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Local Update, 11 September 2023
Barnet Voice for Mental Health
020 3475 1314
[email protected]
Welcome to our weekly newsletter about mental health services and support available in Barnet and beyond. Also bringing you updates on Inclusion Barnet mental health news. Produced by Ed Peston, Communications Assistant.
Please note there will be no newsletter next week due to staff annual leave. The next issue will be on 25 September.
Inclusion Barnet News and Events
Reminder: FREE User Voice Member Meeting
Join us for our next FREE User Voice Member Meeting!
In person at
South Friern Library Colney Hatch Lane, London N10 1HD
or join us via Zoom (link will be sent on booking)
28 of September 2023, 12pm to 2pm
Sandwiches and refreshments provided
These meetings serve as a platform for disabled individuals in Barnet to make their voices heard. Key concerns and issues raised in these gatherings are relayed by us, anonymously, to various strategic meetings throughout the borough, including those with the Council, health and social care teams, and other community services in Barnet.
More information on FREE User Voice Member Meeting and how to book
Events and News from the Web
Community Wellbeing Support (From Meridian Wellbeing, Mind Enfield and Barnet and Colindale Communities Trust)
Providing mental health and wellbeing support at the heart of the community.
Feeling worried about life or struggling?
Anxious?
Just need someone to talk to confidentially?
The cafe will provide:
Day time and evening access
One to one support from trained mental health wellbeing empowerment workers
Group workshops and training
Emotional health checks and personal action and safety plans
A safe space to be and crisis support out of hours
Help to build your resilience and self-management
Drop into the old library, every Thursday:
12pm - 5pm - emotional health check drop in
3pm - 5pm - crisis and well-being support drop-in
5pm - 8.pm - appointment-based crisis and well-being support
Helpline for immediate emotional support and enquiries 020 8906 7503.
For more information please drop into the Old Library on the Concourse, NW9 5XA or call Colindale Communities Trust (CCT) on 020 8200 3014
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder [Free Webinar] (From Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 12 September, 6.00 - 7.00pm
Of the major mental illnesses, borderline personality disorder is among the most stigmatized. Separate myths and facts and explore the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment of this often-misunderstood diagnosis. Gain practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones a licensed therapist.
Book Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder [Free Webinar]
The Psychological Origins of Stigma & Bias [Free Webinar] (From Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 13 September, 6.00 - 700pm
How does cultural bias impact treatment, prevention & recovery? Discuss the origins of understanding mental illness, how misinformation is spread, and how stigma impacts individuals and communities. Learn tips for correcting negative perceptions with a licensed therapist in this one-hour seminar.
Free Workshop: Creativity for Wellbeing (From Mid West Aries), Thursday 14 September, 10.00 - 12.00pm
A workshop where it will be discussed how to tap into our creativity to enhance our wellbeing and improve our mental health.
Understanding Psychotherapy: What to Expect & How it Works [Free Webinar] (From Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 13 September, 4.00 - 5.00pm
For many of us, what happens in therapy is a mystery: Does it really work? Who benefits? How can I find a good therapist? Discuss the reasons why people go to therapy, what the process truly looks like, and how to find a qualified professional in this one-hour seminar.
Book Understanding Psychotherapy: What to Expect & How it Works
Changing Places Toilets (From Barnet Council)
Share your views on the accessible toilet scheme.
Barnet Council need your help to choose a location for a disability friendly toilet that will be in one of Barnet's parks!
Changing Places Toilets aim to help people with disabilities who need extra equipment and space to use the toilet safely and comfortably. Regardless of access needs or disability, support from carers or specialist equipment, everyone should be able to use a toilet facility with dignity.
They have identified two sites and need your help to choose between them to host one of the Changing Places Toilets.
Use the following link to complete an online survey:
Complete the Changing Places Toilet Survey
They are also holding a focus group to give you the opportunity to share more in-depth views and feedback on which site to choose.
They are particularly keen to hear from residents and carers who require accessible toilets as described above.
You will receive a £15 voucher for attending and participating in the group.
The focus group will be online for one hour and take place on 13th September at 1.30pm.
Please confirm your interest in attending by emailing [email protected] with your name and contact details
Laughing Fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness (From Jon Bockelmann-Evans), Tuesday 12 September, 8.00 - 8.30pm
A 30-minute laughter class filled with joy to boost your physical, mental and emotional health and leave you feeling great!
Book Laughing Fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness
Silver Sunday event (From Age UK Barnet), Sunday 1 October 2023, 11.00am - 3.00pm
Join Age UK Barnet for a fun-filled day of activities and advice for the over 50s at Middlesex University, The Boroughs, NW4 4BT.
