Inclusion Barnet services

Our Benefits Advice Service, part of Touchpoint, is for people who live or work in Barnet; feel themselves to be disabled by a physical impairment, mental health issues, learning disability or long term condition; and are finding it difficult to navigate the benefits system or applications process.

We offer practical advice and support to disabled people around all aspects of benefits. The aim of our service is to:

• Provide you with information about the benefits system and application process
• Help you to understand which benefits you may be able to claim
• Work with you to apply for benefits you are entitled to

Please note, once registered, a link to join the class will be sent to you.  Please save that link to avoid any challenges in the future.  The same link must be used every Monday.  There is no need to register every week

We are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it. Where possible, we will let you know when changes are planned to services in our community and help you have a say. We will also encourage those in charge of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services. You can also speak to us to find information about health and social care services available locally.

Healthwatch Barnet Monthly Priorities Survey - Tell us about your experiences of NHS or social care services in Barnet

We know that COVID-19 has meant lots of changes to health and social care services in Barnet. By taking five minutes to tell us about your experiences, whether good or bad, you can help us understand how care can be improved for you and your loved ones.  Each month we will use this anonymous feedback to publish a patient voice report outlining what is working well, and what could be improved, within your health and social care services.

Take part here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/healthwatchbarnetyourviewsmatter
 
You can also get in contact with us by:

Telephone: 020 3475 1308, Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.healthwatchbarnet.co.uk

Are you interested in becoming a Peer Support Ambassador?

Meridian Wellbeing, working name of CMHA, is introducing a new Peer Support Project to train volunteers to provide peer support. The Peer Support Ambassadors are people with lived experience who offer conversation and friendly support to anyone who has been affected by the isolation of the lockdown. 

We offer weekly training and supportive check in sessions by a qualified therapist to become a Peer Support Ambassador, and will then be equipped to provide one-to-one support and potentially lead group sessions with matched individuals. If this sounds like something you would be interested in then please complete the application form and return to [email protected]

Link to application form:- https://www.meridianwellbeing.com/peer-support

https://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/supported-learning/mental-health-provision

If you are interested to find out more please email

[email protected]

AN IRISHMAN in London has set up a poetry competition to encourage creativity and wellbeing during lockdown.

Monaghan native Martin Connolly now lives in Hampstead, north London.

Using a redundancy payment, he has established The Folklore Poetry Competition December 2020 - which is supported by the London Arts in Health Forum as a positive outlet for people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/irishman-launches-lockdown-poetry-competition-to-support-mental-health-and-wellbeing-198935

It will include guest speakers about the prevalence of mental health issues before and after coronavirus, speaking about wellbeing, as well as discussing personal experiences.

Register:-

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-lets-talk-tickets-131643775075?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Online Harms Webinar Series - Webinar 1: Technology and mental health, Wednesday 9th December, 2.00 - 3.30pm

Technology and mental health - The issues today.

Technology use has become the status quo. With its ubiquity and mobility, concerns have been raised about problematic technology use. This webinar will cover the issues today, including concerns raised in the context of problematic use and its impact on mental health. Speakers include internationally renowned academic and clinical experts in the area. 

Register:-

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-harms-webinar-series-webinar-1-technology-and-mental-health-tickets-126985698643?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Men & Journaling: How To Support Your Mental Health Through Writing, Friday 11th December, 7.00 - 8.00pm

In this session attendees will learn:

• How Society impacts Mental Health.

• How Personal & Professional Relationships affect Mental Health

• The Relationship Between Mental Wellness & Physical Wellness

• The Importance that Communication has on Mental Wellness

• How to use Writing to improve your ability to Communicate

• How to use Writing to evaluate your Mental Wellness

• How to use Writing to Improve Your Mental Wellness

• The role of Writing in Helping You Support Mental Wellness in Others

Register:-

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/men-journaling-how-to-support-your-mental-health-through-writing-tickets-128743947613?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Memorial for Robert Johnson

Many of you reading this may remember that in June 2014 our beloved Robert died of natural causes. Some of you may have contributed to his memorial fund and may be wondering what ever happened to the money. I won’t go into detail as to why it’s taken so long to establish a fitting memorial for Robert but suffice to say that there’s now a 6 year-old Rowan tree in the grounds of what used to be called Avenue House (now known as Stephens House) on East End Road N3. It’s just by the path next to the children’s playground and there is a little plaque which reads.

Robert Johnson

1951-2014

Our beloved Maverick

Barnet Voice for Mental Health

You may also remember his very close friend, Ben Brown, who played the saxophone at Robert’s memorial event. Sadly, Ben died under very tragic circumstances the following year and to remember them both there’s a star up in the Phoenix constellation which has been named as follows:

Robert and Ben - united as a star shining so bright

So, if you can’t get to visit the tree, just look up at the night sky now and then and remember two very special people who’ll be smiling down on you.

