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Local Update, 7 July 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.
Please note there will be no newsletter next week due to staff annual leave. The next issue will be on Monday 21 July.
Inclusion Barnet news and events
Update on proposed benefit cuts
Last week the Government agreed to remove Clause 5 from their Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, meaning no immediate changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility for current or future claimants. Any potential changes to PIP are now postponed until after autumn 2026, when Disability Minister Stephen Timms is expected to conclude his review of the assessment process. This review will involve Disabled people, making future cuts to PIP less likely. However, the Bill still contains significant cuts to Universal Credit for new claims made by disabled people. The Bill's third reading is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 9. We still have work to do, so if you haven’t already, please sign up to support our Campaign for Disability Justice.
Touchpoint
Our Benefit Advice Service is currently closed to all new referrals and enquiries. We recommend contacting alternative advice services, such as Barnet Citizens Advice Bureau or Boost, during this period. Updates on our reopening shall be on our social media and website.
Events and news from the web
Eating well for good mental health (online session from Nicole Carter Fitness), Tuesday 8 July, 7.00 - 7.30pm
Find out how your nutrition intake can impact your mental health. Learn tips and hints for eating well to boost your mood and overall well-being.
Creatively minded in the art studio: launch (online launch event from Baring Foundation),Tuesday 8 July, 4.00 - 5.00pm
Join the Baring Foundation for a brief online launch of their latest 'Creatively Minded' report, Creatively Minded in the Studio.
This new report explores visual arts opportunities in the UK for people with mental health problems through 16 different case studies.
Understanding loneliness and building social connections (webinar from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance), Wednesday 9 July, 6.00 - 7.00pm
Explore the causes of loneliness, how it spreads through social networks, and the impact of loneliness on our physical and mental health in this one-hour seminar. Learn practical tips to strengthen current relationships and make new connections.
Book Understanding loneliness and building social connections
Environmental influences on anxiety and depression in autistic young people (online talk from UCL Centre for Research in Autism & Education CRAE), Thursday 10 July, 4.00 - 5.00pm
This talk outlines the findings of a participatory, qualitative interview study with autistic young people and their parents about their experience of anxiety and depression. The talk outlines ways in which experiences of often unaccommodating environments (e.g. academic, social and built environments) impact autistic young people’s wellbeing and what could be done to help.
Book Environmental influences on anxiety and depression in autistic young people
The gift of green (online workshop from Jamey Maniscalco), Wednesday 9 July, 7.00 - 8.00pm
Learn how outdoor time boosts mood, focus, immunity & sleep - and how to get the right dose in daily life.
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: a conversation with the reluctant therapist (from KCBX)
A conversation about the state of our collective mental health
Listen to Podcast: a conversation with the reluctant therapist
IS podcast: advocacy for schizophrenia and serious mental illnesses (from Psych Central)
The story of schizophrenia has too often been told through a lens of fear and misunderstanding. But that’s changing. Thanks to relentless advocates, awareness campaigns, and policy reform, stigma is being challenged and access to care is improving.
Listen to IS podcast: advocacy for schizophrenia and serious mental illnesses
Articles
How to replace negative thought patterns with curiosity and open-mindedness (from Mental Health Foundation)
It’s natural to have negative thoughts sometimes. But if you get stuck in a pattern of negative thinking, it can harm your mental health and self-esteem.
Read How to replace negative thought patterns with curiosity and open-mindedness
Art as medicine: Viewing paintings helps mental health, study finds (from the Brighter Side of News)
A new study finds that viewing art—even in hospitals or online—can improve mental well-being, life purpose, and emotional health.
Read Art as medicine: Viewing paintings helps mental health, study finds
Music and mental health (from Nouse)
Narayan Saimbi comments on why learning an instrument produced a positive effect on his mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Hope is the key to a meaningful life, according to new research (from EurekAlert)
University of Missouri researchers demonstrate that boosting hope could be a game-changer for mental health and resilience
Read Hope is the key to a meaningful life, according to new research
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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