Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, visited SUMMIT a Clacton based charity who predominately work with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues. Giles met with Avril O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of the charity, staff and volunteers to discuss the work they carry out supporting service users. SUMMIT deliver a variety of projects empowering vulnerable adults to improve their quality of life. Services include advocacy, autism awareness and training on mental health, autism and independent advocacy in schools, colleges, community voluntary sector and the public sector.
Whilst Giles was at SUMMIT he spent some time listening to the story of one individual who accessed their services and the support offered to him totally transformed his life. He suffered depression and was suicidal – through the support of the team at SUMMIT he is now volunteering at the Orwell Road centre and is looking forward to supporting other service users who are facing similar challenges to those he faced and overcome.
Giles said
“I was delighted to meet Avril and her team. We had a really inspiring chat. It is clear to see that the services offered by SUMMIT literally transform lives and those that work and volunteer provide invaluable support to service users. I would also like to thank Darren for sharing his personal experience with me, he is a testament to the great work offered by the team and I was so pleased to learn of the positive end to his story. I would encourage residents who feel they would benefit from the service to get in touch with the team.”
Avril O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of SUMMIT said
“SUMMIT have been providing services for vulnerable adults since 1976 and were previously known as Tendring Mental Health Support.
Our recent lottery funded project means we are able to help, and support more local people begin their own journey towards recovery. Summit House is located in the centre of the community and offers that space for people to share their issues and gain the specialist support to resolve them.”