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Invaluable Support

To know I have got that bridge and to be heard is a big thing for me. I know I can reach out to Focus 4 1 about anything and not be judged. I wouldn't have the confidence now If it weren't for Focus 4 1. The support Focus 4 1 provide is invaluable.

A.K.

She understands me and my culture

Focus 4 1 Wellbeing Practitioner helped me a lot I feel comfortable and supported. English is not my first language and Focus 4 1 Wellbeing Navigator took time and patience. She gave very good guidance and suggestions. Every meeting she worked with me and encouraged me to speak up as I was scared in case it caused more problems. I was living in a flat with mould, damp, leaks it affected me and my family very badly. Focus 4 1 helped me they gave me clothes for my young children and also helped me with emails. Nothings is a problem for them. With their support I was able to applied all the points and we finally we get a hygienic, damp free, mold free property for me and my young children. She understands me and my culture and has helped me more than other services. We were left and forgotten. Today we finally we get a hygienic, damp free, mold free property for me and my young children. Thank you very very much.

A.L.

I felt that it was my space

Vanessa helped me to connect better into the community in terms of meeting up with someone regularly who had shared experiences of mental health issues. This enables me to feel more confident to discuss certain aspects of myself with others and less sensitive to mental health stigma. I have found that this mutual understanding helped me to be more honest with others and work towards getting employment again. Through networking I was able to find out about a job and was honest with them about my mental health. The 1 to 1 peer support has encouraged me to support others and feel less isolated in the community coping with a mental illness. It is helpful to have this support and be signposted to groups of other helpful things. The 1 to 1 peer support was also more personal then a group so enabled me to move towards personal goals that were discussed during the sessions. I felt that it was my space and was not forced into thinking but supported with my own.

S.G.

Fantastic service

Fantastic service. Focus 4 1 wellbeing practitioner can relate to me on so many levels. The support and guidance regarding new housing and expectations was excellent. Life has balanced out since the support I received from him. I will miss the support from him. Thank you.

E.O.

With immense gratitude and greatest RESPECT

After a lifetime of building barriers around myself, I've been released by having Intentional Peer Support with Vanessa on a regular 1 to 1 basis. With the immense support in hours of regular 1 to 1 meetings + the hours of phone chatting and supportive text messaging, the encouragement has been invaluable. So this uneducated regular truant sits here typing willing to learn and wanting to go forward with a better quality of living for LIFE!

With immense gratitude and greatest RESPECT. To Vanessa Anenden, in mutual respect + mutual understanding has changed my life around. Vanessa always listens intently with eye contact + smiles a lot, this makes me feel so at ease that I have confided many personal traumatic experiences, that I would NEVER tell professionals or family. I never feel talked down to or looked down upon. Talking over my personal issues and seeking solutions, I always feel understood with genuine concern + positive feedbacks endorsed with immense encouragement. Have also been signposted to many professional agencies, which has lifted great life burdens that gradually regaining confidence + reconnecting with people. I am presently learning new skills, embracing my positive life experience skills + strategies, often two steps forward one step back but Intentional Peer Support moving towards + mutuality is special because it works!

I may not be running but going towards better Quality of life where adding to my health issues.

- A Merton Service User

Very helpful, kind and very professional

Sharon is very helpful, kind and very professional. Sharon provided me with very good support and very cooperative and visiting their office they provided shampoo, perfumery, soaps. They give me good support about my housing, helping me get the access for a welfare fund, asking about my relatives who are living in the war zone and supported me emotionally. Also providing with any help and always willing to do more‎.

A.M.

I would like to thank Focus 4 1

I would like to thank Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Practitioner for all your support, especially right now, during this uncertain times. Thank you for calling me on a regular weekly basis and checking up on me. Thank you for advocating my case with the Uplift service in Merton. Much appreciated!. Its a massive relief to know that somebody cares and takes the extra mile to help out. My mental health steadily deteriorates but without your weekly calls and chats I'm certain I would be in even worst situation, especially with my tendencies to self-isolate. Thank you for motivating me and not giving up. For all of your advice and knowledge.

A Merton Uplift customer

I am extremely grateful

Great service and support. I came off my medication and Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Navigator encouraged me to go back on it and discussed the importance on regularly taking my medication. I struggle with lack of motivation, low mood and having someone to work closely with me and having similar experiences to me is amazing as there is no judgement. I'm not very motivated and times meeting in person to go for a walk was a great help. I have been encouraged to be open it helps when asked specific questions I struggle sometimes to initiate. Thank you. I am extremely grateful.

