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Local Update, 25 March 2024

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 events and news Current vacancies at Inclusion Barnet

Director of Communities (Peer role)

Senior Communications & PR Officer (Peer role)

For more information and to apply, please visit the Charity Jobs website [[link removed]]

Touchpoint

When you are experiencing any form of disability, it can be very hard to access the services and resources you need to help you live the life you want to live.

This is where our FREE Touchpoint service comes in.

We offer one-to-one support for disabled people to help you achieve your individual goals.

Read more about Touchpoint [[link removed]]

Events and news from the web Understanding borderline personality disorder [free webinar] (from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 26 March, 5.00 - 6.00pm

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 with a licensed therapist.

Book Understanding borderline personality disorder [free webinar] [[link removed]]

Understanding depression and bipolar disorder (interactive webinar from Stratus Coaching), Thursday 28 March, 10.00 - 10.45am

As 30th March is World Bipolar Day, this session will be an introduction to understanding depression in the workplace, and bipolar depression.

This interactive webinar will look at:

What is mental health?

What is depression?

What is bipolar depression?

What are the common signs and symptoms to look out for?

How to have a conversation and support someone.

5 Ways to Wellbeing

Book Understanding depression and bipolar disorder [[link removed]]

Laughing Fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness (online group session from Jon Bockelmann-Evans), Tuesday 26 March, 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]]

Creating a low-stress environment and minimizing crises [free webinar] (from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 27 March, 3.00 - 4.00pm

People are susceptible to strain from a number of sources including work and school obligations, illness, finances, interpersonal conflict, and more. Learn strategies to create and maintain a low-stress environment, identify & respond to ‘red flags’, and communicate in times of crisis with a licensed therapist.

Book Creating a low-stress environment and minimizing crises [[link removed]]

Covid trauma and the workplace [free webinar] (from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Thursday 28 March, 5.00 - 6.00pm

Discuss how trauma impacts mental health and explore practical tips for managing the health effects of sustained stress in this one-hour seminar.

Book Covid trauma and the workplace [[link removed]]

Stress less, relax more (webinar from Inner Space), Tuesday 26 March, 6.00 - 6.45pm

For most of us, our stress levels are at an all-time high. In the short-term, stress may appear to get things done but in the long term it takes a toll on our well-being.

So, stop the stress. If you can’t, then stress less and relax more. Because relaxation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity if you want to stay healthy and effective.

This session explores strategies on how to:

take control of your stress

use stress to guide you back to wellbeing

relax, unwind and stay calm

Book Stress less, relax more [[link removed]]

Smile with chronic illness! Mid-morning session (online peer support drop in from Rogue Debby CIC), Tuesday 26 March, 10.30 - 11.30am

If you're stuck on finding 'smiles' in your life, this sessionn will remind your face how those muscles work again while you help each other live your best life!

Book Smile with chronic illness! Mid-morning session [[link removed]]

Poetry therapy (online session from Nation's Finest), Monday 25 March, 9.30pm

Join this session 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]]

Podcasts The psychology podcast (from iHeartPodcasts)

Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.

Listen to The psychology podcast [[link removed]]

Podcast: Churn (from Lost Patients)

Heidi Aurand has watched her son Adam spiral from one psychiatric crisis to the next for about eight years, bouncing between emergency rooms, jails, and homelessness. Now, after treatment at the state's largest psychiatric hospital, Adam was just released back onto the streets of downtown Seattle. A mother asks: How could her son pass through so many institutions and none are able to stop his decline?

Listen to Podcast: Churn [[link removed]]

Articles Woman runs 55 half marathons in 55 cities for mental health charity (From Yahoo! News)

A woman has completed a fundraising challenge of running 55 half marathons in 55 different cities across England.

Alice Fortune, 24, finished her final run in London earlier this month in a bid to raise money for mental health charity Young Minds.

Read Woman runs 55 half marathons in 55 cities for mental health charity [[link removed]]

Martin Furber: Sleep aids better mental health (from Yahoo! News)

While we spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, it's often the first thing sacrificed in our busy schedules.

However, prioritising sleep isn't a luxury – it's a necessity for a healthy mind and body. Look at any other mammal you can think of, they all prioritise their sleep, something we as humans, with our busy lives, tend not to do.

Read Martin Furber: Sleep aids better mental health [[link removed]]

The 9 habits positive psychologists swear by for a fulfilling life (from Huffington Post)

Experts reveal the behaviors that help them flourish and feel happier on a daily basis.

Read The 9 habits positive psychologists swear by for a fulfilling life [[link removed]]

If it's okay: tackling shame about mental health (from Mind)

Together, we can tackle the negative impact that shame has on those of us with mental illness.

Read If it's okay: tackling shame about mental health [[link removed]]

Regular Events on the Web 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]]

International wellbeing support group (From Rain on Me), Monday 8 April, 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 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: [[link removed]]

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+.

More information on Sanctuary in Barnet [[link removed]]

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 [[email protected]] or call 0208 906 7506.

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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