DIRECTORY OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
Beneficial Foundation
Access
Address: 16 Anson Road, Fratton Industrial Centre,
Portsmouth, PO4 8TB
Telephone: 023 9273 3822 (Jennie Brent)
Website: www.beneficial.org.uk
Charity Registration Number: 1109518
Referral Method
Self referrals accepted as well as from Job Centre Plus and Social Services. An interview with the Training Manager would then take place to establish the needs of the service user.
History
The Beneficial Foundation has a long history of providing training and support for those who are disadvantaged in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. It has run specific mental health services in this area and encourages those with mental health problems to enquire and access its services.
Current Activities
The Beneficial Centre, on the Eastern Road approach to Portsmouth offers a wide choice of activities designed to promote independence and enhance both living and work skills. As well as courses in living skills it also offers job preparation courses and work placements. Courses vary in length but most are 41 weeks long and to an accredited national level (Open College Network). Respite workshops are available which use days out and other techniques to teach people how to effectively and positively live in the community.
Horticultural courses are run at the Beneficial Nursery at Titchfield and cover growing skills and garden maintenance in a commercial environment.
The Materials Bank and Craft Unit, the UK's largest and most successful scrap store, was one of the first of its kind. 'Waste' items from industry are recycled into craft materials for playgroups, schools and community groups. As well as providing cheap resources it also provides an invaluable training area in retail, warehousing and crafts.
Future Plans
The Beneficial Foundation plans to move back into main stream mental health provision as many of its current activities are ideally suited to those with mental health problems. Additional services at new locations will include training, work experience and job opportunities through Social Firms for those with mental health problems.