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Local Update, 29 January 2024
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.
Inclusion Barnet News and Events
Reminder - Save the date for our AGM
Inclusion Barnet's next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held online on Wednesday 14 March 2024, from 4.30pm - 6pm.
Communal online access will be available at South Friern Library for those who do not have internet access. Details to follow soon.
If you’re a member, please save the date and keep an eye out for an invite by email or post.
Events and news from the web
How to normalise mental health conversations in the workplace (webinar from See Me), Thursday 1st February, 9.30 - 11.30am
Learn about the importance of normalising mental health conversations at work, and how the Time to Talk Day campaign can help achieve this.
Book How to normalise mental health conversations in the workplace
Men aren’t impacted by mental health…are they? (webinar from Stratus Coaching), Thursday 1st February, 2.00 - 2.45pm
Worryingly, 3 out of 4 suicides in the UK are by men – you don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference.
This webinar is for everyone - men and women - who are interested in having better conversations about mental health and overcoming stigma and discrimination.
Book: Neurodiversity! What's That?: An introduction to neurodiversity for kids (from Nadine Ramina Arthur)
This book is a fun introduction to neurodiversity written by a neurodivergent mum aiming to improve the self-esteem and confidence of children.
Neurodiversity! What's That? defines keywords and ideas shared by the neurodiversity movement. Such as how different brain types don't have to be viewed as disorders while not underestimating the challenges of thinking and learning differences.
The book includes many positive messages and can also help parents navigate the world (and language) of neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity! What's That? mentions autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and Irlen Syndrome.
More information on Book: Neurodiversity! What's That?: An introduction to neurodiversity for kids
Promoting mental health in the early years (online talk from Centre for Family Research Seminar Series), Tuesday 20 January, 11.00am - 12.00pm
In this talk Dr Christine O'Farrelly will provide an overview of the Golden Threads research project based within the Centre for Research on Play in Education Development and Learning at the Faculty of Education. Golden Threads seeks to identify the common elements of effective parenting interventions that promote early mental health for young children.
Co-production of citizen science for envisioning mental health recovery (interactive online event from SoHS, University of Nottingham, UK), Thursday 1st February, 10.00 - 11.30am
A drop-in event that covers the use of citizen science to foster mental health public engagement and envision mental health recovery.
Book Co-production of citizen science for envisioning mental health recovery
Understanding and improving low mood (webinar from PMAC Mental Health & Wellbeing), Friday 2nd February, 1.00 - 1.30pm
This webinar will explore:
What is depression and what causes it
How depression impacts us
Tips for improving low mood
Zero Suicide Alliance Lunch and Learn (from Barnet Wellbeing Service) Wednesday 7th February 2024 12.30 - 13.30pm online event
Barnet Wellbeing Service is holding a free lunch and learn session in partnership with Barnet Public Health. They will deliver the Zero Suicide Alliance training, where you will learn how to start a life saving conversation with someone considering suicide/
Registration link bit.ly/ZSA0702
Working together to prevent suicide.
Podcasts
Podcast: Peer support and building an infrastructure of employee mental wellness (from American Hospital Association)
For many clinicians the pressure of treating a never-ending line of patients can be stressful. The COVID pandemic has been a health care game changer, and its lasting effect on care teams accelerated issues like burnout and the need to address well-being. In this conversation, Suzanne Bentley, M.D., chief wellness officer and director of simulation, innovation and research at the New York City Health and Hospitals Elmhurst, discusses the critical role that their peer support program played in employee mental health and the impact of building infrastructure focused on the well-being of staff.
Listen to Podcast: Peer support and building an infrastructure of employee mental wellness
Podcast: The way we talk about mental health online is not always helpful (from NPR Illinois)
Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses why the way people commonly talk about mental health issues, like anxiety, online is not helpful.
Many people suffer from anxiety and depression. The prevalence and way these problems are discussed on social media may be contributing to the problem rather than giving people the proper tools to address and overcome those feelings.
Listen to Podcast: The way we talk about mental health online is not always helpful
Articles
10 reasons why learning something new as adults can help you live a more wholesome life (from Health Shots)
School is not the only place to learn. Even if you are an adult, you should continue to reap the benefits of learning new things.
Read 10 reasons why learning something new as adults can help you live a more wholesome life
Relationships with caring adults during childhood provide a buffer against depression, anxiety (from Columbia Psychiatry)
A Columbia University study found that positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood are associated with better mental health in adulthood, regardless of exposure to adverse childhood experiences.
Read Relationships with caring adults during childhood provide a buffer against depression, anxiety
Mentors, nurture rooms and mindfulness: what schools can do to improve pupils’ mental health (from the Conversation)
A key way that schools could support children’s mental health is the introduction of a mental health curriculum. This would aim to develop pupils’ mental health literacy by developing their knowledge of mental health issues and introducing them to strategies to manage their own mental health.
Read Mentors, nurture rooms and mindfulness: what schools can do to improve pupils’ mental health
Social media is ruining my mental health—here’s what I’m doing about it (from the Every Girl)
'I love the internet. But I do not love social media. Where articles, YouTube videos, and podcast episodes have shown me tangible stepping stones for creating a life that I love, social media has bombarded me with an endless flow of information that feels impossible to parse.'
Read Social media is ruining my mental health—here’s what I’m doing about it
Regular Events on the Web
Poetry therapy (From Nation's Finest), Monday 29 January, 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.
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.
Online ADHD support group (From Tim Kiver Foundation), Tuesday 13 February, 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 5 February, 5.30pm
A free, international safe space to vent and grow with people who understand and accept you.
Regular Events in Barnet
Barnet Depression Alliance Peer Support Group
A local self-help group for people suffering from depression or depression with anxiety.
Meets twice a month – on a Tuesday evening in North Finchley and on a Monday evening online via Zoom. The group also runs social events throughout the year.
Address: North Finchley
Phone: 0754 118 7907
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barnetdepressionalliance.org/
For more details of times and venue please telephone or email
Sanctuary in Barnet (from Mind in Enfield and Barnet)
Sanctuary in Barnet is a short-term crisis intervention and prevention service. They are open every day of the year, 4:30pm-10pm weekdays and 12-6pm weekends. They act as an A&E and Emergency services alternative, providing support to individuals in the Barnet Borough aged 18+.
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
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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