Elsie Lyons - Founder of Barnet Voice for Mental Health

Mind & Mood Support Group

On 4th January 2020, the Mind & Mood Support Group celebrated its 5th birthday and is still running a weekly support group for its members. via Zoom.

Due to the ongoing restrictions with Covid 19, Peter Sartori and Sandra Turner wish to set up a support group for new members via Zoom. The Mind & Mood Support Group is open for all people suffering from mental distress, their carers and supporters.

In the first instance please contact either
[email protected] 07947 713306
or [email protected] 07488 230580

Offering hot meals up to twice a week, shopping, prescription collection, befriending (telephone), craft packs (puzzle books, knitting materials etc).

The Handyperson service can visit people in emergency situations to change light bulbs, replace smoke alarm batteries and to move furniture for hospital discharges.

They can provide an emergency one off food parcel to any vulnerable person in need.

Ongoing support for people 55+.

More information here:  https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/

Helpline only.  Help with housing, benefits, Macmillan welfare benefits project

Contact details

Helpline: 0300 456 8365

Universal credit: 0800 144 8 444

https://barnetcab.org.uk/

Barnet Council is working with the Barnet Together partnership, and a task force of businesses, charities and faith groups to support vulnerable residents.  If you or your family member, friend, or close member of your community are in need of urgent help that is not medical related, then please contact us through our urgent Community Help Hub Support page

https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/communityhelphub

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/urgent-help-and-support-covid-19-helpline

Tel: 0808 281 3210, open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Services offered

Free digital library service for ebooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines. All you need is your Barnet library card and PIN.  Some titles on wellbeing.

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/libraries/online-resources/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks

Services offered

Although there no social activities running at the moment they are offering telephone support and some one to one support.  If you require either of these services please contact Project Support on the details below. 

The Barnet Mencap answerphone will remain open for telephone calls, and can be contacted on 020 8349 3842. The answerphone will be checked daily and when staff are able to answer calls at the office they will do that. You can also email [email protected] should you have any questions about what we can offer.

Still in operation (Tue and Thur 12.30 - 2.30pm).  Clients will no longer be able to enter the foodbank, they will be asked to queue outside and present their voucher to a team member at the door.  They will have pre-packed food packages which will be issued to clients.  Please check their website below for the latest information.

07415 223963,
Trinity Church,
Northwest Centre
Avion Crescent
Grahame Park Way
NW9 5QY

https://colindale.foodbank.org.uk/

Online Weekly Programme

For details, see:-

https://headroomcafe.org/whats-on

Hot meals and telephone befriending being arranged.

Helpline: 020 8922 2222

https://www.jewishcare.org/

For the Jewish Community. Volunteers to help with shopping, carrying out errands, lifts or practical support.

Keren Pinhas - [email protected]

0208 457 4429

https://www.jgift.org/

Mind in Barnet

Services offered
Contactable by telephone, email and web. Current offering under review.

Contact details

0208 343 5700

[email protected]

https://www.mindinbarnet.org.uk/

020 8449 8225

Telephone: 07397 001000

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: bit.ly/ColMutualAid

03333 449 088

[email protected]

https://www.barnetwellbeing.org.uk/

Tuesdays and Thursdays:

Tel: 07981 760 399

Email: [email protected]

https://rainbowcentrebarnet.wordpress.com/rainbow-money-advice-6/

Phone: 0208 359 2442

email: [email protected]

Web:  https://boostbarnet.org/

For people aged 18+, who live, work or study in the 5 North Central London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Haringey, Islington and Enfield.

The helpline is open to people who are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, or have experienced suicidal feelings in the past,  their family, friends or carers

Also for people who are affected by bereavement by suicide

They provide support via:

• a freephone number 08088 02 00 80 (Calls to this helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.)
• by text message on 07860 058 793 (Text messages are charged at usual network rate and texts will be responded to during helpline opening hours)
• webchat, which can be accessed during service opening hours by clicking on the blue button on the bottom right of this page that will display during opening hours

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm-8pm and Sunday from 6pm-9pm.

They can provide you with

• Up to 30 minutes of telephone support per evening
• Up to 30 minutes of web chat support per evening
• Text message support for the duration of the opening hours each evening

GOV.UK Whatsapp coronavirus information service

A new GOV.UK WhatsApp coronavirus information service has been launched. The aim is to combat the spread of misinformation about coronavirus.

To use the service, simply add +44 7860 064422 to your contacts and send a WhatsApp message saying “Hi”.

SilverCloud Health CBT based online guided self help modules

SilverCloud have launched three unsupported  pure self-help programmes for stress, sleep and resilience, which are free and instantly accessible for all BEH patients.  A further module on coping with uncertainty is in development and should be added within the next 2 weeks.

