Shifting Our MINDS CIC No. 13544986

The newest part of the project will be a wellbeing outreach service to enable veterans to fulfil their potential by working to address issues at the earliest stage and provide psychological, complimentary therapies, a haircut and hot food, a particular priority will be supporting homeless, LGB T, disabled, older veterans and families. This service will be provided within a van, specifically designed to support these groups of veterans, the van will have a disabled access by means of a tail gate lift. 

This service would/could be a first point of contact to support a veteran, let them know they’re not alone and by reaching out we can support them to better mental health, offer a mentor/buddy before accessing any therapies, activities and integrate back into society to reach their full potential. We can also achieve this by networking and building stronger relationships within communities, utilising places and spaces that matter to communities, these SOM services could be taken to GP surgeries and Hospital car parks where the van could be parked up for veterans to access

The van will be called “Bluey” 

"Bluey envelopes" were postal envelopes, the only means of communication during service in the Armed Forces with friends and family. During times of active service "war" and being away on 6 month tours, If there were no bluey there was no happy faces, waiting on them to arrive stirred emotions. 

The idea of the therapeutic haircut camper…"Bluey" 

Veterans can look forward to "Bluey" visiting their area, have a cuppa, natter and/or a haircut. 

There will be a gazebo surrounding the tail lift which will be a “transport back in time” to the good old days, the gazebo will be vintage decorated with old days music. This part of our service is for older veterans who may be experiencing brain injury, dementia and Alzheimer’s. On the days this service is available, extra support will be available for the veteran’s family/carer. We believe veterans family support is crucial for their mental wellbeing.

The future vision of SOM is a family centre to provide a family support groups, 1-1 therapeutic and complimentary sessions, forces families children’s groups. 

SOM is working towards a “Let Off Steam Space” this space would be a controlled environment to release anger by smashing, breaking items i.e. (baseball bats on punch bags, dishes) and/or screaming.

SOM will continue to monitor the services provided by gaining feedback from service users, delegates on training and professional who refer individuals. We will use monitoring forms from therapy sessions and use these to collect data.

Shifting Our MINDS services will be promoted by all aspects of social media, driving the van around locations, providing support at outdoor and indoor events, conferences, horticultural shows and working in partnership with other agencies.

Our services also include an outreach service for homeless, disabled and older veterans, therapies delivered anywhere that meets your needs. Some of our therapists and mentors are ex forces and specifically trained to work with our armed forces and LGB T communities. We provide therapies where clients feel most comfortable, outdoors "walk n talk" paddle boarding, beach, park and kayaking sessions. 

Our rooms are specially equipped for EMDR and Complimentary therapy sessions. 

We work with veterans, serving, reservists and blue light services as well as general public