Here at Commnet we strive to promote the voice of young people and improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people and the community.
We work mainly with Honicknowle and the West Park area (also Chaucer and Manadon at times). Not necessarily strict on post codes (although one project is post code linked) as many families move around and our mother and baby support can be citywide.
Bump & Beyond which is a project aimed at mothers/ expectant mothers and their babies aged 17+ that aims to look at 4 areas:
To provide a safe environment for mothers and their children particularly in the home, or having somewhere they can access where they feel supported.
To better manage their mental health and emotional well being (recognising triggers and ways of coping)
To provide further opportunities within education or employment
To deliver an outreach service to meet new mothers in their setting to develop a relationship
Within this, we have smaller numbers and a majority of initial work is on a one- one basis but we are starting to put back in small groups in terms of meeting up, little ones explore or even just to have some face to face time with a cup of tea or coffee. It really is around their needs of support and runs every Monday and Thursday.
HOPE Project is aimed at working with young women aged between 13- 16 years who struggle to engage with mental health work and support and at risk to exploitation or risky relationships. A lot of emphasis is on confidence, self worth and esteem but there is a large group who have struggled throughout the pandemic especially.
OASIS sadly finished within the pandemic however- Reach Out took over the support for this group which worked with parents/ carers of children and young people with disabilities. We work with children and their families together.
We are flexible with our work and if someone is in need of support we would, try our best to either work with them or, support them in somewhere else but please feel able to contact me if you would like to zoom/ meet and got through anything especially in these times. Although two projects are currently going through the funding process we can try our best to continue support.