Barnet 10th Anniversary

On the eve of 1998 our Supported Housing Service opened its doors to its first 18 clients in Barnet. 10 years on we have worked with over 200 clients. On 5th December 2007 we celebrated 10 years in Barnet. The event was held at Hendon Town Hall and marked a coming together of the old and new. 30 Service users who we have supported over the years and who still remain part of Umbrella came to show their support and to celebrate with us. Also present were referrers and commissioners. Here is one of their stories as told at the event:

“I have been a service user of mental health services since 2003.I was diagnosed with chronic or unipolar depression and a personality disorder in the form of neurosis or mild paranoia. I made a serious attempt on my life in 2003 and was admitted into hospital. On my discharge I was housed in an awful B&B. I had managed to keep my job as a bar man but I was in debt and virtually penniless. I rarely went out except to work and didn’t open my post.

In December I received a letter from a company with a strange name of Umbrella. I was intrigued and opened the letter. In it seemed to be offering me potentially free accommodation. I attended an appointment and to my bewilderment was offered a place to live. I could hardly believe it. I moved into my flat in January 2004. The first few weeks with my support worker was a bit tricky but eventually once the teething problems where sorted we became used to each other. I was offered practical, emotional and psychological support. I was helped with my housing issues; I received regular visits and phone calls when I was really bad and even taken out for coffee and sometimes lunch. I was accompanied to A&E when I was in crisis where she waited with me for over 3 hours. I was visited at the Maytree which is a short stay respite home for suicidal people and they have supported me through troubled times with my employers.

Umbrella has been a lifeline to me over the years. I was humbled and massively encouraged to give this speech today and I think I will be participating further in the life of Umbrella in years to come.”