Emerge Advocacy equips local churches to be a #VoiceOfHope to young people in A&E and beyond because of self-harm, feeling suicidal or emotional crisis.
"If it wasn't for Emerge, I wouldn't be here now."
Activity
A church or group of churches run the Emerge project in local hospitals for a minimum of two evenings (7pm - 11pm) a week. They spend time with young people in A&E or on related wards. Follow-up support may also be be provided when the young people come out of hospital.
Time
It will take at least three months to to complete the training, assemble your team, and connect with your local hospital. Volunteers spend one evening per week or fortnight supporting young people in hospital. There are about two hours of admin a week. Monthly volunteer meetings are also set up.
Cost
It costs between £2000 and £5000 to set up an Emerge project and access all the resources, policies, and training. In addition, you'll need to consider the cost of printing, phone calls, insurance, travel, DBS checks, and any technology you may need, which will will cost around £1,500 (see also Resources section, below).
Partnership
Emerge Advocacy will help you connect with your local hospital and other services like CAMHS, Adult Community Mental Health Services, and Social Care when necessary. It's also good to know about about youth groups and sports clubs that you can signpost young people to.
Support
Emerge Advocacy will help you approach your local hospital and provide training, resources (including policies and and procedures, publicity materials) and ongoing support. You’ll receive input for monthly training and an invitation to an annual training and celebration event for all Emerge projects.
Resources
Volunteers will need transport to get to and from the hospital safely. You'll also need a dedicated mobile phone number for the project, along with insurance and DBS checks for all the team. There is a setup cost and a monthly cost, which you will need to budget for.
People
This project can be run entirely with volunteers, or with paid staff. To cover two evenings a week, you’ll need four or five volunteers plus prayer cover and a backstop. As the team grows, you can increase the number of evenings. Your team should be good at building relationships with young people and adults, and once trained, confident to work in a busy clinical environment.
Replications
Emerge Advocacy has:
Replications
FREE Getting Started Guide
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