These can be accessed simply by following the below link and entering the access code:

https://nhs.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

Use access code: NHS2020

Shout is a 24/7 UK crisis text service available for times when people feel they need immediate support.

By texting ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’ a Texter will be put in touch with a trained Crisis Volunteer (CV) who will chat to them using trained techniques via text. The service is designed to help individuals to think more clearly and to take their next steps to feeling better.

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

You might be worried about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people. 

This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing. Please see the following web page from Mind for more information:-

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Coronavirus: mental health advice for self isolation

Professor of Public Health Linda Bauld offers advice for those struggling with their mental health during coronavirus social distancing and self-isolation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-51955595/coronavirus-mental-health-advice-for-self-isolation

Coronavirus: how to protect your mental health

Coronavirus has plunged the world into uncertainty and the constant news about the pandemic can feel relentless. All of this is taking its toll on people's mental health, particularly those already living with conditions like anxiety and OCD. So how can we protect our mental health?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799

Recovery is possible: a mental health podcast

Tune in as we talk with our amazing guests and hear their inspiring stories, insights and learnings around mental health and wellness.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/273878

Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum

Listen as I invite people more famous than me to open about their flaws, their insecurities, and all the things that make us human.
https://insideofyoupodcast.com/

Smile and Wave

Smile & Wave is a podcast focusing on the mental health of young adults while navigating the ever-changing world. Each episode has a goal of breaking the stigma to talk about mental wellbeing and for everyone to realise they are not alone, and the things you are going through are normal.

https://soundcloud.com/user-518781424

Why the long face?

Two friends shining a light on mental health over a beer

https://www.whytlf.com/

Real Health Podcast

The show that cuts through the nonsense about healthy living and tells you what you need to be doing to live healthier each and every day.
https://soundcloud.com/realhealthpodcast

Life through my lens

Young adults describe the impact of conditions such as anxiety and eating disorders.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/52ycrj32fNPXqqGsWWvksK7/mental-health

The animal effect podcast

Prairie Conlon, licensed mental health professional, examines the different ways animals can have an impact on our life. Health and wellness are evolving. More people are seeking out and using holistic and natural ways to improve wellbeing, and animal assisted interventions and therapy are emerging as an incredibly effective resource. 
https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/the-animal-effect/

Mental Health Films

A collection of programmes shining a light on mental health issues and how they affect individuals and society today.
hhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p078jr43

The Sanctus Podcast on Mental Health

We're changing the perception of mental health, one story at a time.The Sanctus podcast on mental health, shares people's mental health stories.They're raw, intimate and authentic, unlike most things you see on social media.
https://soundcloud.com/sanctusldn

Parenting: Teenage Mental Health

Last year referrals to child & adolescent mental health services were at their highest level ever. If you need help, is it available?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07dkp8w

Radio 1's Life Hacks podcast: anxiety

Bryony Gordon shares her story of suffering with anxiety and mental health problems with Katie and Dr.Radha. Bryony is a mental health campaigner, she has run marathons to raise awareness, and she hosts a weekly podcast about mental health.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p069vt47

History of Psychiatry in Britain since 1500

Podcasts from the University of St Andrews
https://arts.st-andrews.ac.uk/psychhist/index.php/podcast-series/

The connection between gut health and mental health

How a healthy gut could improve your mental health
https://ordinaryvegan.net/gut-health/

Pigletish Talks - the Anxiety Podcast

Chat about all things mental health.  New episode every Tuesday,
https://pigletish.com/podcast

Mental Illness at Work

BBC You and Yours programme
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00017sq

Storm and Stress: New Ways of Looking at Adolescent Mental Health

Are rates of mental illness in young people really escalating? If yes, why? And if no, why do we think they are?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b5szvz

Inspirited Minds - the Mindful Muslim Podcast

Inspirited Minds is a faith based, voluntary mental health charity located in London that launched in 2014 with the aim to raise awareness, combat stigmas and provide professional, non-judgemental, confidential support to those with mental health illnesses. 
https://inspiritedminds.org.uk/blog/mindful-muslim-podcast/

State of Mind

5 live's year-long season takes an in-depth look at our mental health.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p050znny

The League of Awkward Unicorns

Happy Place - Fearne Cotton

This is a place where I want to collect all things that make me happy - from joyful food to a clear mind. I hope there’s something here to bring good, simple happiness to your every day.
http://www.officialfearnecotton.com/happy-place

Vicky, Tally and Zanna are joined by personal trainer and wellness expert, Harry Jameson, whose approach to training is as much about the mind as it is the body. Harry shares his tips on exercising when tired or stressed, how to deal with DOMS and why we should all make time to be mindful.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07hmd94

Being well podcast series

Our podcasts each tackle an important mental health topic and provide insight and expert knowledge from and for health professionals
.https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical-resources/health-professional-resources/podcasts-for-health-professionals/being-well-podcast-series

On the ward

Mental Health: Mad or Sad

Do people everywhere experience similar mental health problems and respond to the same treatments? Or are our minds tightly bound to the culture in which we live?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p018vhb7

Hooked: the unexpected addicts

Drink, drugs, addiction - it can happen to anyone. Melissa and Jade share their stories of incredible highs, to the rock bottom lows and will be joined by guests along the way.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07q3jb7/episodes/player

Depression, bipolar and business: Evan Davis's guests talk openly about what it is like to experience severe mental illness while running a successful company.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b048034w

Why Does Global Mental Health Deserve More Attention?