A Merton Uplift customer

Nice to know there is someone who cares

Nice to know there is someone who cares and gets it and can relate to me. COVID19 is a very frightening time. They never stopped caring and being in contact with the outside world I appreciate it extremely especially when I have several health issues going on at once. They are people person who have empathy.

C.C

Thank you Focus 4 1 & Vanessa

I joined Focus 4 1 at a point in my life when I was in a severe crisis. I had recently lost my job in addition before that particular scenario, my friend committed suicide. I was in a state of hopelessness and depression unfortunately. I started attending the group at Focus 4 1 in October 2021. I must admit that I was quite anxious to attend the group. But I found that the first time I attended was liberating and refreshing to say the least. The group was led by the founder Vanessa Anenden. She spoke about the services available for those like myself in the community for Mental Health issues. Also Vanessa explained the terminology of support teams involved in supporting vulnerable people in the NHS Trust.

I found the first group I attended extremely informative and insightful due to my circumstances at the time. The groups I attended after my first experience at Focus 4 1 has been a complete pleasure. A totally inspiring experience and excellent source for support. Focus 4 1 has been more like a "family" than a service which supports me. I believe Focus 4 1 has provided a non judgemental space for me to express myself verbally. I feel that Focus 4 1 has provided encouraging and empowering support in a short space of time I have learnt so much from Focus 4 1, as well as ways to challenge stigma & discrimination around mental health issues. I have received superb support from the founder Vanessa Anenden. She has given me a level of care which both myself and my mother are truly grateful for sincerely. Vanessa has made me feel better after my trials and tribulations of last year. She has made me reflect on my purpose in a positive direction. Most importantly Vanessa has shown me that we all deserve respectful relationships despite living with mental distress and conditions.

I totally feel safe and sound thanks to all the peer support workers at Focus 4 1.All the peer support workers bring a supportive environment to the service. Vanessa has consistently supported me engaging with my Recovery Support Team. This support from Focus 4 1 has helped me incredibly. I am starting to find my voice in a more constructive manner. The group has helped me realise I am more than a mental health diagnosis. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Vanessa runs the group despite having her own struggles. I can always rely upon the support from Vanessa whatever the situation. Several times I was suicidal and Vanessa was on the phone whilst speaking to either the Police or Paramedics. Focus 4 1 has saved my life and I'm truly blessed to have been supported by "caring professionals".

I feel like Focus 4 1 is a credit to the community and I definitely don't know what I would do without them. Vanessa & Focus 4 1 have helped in developing my self esteem and self confidence. I am starting to use my journey to create a better pathway with the help of Vanessa's advice and support. I have told Vanessa many of my personal > traumatic experiences, that I would never tell my family or professionals. I love coming to the group at Focus 4 1 and I would always want to be a member. Thank you Focus 4 1 & Vanessa for all of your support and efforts in supporting me.

M.R.

They Always finds a way to help me

During these difficult times stuck indoors I look forward to calls weekly big part of my life. Consistency and same person who understands my mental illness and culture. I feel very confident in her and comfortable and trust her. She understands me without saying. Fantastic service. Anything I need big or small they help me Hospital, police, debt, family issues, New GP, courts, PIP. Anything I need for my Wellbeing. I cannot speak to family about my mental illness, housing, debt and family things they do not understand and things going in my life because I will lose my respect. Working with Focus 4 1 they shares what they have tried and shared their story with mental illness and culture. They Always finds a way to help me. I can Because of this support I feel stronger

M.S.

I am really happy with Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Practitioner

I am really pleased and happy to speak with Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Practitioner, I have had shared so many problems which she help me to resolve in mentally. she was giving me good advices as she has similar experiences she supported me and was very patient and kind with sessions she understand my feelings and emotional issues what I am still going through I am really happy with Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Practitioner. Very good guidance to do with son with learning difficulties and our same culture. She understands my emotions I feel heard and motivated me. Attending Wellbeing Family meetings and being my voice.

- A Merton Uplift customer

Its a massive relief to know that somebody cares

Very positive role model, support and inspiration

You have been a very positive role model, support and inspiration to so many people in Merton, and you should be very proud of yourself. Before Focus-4-1, Merton service users had nobody to speak for them or support them, and the way that you others have developed the organisation has been a credit to you. I know that being in positions of responsibility and expectation can bring its own pressures, and you need to give time to look after yourself as well as others. Working with you and Focus 4-1 has been one of the aspects of my role that I have enjoyed most.

Mark Clenaghan - Head of Service Delivery, Urgent & Acute Care

I cannot begin to express in words just how much Focus 4 1 did to support me.

