Hope Point supports 1030 people in first year
The team at Hope Point, Dundee Wellbeing Support based at Hillcrest’s South Ward Road facility are hosting a special anniversary event this week (Friday 2nd August) marking its first year providing 24/7 support to people experiencing emotional distress.
Support at Hope Point is provided by peer practitioners from mental health charity, Penumbra. People can call (0800 955 0008), text (01382 604 123), or drop in 24/7 at 4 South Ward Road.
The service is a partnership between mental health charity Penumbra and Dundee Health and Social Care partnership.
- From August 2023 to June 2024, Penumbra has supported 931 people experiencing distress
- A total of 3783 supports have been carried out via drop-in, phone and text
The team are using the twelve month milestone to also spotlight the range of other support available in the building provided by partners.
In addition to mental health support, services include harm reduction and recovery programmes, community activities designed to combat social isolation, and financial support and advice.
Hillcrest Futures delivers harm reduction and recovery services from the building.
- In 12 months, Hillcrest Futures supported 1248 people with harm reduction, recovery, reducing isolation and financial advice
- In addition, the team supplied 950 naloxone kits to be used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opiate based overdose
Penumbra’s Senior Service Manager Emma Wilson, said: “I think the main thing the figures are telling us, is how much this new distress support service has been needed in the city and therefore the gap we are filling.
“Looking at feedback from people, what strikes us most (although not surprisingly) is the success of the peer model. People truly feel they’ve been met with compassion, and they feel valued and listened to. The accessible nature allows people experiencing a wide range of difficulties the opportunity to access support on their own terms.
“We have worked hard at building partnerships and relationships with other agencies, and this allows a more seamless experience for people at the time they need it most. We thank all our partners for their continued support.”
People truly feel they’ve been met with compassion, and they feel valued and listened to
Hillcrest Futures works closely with the other services based within the building including Penumbra, NHS Harm Reduction and Blood Borne Virus team and Dundee Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service.
Operations Manager at Hillcrest Futures, Danny Kelly said: “Our partnerships enable us to offer a wide range of compassionate support services. By combining the expertise of trained professionals and the invaluable insights of people with lived experience, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment that helps to break down barriers and promote recovery.”
An attendee of Hillcrest Futures’ Dundee Futures Project commented: “Services like these are a lifeline for people. The central location means it’s easy to get here no matter where you live in the city, and it offers a safe space to talk without fear of judgment.”
Councillor Ken Lynn, Depute Chair Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership Integration Joint Board said: “Opening Hope Point was a major milestone for the city, and a year on, it’s clear to see how important this is to people of Dundee.
“1030 people have been supported in Hope Point and the decision to make support available face-to-face, by phone and by text has allowed people to access support in ways that work for them.”
“We are keen that people should feel able to reach out and get help for their mental health in just the same way they do for their physical health, that’s why it was vital that we have this facility in the city. There is Always Help. There is Always Hope.”
For more information on this news release, please contact communications@penumbra.org.uk
