Member services

Person-centred planning – at induction and follow-up review meetings all members work with us on a 1:1 basis to look at where they are and where they’d like to be. Together we create a personal plan of what they want to achieve and the steps they can take to get there. We will support members to take steps at SMART but also refer on to other organisations that may be better placed to help. If there are any areas of need that the client or care team would particularly like us to explore we are happy to help.

Café – members can volunteer on the Café counter, help in the kitchen, learn food and hygiene skills or be employed as a chef. If you would like us to cater and/or host your event just email
arek.smart@btconnect.com

SMART singers and band – the singers and band meet weekly to rehearse and are available for hire at weddings, bar mitzvahs and community events! For more information email amelia.smart@btconnect.com

Packing - We provide a packing and mailing service to companies and this project allows people to work in a relaxed environment using basic manual skills. For many people this work is the first step onto more challenging opportunities and is an ideal way to make new friends and earn a bit of extra money. If you would like us to quote for a packing job just email amelia.smart@btconnect.com

Employment Support Team – we offer support to those who are thinking about returning to employment. Working on a one-to-one basis with an advisor, members decide what direction they want to go in, create an individual plan, look at benefits issues, create CVs, job search, improve interview techniques and complete application forms. Once a member is employed we provide on-going support for as long as they need it. This service is available outside of SMART by request. For more information email kinga.smart@btconnect.com

Bridge-building - members can gain support in finding out about mainstream community activities including courses and voluntary opportunities. Whether it is a hobby or a way of getting back to work, the Bridge Building team will help Members achieve their aims. This service is available outside of SMART by request. For more information email kinga.smart@btconnect.com

Floristry - our popular floristry courses cater for complete beginners as well as those who already have some floristry experience. Learners have the opportunity to create beautiful arrangements and get accredited qualifications as well as gain valuable work experience on our floristry stall. For more information and to order flower arrangements email margot.smart@btconnect.com

Gardening – the gardening project is just beginning to offer voluntary and paid work opportunities to those who want to get involved in growing and composting. Email kinga.smart@btconnect.com for more information.

IT – a range of courses available for complete beginners or those just needing to brush up their skills. City and Guilds qualifications are offered as well as in-house qualifications and drop-in sessions. Email smartkevin@btconnect.com for more information (especially if you’d like to donate any laptops/computers/printers/projectors!)

Administration – from paying members wages to cleaning, there are always paid or voluntary positions available at SMART. We provide training and support to anyone wanting to help us out and gain valuable experience and training. Email smartantonia@btconnect.com for more information.

Holidays and trips – SMART has just got back from Cornwall and Spain this year. We had a series of workshops to enable members to design and book the holidays themselves. Whilst away we learned new skills and are bringing them back to the UK. We plan to use this format to arrange further trips from music festivals and gigs to stately home visits.