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Barnet Voice for Mental Health logo featuring navy text and a yellow megaphone
 
 
 

Local Update, 19 May 2025

 

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

 
Campaign for Disability Justice logo

Disabled voices have been ignored as key proposals to cut benefits are left out of the official Government Consultation.

Our Campaign for Disability Justice has submitted a response to the Green Paper: Pathways to Work and you’re invited to sign our open letter in support.

We continue to stand in solidarity with all DPO’s, charities and organisations in their calls against benefit cuts and harmful policies. Our Campaign for Disability Justice is also looking ahead to how Disabled voices can, and must, be included in Government conversations and reviews of key services, systems and policies that impact them.

It’s time for inclusion!

We’re calling on the Government to fully involved Disabled people in reviews of the Work Capability Assessment, Personal Independence Payment assessments, Safeguarding, employer & employee support and Access to Work. 

Please sign our open letter to the Government to support our response.

You can find out more and sign their open letter on the campaign website. 

 

Events and news from the web

 
A promotional poster for Strengths Based Learning 2025 with a photo of someone taking notes on a clip board with people sitting in a relaxed fashion in front of them.

Challenging the dominant narrative of mental health (webinar from Platfform Wellbeing), Thursday 22 May, 9.30 - 11.30am

Exploring the history of mental health and the ways in which our current system makes it harder to work in a strengths-based way. This space is to help people challenge assumptions and explore a different way of approaching mental health.

Book Challenging the dominant narrative of mental health

 
Disability Rights UK logo

Disability Rights UK mass lobby against benefit cuts at Parliament, Wednesday 21 May, 1.00 - 4.00pm

Disability Rights UK alongside DPAC, The Coalition Against Benefit Cuts, and WellAdapt are hosting a Mass Lobby for anyone able to come down to resist the proposed welfare reforms.

A mass lobby is where a group arranges a large number of meetings between constituents and MPs for the same time. This is an opportunity to push MPs to vote against these cuts, to show the strength of support and to take up visible space in Westminster.

More information about Disability Rights UK mass lobby against benefit cuts at Parliament

If you would like to take action against benefit cuts, but cannot attend something in person, there is a Take Action page full of resources you can use online, such as signing petitions and writing to your MP.

 
A photo of someone reflectively writing in a notebook in an otherwise empty office

Understanding anxiety (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 20 May, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry. An accessible guide to understanding what causes anxiety disorders and the types of anxiety, their symptoms, common misconceptions, and how relationships are impacted. Discuss co-occurring disorders, treatment options, and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others in this one-hour seminar.

Book Understanding anxiety

 
A photo of someone's head and shoulders who is in a corn field and wearing a brown hat, with a cloudy sky in the background

Understanding adjustment disorders (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 21 May, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Adjustment disorders are common psychological conditions triggered by major life changes or stressful events. Symptoms can include anxiety, depressed mood, changes in a person’s behavior and emotions, or a combination of these. Explore the risk factors, causation, and treatment of adjustment disorders with a licensed therapist and learn practical tips to manage symptoms in this one-hour seminar.

Book Understanding adjustment disorders

 
Promotional poster for Self Care Series, Part 3. Building my Self care Toolkit. It is a free online workshop from Mid West Aries.  There is a photo in the background of a book called 'Practicing the Presence' and a cup of tea.  The Mid West Aries photo is the top right hand corner and the HSE Mental Health Engagement and Recovery logo is in the bottom right hand corner.

Building my self care toolkit (webinar from Mid West Aries), Tuesday 20 May, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Discussing self care strategies you may already have as well as new ones you might learn.

Book Building my self care toolkit

 
A promotional poster for an event entitled 'What's the national picture in creative health?'  it is with The Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance,  The National Centre for Creative Health,  The Mayoral Creative Health Network, the National Arts in Hospitals Network and London Arts and Health. It takes place on 21 May, 11 to 12.30pm online.  There are logos of sponsoring organisations at the bottom of the poster, and a graphic reaching 'Unity Community' on the left hand side.

What's the national picture in creative health? (webinar from Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance), Wednesday 21 May, 11.00am - 12.30pm

Online event to explore national strategies for boosting creativity and wellbeing.

Book What's the national picture in creative health?

 
A promotional graphic for free tea and coffee mornings for ages 55+.  Available are free hot drinks and biscuits in a warm, friendly library space where you can meet other local people.  They take place at South Friern Library on Wednesdays, 11.00am to 1.00pm and New Barnet Library, Fridays 11.00am - 1.00pm.
 
