A Focus on Falcon

Quite simply put – we believe that where you are today does not define your tomorrow.

By the very essence of this we take a non-judgemental approach to provide vital support to some of the most isolated and vulnerable members of the community.

"Falcon are a person centred service that are dedicated to make every contact count – meaning our staff go above and beyond to provide positive outcomes". Explains Head of Community Development Sarah Whannell.

Whether that is coming into our drop-in centres to access a computer to set up a bank account or fill in an application or whether in crisis and needing help with housing, rough sleeping or poor mental health and addiction, our staff will not turn anyone away without doing everything they can to help.

This has been evident in the constant expansion of our services over the past 21 years – in particular over the past 18 months, we have been able to add an even greater depth and breadth to our service offerings.

This has included opening the George Smith Hub in Coalville, which boasts a cafe, computer access and a support worker in place daily to provide information and advice to members of the public.

We have also recently employed additional harm reduction workers, an employability coach, a functional skills coach, a move on worker and recovery navigator. All aimed to bring about the best possible outcome for individuals using our service.

We have invested in our Peer Mentor program, where those with lived experience of coming out of addiction and successfully turning their lives around volunteer to mentor those going through the same journey. This greatly improves their chances of a positive outcome whilst also giving the mentor a positive experience of being able to put back into a system that has helped them and preventing them from going back to substance misuse.

Janine Lane our Peer Mentor Co-ordinator out on a walk with service users, maximising on the benefits of being outdoors (below).

Community Harm Reduction worker Lee Flannigan, has been running fishing and Football sessions which are now as part of the aftercare service we offer to those in recovery. These have been well subscribed and been an excellent way to develop confidence, team work and stay healthy.

We now have many ways in which we help individuals with their health, including, Fibro Scanner which measures liver scaring, partnering with Dentaid to provide much needed dental treatment to those who would usually not be able to access it, Hep C testing and treatment and needle exchange.

Theses services have proved to be invaluable - protecting health and relieving pain and suffering.

On average 50-60 Individuals a day visit our flagship Drop in service at our Loughborough Falcon Centre.

Here visitors can access all of our service and support as well as take part in activities that help tackle social isolation and improve health and wellbeing.

They can also enjoy a subsidised meal for just £1 and free tea and coffee throughout the day.

During the recent heat wave we have also opened the drop in over the weekend to allow rough sleepers and the vulnerable to have respite from the heat, get free water, sun cream and of course an ice lolly.

Early May saw the official opening of a new community Hub which will provide a lifeline to residents of Market Harborough and surrounding areas.

Open Tuesday to Fridays 10am – 4pm members of the public will be able to visit the new friendly and welcoming hub, where dedicated staff on site will support you if you are Homeless or at risk of becoming Homeless. Falcon Support Services and Beacon Care have an experienced team who can also support you with Tenancy Support, Advocacy, Care and Mental Health Services, Employability, Harm Reduction Support, Recovery After Care, Benefit Support and Signposting to other organisations tailored to the needs of the individual.

The National Lottery Community Funded project sees a collaboration between Falcon Support Services and Beacon Care – two very well established and experienced organisations who will combine all their resources to provide a first-class service to residents.

You can read the full story here:Falcon Support Services - Falcon Support Services

If you need any support or have concerns about or know anyone who may need support please do not hesitate to contact us - if we can't help you we will be able to signpost to those that can. Regardless of how big or small the issues may be.

falconsupportservices@falconsupportservices.org.uk