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

Local Update, 23 June 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.

 
 

Events and news from the web

 
Promotional poster for Hub Connections, taking place on 1 July 2025 from 12.30 - 2.45pm at The Meritage Centre, Church End, London NW4 4JT.  The strapline is: 'In honour of Volunteers' Week, join Barnet Wellbeing Service to celebrate the vital role of local volunteers in supporting community wellbeing'.  You can contact the organisers on: info@cbplus.org.uk, tel 03333 449 088, or visit the website at www.barnetwellgeing.org.uk. On the right of the poster there are photos of people taking part in previous similar events, and logos of sponsoring organisations at the bottom

Hub Connections (from Barnet Wellbeing Service), Tuesday 1 July, 12.30 - 2.45pm, The Meritage Centre, Church End London NW4 4JT

In honour of Volunteers’ Week, join Barnet Wellbeing Service for the next Hub Connections event celebrating the vital role of local volunteers in supporting community wellbeing.

Book Hub Connections

 
promotional poster for ethnic mental health carer forum with the strapline: 'For those from diverse ethnic groups caring for someone with a mental illness. Health professionals welcomed'. Below this there is a graphic of a wheel of hands clasping each other from different ethnic groups, suggesting unity and support.

Ethnic mental health carers forum (online forum from Matthew Mckenzie), Saturday 28 June, 10.30am - 12.00pm

Monthly discussion forum aimed at families and carers from ethnic Black, Asian and Minority backgrounds who are caring for someone with a mental illness.

Book Ethnic mental health carers forum

 
Promotional graphic for free webinar from Mental Health Ireland entitles 'Men's Health: supporting men to live well' It is on Wednesday 25 June from 2.00 - 3.00pm. In the background are a group of men with happy expressions.  To the right are the following logos: Mental Health Ireland, Mid West Aries, HSE Mental Health Engagement and Recovery

Men's health: supporting men to live well (online panel discussion from Mental Health Ireland), Wednesday 25 June, 2.00 - 3.00pm

A panel discussion exploring what it means for men to live well – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Book Men's health: supporting men to live well

 
A person putting the palm of their hand forward at head height, suggesting they are blocking someone trying to assist them

"I don't need help!" Supporting people who can't see their mental illness (online seminar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 25 June, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Why do people sometimes reject help? Discuss the reasons why people refuse mental health care and how to respond & cope.

Book "I don't need help!" Supporting people who can't see their mental illness

 
A person using a laptop in a workplace setting with a happy expression

Self-care and workplace wellness (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Tuesday 24 June, 6.00 - 7.00pm

Learn ways to introduce self-care into your work life, communicate boundaries, and cope with demanding schedules.

Book Self-care and workplace wellness

 
Promotional poster for Self Care, building my resilience which is a free online workshop from Mid West Aries, there is a photo of 2 smiling people and logos from Mid West Aries and HSE Mental Health Engagement and Recovery

Self care, building my resilience (online workshop from Mid West Aries), Wednesday 25 June, 10.00am - 12.00pm

An online workshop exploring what self care is and isn't, what self care looks and feels like, the barriers to self care and how important self care is to building resilience and improving wellbeing and mental health.

Book Self care, building my resilience

 
Promotional image for Have your say.  The Network Consultation, From Barnet Council Adult Social Care.  The image features four diverse people smiling.

The Network consultation

The Network is a support service for people with mental health needs that provides short-term wellbeing support (up to 9 months) for people who are experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Network is part of the council’s adult social care service.

The Network was set up as a prevention service many years ago. The council has identified that there are now many other services available to meet this type of need.

To ensure an informed decision is made on the future of the Network, a public consultation is being undertaken to gather the views and opinions of those who use the services and residents.

The consultation will invite views on two options for the Network service:

- A continuation of the service
- Closure of the service

Closing date: 14 July

More information and have your say

 
Promotional poster reading Yoga seated gentle adaptive staying in the present moment without judgement with headshot of Regina Beach, organiser

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

Accessible yoga, meditation and breathwork for people with chronic health conditions and limited energy

Book Mindfulness and breathwork for people with MS

 
Promotional poster for free workshop from overwhelmed and disconnected to living well with chronic illness, with a graphic someone sitting peacefully with holding flowers.

From overwhelmed and disconnected to living well with chronic illness (online workshop from Lisa Donnarumma), Tuesday 24 June, 1.00 - 2.00pm

A free online talk/workshop for those navigating chronic illness, burnout or stress

Book From overwhelmed and disconnected to living well with chronic illness

 
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 15 July, 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 8 July, 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

 
NPR logo

Podcast: Music and wellness (from NPR)

Do you turn to music to feel better? This is a podcast looking at the fascinating connections between the brain, wellness, and music.

Listen to Podcast: Music and wellness

 
Promotional image for We Can Do Hard Things podcast, with photos of 3 people taking part

Podcast: We can do hard things (from Glennon Doyle and Audacy)

Podcast about the hard things in life.

Listen to Podcast: We can do hard things

 

Articles

 
Headshot of Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles, author

How we’re adapting to our digital lives—and thriving (from Psychology Today)

Our digital habits evolve faster than we think—and many are boosting well-being.

Read How we’re adapting to our digital lives—and thriving

 
Person sitting on a sofa in front of a laptop

The online communities offering hope – and the ones that harm (from the BBC)

More people are turning to online communities to find support for their mental health

Read The online communities offering hope – and the ones that harm

 
View from behind of older couple embracing while sitting on a bench, with trees in the background

‘Staying hopeful is helpful’: How positivity can help reduce risk of stroke (from the Independent)

A study suggests that a positive mindset can significantly lower the risk of future health problems after a stroke or heart disease diagnosis

Read ‘Staying hopeful is helpful’: How positivity can help reduce risk of stroke

 
View from behind of young person looking out of a window

Teen mental health: When to seek help and what parents can do (from the BBC)

NHS figures suggest one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 has a probable mental health disorder.

Read Teen mental health: When to seek help and what parents can do

 

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 7 July, 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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