First contact - Joining-In - Upstream

First contact

You may hear about Upstream through:

• someone who has already used the service;
• family or friends;
• your GP or another member of the multi-disciplinary health and social care team (such as a health visitor or occupational therapist);
• someone else in the community - in another group perhaps;
• through the ‘My Devon' Customer Information Centre.

If you are interested in finding out more about Upstream, phone 01363 778029 or email upstreamuk@hotmail.com, Don't be afraid of asking for more information. You are not committing yourself in any way. 

What is a mentor?

An Upstream mentor is not a health or social care professional. The mentor's job is to:

• find out what you are interested in doing;
• suggest other things you might be interested in;
• help you to find out more about things you want to know;
• help you to get involved in things you want to do;
• help you to overcome any problems you have in getting involved, such as transport, access or anything you're not sure about;
• let you know about other services you might find useful; and
• let you know about other social, leisure, creative or learning activities you might find interesting.

Making introductions

If you are interested in joining an activity, or if you want to meet a professional who could help you in some way, a mentor could come along on your first visit to introduce you and help you while you decide if it is right for you.

Activity groups

In some areas, mentors help to organise small, informal, friendly groups of creative, stimulating and social activities, where you can share experiences, try out new skills and make new friends without any particular pressures.