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Local Update, 6 November 2023

Barnet Voice for Mental Health [[link removed]]

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.

Inclusion Barnet news and events IB member feedback: Eight questions for a chance to win a £20 Love2Shop voucher!

If you're a member of Inclusion Barnet, keep an eye out for an email or letter from us with a link to the survey. The survey closes at midnight on 30 November 2023.

Not a member? Sign up here and then you can share your views too: [[link removed]]

To make the offer even more appealing, you'll have a chance to win a £20 Love2Shop voucher in a prize draw.

Your input will help us keep fighting for equality for disabled people in Barnet, including those with long-term conditions or mental health issues.

Thanks for your support!

From all of us at Inclusion Barnet

_______________________________________________

A note about last year’s survey:

Last year, your feedback led to the following changes that we have implemented:

· We hosted a members' meeting at our offices, because you suggested it's more convenient for public transport.

· We now send printable copies of our monthly newsletter to all Barnet public libraries.

· Our newsletter is being posted to individuals who are unable to access it online.

· We invested in equipment so that all of our meetings are now hybrid, allowing people to join either online or in person.

· We have improved our website with better layout and information.

· We started up an Instagram account.

· We've added links in our newsletter to provide easy access to some of our other newsletters.

· Our new User Voice lead has started to build good relationship with people at Barnet Council to ensure our voices are heard where it counts.

Your input matters, and it drives positive changes. Thank you for your ongoing support!

New mental health charter launches

On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, Barnet Council announced their Mental Health Charter. It was designed with the Barnet Together alliance, along with input from residents and organisations across Barnet. The aim of the charter is to support the mental health of people living and working in Barnet.

As part of Barnet Together [[link removed]], Inclusion Barnet spoke to lots of representative non-profit community groups in the borough, including people with learning disabilities.

Our Healthy Heart Peer Coordinator, Judi Dumont-Barter attended the launch event, where everyone signed up to the charter and to taking action to bring it to fruition. Sadly, people with lived experience who were part of the development could not join but provided words of gratitude.

Find out more about the charter and its launch on the council's website: [[link removed]]

Job vacancy: Peer welfare benefits caseworker/supervisor

More information on Job Vacancy: Peer Welfare Benefits Caseworker/Supervisor [[link removed]]

Job vacancy: Community engagement lead

More information on Job Vacancy: Community Engagement Lead [[link removed]]

Reminder - Job vacancy: Director of communities (peer role)

More information on job vacancy Director of Communities and apply [[link removed]]

Events and news from the web Mental health needs of LGBTQ+ people & an introduction to energy psychology (From Phoenix mental health services), Monday 6 November, 7.00 - 8.00pm

During this event, they will explore the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in relation to mental health and well-being. They will delve into the importance of understanding and supporting their specific needs, and how energy psychology can be a powerful tool in promoting overall mental wellness.

Book Mental health needs of LGBTQ+ people & an introduction to energy psychology [[link removed]]

Free workshop: managing wellbeing and mental health recovery (From Mid West Aries), Tuesday 7 November, 2.00 - 4.00pm

In this workshop you will build your knowledge of recovery and well-being in mental health and improve an understanding of how the mental health service works. You will explore how to use the CHIME (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment) model as a practical recovery tool to maintain recovery and well-being.

Book Free workshop: managing wellbeing and mental health recovery [[link removed]]

Community navigator trial

Make social connections and reduce loneliness.

Would you like to join a research study to help find a new way to support people to make social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness?

The Community Navigators Programme aims to support people using community mental health services who are experiencing low mood and loneliness.

It is part of a clinical trial taking place at various NHS Trusts including:-

Barnet, Enfied and Haringey

If you decide to take part, you may be offered support from a Community Navigator. This will involve receiving support to make social connections (e.g. finding new groups, connecting with friends, and family). Half of the participants will be allocated a Navigator, and the other half will receive written information on local social activities, and both groups will be offered their usual care.

Want to find out more?

Speak to your usual clinician from the team

Brent: Harness Community Mental Health Hub.

Contact our study researcher:

Gamze Evlat, [[email protected]] Phone/text 07510 239172

Check out study website and leaflet

[[link removed]]

Please note: the study is open only to clients of currently participating mental health services. You can join the study via a referral from your clinician, or by contacting the research team who can answer any questions you have.

Relationships, family, and mental health [free webinar] (From Mindspring mental health alliance), Thursday 9 November, 6.00 - 7.00pm

The complicated nature of mental illnesses can make relationships challenging, and caregiver stress — the emotional and physical stress of caregiving — is common. Learn strategies to set boundaries, respond to difficult behavior, and manage your own stress in this one-hour webinar with a licensed therapist.

Book Relationships, family, and mental health [free webinar] [[link removed]]

The science behind mental illness [free webinar] (From Mindspring mental health alliance)

Diagnosing mental illness isn't like diagnosing other chronic diseases. Are mental health disorders best understood as physical illnesses that affect the brain? Or do these disorders belong in a category all their own? Explore the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and separate myths & facts in this often-misunderstood topic.

