The info unit includes TEP, outreach a member orientation, benfits, newsletter, daily news sheet and photo-unit.
This unit has overall responsobility for organising, co-ordinating and developing TEP supported and independent employment.
A growing need within the clubhouse is a knowledge of the benefit system. It is important to be able to advise members who are starting TEP as this can affect the hours they allowed to work. Staff and members also help with BAMS medicals and form filling. A staff member will usually accompany a member when they are called for a medical.
Important functions of the unit are outreach and new member induction. Outreach is a main way of fulfilling the aims of care in the community and involves contacting members on birthdays, when they are ill, when they have achieved a personal goal or when they do not attend the clubhouse for any reason. Members would also visit at home or in hospital. Cards are produced in the in the unit and signed by as many members as possible.
The member induction programme involves filling in a membership form, choosing a key worker and deciding which of the units the member wishes to try first. It is normal for someone to go into each of the units with a "buddy" to make sure they feel adequately supported. At this stage a key worker would be chosen and some indication of the level of support needed would be established.
A newsletter is produced regularly (approximately every 6 weeks) and includes unit reports, statistics, poetry, creative writing, articles, photographs and a regular problem page. Every attempt is made at a professional standard in presentation and graphics. Although material is gathered from everyone in the clubhouse, computer graphics and design are done in the info unit.
The daily news sheet (Daily Rag) is a means of communicating information on outings, events, birthdays, TEP vacancies and general keeping in touch. It is also a vehicle for in-house satire. It is written in the late afternoon and distributed at the morning meeting.
Along with the Administration and Catering Units, the Information unit forms the basis of Old Fox House's Work ordered day.