There'll be exercise tasters, music and dance performance, talks and workshops, advice on managing money and health checks. Includes a talk from Professor Catherine Loveday on Love and Connection. Free entry and free light lunch and refreshments throughout the day!
See the full programme of events on the day here and register here . To find out more contact Pippa on 07379 331807 or email her on [email protected]
Review of Wellbeing Services (From Barnet Wellbeing Service)
Please complete the short survey – whether you have used the services or not!
The Barnet Wellbeing Service offers many different services and activities to help you with your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Barnet Council would like to know what you think about these services and activities. They want to gather as many different opinions and experiences as possible. This will help them make sure that the services they provide in the future are based on what residents need.
They are keen to hear from you if you have any experience of Wellbeing Services. They are also just as keen to hear from people who have not used the services and why!
Please complete the short survey using the link below:
Complete the review of wellbeing services survey
They are also holding an online focus group for people to discuss what is important for Wellbeing Services in Barnet.
You will receive a £15 voucher for attending.
The focus group will be online for one hour and take place on 15th September at 1.30pm
Please confirm your interest in attending by emailing [email protected] with your name and contact details.
Zero Suicide Alliance Lunch and Learn, World Suicide Prevention Day (From Barnet Wellbeing Service), Wednesday 13 September, 11.00am - 1.00pm
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Barnet Wellbeing Service is holding a free lunch and learn event in partnership with Barnet Public Health. They will deliver Zero Suicide Alliance Training where you will learn how to start a life saving conversation with someone considering suicide.
Podcasts
Above Ground Podcast (From Will Foley, Tim Parent)
Wednesdays, Will Foley and TPP have open, raw conversations on mental health, mental illness and everything on its spectrum.
Podcast: Is Psychiatry Working? (From the BBC)
As the numbers of people seeking treatment for mental health disorders rises globally, what do we know about the treatments on offer?
Articles
Simon Cowell opens up about impact of therapy after depression struggles: ‘It’s like a weight has lifted’ (From the Independent)
‘I just thought, “Well, that’s my character trait. I get down,”’ TV judge said
Choosing to Treat Stress as Positive Has Benefits (From Psychology Today)
People can view stress as debilitating or enhancing.
There are benefits to treating it as enhancing.
People can be taught to choose to treat stress as enhancing.
'I wrote a play about my mental health struggles' (From the BBC)
Speaking about your mental health struggles, particularly in the South Asian community can be tough, let alone trying to write a play about it.
But that's what 17-year-old Siyani Sheth has done.
Nick Ray: Kayaker inspires hope with journey around Scotland (From the BBC)
When sea kayaker Nick Ray set off on a year-long trip around Scotland's coast, he doubted many people would take much notice.
But as he paddled into Tobermory harbour exactly 12 months on, the mental health blogger was cheered home by an army of social media followers.
Read Nick Ray: Kayaker inspires hope with journey around Scotland
In Large Study, Gratitude Found To Improve Mood + Decrease Anxiety & Depression (From Mind Body Green)
There's no shortage of things we can do to decrease stress and anxiety, and improve mental health. One of those oft-suggested things is a gratitude practice—but how effective is that, really, for improving mental health? Quite, according to a large new meta-analysis out of Brazil published in the journal Einstein1. Here's what they found.
Read In Large Study, Gratitude Found To Improve Mood + Decrease Anxiety & Depression
Regular Events on the Web
Poetry Therapy (From Nation's Finest), Monday 11 September, 9.30 - 10.30pm
Join this class and de-stress with poetry! You will learn the structure of micro poems such as American Sentence, Haiku, and Sijo. Examples included for each form. Second half of class will be used for writing, sharing your work is optional.
Mindly Weekly - Practical Tips on Mental Wellbeing & General Anxiety (From Step8up Mindly), Tuesday 12 September, 12.30 - 1.00pm
Join this session each week to know how easy it is to manage day to day mental wellbeing, especially general anxiety, using methods which are practical and easy.
Book Mindly Weekly - Practical Tips on Mental Wellbeing & General Anxiety
Online wellbeing workshops from Mid West Aries
Offering a range of free courses online via Zoom. Anyone over the age of 18 with an interest in mental health and well-being can sign up for the courses.
Psychologically Informed Reflective Practice for Parents (From Jounita Wright), Thursday 14 September, 7.00 - 10.00pm
This is a free online event for any parent/carer of adolescents aged 13-20 concerned with behaviour change.
