaleidoscope I was in a dark place mentally, I had a lot of anxiety and my moods were up and down a lot.
"I had stopped caring about everything, I stopped wearing make-up and doing little things like that. I just didn't feel like I had a purpose in life.
"But Kaleidoscope gave me a reason to get out of bed and I don't think I would be here without them. They've given me confidence and helped me come out of shell.
"They have given me opportunities so I feel I have a purpose in life again."
The charity also practices what it preaches with its own 83-strong workforce with every member of staff is given a 'wellbeing hour' every week.
This is an hour, on work time, which they can dedicate to an activity that fits one of the 'five ways to wellbeing' which are connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.
They are also given a Fitbit to help them monitor their daily steps, healthy eating guidance and flexible working hours and arrangements.
The charity recently won the Special Wellbeing Award at The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018 in the not-for-profit companies’ category and was also ranked in 19th place on the list.
Kaleidoscope is on the look out for businesses who might consider becoming a charity partner to help raise funds. In return for support, it will provide wellbeing support for the workforce.
The charity is also looking for support to help set up a text message help line for people in crisis who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. "The way people communicate has changed so we provide services in a different way. I know it's needed and that it will save lives," says Monica.
Any businesses interested can contact Monica on 0121 565 5605. For more information about the charity and its services go online to www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk
