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Local Update, 20 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 Reminder - User Voice Meeting, Thursday 30 November, 12.00 - 2.00pm

At this meeting, we have planned some special guests to discuss current consultations to ensure your voices are heard. We will confirm our guests with you in the coming weeks. At the meeting we'll also discuss the suitability of other venues for User Voice events, consider the best meeting format and how well it works for people, and, of course, hear from you as much as possible!

It's going to be a friendly occasion, with refreshments and there will be time for an informal chat, getting to know new people and catching up with some old friends.

Disabled people and/or carers are welcome, as well as friends and family.

Book User Voice Meeting [[link removed]]

Final reminder - 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]]

More information on member survey [[link removed]]

Final reminder - Job Vacancy: Peer Support Worker

More information on Job Vacancy: Peer Support Worker [[link removed]]

Final reminder - Job vacancy: Peer welfare benefits caseworker/supervisor

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

Final reminder - Job vacancy: Community engagement lead

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

Events and news from the web Positive mental health image library (From Mental Health Foundation)

Research has shown that people often feel like that they can’t relate to the images that the media use when they talk about the things that can help our mental health. With your help, Mental Health Foundation want to change that.

They’re creating a freely-available library of images that represent real people looking after their mental health, and they’re welcoming submissions from professional and amateur photographers.

Submit your images before 11.59pm on Sunday 10 December to be entered into the prize draw and competition.

Read Positive mental health image library [[link removed]]

The connection between the microbiome, gut health and mental health (From IMAGINE Research Network), Tuesday 21 November, 5.00 - 6.00pm

Are you interested in learning more about the connection between the gut microbiome and gut and mental health?

The IMAGINE Network is hosting a FREE ONLINE WEBINAR discussing the ins and outs of the gut microbiome and the connection between gut and mental health.

Led by Dr. Paul Moayyedi, IMAGINE’s Co-Principal Investigator, this webinar will feature:

1. The basics about the gut microbiome

2. How the microbiome affects gut health and mental health

3. What research is being done to learn about the microbiome and the brain-gut connection

4. Information on IMAGINE’s MAGIC study

Book The connection between the microbiome, gut health and mental health [[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.

Monthly mental space for health & social workers (From How Mental), Tuesday 21 November, 6.00pm

How Mental is running free monthly mental space events for healthcare & social workers.

These provide you with the time and space you deserve to make sure your wellbeing is always prioritised.

Book Monthly mental space for health & social workers [[link removed]]

Student mental health in crisis: what can we do about it? (Livestream) (From The Policy Institute), Wednesday 22 November, 6.30 - 7.45pm

Recent research by the Policy Institute has found the proportion of UK undergraduates facing mental health challenges has tripled in the last six years, while the long-term trend of declining suicide rates among young people is in reverse.

So what can universities, charities and government do to address this?

In this event, hosted in collaboration with the Nightline Association, you will hear from students, researchers, and leaders who are engaged with this issue daily.

Book Student mental health in crisis: what can we do about it? [[link removed]*dpfrdf*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjA1ODkyMTU4LjE2OTk2MjI4NDc.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTY5OTYyMjg0Ni4xLjAuMTY5OTYyMjg0Ni4wLjAuMA..]

Holiday Stress & Self-Care [Free Webinar] (From Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 22 November, 6.00 - 7.00pm

The “most wonderful time of the year” doesn’t always feel that wonderful. Demands on our time and energy often leave us feeling tired, disappointed, and depressed. Learn effective strategies to manage holiday stress, prioritize self-care, and get the support you need in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.

Book Holiday Stress & Self-Care [Free Webinar] [[link removed]]

Living Well in Barnet (From Age UK Barnet)

Monday 4 December 2023 – 10am-12.30pm

The Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT

Join Age UK Barnet for a morning of free talks and information with a focus on memory and living well with dementia - plus a chance to find out about local community groups.

Professor Catherine Loveday on why nostalgia is good for our brain

Talk on rare forms of dementia - Nikki Zimmermann from the Dementia Research Centre

Improving dementia care for Black communities - Moise Roche University Of London

Poetry reading from former carer Karin De Novellis

All over 50s welcome. Free entry. Information stalls. Refreshments. To register, just contact Fiona Cronin on 0208 629 0269 or email [[email protected]]

Mental health drop-in sessions (From Barnet Health Champions)

Taking place from 2.30 - 3.30pm at Chipping Barnet Library on Wednesday 22 November and then fortnightly.

A friendly face to listen, support and signpost to local services as well as providing information.

More information on mental health drop in sessions [[link removed]]

Podcasts Podcast: Innovative approaches to mental health with a cognitive neuroscientist (From KevinMD)

Discover how simple word associations and cognitive activities can transform mental health and address mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Listen to Podcast: Innovative approaches to mental health with a cognitive neuroscientist [[link removed]]

Podcast: How To Make Regret Work For You with Dr. Robert Leahy (From New York Presbyterian)

A psychologist dissects the feeling of regret, and offers advice on how to harness positive outcomes from regret.

Listen to Podcast: How To Make Regret Work For You with Dr. Robert Leahy [[link removed]]

Articles With rising mental health problems but a shortage of services, group therapy is offering new hope (From the Conversation)

Group interventions might typically mean weekly or monthly meetings with a regular group experiencing mental distress. These would be facilitated by peers or community members who have been through similar difficulties.

Read With rising mental health problems but a shortage of services, group therapy is offering new hope [[link removed]]

The Mental-Health Benefits of a Career Break (From Association for talent development)

In today’s competitive world, the idea of taking a career break might seem daunting or even counterproductive to your prospects. However, for many individuals, a well-planned and purposeful career break can offer numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to mental health.

Read The Mental-Health Benefits of a Career Break [[link removed]]

Poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation (From EurekAlert)

Reading, writing and sharing poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, a new study shows.

Read Poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation [[link removed]]

The Vamps: James Brittain-McVey EP takes on mental health (From the BBC)

James Brittain-McVey from The Vamps has said he wants his solo music career to encourage men to speak about their mental health.

The 29-year-old has previously shared his experience of body dysmorphia, which is covered in debut EP Manabi.

Read The Vamps: James Brittain-McVey EP takes on mental health [[link removed]]

Stafford man to climb Kilimanjaro with fridge on back (From the BBC)

In March, he is set to take a domestic appliance up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity MIND.

The fridge represented the burden of mental health difficulties many people carried, Mr Copeland said.

Read Stafford man to climb Kilimanjaro with fridge on back [[link removed]]

I kept depression at bay by having time to myself. So how do I do that now I’m a father? (From the Guardian)

I hold two thoughts in my mind: I love my daughter and at times I find it difficult to cope

Read I kept depression at bay by having time to myself. So how do I do that now I’m a father? [[link removed]]

Regular Events on the Web Laughing fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness (From Jon Bockelmann-Evans), Tuesday 21 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 20 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 21 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]]

Online ADHD support group (From Tim Kiver Foundation), Tuesday 12 December, 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 4 December, 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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