Book The science behind mental illness [free webinar] [[link removed]]

How to build a mental health routine (From Springatlas), Tuesday 7 November, 7.00 - 8.00pm

In this working group, Dr. Selda Koydemir will:

assist you in understanding your current wellbeing practices

present practical steps to help you initiate and maintain your own mental health routine

share best practices for enhancing wellbeing

Book How to build a mental health routine [[link removed]]

Lunch and learn: how to protect your mental health as a founder (From Enterprise nation), Friday 10 November, 12.00 - 12.30pm

In this Lunch and Learn, Dr Gracie McLaven will share her expertise to empower you to have a better understanding of the impact of poor mental health in the workplace.

She will also provide you with information on how to notice if your mental health has been impacted. For example, whether you’re experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, as well as providing meaningful strategies to improve your mental health.

Book Lunch and learn: how to protect your mental health as a founder [[link removed]]

Medication for your mind saturday group - online (From Dawn rising community interest company), Saturday 11 November, 1.00 - 2.00pm

This group is for those prescribed mental health medication to talk about how they feel and learn new things to support their wellbeing.

Book Medication for your mind saturday group - online [[link removed]]

Podcasts TWS Sports Podcast (From TWS)

This podcast is hosted by autistic students from a special school in the UK. Each week they interview famous sportsmen and women and chat to them about their career.

Listen to TWS Sports Podcast [[link removed]]

Health Check Podcast: How do mental health apps work? (From the Straits Times)

Mental health applications have grown in popularity over the years, with more employers turning to such apps to help improve their employees’ mental well-being.

Listen to Health Check Podcast: How do mental health apps work? [[link removed]'%20mental%20well%2Dbeing.]

Articles Just 22 minutes moderate exercise a day can offset negative effects of sitting down, study finds (From Sky News)

Scientists conclude it only takes a short while to undo the damage a sedentary lifestyle causes, and increase the chances of living longer.

Read Just 22 minutes moderate exercise a day can offset negative effects of sitting down, study finds [[link removed]]

3 ways organizations can prioritize managers' mental health (From Forbes)

When frontline managers begin feeling too much responsibility over their employees’ well-being, this can compromise their own mental health and undermine the productivity of their team.

Read 3 ways organizations can prioritize managers' mental health [[link removed]]

The power of pets: 9 in 10 remote workers say pets improve their mental health (From HR News)

Data reveals pets have a significantly positive impact on remote and hybrid workers’ mental and physical health, with roughly 91% saying that caring for pets has improved their remote working experience.

Read The power of pets: 9 in 10 remote workers say pets improve their mental health [[link removed]]

SAD: Weatherman Derek Brockway on combating winter sadness (From the BBC)

Around two million people across the UK have SAD, also known as "winter depression" due to it being amplified in the winter.

It can have a big impact, with the main symptoms being similar to those of depression.

Read SAD: Weatherman Derek Brockway on combating winter sadness [[link removed]]

Skateboarding film wins plaudits for focus on mental health (From the Guardian)

Barney Page rode almost 1,000 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End after his friend took his own life

Read Skateboarding film wins plaudits for focus on mental health [[link removed]]

Regular Events on the Web Laughing fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness (From Jon Bockelmann-Evans), Tuesday 7 November, 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 [[link removed]]

Poetry therapy (From Nation's Finest), Monday 6 November, 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.

Book Poetry therapy [[link removed]]

Mindly weekly - practical tips on mental wellbeing & general anxiety (From Step8up Mindly), Tuesday 7 November, 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 [[link removed]]

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.

Book Online wellbeing workshops from Mid West Aries [[link removed]]

Psychologically informed reflective practice for parents (From Jounita Wright), Thursday 9 November, 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 [[link removed]]

Online ADHD support group (From Tim Kiver Foundation), Tuesday 14 November, 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

Book Online ADHD support group [[link removed]]

International wellbeing support group (From Rain on Me), Monday 6 November, 5.30pm

A free, international safe space to vent and grow with people who understand and accept you.

Book International wellbeing support group [[link removed]]

Regular Events in Barnet 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

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

Visit the Andy's Man Club Website [[link removed]]

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 [[link removed]]

Barnet Carers

Barnet Carers provides support and information for unpaid, informal, carers across the London Borough of Barnet. Includes yoga, meditation and mindfulness.

Read about and book Barnet Carers events [[link removed]]

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.

Do you feel isolated or lonely? Come along to Building Friendship. Free. remaining info repeats in main article." width="503" src=" 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

[[link removed]]

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 [[link removed]] (supporting disabled people in Barnet to access the benefits they are entitled to).

Touchpoint [[link removed]] (supports people experiencing any form of disability in Barnet to access the services and resources they need).

Healthwatch Barnet [[link removed]] (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 [[link removed]]

Useful links for mental health and wellbeing

Click on the title to go to the individual websites.

LOCAL

Mind in Barnet [[link removed]] - counselling Mind in Barnet Sanctuary [[link removed]] - find calm, make space, move forward Barnet Wellbeing Service [[link removed]]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 [[link removed]] - free online emotional support sessions Good Thinking [[link removed]] - free online Mental Wellbeing for London Kooth [[link removed]] - free, safe and anonymous online support for young people Qwell [[link removed]] - free online safe and confidential space to share & support

Shout [[link removed]]- free, 24/7 text messaging support - text SHOUT to 85258 Samaritans [[link removed]] - free phone & email support in a crisis Useful links from Sussex University [[link removed]] - 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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