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Local Update, 20 January 2025

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 Time is running out – say NO to disability benefit cuts!

If disability benefits are cut under Government plans to be announced this Spring, millions more Disabled people will be pushed into even worse poverty.

Please support our Campaign for Disability Justice [[link removed]] and write to your local MP today to oppose cuts.

Use the pre-written template below and follow these three simple steps:

1. Enter your address

2. Add your name (edit message if you wish)

3. and hit send!

Write to your MP [[link removed]]

Thank you for your support.

Events and news from the web Reminder: Mental Health Resident Representative for the Barnet Council Adult Social Care Involvement Board

Barnet Council Adult Social Care are recruiting for a second Mental Health Representative to join their existing Mental Health representative on the Involvement Board. If you are a resident of Barnet who is over 18 years old, and have experience of using mental health services, they are keen to hear from you. They are particularly keen to hear from people who have lived experience of mental health social work services.

The Involvement Board is made up of Barnet residents with lived experience across different areas of adult social care. The Involvement Board oversee the engagement and coproduction work across adult social care and where residents use their lived experience to help shape and design social care services.

The link to the form to apply to become their next Involvement Board Representative for Mental Health is below. The deadline for applications is 7th February.

Express your interest here: Expression of interest: Mental Health Resident Representative for the Involvement Board [[link removed]]

To learn more and ask any questions, get in touch at [[email protected]].

Peer support in mental health webinar: evidence, experiences & insights (webinar from The Mental Elf), Monday 20 January, 2.00 - 4.30pm

Explore the role of peer support in mental health & gain fresh insights into the current national landscape, guided by compelling research.

Book Peer support in mental health webinar: evidence, experiences & insights [[link removed]]

Creating a low-stress environment and minimizing crises (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 21 January, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Learn strategies to create and maintain a low-stress environment, identify & respond to ‘red flags’, and communicate in times of crisis

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

Living well with bipolar and schizophrenia (online support group from Peer Voices), Wednesdays, 9.00 - 10.00pm

This group offers a safe, confidential space for individuals to share experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies for managing mental health.

Book Living well with bipolar and schizophrenia [[link removed]]

Women's health: how to thrive (online event from VOICES - Women Who Speak), Monday 20 January 7.00 - 7.45pm

Covering topics such as nutrition, mental health, sleep, and self-care tips to help you thrive in all aspects of your life.

Book Women's health: how to thrive [[link removed]]

Conflict management and problem-solving in relationships (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Thursday 23 January, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Confronting problems can be challenging. Heightened emotions, irrational thinking, impaired judgment, and distorted perceptions impact our ability to solve problems quickly. Learn strategies for effective problem-solving and conflict management

Book Conflict management and problem-solving in relationships [[link removed]]

Understanding compassion fatigue & burnout (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 22 January, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Does compassion cause suffering? When does it go too far and how can caregivers protect their own wellbeing? Learn the warning signs, who is at risk, and how to restore your emotional energy in this one-hour seminar.

Book Understanding compassion fatigue & burnout [[link removed]]

More than memory: understanding brain change & dementia from the inside out (online event from Compassion Works LLC), Thursday 23 January, 6.30 - 8.00pm

This workshop is for family members, friends, care partners, or anyone in the community who is concerned about or caring for someone living with cognitive impairment or dementia.

Book More than memory: understanding brain change & dementia from the inside out [[link removed]]

Mindfulness and breathwork for people with MS (online session from Regina Beach), daily Monday - Thursday, 12.30 - 1.00pm

A 30-minute meditation, gentle movement, and breathwork session for people with Multiple Sclerosis and related conditions

Book Mindfulness and breathwork for people with MS [[link removed]]

Got a relevant event to share in this newsletter?

Let us know by emailing the details to [[email protected]]

Podcasts Podcast explores surprising link between posture and mental health (from WGME)

Poor posture is more than just a physical issue—it can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Listen to Podcast explores surprising link between posture and mental health [[link removed]]

Why stress and trauma are at the heart of autoimmune diseases [Podcast] (from Kevin MD)

Discover the profound connections between chronic stress, systemic inequities, and immune health, particularly for women and Black women. Learn practical self-care strategies, the importance of emotional liberation, and how to challenge harmful societal narratives.

Listen to Why stress and trauma are at the heart of autoimmune diseases [PODCAST] [[link removed]]

Articles 'What is it about singing in a choir that is so good for one's mental health?' (from RTE)

Choir is a source of solace, mindfulness, release, motivation, endorsement, escape, affirmation, fun, joy; it reduces the worries, the fears, the clutter of daily life.

Read 'What is it about singing in a choir that is so good for one's mental health?' [[link removed]]

Positive affirmation benefits as Mel Giedroyc shares what she’s told Sue Perkins for 38 years (from Yahoo!)

Former The Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc has revealed that she has told her former co-host and close friend Sue Perkins the same positive affirmation every year for 38 years.

Read Positive affirmation benefits as Mel Giedroyc shares what she’s told Sue Perkins for 38 years [[link removed]]

New Year’s resolutions: getting a mentally healthy start to 2025 (from Mental Health Foundation)

For many of us, the start of a new year means self-improvement and the promise of, ‘new year, new me’. This mindset often fuels our New Year’s resolutions. This can help us stay motivated during January, which can be a tough month following the holidays, with spring still feeling far away. But the expectations and pressure we put on ourselves aren’t always helpful.

Read New Year’s resolutions: getting a mentally healthy start to 2025 [[link removed]]

The anxiety secret: how the world’s leading life coach stopped living in fear (from the Guardian)

Famous for her work with Oprah Winfrey, Martha Beck is a bestselling author and self-help superstar. But for 60 years she was anxious and terrified - until she found a simple, uplifting answer.

Read The anxiety secret: how the world’s leading life coach stopped living in fear [[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]]

Music To remember (online event from Music Heals Minds), Tuesday 21 January, 7.00pm

These weekly virtual recitals with Nandani “Nani” Sinha and guests stimulate remembrance and gently invite reflection through familiar and bellowed songs.

Book Music To remember [[link removed]]

International wellbeing support group (From Rain on Me), Monday 20 January, 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]]

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=" 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.

Fortnightly meetings will now be held at Friern Barnet Community Library,

Friern Barnet Road, N11 3DS.

Bus routes 221, 382 & 43 stop nearby.

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

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

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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