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Local Update, 30 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
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.
My mental health - looking after me (online workshop from Mid West Aries), Wednesday 2 July, 10.00am - 12.00pm
This workshop will cover tips and tools for managing mental health on a daily basis.
Journaling for wellbeing (online workshop from Mid West Aries), Tuesday 1 July, 2.00 - 4.00pm
Discover different ways to journal so you can find what works best for you.
Learn tips and techniques to get you started and keep you motivated.
Begin a journaling planner with prompts to help you tell your story.
TA workshop: let's talk about mental health (online event from Twinkl TeachMeet), Tuesday 1 July 7.00 - 8.00pm
Workshop for Teaching Assistants aimed at building your confidence in supporting children and young people with their mental wellbeing.
What is high-functioning depression? (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 2 July, 6.00 - 7.00pm
Discuss the signs and symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, what causes it, and who is at risk in this one-hour seminar.
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
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
From overwhelmed and disconnected to living well with chronic illness (online workshop from Lisa Donnarumma), Tuesday 8 July, 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
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.
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.
Got a relevant event to share in this newsletter?
Let us know by emailing the details to [email protected]
Podcasts
Podcast: how to stay resilient in the face of a major setback (from Kellogg Insight)
When Kellogg’s Craig Wortmann lost a portion of his leg to cancer, he felt like he lost part of his identity, too. On this episode of The Insightful Leader podcast, he offers a guide to “bouncing back better.”
Listen to Podcast: how to stay resilient in the face of a major setback
Podcast: Mental As anyone (from J.Mo)
A podcast discussing insights into mental health.
Articles
Researchers explain which small weekly activity can dramatically improve your mental health: 'You can go on your own and get the … benefits' (from The Cool Down)
In times of stress, nature can be a helpful friend to get you through.
What are the physical and mental health benefits of cycling? (from Bike Radar)
How does riding bikes help you live a longer and healthier life?
Read What are the physical and mental health benefits of cycling?
Enjoy being alone? Solitude may be your secret strength; here’s what research reveals about its effect on mental health (from Mint)
Research indicates that chosen solitude can enhance mental clarity and emotional strength. Studies show it calms individuals, reducing both positive and negative emotions.
Dancing to remember: Moving to the rhythm of music improves mental and cognitive health (from El Pais)
A review of studies shows that dance, compared to pure physical exercise, strengthens motivation, memory and well-being more effectively
Read Dancing to remember: Moving to the rhythm of music improves mental and cognitive health
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.
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.
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
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+.
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
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
Barnet Carers provides support and information for unpaid, informal, carers across the London Borough of Barnet. Includes yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
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.
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
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
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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