LINK UP - OPERATING PLAN

According to its Memorandum and Articles (7th July 2004) s3.1, Shetland link Up was established for charitable purposes with the object of benefiting the community and people of Shetland by “offering support and relief to, and facilitating friendship for, those affected by mental ill health; and developing links with other community resources and facilities so that people affected by mental ill health are enabled to access such resources and facilities more easily and are integrated into the wider community to a greater extent.”

To this end, and at present, Link Up runs or facilitates a mixed-gender drop-in service (three days a week)," Women of Worth" – a group run by women for women (two days a week) and a full-time Art Therapy service.

The Board of Directors includes service users (approx 50%), and activities and outings are planned together with clients. Close and regular links have been established with key organisations including Annsbrae, the Moving-On Employment Project and the Shetland Community Bike Project. It is important that Link Up is seen to be separate from the Community Mental Health Team, but to maintain good relations.

Practice Aims and Objectives:

1. To provide a safe and welcoming environment at Link Up in order to befriend, support and offer activities to adults in Shetland who are at risk of social isolation as a result of mental ill-health.

2. To promote stability, personal growth and recovery for service users.

3. To respond appropriately to a wide range of needs.

4. To be mindful of individuals’ vulnerability and need for confidentiality.

5. To actively explore ways of contacting and helping those who would benefit from our services but are unaware of them or reluctant to seek/receive help.

6. To induct, train and support staff and volunteers, and involve them in service development and review, in order to achieve the above.

7. To develop and maintain a good system of governance and meet the requirements of funding organisations, SORP, OSCR, Companies House and the Law and Regulations appropriate to providing these services, occupying premises and employing staff.

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