Supported Placements & Referrals
FRAME provides supported opportunities for people who may face barriers linked to disability, mental health, confidence, social isolation or exclusion. Many participants are referred to us by organisations, support workers, social care professionals, colleges or community partners.
Support through practical, meaningful activity
A FRAME participant is someone who may benefit from a more supported route into meaningful occupation, confidence-building, skills development and community connection.
Participants may need additional support because of disability, mental health challenges, anxiety, low confidence, social isolation, barriers to employment or training, or other personal circumstances.
Through our reuse, retail, workshop, gardening, online sales and community activities, people can take part at a pace and level that feels appropriate, with support from FRAME staff and volunteers.
Important note
FRAME is not a clinical or crisis service. We provide supportive, structured opportunities through our reuse, retail, workshop and community activities. If someone is in immediate crisis or needs urgent clinical support, please contact the appropriate emergency, health or support service.
Projects participants can join
We have a wide range of project areas across FRAME. The right placement will depend on the person’s interests, confidence, support needs and the opportunities available at the time.
Furniture Upcycling →
Creative furniture preparation, painting and transformation projects.
Re-upholstery →
Support with bringing older furniture back to life through practical workshop activity.
Gardening →
Seasonal outdoor tasks, plants, watering, growing and practical wellbeing activity.
Cooking →
Supported kitchen, food preparation or cooking-related activities where available.
Woodwork →
Practical workshop-based activity using tools, reused timber and hands-on skills.
Customer Service →
Build confidence through supported front-of-house, retail and customer-facing tasks.
Administration →
Support with simple admin, organisation, office tasks or behind-the-scenes work.
Conferences and Meetings →
Support around meeting spaces, preparation and community-use facilities where relevant.
eCommerce →
Online sales, stock organisation, listing preparation and digital retail activity.
Sorting, Collection and Delivery Crew →
Practical reuse activity linked to donations, collections, sorting and movement of goods.
What people can gain
The aim is not simply to “keep busy”. Supported placements can help people build confidence, connection, routine and a sense of purpose through real activity in a working charity and social enterprise environment.
Personal development
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Routine and structure
- Social connection and reduced isolation
- A sense of purpose and contribution
- Improved wellbeing through meaningful activity
- A supportive place to try new things
Skills and progression
- Practical work-related skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Retail, reuse, sorting or workshop experience
- Confidence around workplace routines
- Progression towards volunteering, training or employment where appropriate
- Experience that can support future goals
How referrals usually work
Referrals are usually made by a professional, organisation or service already supporting the person. This helps us understand the person’s needs, goals, interests and any support considerations before a placement begins.
Initial enquiry
A referrer contacts FRAME to discuss whether a supported placement may be suitable.
Conversation
We talk through the person’s interests, support needs, goals and possible placement areas.
Visit or meeting
Where appropriate, we arrange a visit or introduction to help the person understand FRAME.
Supported start
If suitable, we agree a role, routine and support approach to help the person begin.
Volunteering or supported placement?
Both routes are valuable, and there can be overlap. The main difference is the level of support needed and whether a referral route is involved.
Volunteering
Volunteering is usually for people who want to give their time, meet people, build skills, gain experience or support FRAME’s work. Volunteers may join us independently and choose from a range of roles across our shops and projects.
Supported placements
Supported placements are usually for people who may need additional structure, reassurance or support due to disability, mental health, confidence, isolation or other barriers. This route often involves a referral from an organisation or professional.
Talk to us about supported opportunities
If you are a support worker, social worker, job coach, health professional, college, community organisation or other referrer, please contact us to discuss whether FRAME may be suitable for the person you are supporting.
