Basement Project

Basement still open – with a difference!

Despite the current COVID-19 crisis The Basement Project is still working to support young people in the Bromsgrove and surrounding areas – albeit in somewhat different ways than previously.

Due to the Government’s request that people work from home as much as possible and maintain social distancing, the Basement team are continuing to provide their support of young people but in a virtual way, using various means of communication like Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and traditional phone calls and texts. The Skype line also acts as a “Virtual Drop In”.

When asked how they are managing, CEO Jackie commented: “The team are on duty on a rota basis and are available to accept calls between 11am and 4pm every weekday but are also calling clients outside of these hours. They will contact clients over the weekend if there is an exceptional need. The answerphone message advises people the different ways and the hours we can be contacted. Regular contact and support is being offered to varying degrees dependent on the needs of the individual.”

“We are also able to provide virtual counselling sessions from a qualified counsellor who has experience of working with young people and also virtual mediation if families are struggling with conflict or other issues at home.”

“In addition, we will be putting regular information around issues such as mental health on Facebook and our website, including what help and support is available from other agencies, including support for victims of domestic abuse. We are also inviting young people to engage in ‘activities’ such as writing poems or submitting drawings to express how they are coping with the current situation.”

“We are continuing to take new referrals and will carry out virtual Needs Assessments until face to face work can continue.”

When asked about food parcels that the Basement is well known for, Jackie said that the foodbank remained in operation and young people are given time slots on a Tuesday or Friday each week when they can collect food, so that social distancing is maintained. Staff are also delivering food parcels across the county to young people who need them most, with the time of delivery agreed in advance so that the parcels can be left safely.

The Basement are also working closely with the District Council and other agencies like Newstarts, Churches Together in Bromsgrove, Catshill Baptist foodbank, BARN (Bromsgrove And Redditch Network) and Bromsgrove Community Support (a new volunteer group that came together on Facebook in response to the Coronavirus outbreak) to ensure no-one “falls through the cracks” in what is a very difficult time – even more so if you are struggling with other issues, like homelessness, depression or family breakdown as well as coronavirus threat. There is also a new website www.supportbromsgrove.com

You can keep up to date with news from the Basement by signing up for their quarterly newsletter on the web at

www.bromsgrovebasementproject.org.uk

How a client (Gemma, 24) sees The Basement Project - in the shape of a poem:

Feeling good, or feeling bad, a feeling of dread or simply wanting to be dead, Basement are always on hand to even out the spread. Housing or finance that’s what they do, but is that all? No! they help me too. They build me up and tell me they’re proud although sometimes I struggle when my voices are so loud, It’s not always easy for them to hear but they’re always on hand to lend their ear. Helping with calls when I just feel like saying “oh balls!” They keep me calm when my head keeps ringing like the morning alarm, they probably walk in my house sometimes and think I live on a farm! But you’re never judged by anything you say, I’ve just always found it hard to find the reason to why I need to stay. Understanding is used as an understatement because lock down got me thinking all these amazing people are keeping me from sinking. From phone calls to FaceTime they’ve all played their part, in this time for fear of isolation you’ve all been my hope and motivation, near or far you’ve been my shining star. I thank you all for all your different traits and I think personally you all need better pay rates!