Welcome

We are York Mind, your local mental health charity. 

A very warm welcome to our September 2018 newsletter.

In this newsletter we bid a very fond 'farewell' to the Befriending Project, which has been a huge part of our work over the past nine years. The project has changed many lives and had a massive impact on all those who have connected with it. We are also delighted to share updates on the other exciting work that we have been doing recently.

We believe no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. If you live in York, we are here for you. Today. Now. Whether you are stressed, depressed or in crisis. We will listen, give support and advice, and fight your corner.

Picture: Team 'York Mind' at the recent 'Run For All York 10k' event

I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter; please do get in touch with your thoughts and feedback, we would love to hear what you think......

Our website: www.yorkmind.org.uk

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/company/york-mind

Befriending Farewell

After nine amazing years of providing one-to-one mental health support to the residents of York and North Yorkshire, York Mind's Befriending Service has come to a close. 

Hannah Hessle, Befriending Service Manager, takes a look back at some of the life-changing work that has taken place.

"It is with a heavy heart that I bring you the final newsletter entry from our Befriending Service as, after an incredible nine years in York (and almost three years in Selby), the project reached the end of its third round of Big Lottery funding in August."

"Since 2009, The Big Lottery Fund has granted York Mind over £550,000 towards the project, allowing us to develop and evolve an amazing service that has reached around 900 people since its start."

"The Befriending Service began offering purely one-to-one partnerships where volunteer befrienders were matched with people who were experiencing isolation due to mental ill-health. One-to-one befriending remained absolutely at the heart of the service throughout, but the project was able to develop in new and innovative ways to further support people in reducing their isolation, including the introduction of monthly socials which would later blossom into thriving and popular not-to-be missed annual parties; via the summer BBQ and Christmas Social"

"It has been something to look forward to. Because of my illness I have always been an introvert whereas now, I feel I'm a bit of an extrovert. It was very good to get to know my befriender, she's been excellent. It's a breath of fresh air. I can talk to her openly. When you are ill, you focus on your own small world. Doing this is something new, it makes you realise there is a big wide world out there."

"I've found the service enormously helpful. Just speaking to someone who wasn't a therapist or family member after prolonged social isolation was such a boost to my state of mind, when making friends in a less controlled environment still seemed too much for me. It helped me feel less anxious in specific social settings by approaching them with someone to help and give a sense of security. It was great in reducing my isolation and depression and enabled me to begin to make social contacts independently by improving my confidence."

"It helped a lot getting to know someone especially when that person helps by listening on bad and good days. Having the one-to-one where you know that person likes you for who you are. Taking me to places I've never been, which has opened my eyes. Thank you so much. I wasn't in a good place before I came to York Mind. I was alone. Now I'm in a much better place."

"Befriending has changed my life. It's made me realise I can make friends. I've got back into my faith and I feel like my life has rebooted."

The third round of funding was used for our final Befriending Project titled 'Connecting People'. Throughout the last three years, we were able to truly evolve the Befriending Service into an exciting and diverse project offering varied interventions, having greater reach than ever before, particularly in rolling out the service across Selby.

We developed a six week 'Confidence and Resilience Course', which offered people the opportunity to start a journey to improved confidence and resilience along with exploring other elements within this, such as self-esteem, the inner critic, unhelpful thinking styles, positive risk taking and goal setting.

"I feel better able to deal with setbacks and now know strategies that will work to help me stay more stable. My confidence has increased and I am now more resilient to problems. Most valuable, was meeting people that I can share ideas with to help me manage my confidence and resilience, and learn new skills that I can put into practise and continue to use in the future. Hannah clearly takes her job very seriously and makes the course amazing; she puts so much into it."

"I have realised that I am resilient. This has helped me to become more confident in my abilities....Learning to celebrate my goals and successes.....Standing up for myself and my values. This course has been fantastic, so valuable...It has made such a difference, thank you!"

We also developed Wellbeing Groups where a group of people could get together, form relationships and learn about a variety of topics over a six month period. Within these groups we saw incredible bonds form and there was a huge amount of creativity, laughter and fun along the way.

"The wellbeing group has helped me to stand up for myself more and have healthier relationships. It has also helped me to feel like I am part of my local community and much better able to improve my mental health and cope with challenges."

"Giving me a group of people to talk to and get advice from in situations. It makes me feel less alone and isolated from the world and lets me know there is help there, if I need it."

"It has been really great having a regular, support group to spend time with. These services are so vital to those with mental health conditions as without them you can find yourself feeling empty"

"I have received support and advice which has helped me find perspective and also active coping strategies which have been invaluable. Friendship and support without judgement or criticism. A caring environment with people prepared to listen and help."

"I have gained more confidence and learnt more about mindfulness and met some amazing people along the way. I have learnt new methods and ways of changing my pattern of thoughts by stopping negative thoughts and enabling them not to spiral. I have gained the inspiration to start my own group to help others and continue to see the people I have met through York Mind. I have gained a lot of confidence and learnt ways to not let others knock that back out of me."

