The Power Of Us Programme
Image by Joel Muniz
The Re-Balance Approach
Recognise.
No one ever expected the COVID-19 pandemic, and nobody was fully prepared to deal with the impact and mental toll lockdown had on people. Knowing the importance of human connections on peoples’ mental health, Jessica Agudelo wanted to do her part to support the community and started hosting 90-minute sessions on Mental Health Awareness. Jessica offered the opportunity for groups to come together, tell their stories, unlock resources and strengthen their own support within their communities.
Two key themes started to emerge across sessions: uncertainty and isolation.
Review.
Uncertainty and isolation were having a strong, detrimental effect on peoples’ wellbeing. These feelings were shared amongst many of the participants, and the same was seen in many of the programmes that followed. Without trusted connections people are more vulnerable to feeling hopeless and helpless; uncertain when and where to reach out for support.
Speaking to a breadth of individuals across various industries, we began to understand the need to address the emotional support required by individuals, communities and workplaces during this uncertain change. The 90-minute sessions soon transformed into a series of six sessions called The Power of Us, that explored Mental Health and Well-being more deeply to help people become empowered to handle change in all areas of life.
Respond.
The Power of Us is delivered as a six week programme, consisting of six 90-minute sessions. The sessions are designed to introduce, develop and celebrate our stories and peer support, with a maximum of 10 participants per group. We keep group sizes small to ensure a feeling of safety, good quality conversation, and reflections where sufficient time is given to dialogue and questions to deepen reassurance and understanding.
Session include: Developing Self-Awareness Skills & the Power of Insight, The Power of Self-Compassion, The Power of Identity, Belonging & Culture, and Celebrating our stories and the power of continued peer support.
Ultimately, participants will build their awareness about Mental Health and Well-being, whilst increasing people’s confidence to talk about their own Mental Health and supporting others to do the same.
What People Are Saying
Thank you for facilitating this space. It has been amazing to be part of the group and thanks to everyone for enriching my experience.
— Claudia Garcia, Family Support Coordinator
I recently had the pleasure of attending The Power of Us, created & facilitated by Jessica. The course was comprehensive & covered many topics, it was pitched perfectly for our group. Our conversations sometimes tipped into sensitive areas; Jessica held the group professionally & softly. Highly recommended!
— Carol Hounsell, Data Analyst & Qualified Coach
I attended The Power of Us during a challenging time for me. The programme helped me reflect and recognise my strengths and I learnt essential tools to look after myself. I am still on a journey! The programme was clear, well structured and held professionally by Jessica. The group was incredibly supportive and so enjoyable. We learnt so much from each other. I wish Jessica all the best in her future programmes. Highly recommend taking part.
— Marisol Salamanca, Linguist
One participant went home and informed her mum after the session I was involved in. Her exact words were ‘mum I met someone who’s story is very similar to yours you should contact her’. Her mum then connected with me on Instagram. Since then I have met with H twice on Zoom and I have invited her to join the Bangali Beteen (Bengali women) network I am a part of. The network is small, invitation only. H has since informed me that she has gained confidence, not feeling so alone and gone and got herself a new piercing and a radical haircut to live her truth without shame!
- Poppy Jaman, Global Ambassador
How we work.
We know that each group is unique. Unique in it’s experiences, diversity and needs; some of which comes to the surface during delivery. This is why we take a very intimate approach to our work.
Our tried and tested step by step approach has proven to give us the best results:
Initial contact
Needs assessments with key contact and participants
Delivery of programme begins
Adaptation to content throughout based on emerging themes
Iterative feedback between Re-Balance, Partners, participants and lead programme contact
Handover of end report, resources and any next steps
We would love to hear from you if you would like to discuss how we might be able to create something bespoke to help your staff, volunteers or community