A quarter of the world’s population will be affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives (WHO), and in low and middle income countries up to 85% of people with severe mental disorders receive no treatment.
https://lidc.ac.uk/podcast-why-does-global-mental-health-deserve-more-attention/

Mental Health in the Workplace

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, speaking about the importance of mental health in the workplace.
https://www.nhsemployers.org/case-studies-and-resources/2018/07/mental-health-in-the-workplace-podcast

From the North.  Why are so many still seeing suicide as their only option?

In this episode, we discuss the very tough issue of suicide which according to campaigners has reached crisis point.
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2019-08-14/from-the-north-why-are-so-many-seeing-suicide-as-the-only-option/

University of Oxford podcasts on stress

Includes exam advice and history of stress
https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/keywords/stress

Four Thought - Mental Health Crisis?

Ann John examines the current discussion around young people's mental health
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b930kq

How bad is social media for my mental health?

BBC podcast
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p070859c

Child in Mind

Podcasts to help parents understand and manage child and family mental health problems.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/child-in-mind/id1122056877?mt=2

Mental Health Innovation Network Podcasts

Exploring key issues within the field of global mental health, with new recordings added regularly.
http://www.mhinnovation.net/community/podcasts

Food and mental health

Psychologist and former Great British Bake Off finalist Kimberley Wilson joins Zanna, Tally and Vic to discuss the relationship between food and our mental health.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06rqtbz

Royal College of Psychiatry

Royal College of Psychiatry discover psychiatry podcasts.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/discoverpsychiatry/podcasts.aspx

Holistic Mental Health and Healing

Holistic Mental Health and Healing is a weekly radio program hosted by Tyler Woods. A holistic approach to mental health care does so much more than just manage symptoms, it's an approach that emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit and can be any form of practice that is outside the realm of conventional western medicine. Holistic mental health and health is an ongoing journey of discovery and ultimately is about living better, being healthier, and striving for wholeness
https://player.fm/series/holistic-mental-health-and-healing

On the ward podcast

'On the Ward' challenges some of the myths and taboos around complex mental illness in the UK today, as it explores what really happens behind the walls of a secure psychiatric hospital.
http://ontheward.stah.org/

The Psych Central Show

An award winning weekly podcast that approaches psychology and mental health in a casual and accessible fashion
https://psychcentral.com/blog/show/

Mental Podcast

Mental is the brain-child of Bobby Temps, who lives and thrives while managing his own mental health. Each week joined by a special guest Mental is intended to be a safe space to hear honest and open discussion about mental health in the hope listeners will feel more empowered to continue the conversation with others.
http://www.mentalpodcast.co.uk/

Mental Health Monday

Weekly show from Radio City 96.7
https://audioboom.com/channel/mentalhealthmonday

MQ Open Mind Podcasts

Podcasts from this mental health research charity
https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/news-blog/category/mq-open-mind-podcast

Future Proofing

How can we protect and improve our mental health in future?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2kpm6

Mentally Yours Podcast

From the Metro newspaper
https://metro.co.uk/tag/mentally-yours-podcast/

Mentally Yours Podcast

From the Metro newspaper
https://metro.co.uk/tag/mentally-yours-podcast/

Hidden Brain

A conversation about life's unseen patterns.
https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain

Dear Family Podcast

Dear Family, is a podcast about our complicated families, parenting and achieving mental health- especially when mental illness runs in the family.

https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1470135743

10 podcasts about mental health

"These podcasts will make you feel less alone" 
https://www.thelily.com/10-podcasts-about-mental-health/

Mental Health Foundation

Podcasts and videos on a variety of subjects related to mental health
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos

All in the mind

Programme exploring the limits and potential of the human mind
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qxx9/episodes/player

What it's like to hear voices

One in ten of us will apparently hear a voice when there's nobody there at some point in our lives. India Rakusen and the Like Minds team have been finding out what it’s like, how people cope and how to help someone else.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/stories-42787679/what-it-s-like-to-hear-voices

Music Matters

Music therapy and mental health
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08n1mr5

I Hear Voices

Imagine hearing voices in your head. Alice does. She’s a 27-year-old mum who’s had different characters in her mind since she was about 15.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05q82d8/episodes/downloads