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Local Update, 12 May 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.

Events and news from the web Barnet Service User and Carer Forum

Date: 15th May 2025

Runs on the third Thursday of every month

Time: 14:00 –15:30

Guest: Nelsy Cristancho

Topic: a practical introduction to Latin American dance as a positive form of mental health self-help.

Barnet Mental Health services want to hear what you have to say about Adult Mental Health services. Their forum encourages and promotes service users and carers working alongside staff to improve services.

They have speakers arranged each month and a chat about other topics attendees may want to discuss. They also share useful information about things happening in Barnet.

Venue: In person at The Network, 24 Hendon Lane, London, N3 1TR

OR

Microsoft Teams, join by clicking the link or entering the details below. MS Teams link is also available on the BEH trust website.

Click here to join the meeting [[link removed]]

Or call in (audio only)

+44 20 3321 5208,,325359623# United Kingdom, London

Phone Conference ID: 325 359 623#

Barnet Forum Contacts

Jessica Lashko, Ella Goldberg, or Ioanna Xenophontes

[[email protected]]

Tips for mental health (celebrating mental health awareness week) (online seminar from Inner Space), Tuesday 13 May, 6.00 - 6.45pm

This session explores how to:

– manage anxiety, maintain a healthier mindset and build self-care strategies

– create meaningful connections, support others and cultivate compassionate communities

Book Tips for mental health [[link removed]]

Mental health and Menopause webinar (from The Meno Coach), Friday 16 May, 1.00 - 1.45pm

Webinar looking at the mental health symptoms that accompany menopause and what can be done to tackle them.

Book Mental health and Menopause webinar [[link removed]]

Mental Health Awareness Week: smartphones, sleep and mental health Q & A (online Q & A from York for Life), Tuesday 13 May, 7.00 - 8.00pm

A delve into the research featured in Channel 4's 'Swiped Documentary' and the links between sleep and mental health.

Book Mental Health Awareness Week: smartphones, sleep and mental health Q & A [[link removed]]

Keep your marbles - mental health support group (online support group from Keep Your Marbles), Thursday 15 May, 7.00 - 8.30pm

This is a safe space for adults looking to connect with others and receive support for their mental health journey.

Book Keep your marbles - mental health support group [[link removed]]

Reclaiming community in a digital age (webinar from Mental Health Innovations), Wednesday 14 May, 11.00am - 12.00pm

Webinar exploring how social connections shape mental wellbeing, and how technology is reshaping our relationships.

Book Reclaiming community in a digital age [[link removed]]

Work stress and burnout (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 13 May, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Stress is something we all experience in our personal and professional lives. But when stress is severe or prolonged (or both), it can impact our physical and mental health in major ways. Learn practical tips to manage distress and effective ways to cope

Book Work stress and burnout [[link removed]]

Pet loss & mental health – a gentle community workshop (online workshop from Leto's Light), Monday 12 May, 7.00 - 8.00pm

Pet loss is a deeply personal grief—but you don’t have to go through it alone. This online gathering is a mix of reflection, discussion, and shared community support.

Book Pet loss & mental health – a gentle community workshop [[link removed]]

Beyond the page (online event from Zen Mushin), Tuesday 20 May, 7.00 - 10.00pm

An opportunity to explore the power of writing for self-care and personal growth.

Book Beyond the page [[link removed]]

Monthly ME/CFS peer support group (online support group from Brain Health Breakthrough CIC), Tuesday 13 May, 2.00 - 3.00pm

Peer support sessions for people who have or care for someone who has a diagnosis of ME/CFS.

Book Monthly ME/CFS peer support group [[link removed]]

Got a relevant event to share in this newsletter?

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

Podcasts Podcast: 'It burns at me': Michelle Obama and Taraji Henson address mental health, the state of the world as Black women in 2025 (from CNN)

Actress Taraji P. Henson joined former First Lady Michelle Obama on her podcast IMO

Watch Podcast: 'It burns at me': Michelle Obama and Taraji Henson address mental health, the state of the world as Black women in 2025 [[link removed]]

Podcast: Dealing with exam stress as a medical student (from Monash University)

Medicine is consistently rated as one of the most popular courses to study at university. However it is also ranked as one of the hardest. Students probably feel this the most at exam time.

Listen to Podcast: Dealing with exam stress as a medical student [[link removed]]

Articles Can social media improve your mental health? (from Futurity)

When used carefully and mindfully, social media likely can boost mood and emotional well-being, researchers report.

Read Can social media improve your mental health? [[link removed]]

Mental health awareness in the outdoors (from UK Climbing)

While the benefits of walking in nature are widely recognised, mental health distress can still occur on the hills, and it is important to ensure that walking groups, climbing clubs and outdoor communities create an environment where mental wellbeing is actively supported.

Read Mental health awareness in the outdoors [[link removed]]

The cost of mental health research? Priceless (from Psychology Today)

Funding mental health research creates a healthier society

Read The cost of mental health research? Priceless [[link removed]]

Experts say ‘flourishing’ may be the key to mental health. Here’s how to achieve it (from the Globe and Mail)

Becoming immersed in a hobby or activity like pickleball can improve mental health by reducing stress, boosting confidence and fostering connections with friends and family.

Read Experts say ‘flourishing’ may be the key to mental health. Here’s how to achieve it [[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 19 May, 6.00pm

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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