Since Focus 4 1 Merton Uplift Wellbeing Practitioner support, my life has changed in that her emotional, kind supportive understanding of the very complex circumstances, has enabled me to improve.

For over a year now, Vanessa has been by my side. Even though she herself has a mental health condition, I found the benefit of having peer led support and indescribable life affirming impact. She helped obtain food bank deliveries. When we were scrambling during the lockdown to survive. Was on the phone each week and was able to cry to her. On days I couldn't even make it out of bed, without my knowledge, Vanessa would go and lobby the various stakeholders responsible for my care, to do better by me. That meant my GP and many many more. She is extremely integrity-led. Very modest. And not once have I ever heard her be critical of me. As some of the difficulties I brought to her because I also run my own business, were complex. And in the past, many would just tell me to give up on my business. I think Vanessa is one of the rare British disability experts you can count on one hand, who truly can understand, how mental health can impact differently on different people, who suffer from a myriad of complex needs. And who has been able to provide me with tailored, specific help. For example, she knew I was having problems with my mortgage provider and then referred me to the Springfield Law Centre. Vanessa even knew that due to my ill-health, my registered company accounts were outstanding. And again would encourage and urge me to file this. She would often brainstorm with me ways to find new forms of support. Again, when I have had experiences with other charities in the past, often I would find them being just pen pushers. They don't understand me. And often would end up belittling or patronising me. And of course our weekly calls were all done during long periods of lockdown. And often her voice was the only one I would hear this year. As I was living all alone. And to this day I have never even met her in person! Because of my illness and difficulty in managing my day-to-day financial affairs as well as business affairs, Vanessa would be a check-in point. A reminder for me. To keep going. A safe voice. As often I felt all alone, in a stormy ocean where I, was a complete shipwreck but she would be that rare Lighthouse that on a weekly basis, would Flickr to remind me, that I can and deserve to reach safer shored. Broken though my life was. Focus 4 1 Wellbeing Practitioner understood me, if I couldn't. I would weep. And feel ashamed. But she always empathised. She helped to protect my dignity. And anger at my own self.

She always had belief in me when not many did. And she never just saw me for my disability. Which is why I always enjoyed talking to her. My illness was not caused by me - but done to me. Add the horror of having been abandoned to raise my daughter all alone financially, emotionally and not having any family who disowned me. Made it all so hard. For my spirit to cope. Because Vanessa herself understands the complex dynamics of strict Muslim South Asian households, she was able to assist in a way - many organisations do not. I cannot begin to express in words just how much Focus 4 1 did to support me.

Focus 4 1 is critical. Because they look at our situation holistically. And do not attempt to penalise us because we are living a full dimension of life that includes business, disability and more.

Focus 4 1 know not to pigeon box us. And give us the respect and dignity that should be afforded to all disabled people, which in 2021 is still severely lacking.

Yasmin Choudhury

Genuinely helpful and supportive service

Genuinely helpful and supportive service. I do not know what I would have done without Focus 4 1 wellbeing support. Sharon helped me with my accommodation- I was homeless, foodbank, toiletries and many other things. They gave me emotional support regarding my children and shared their experience with medication. The best people to provide this kind of support are the ones like Focus 4 1 who live it and experience it. I am really appreciative of their help.

A NHS Merton Talking Therapies customer

I joined Focus 4 1 at a point in my life when I was in a severe crisis

I joined Focus 4 1 at a point in my life when I was in a severe crisis. I had recently lost my job.In addition before that particular scenario, my friend committed suicide.I was in a state of hopelessness and depression unfortunately.

I started attending the group at Focus 4 1 in October 2021. I must admit that I was quite anxious to attend the group. But I found that the first time I attended was liberating and refreshing to say the least.The group was led by the founder Vanessa Anenden.She spoke about the services available for those like myself in the community for Mental Health issues.Also Vanessa explained the terminology of support teams involved in supporting vulnerable people in the NHS Trust. I found the first group I attended extremely informative and insightful due to my circumstances at the time.

The groups I attended after my first experience at Focus 4 1 has been a complete pleasure.A totally inspiring experience and excellent source for support.Focus 4 1 has been more like a "family" than a service which supports me.I believe Focus 4 1 has provided a non judgemental space for me to express myself verbally.I feel that Focus 4 1 has provided encouraging and empowering support.In a short space of time I have learnt so much from Focus 4 1, as well as ways to challenge stigma & discrimination around mental health issues.