Book Psychologically Informed Reflective Practice for Parents
Online ADHD Support Group (From Tim Kiver Foundation), Tuesday 12 September, 7.30 - 9.00pm
A safe place for anyone interested in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in ANY way to share experiences and learn more about:
• What ADHD is
• How ADHD affects peoples every day life
• Ways to manage ADHD symptoms
• How to seek medical help for ADHD
• The Facts and Fiction that surround ADHD
International Wellbeing Support Group (From Rain on Me), Monday 18 September, 5.30pm
A free, international safe space to vent and grow with people who understand and accept you.
Regular Events in Barnet
Andy's Man Club in Barnet, Every Monday at the Meritage Centre, 7.00 - 9.00pm
Andy's Man Club run talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm, have a storm brewing in life or just want to meet a good group of people with the aim of improving one another. No referral, no registration and no charge. Even the brew and biscuits are free!
The Meritage Centre,
Church End,
London
NW4 4JT
Meridian Wellbeing in Barnet
A range of events and activities in Barnet and online including Barnet Wellbeing Hub, Barnet IAPT, Wellbeing Cafe, Wellbeing Workshops, Chinese Wellbeing Services, Supportive Online Communities
More information about Meridian Wellbeing events and activities
Barnet Carers
Barnet Carers provides support and information for unpaid, informal, carers across the London Borough of Barnet. Includes yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Building Friendship
Building Friendship is a free weekly drop in every Friday for those with mental health difficulties.
Meet at East Barnet Baptist Church hall, EN4 8PS. Come along for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat between 10am and 12noon.
For more information email: [email protected]. Or leave a message with your name and contact number on 020 8449 5320.
Weekly online social group from Mind in Enfield and Barnet, Fridays from 6.00 - 7.00pm
This group takes place by Zoom, and the session is broken up into a few casual activities such as:
Catch up about each other’s week
Play a quiz where everybody provides 3 questions
Share and discuss TV, movies and news that has inspired us this week
If you would like to attend, please email Sam Brown at [email protected]
Mind and Mood Support Group
We celebrated our eighth successful year on 4th January 2023 and have a group of regular attendees (usually around 6, but this may vary). The first half of the meeting our Guest Speaker speaks (on the day we have one) for approx. 20 mins, following this members are free to ask questions. Then half-way through, about 6.45 we have a comfort break with tea, coffee and biscuits. The second half, we all share our experiences of where we are since the last meeting.
The group is facilitated by Sandra Turner and Peter Sartori, both with considerable experience of the mental health system.
Since the Pandemic. Our group has gone through necessary changes. One week our group meets via Zoom from 6-7.15pm. Alternate wks. we meet, in person at 55 Christchurch Avenue 6-7.30pm. No-one is allowed to join our meetings without prior arrangement.
If there is anything else you wish to know, please do not hesitate to contact:
Peter Sartori e: mailto:[email protected] m: 07947 713306 Sandra Turner e: [email protected]
If you wish to subscribe to our monthly “Creativity & Wellbeing Newsletter” please email Sandra with “Subscribe to Newsletter” in the subject of your email.
About Inclusion Barnet
We are a Peer-Led Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO).
Nearly all of our directors and staff have lived experience of disability, including mental health issues and/or long-term health conditions.
We believe that learning to use our lived experience for social change is a skill. We have become experts in harnessing the lived experience of our staff, members, volunteers and the people who use our services to design and deliver higher quality, more person-centred services.
Other services run by Inclusion Barnet that you might be interested in are:
Benefits Advice Service (supporting disabled people in Barnet to access the benefits they are entitled to).
Touchpoint (supports people experiencing any form of disability in Barnet to access the services and resources they need).
Healthwatch Barnet (an independent, statutory organisation dedicated to improving health and social care services in Barnet).
For more information about the wider range of other work we do please visit our website www.inclusionbarnet.org.uk
Useful links for mental health and wellbeing
Click on the title to go to the individual websites.
LOCAL
- Mind in Barnet - counselling
- Mind in Barnet Sanctuary - find calm, make space, move forward
- Barnet Wellbeing Service
- BEH-MHT* crisis helpline 0800 151 0023 24/7, 365 days a year.
(*BEH-MHT = Barnet, Enfield Haringay - Mental Health Trust)
LONDON & NATIONAL
- The Help Hub - free online emotional support sessions
- Good Thinking - free online Mental Wellbeing for London
- Kooth - free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
- Qwell - free online safe and confidential space to share & support
Shout - free, 24/7 text messaging support - text SHOUT to 85258 - Samaritans - free phone & email support in a crisis
- Useful links from Sussex University - lots of useful links to MH resources
Independent Living Centre, c/o Barnet & Southgate College,
7 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London NW9 4BR
Inclusion Barnet is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Registered Charity Number: 1158632
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