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Portsmouth Interaction

What is Portsmouth Interaction?
A club for people experiencing long term mental health difficulties who wish to take part in recreational activities. Portsmouth Interaction offers sports and fitness based sessions to people who, because of the effects of mental ill health, may often lack the confidence to take part in general public sessions.

Our Aims
To provide a "stepping stone" through a range of activities so people can, at their own pace, gain or regain skills, recover their confidence and self esteem, so they can live a fulfilling life within the community.

Activities
Organised in safe, welcoming and relaxed settings where members can make new friends and share similar interests, have fun, build self esteem and confidence through activities such as:

Swimming
Weight Training
 Horse Riding
Badminton
Ten Pin Bowling
 Conservation Camping
How do I join?
You must have a key worker. This person should be one of the following:

A consultant psychiatrist
A community psychiatric nurse
A care co-ordinator (social worker for mental health)
An occupational therapist

This person can refer you to Interaction

Step 1
Complete an application form (available from key worker). Send it to Portsmouth Interaction, Leisure Service, Civic Offices, Portsmouth, PO1 2AD. You will be contacted by an Interaction support worker who will arrange to meet with you to explain the scheme in more detail and then, if you still wish to join, we can arrange an activity plan.

Step 2
Many people find new situations and meeting new people very daunting so in order to try and help you through these anxieties the support worker will go with you initially to whatever activities you choose.

Step 3
Once you have joined Interaction you can attend any of the activities we provide; it may take some time to gain the confidence to do this but there is no pressure or time limit so you can progress at your own pace.

For further information please contact Portsmouth Interaction on 023 9283 4659 or e-mail kdooler@portsmouthcc.gov.uk