The Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance launched in 2021, and since then has helped thousands of people from across County Durham access support with their mental health. We have collected some of their stories, as well as statistics, to show the impact of this work.
From 1st January to 31st August we have seen:
· 1577 individuals referred into the DMWA – an increase of 11% from the same point last year
· A reduced average waiting time for a referral result of 18 days, down from 20 in the same period last year
· 847 positive ‘move-ons’, where people leave services with improved wellbeing and independence
· 272 individuals completed training or education courses
· 91 individuals supported into and maintain Volunteering opportunities
· 558 individuals supported to maximise income
· 113 individuals supported to reduce debt
· 46 individuals supported into and maintain employment
· 631 individuals supported to access regular exercise
· 691 individuals supported to access health promotion activities
· 1552 signposting referrals to other services have been made
People accessing DMWA services have reported, on average:
· an improvement in their wellbeing by 31%
· an improvement of their quality of life by 26%
and
· 94% of individuals would recommend the service(s) they had received to friends and family
“The Service has been constant with regular visits timely updates and they have been helpful with sorting out my benefits or any GP appointments and support during them. Helps us a lot.”
“Staff were friendly & helpful when support was required. I could not fault the support I have received from staff who included me in all discussions/decisions regarding my support needs.”
(Transitional Housing Service)
“Extremely helpful and encouraging always pushing me to do better and constantly helping me research to improve my education skills and or mental health to get me back into work and functioning properly again.”
“I feel like I’ve gotten back a part of myself that I lost when I became unwell.”
“The service is great. I got to know lots of people, the staff support you in everyway they can. Improved my own mental health during the years I have used the service. I promote the service everywhere I go.”
“I have a lot of trust in my support worker and I feel safe. If I have concerns they are resolved quickly. My service has made a big improvement to my life.”