I have received superb support from the founder Vanessa Anenden.She has given me a level of care which both myself and my mother are truly grateful for sincerely. Vanessa has made me feel better after my trials and tribulations of last year.She has made me reflect on my purpose in a positive direction.Most importantly Vanessa has shown me that we all deserve respectful relationships despite living with mental distress and conditions.

I totally feel safe and sound thanks to all the peer support workers at Focus 4 1.All the peer support workers bring a supportive environment to the service.Vanessa has consistently supported me engaging with my Recovery Support Team.This support from Focus 4 1 has helped me incredibly.I am starting to find my voice in a more constructive manner.The group has helped me realise I am more than a mental health diagnosis.I was pleasantly surprised by the way Vanessa runs the group despite having her own struggles.I can always rely upon the support from Vanessa whatever the situation.

Several times I was suicidal and Vanessa was on the phone whilst speaking to either the Police or Paramedics.Focus 4 1 has saved my life and I'm truly blessed to have been supported by "caring professionals".I feel like Focus 4 1 is a credit to the community and I definitely don't know what I would do without them.Vanessa & Focus 4 1 have helped in developing my self esteem and self confidence.I am starting to use my journey to create a better pathway with the help of Vanessa's advice and support. I have told Vanessa many of my personal traumatic experiences, that I would never tell my family or professionals.

I love coming to the group at Focus 4 1 and I would always want to be a member.

Thank you Focus 4 1 & Vanessa for all of your support and efforts in supporting me.

- Matthew Rose

Focus 4 1 having lived experience makes a big difference

Very helpful service. On my first phonecall I felt very at ease and I felt that I can open up. The practical things like I can bring my baby to the appointments, park around the corner, them acting on my behalf with the law centre is of big help. It is a great place as it is not a clinical environment. Focus 4 1 having lived experience makes a big difference as they get it, they are open to sharing their experiences and non-judgemental. They are very kind and nice.

A NHS Merton Talking Therapies customer

Focus 4 1 has helped me to gain confidence to speak openly about my mental health

Focus 4 1 has helped me to gain confidence to speak openly about my mental health and has given me a safe and supportive environment to go to no matter the way I am feeling I never feel I cannot go even when in crisis as the support I am given from the other member as well as the facilitators has helped me to feel supported I can talk openly with the members as well as the facilitators and it feels very comforting to have somewhere to go to a group were you can relate to others!

Also the facilitators have helped speak on my behalf and support me to find my voice when I feel my mental health team are not supporting or hearing what I have had to say or when things have become so overwhelming and I have lost my voice and hope focus for 1 has helped me to find my voice again and has helped me to see I do deserve better treatment from others.

Vanessa has come with me to several appointments which has really helped me to feel supported and has helped me to find my voice and has given me the confidence to be assertive and express my needs were as before I would just hideaway and feel very alone and isolated with my thoughts and the way I am feeling! It has also helped me to be more open about my past in turn has helped me to open up more to professionals and in therapy as seeing others be brave and talk about issues that have affected them in a non judgmental environment has given me the courage to talk a lot more openly about what is affecting me past and present!

I have been given opportunities to facilitate parts of the group and share with others some of the skills that I have been taught through therapy such as self soothe kits and it's been very helpful as other members also facilitate and share skills they have learnt or share things that help them!

The group has helped me realise I am more than a mental health diagnosis and I do deserve to be treated with respect! As well as I need to be more kind to myself in turn has helped reduce myself harm! As I have people to talk to that understand and are non judgmental and supportive I feel valued and cared for by all at focus 4 1 and will forever be thankful for all they have and still do to help me!

M.C.

Great service and support

R.S.

Focus 4-1 welcome you with kindness and give you acceptance

Focus 41 welcome you with kindness and give you acceptance. They are like having another family everyone is friendly and treat you with respect and everything that is said in the room stays in the room so its very confidential there are different people with different mental health problems that come to our group but we were all treated the same and not judged I suffer with clinical depression and with Mania and other health problems including anxiety have saved my life in many of ways somebody to always talk to at the end of phone, a group to go to on a Tuesday where I can talk to other people and have a coffee and generally socialise for just two hours but two hours is better than 0 hrs.

There is always someone to talk too or they will leave you till your ready to talk. It used to be twice a week but it's had to drop down to one due to funding. We sometimes have hot snacks but there is always fruit offered. We also have people come into the group and do different things with us. We have service users sharing their skills Focus4-1 always encourage this as part of people's recovery. Vanessa and Musa they are main people that run focus4-1 Merton they are amazing they also have mental health problems but put them aside to help others in their struggles.