A colourful promotional poster entitled "Ready, Steady, Grow!" encourages people to join Barnet's free community food growing initiative. The poster features a bright yellow header with a tomato icon labeled "FREE!" and invites participants to grow healthy food with new friends. A map of Barnet is shown in the centre with arrows pointing to four locations where sessions take place: Montrose Playing Fields (NW9), Basing Hill Park (NW11), Church Farm Open Space (EN4), and Freehold Community Centre (N10).  Below the map is a vegetable garden illustration. A section explains that most drop-in sessions are suitable for all ages (with adults only at Freehold), requiring no commitment or prior experience. 
Another section describes an 8-week “How To Be A Community Food Grower” course for adults connected to schools, faith groups, food banks, or community spaces, with no experience necessary. The course is available year round, including evenings and weekends, and offers help matching participants to community spaces if needed.  The poster invites people to sign up by scanning a QR code or visiting yourhealthbarnet.org/food-growing-opportunities, and provides an email contact: food@barnet.gov.uk. The footer emphasises caring for people, places, and the planet, with logos for “Your Health Barnet” and the London Borough of Barnet.
 
An open book leaning on a stack of four other books on a shelf

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

 
Headshot of a person with their hand on their forehead and an expression suggesting exhaustion and pain. To the right of the person is a graphic saying "Brain Health Breakthrough cic"

Monthly ME/CFS peer support group (online support group from Brain Health Breakthrough CIC), Tuesday 10 June, 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

 

Got a relevant event to share in this newsletter?

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

 

Podcasts

 
Promotional graphic for Health Matters, a podcast by New York Presbyterian

Podcast: How can I manage anxiety? (from New York Presbyterian)

A clinical psychologist explains what happens in the mind and body when someone is experiencing anxiety, and offers practical strategies to help manage anxiety.

Listen to Podcast: How can I manage anxiety?

 
Promotional graphic of Make me Smile with Miist, featuring and image of them playing a guitar whilst sitting on grass with water in the background, and a graphic of the sun with a smile above.

Podcast: Make me smile (from Miist)

Miist shares quick, impactful actions focused on gratitude, kindness and genuine connection.

Listen to Podcast: Make me smile

 

Articles

 
Bruce Springsteen playing guitar

Bruce Springsteen recalls having a family 'filled with mental illness' — and his own 'pretty good breakdown' at age 32 (from Yahoo! News)

In a new interview on the Hollywood Reporter podcast Awards Chatter, the 20-time Grammy winner opened up about his family's mental health history and experiencing his own "breakdown" around the release of 1982's Nebraska album.

Read Bruce Springsteen recalls having a family 'filled with mental illness' — and his own 'pretty good breakdown' at age 32

 
Graphic of a person lying down happily reading a book, with further books to the side

Bookstrapping: Reading and its positive effects on mental health (from Storyboard 18)

Reading offers an avenue for emotional expression, self-reflection, and empathy. Not just that, it also provides an escape, a way to experience other worlds, and a means of finding solace in difficult times.

Read Bookstrapping: Reading and its positive effects on mental health

 
Headshot of John-Manuel Andriote, author

Nine ways to support and strengthen your mental health (from Psychology Today)

Strengthening your mental health takes work. But you are worth the effort.

Read Nine ways to support and strengthen your mental health

 
Tranquil photo of the sea and a beach, with sunlit clouds and sky above

Feeling stressed? Imagining nature can help you relax, scientific study says (from Real Simple)

A recent study claims that mental imagery of nature-based environments can reduce stress significantly.
Similarly, imagery of urban environments was linked to higher levels of stress and mental fatigue.
The next time you're feeling stressed, take a stroll in nature or simply imagine an ideal natural environment in your mind.

Read Feeling stressed? Imagining nature can help you relax, scientific study says

 

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

 
close up of computer keyboard with 'support' on one of the keys

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

 

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

 
woman smiling and leaning against sideboard

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

 
three men in black #AndysManClub t-shirts

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

 
Meridian Wellbeing logo

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 logo

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

 
Poster reads Building Friendship Fridays 10am - 12pm If you are experiencing mental health difficulties please join us at Building Friendship on Fridays 10am - 12pm for friendship and refreshments.  East Barnet Baptist Church, Crescent Road, Barnet EN4 8PS email: buildingfriendship@gmail.com tel: 020 8449 5320 please leave a message and someone will call you back

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.

 
Poster reads Do you have a mental health problem> Do you feel isolated or lonely? Come along to Building Friendship. Free. remaining info repeats in main article.
 

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.

 

 
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About Inclusion Barnet

www.inclusionbarnet.org.uk

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

  • 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
 
 
Inclusion Barnet Logo with slogan 'The power of experience'

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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