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“ Thank you for your contribution to the recovery process.Your service is excellent, keep up the good work.  Being able to engage people into Step Ahead prior to discharge is very useful from our...”
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New Services

The following provides clarification of what new services, to be combined with existing Step Ahead and Comcare services, have been contracted by the CDHB in relation to the recent Rehabilitation Services RFP.

The programmes that are currently provided on the west side of Christchurch will be extended to a full 5 day per week activity service as well as providing opportunities for employment support and peer support. WARS (Work and Rehabilitation Services) clients from across the city and surrounding areas will be able to access this new service, or the services that are currently provided at Stanmore Road in Linwood, or both, if they choose. Employment Support and training, provided by Comcare will also be readily available for all members.

The new services do not replace or replicate the WARS service. WARS was a clinically guided activity and vocational rehabilitation service that worked with inpatient and outpatient clients of Specialist Mental Health Services. It was decided to discontinue provision of these services in December 2009, in line with government direction through Pathways to Inclusion legislation and current practice of provision of activity and employment services through community providers in Canterbury and elsewhere in New Zealand.

A second day of service at West will begin on Monday the 26th of July, and a third day on Friday the 13th of August. These first days will be "start up" planning days and the programmes will begin from here. The development of programmes that reflect identified preferences is integral to Step Ahead’s model of service. Service users are supported and encouraged to determine the content of the programmes and future direction of the service.

Step Ahead's philosophy of member involvement, participation, choices and empowerment will continue to enable and expand services for current and new members. Services provided will meet the identified and expressed needs of the client group and will encourage personal development, education, skill development, and community participation.

Members attend and participate in Step Ahead programmes that provide routine and structure, significantly contributing to a person’s wellbeing and self confidence. They attend independently, having choice about attendance and level of participation. This limits accessibility for inpatients, however those who are ready to move towards independence will benefit from the services.

Members and staff work together to ensure that activities provide opportunities for development and improvement of practical life skills, self esteem, physical health, skill development, education and socialisation through involvement in purposeful activities.

Activities provide a wide range of opportunities for people to choose their own programme. Although activities are group based, there are many instances on a daily basis of one on one support and tuition from staff, tutors and peer supporters.

Opportunities for future service users will be available at the Upper Riccarton location as well as at the current base in Stanmore Road. Over 50% of all currently provided activities involve access to community resources as well as participation in community events.

Collaboration between Step Ahead and Comcare enables an expanded range of services to be available to service users who are considering employment options, peer support or training.

Along with staff, peer supporters are readily available to provide individual support in whatever capacity is required. All Peer Supporters have completed Intentional Peer Support training to ensure that they have the competencies to undertake this role, and regular supervision is provided.

Opportunities for volunteer involvement are identified and interested people encouraged and supported to become involved. Regular volunteering within the organisation as well as in the wider community can be a step towards considering employment options. Ready access to Comcare Supported Employment services will further support this.