Portugal Prints - FAQs

What will my day be like at Portugal Prints?

The day begins at 9.45am so that you can have a cup of coffee before the business of the day which commences at 10.00am.

Every day starts with a work meeting where you can choose your work for the day. The allocation is done on a first to volunteer basis but occasionally there are special jobs which can only be done by those who have the skills. Like all businesses we do have customers who want it yesterday!

There is a lunch break and the working day ends at 4.00pm.

There are also social, educational and other therapeutic activities available outside workshop hours within Aldwych Enterprises. These include art and design, art therapy and computing.

What sort of work is available at Portugal Prints?

Computing - This includes word processing, databases, spreadsheets and desk top publishing on our eight Apple Macintosh computers. We also have an IBM, typing tutors, internet, and a wide variety of software.
Art & Design - We offer tuition and basic training in a variety of art and design techniques. Work includes painting, drawing, creating designs and preparing graphic art work in the studio. There are two public exhibitions each year.
Card Printing - Our cards sell because they are well designed and printed. The greeting cards are mainly printed on our six hot foil embossing machines. The work ranges from simple printing to the more challenging job of setting up the machines.
Light Benchwork - This consists of folding, packing and quality control of our printed products.
Reception - Jobs include answering the telephone, taking messages, sending faxes, showing visitors around and other clerical duties.
Accounts - This involves invoicing customers, direct sales, petty cash and paying the workforce.
Deliveries & Domestic Duties - Delivering our commercial work to customers in London. A variety of general shopping and cleaning jobs.

What is it like to be a worker at Portugal Prints?

You will be encouraged to work at your own pace, choose the jobs which you enjoy, work as part of a team and assist the production process. There is always somebody on hand to provide support and training as required.Our emphasis is to use work as a tool in rehabilitation rather than an end itself.

Many people who think about joining us are anxious about how they will get on here. We try our best to make you welcome and offer help in several ways.

First we introduce you to all the other workers and show you the activities on offer, so that you can choose what you would like to do. There are always staff members around willing to help. The other workers will also help. Remember they have all experienced mental health problems and know what it is like to be a newcomer.

If you are accepted as a worker you can stay for up to three years and you will be allocated a member of staff as a key-worker who will give you individual support during your time at Portugal Prints.

You can come for either 2 or 3 days a week to fit in with the rest of your activities.

How can I apply for a place?

First you should contact us to arrange an informal visit. This will give you an opportunity to look around and see what Portugal Prints has to offer. You can telephone us on 020 7404 4267 or email us at: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When you come for a visit a worker will show you round the workshop. You will be able to talk to the other workers and meet the staff.

If you decide that you would like to give us a try and we feel we can help you, we will offer you a trial period. This will give you the opportunity to come for up to six sessions so that you can decide if Portugal Prints is the right place for you.

If you come from outside Westminster you will need to talk to a professional to arrange funding for your place here.

A referral information form can be downloaded by clicking here, and a referral declaration form can be downloaded here.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of the three week trial period we will meet to decide if you can benefit from the programme at Portugal Prints. Before we can confirm your place we require that you:

Arrive on time and stay all day
Attend on the days which have been agreed
Manage to do at least two of the workshop tasks
Respect other workers, their property and space
Join in with communal workshop tasks as required

If we all decide that you can benefit from the programme we will confirm your place.

We will hold reviews at three monthly intervals throughout your time with us.

What other benefits are there for me?

Portugal Prints has a reputation for being a supportive and friendly place.

We will refund your travel costs and give you £5.00 a day for your lunch. Free hot drinks are available.

We provide training in computer skills and the opportunity to obtain a qualification.

Attending Portugal Prints will not affect your benefits.

What can I do after Portugal Prints?

When you leave Portugal Prints, your keyworker will offer support to find a suitable place to progress to after your programme. This might be full or part-time work, additional training, voluntary work, work experience or leisure opportunities.

How much will it cost?

WESTMINSTER RESIDENTS

There is no fee requirement for Westminster residents as we receive a block purchase grant from Westminster social services for 20 Westminster clients.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE WESTMINSTER

Assessment Period

Referrers will be charged £330 (£55 per day for 6 days ) for all clients who begin their assessment period at Portugal Prints whether or not the client completes his/her assessment.

Rehabilitation Programme

Minimum length of programme: 3 months
Maximum length of programme: 3 years
Minimum attendance: 2 days per week
Maximum attendance: 3 days per week

The daily rate is currently £55 per day. Therefore for clients attending 2 days per week the fee is : £110.00 per week and for those attending 3 days per week the fee is £165.00 per week

Order your greeting cards now!

Cards can be ordered through E-Bay or directly from the workshop by sending an email to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address),visit our website www.portugalprints.org.uk to see our full range of cards.

Sitra

Sitra is a membership organization promoting best practice and offering training, information and advice on all aspects of supported housing and community care. Visit their site: http://www.sitra.org/