Mind partner with Orbit to provide the Breathing Space programme for our customers to support their mental wellbeing. This connection and partnership are invaluable, and they have provided exceptional support and expertise for our customers and local communities during the pandemic.

All nine local Minds work to ensure that all our customers receive the support and guidance they need, during what has been an exceptional and challenging time. As a result of the pandemic and lockdowns  there was an increased focus on supporting people who were isolated and lonely as well as worried about the pandemic and its impact.

They provided telephone support, emotional first aid workbooks that were personalised to the needs of each customer as well as mentoring services for those that wish to work on goal-orientated plans. Mind also offer peer support groups encouraging autonomy, digital activities, workshops and support groups that enable customers to connect with others, helping to reduce isolation.

They have supported 38 of our customers into employment, 51 into work-related training and have helped 28 of our customers into volunteering, 559 customers improve their wellbeing. So many of our customers now have new opportunities to improve their lives, and the lives of others, for the better.

Some of our customer feedback has been incredible:

"Mind are one of the few services during coronavirus that have been open and that have kept me motivated and helped me through this horrible time”

“It’s helped me to see a better future and has stopped me from having suicidal thoughts so thank you so much for everything”

During coronavirus Southern Land Services have delivered much needed support for Orbit customers. In a joint exercise with Orbit they created twenty memorial rose borders, for those who have lost their lives to Covid-19. The memorial beds consist of 3 locally sourced 'Joie-De-Vivre’ roses planted in prepared ground in a location agreed with residents and scheme managers. Each rose bed is illuminated at night by an ethically sourced solar light and features a memorial plaque manufactured and supplied by Timpsons who are widely acknowledged in the community for employing ex-offenders. The heartfelt and respectful wording on the plaque was carefully considered and written by the Bexley Estates Team and we have seen how residents have found the sincere message to be truly moving. SLS also supplied each scheme with a watering can made from 100% recycled materials to ensure they were able to keep the roses irrigated throughout the summer as they become established.

The memorial beds have been installed at our Independent Living schemes across Southern England. SLS invested vast amounts of time (outside of their working hours) ordering supplies, collecting materials etc. On the day of planting they spent time engaging with residents at each scheme. These memorial beds show that our thoughts go out to all those who have lost someone close to them and to help make sure they are always remembered in this lovely way.

During the pandemic gardens have become much more important places. SLS have tried their best to help Orbit residents in their gardens for example, one of Orbits customers had their own maintained plot of Orbit land. The resident was shielding, so SLS stepped in to assist and help make sure the plot was well looked after. The resident pointed from his window at areas that needed working on and SLS employees happily obliged by maintaining these areas on his behalf, under his guidance.

To help Orbit residents get the most from their gardens SLS are also working alongside Orbit’s Social Impact Coordinator and Communications department to produce monthly articles for the "Gardening Club" on the new customer website. These articles are educational, encouraging and engaging for our residents. They demonstrate how to make the most of your outdoor environment with completely free tips and advice.

We believe the pandemic has profoundly effected everybody and we will continue to work in partnership and support customers wherever and whenever we can.

Toolshed is an alternative education centre operating as a standalone, self-sufficient, not-for-profit business, encouraging creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating passion. The ethos aligns to the New Meaning Social Enterprise philosophy of helping people get where they want to be - earning their own living - or creating social enterprises along the way.

They host Multi-Trade construction traineeships for 16 to 24 year olds whilst helping them learn and grow their strength, confidence, maturity, self-belief, and resilience. Their impact shows that 418 young people put £9 million back into society over their lifetime after receiving help, direction, and education from this organisation. That works out at £21,000 per person per lifetime.

They place a huge emphasis on creating positive attitudes and behavioural development through training, whilst focusing on community enterprise and social innovation. They help young people explore who they are, guide them through their learning and support them in gaining an income. Working with learners on various projects from Work and Study, providing routeways to introduce young people into the world of work and suggesting sustainable careers has seen great impact with 80% progressing positively.

Orbit’s Employment and Skills team have seen first-hand the positive impact Toolshed has had on young people and there are also plans in the pipeline to create an exciting new website that will support more young people with reducing the skills gap in our workforce and a focus on sustainability and net zero carbon.