About Touchpoint
Touchpoint is a “listening and linking” service that can:
- support you to maintain a good level of overall wellbeing and avoid crisis;
- link you into the right services at the right time;
- help you to overcome barriers in accessing services;
- support you to identify goals and work towards them;
- help you to plan for the future and reduce the frequency of crisis;
- pair you with a volunteer befriender if you’d like a little extra social and practical support to overcome challenges;
- support you to build your networks and become even more confident and connected.
If this sounds like the right service for you, please call us on 0203 475 1306 or 020 437 1309 or e-mail touchpoint@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
Touchpoint Service Flow
Touchpoint will initially be working with people who self-refer themselves to us, using the form on this site. The second phase will include referrals via agencies and other groups and we will announce this nearer the time (we’re aiming for mid-November).
Volunteer
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
Would you like to volunteer with the Touchpoint Befriending Service?
Touchpoint is a brand new service at Inclusion Barnet. Our aim is to help people who experience physical disability, mental health issues and/or long-term conditions in Barnet who are struggling to get the right support. Our aim is to help people to access the right support, at the right time, in a way that meets their own needs.
The Volunteers Role
Volunteering for the Touchpoint Service is a great way to gain personal satisfaction and invaluable experience for people looking to further their skills, career or improve their lives. More importantly, to be part of providing an incredible service at the heart of our community.
Purpose of the role
The befriender’s role is to meet with the person once a week to offer support, company and encouragement to enable the person to become more empowered and confident, and in turn improve health and wellbeing.
Time commitment
Volunteer support is required Monday to Friday for a minimum of two hours a week.
Location
Meet in the community or mutually acceptable venue.
Person specification Good communication skills
Reliable and trustworthy
Able to commit to at least two hours a week.
Able to maintaining professional boundaries, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to be supportive in a mentoring and non-judgemental way.
Duties & activities
The volunteer will work with the Touchpoint client to work on their personal goals and work together to achieve them. The overall aim being to improve their health and wellbeing.
Training required
Induction and local training to be discussed at initial informal interview.
Checks
Two references will be required. The volunteer role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) for which there will be no cost to the volunteer for checks undertaken.
Reporting to
Touchpoint Volunteer Coordinator
Please contact the Touchpoint Volunteer Coordinator, for an informal chat on 020 3475 1307 or contact us
“Volunteering can lead to a happier and healthier life”
Emergency Contact Support
Help in a crisis
Touchpoint is not an emergency service.
If you feel that there is an immediate risk to yours, or someone else’s safety then please contact 999 or visit your local Accident and Emergency.
Getting help
If there isn’t immediate risk but you feel you need urgent support please consider contacting one of the following organisations.
If you feel you are in experiencing feelings of despair and would like someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (this is a free number from any phone).
Out of hours mental health support:
Barndoc is an out of hours service for Barnet residents with urgent health needs who need to see a GP before their practice is next open. It can be accessed by calling 111. The service is open as follows:
- 3pm to 8am on weekdays
- Friday, 6.30pm to Monday, 8am
- Public holidays
People transferred to Barndoc can expect a telephone call back from a GP or nurse within the hour. They will provide the following services as appropriate:
Self-care advice
- Face-to-face consultation with a GP or nurse at the most convenient location (Edgware Community Hospital, Finchley Memorial Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital or The Laurels Healthy Living Centre)
- Home visit
You may still call your GP Out of Hours telephone number if you are unable to speak with anyone immediately – or alternatively, if you feel your needs constitute an emergency (significant and immediate risk to life), attend your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
Information on the 111 service can be obtained by clicking here