Everyones birthday are celebrated when they're at group as a lot of the users that go live alone and focus 41 is the only place they see and meet people each week to talk to. Everybody is different there is also a recovery Cafe which we are encouraged to use in the evening and weekends when focus4-1 it's not open and all day Saturday and Sunday where we can go and have a chat cup of tea or coffee there is also the home treatment team there so if you have any problems there's always somebody to talk to.

FOCUS4-1 have saved my life and many others in the community. While i am there i don’t feel judged by my illness i can relax and listen to what activities they have on each week for us to enjoy. FOCUS4-1 is a credit to the community and I don't know what us users would do without them.

Mental health problems can affect the way you think, feel and behave. Foucus4-1 can help you understand what is happening, and find the right treatment or point you in the right direction to help you in to recovery.

Hollie

The work Focus 4-1 doing is great

First of all I must say what an amazing person Vanessa is from Focus 4-1. She’s very caring and very kind. Focus 4-1 have been supporting me and my children and the services provided is of excellent, I have received clothing for my children and myself, got information and help I needed regarding my situation, got referred to other organisations that may help in other areas. The work Focus 4-1 doing is great, the support of my wellbeing is amazing. My wellbeing comes first and that’s more than what I’ve imagined the service would be. They Care! They really do!! Thank you Focus 4-1 Please continue to do the wonderful job you’re doing.

T.K.

FOCUS 4 1 helped me to feel part of humanity again

Hi, my name is Michelle, I would like to share my experience of FOCUS 4 1 with you all. I became a member of FOCUS 4 1 peer support group in Dec 2015, I was referred by my key worker at Merton CDAS, I had recently gone through a very harrowing and traumatic court case, I was feeling very lost, emotionally drained and upset, and I was at total rock bottom, I have had severe depression , anxiety and PTSD for many years, I didn't think that I could sink any lower, but here I was at the bottom of the pit from hell.

I had been isolated, lonely, and feeling worthless, totally cut off from society. I had never been to a support group in my life and to be honest I wasn't sure what to expect,i was so scared and nervous, as I walked into the Vestry hall the nerves overwhelmed me, but as I entered into the actual group I felt suddenly at ease I said "hello" and was met with warmth and a friendly feeling that I hadn't felt for such a long time, the atmosphere was calming and I felt relaxed. I quickly settled into the many activities, I made friends and for the first time in my life I actually felt part of something, all of my peers were great, such sincere, genuine people, no judgements they just took me as I am.

It's a place to forget your worries, have a laugh, have fun, Vanessa and Musa who are the directors are brilliant, we all have such a great time, I celebrated my 50th birthday with FOCUS 4 1, they made me feel so special I will never forget that day.

Even to this day in 2018 I feel FOCUS is one of the best things I've ever done, and when ever I happen to be out and about and I meet another member of the group we hug and have a chat, FOCUS 4 1 helped me to feel part of humanity again, part of society and to feel important and worthy, and that I am somebody with worth and purpose to go forward and live my life, it helped to lessen the impact of my traumatic experiences.

I will always be grateful to FOCUS 4 1
I will always be a member of FOCUS 4 1."

Michelle

Focus 4 1 is the platform for me where I can be me….real

I am a musician, writer, father and good friend. Focus 4 1 has taught me my diagnosis is ONLY part of me and I am proof that there is a life with Schizophrenia it is not all doom and gloom as lots of people assume.

Vanessa and Focus 4 1 have helped, encouraged me to look at aspects of my life, that had previously and continually eluded me. With Vanessa help I have started to take more note of my Mental Health and general wellbeing….from cutting down alcohol and smoking, encouraging me to keep faith in with Passion of music; and writing short stories.

Focus 4 1 is not only a Tuesday weekly group but an umbrella of support that I have been fortunate in being able to tap into. I have issues with my housing, care coordinator, parents who live abroad (Dominica) lost their home due to hurricane and I could not cope without Focus 4 1. The access in one to one with Vanessa, who uses her Neuro-Lingustic Programming skills, has helped me help myself in all areas of my life. Ongoing One to One support with Vanessa on a Wednesday for 2 hours/week at my local café also helps me tap into my skills and accept that I am not the only BAME member whose family do not acknowledge my mental distress and Focus 4 1 is the platform for me where I can be me….real.

Vanessa & Focus 4 1 have helped in re-building my confidence… so much so I now hold monthly writing & story telling workshops at the Focus 4 1 support group (at Vestry Hall Mitcham), encouraging others to get involved and supporting them deliver. I represent Focus 4 1 at Trust meetings. Things are looking up for me as I now have a purpose.

Boris

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