Written by Angelei Monterola, Specialist Support Worker at Look Ahead and Maryan Nur, Co-Production Lead at the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance
During our lowest moments we often look to others to seek connection, courage, support and love. Whether it’s a family member that shows up, a friend that listens, a neighbour checking in, or even a stranger showing concern.
These small acts are the ones that create the biggest difference and form the foundation to recovery and healing. It fills us with warmth, gives people a sense of being cared for, loved and allows us to feel a little more empowered knowing there will always be a support network and community of people who care.
The Barnsley Street Project
The Barnsley Street Project is a community of organisations involving Look Ahead (a not-for-profit organisation that provides housing and care), ELFT and the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance team who are working in partnership to deliver a pioneering, 24/7 mental health support service for people in the community.
This service is inspired by the Trieste Model, which removes institutionalised care and the barriers of complex and frustrating referral systems and long waiting lists which people often feel discouraged from. Instead, we hope to focus on human connection, person-centred continuity of care and empowering people to feel more in control as we know that fostering community is important. The Barnsley Street Project will not offer support alone - we seek to become one community. When life gets overwhelming, we hope to help navigate the way, while still giving people the control.
Outcomes
Part of our project involves home visits where we actively engage with clients by travelling to their homes and checking up on them. One thing I have learned from this is that the consistency of care and commitment is crucial.
As we embark on a beautiful journey to explore mental health in an even more holistic way through the Barnsley Street Project, we are reminded of the importance of community involvement and coproduction. Barnsley Street is a place where peer support and lived experience are not an afterthought, and where culture and diversity are not seen as variables but celebrated. Coproduction sessions are not measured by attendance numbers but by the shared value of the thoughts, comments, and queries. Contributions are taken as seriously as those from the leadership and service providers.
We are designing a space where community engagement is not just a preliminary step to boost referrals but a continuous process where the community is a key stakeholder. Barnsley Street is here to build alongside those it serves. We are bringing the community in and also reaching out to where people are already gathering—in their faith centres, community spaces, and educational institutions.
The experience of being part of this project has been nothing but inspiring and rewarding. The team have been so kind and proactive in their beliefs and drive to form connections with the people in the community that it has been so contagious.
Community care starts from showing up. We at the Barnsley Street Project are ready to become the community that people need. To be there without judgement but with the commitment to reach out and form connections.
We are ready to have a critical friend from our communities to ensure Barnsley Street is working to meet the needs of those it serves. We might get some things wrong, and we will need your support to make this a success.
Connection is the foundation to community
Our biggest reminder is that connection matters. Reach out when you are struggling, be there for someone and check in on a family, friend or a close neighbour. Remember that a small “How was your day?”, “I’m here for you” and even just your presence alone can empower people to believe in themselves again.
Full details about the launch of the Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre will be shared soon.