The York Mind Befriending Service has been an integral part of the organisation for many years, and it has been a true privilege for us as a charity to be able to offer this to the people of York and Selby.

On behalf of all of the staff, past and present, we would like to thank everyone; volunteer befrienders, clients, the wider staff team at York Mind and all the many organisations who have supported the service over the years. We simply couldn't have done it without you.

We hope that the fun, kindness and most importantly, the friendships, will last for many years to come.

Picture: Hannah, Beverley and Kayti from the Befriending Team

Working Together for Better Opportunities

Working with a number of different organisations across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, York Mind's 'Action Towards Inclusion' project (ATI) is part of the national Building Better Opportunities Programme.

The ATI project aims to offer long-term, holistic support to people who are unemployed and experiencing difficulties relating to health, social exclusion, poverty and employability. To help overcome these and move closer towards job-search, training, education and employment.

We believe that people with mental health difficulties should get the support and respect they deserve, and work in a way which aims to encompass all aspects of a person's life: personal, social and professional.

As part of the project participants get the opportunity to work one-to-one with a keyworker, who will help you to identify and access the support that is most meaningful to your situation.

This may include:

• Counselling;
• Wellbeing and personal development activities;
• Financial support and advice;
• Employability skills such as English, Maths, ICT, CV writing and job searching;
• Enrolment in training; and
• Volunteering and/or other work experience opportunities.

Throughout, your keyworker will provide ongoing one-to-one emotional and practical support and encouragement.

You may be interested in this service if, as a result of your mental health, you are unemployed and finding it difficult to have the self-confidence, self-belief or skills to move into training or find work.

There is no charge for this service. The project is fully funded by The Big Lottery Fund and The European Social Fund.

If you are interested in this support you can simply complete one of our self-referral forms on our website https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/refer/ or by contacting the Project Lead, Helen Fairburn, on helen.fairburn@yorkmind.org.uk

Picture: Feedback from a recent participant of York Mind's 'Action Towards Inclusion' Project

Currently open to referrals: contact helen.fairburn@yorkmind.org.uk

Life Changing Skills

Following a recent Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course, one participant got in-touch to let us know how valuable and beneficial he found his newly acquired knowledge. Not only had the training given him the confidence to help those in need, but also to connect with them in a genuine and confident way that really made a difference.

"I just wanted to get in-touch to share an experience with you from yesterday evening"

"I was walking down Walmgate when a woman from the other side of the street called to me and asked for help. The first thing that came to mind was the MHFA course from last week and I thought what a hypocrite I would be if I just walked on past her."

"I went over and asked if she was okay. She was not feeling well at all and asked for an ambulance. She had alcohol with her and said she had drunk too much. There was also evidence of self-harm and drug abuse."

"I rang for an ambulance and explained everything and then spoke to her. I said firstly that I wasn't going to judge her and she appreciated this. I told her about the course and she said she had Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) amongst other things. We chatted about 'this and that' to take her mind off the pain and she was a very nice woman."

"Unfortunately, I couldn't wait for the ambulance to arrive as I had to leave for an appointment but, as I walked away, I saw it coming. She was really grateful for me stopping and helping her and it felt really good to do so. I would like to think that I would have stopped even before the MHFA course, but having taken the course I really felt I had the confidence to help."

Picture: Mental Health First Aid starts with you

For details on MHFA Training or any other courses that we offer please visit https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/our-training/ or email training@yorkmind.org.uk

Life's A Pitch

12 North Yorkshire Bands, a six-a-side football tournament and over £530 raised for York Mind - result!

Picture: Music for mental health - the bands celebrate a successful tournament

A massive 'thank you' to all the bands who, on 11th August, put down their instruments and microphones and donned their football boots to take part. Also, to Jericho Keys @JerichoKeys of BBC Radio York @BBCYork and Radio 6 Music @BBC6Music for organising the event.

Mindfulness: Meaning and Self-Management

Most of you will have heard about mindfulness by now; whether it is via a meditation app; a mindful colouring book; or a magazine about breathing and staying calm, there is lots of talk about mindfulness and the ability of the technique in helping with mental health.

What does it actually mean though? Jo Holloway-Green, our Advocacy Operations Manager, explores the ideas and beliefs around the practice for us:

In its purest form, mindfulness is simply being aware of your thoughts, without judging or getting caught up in them, whilst being totally present in the moment.

Mindfulness is about trying not to regret or relive what might have happened in the past, or worry and catastrophise about what might yet be to come.

It is about noticing the world around you; through your senses, and allowing everything to be what it is, without trying to change it. It is a gentle practice with powerful results.

Despite all the recent publicity and awareness of the technique, mindfulness is not a new craze. It is rooted in thousands of years of Buddhist and Hindu practices and it was first recognised in the modern, western world in 1979. Courtesy of Jon Kabat-Zinn. He was a graduate of MIT University in the US and decided to trial mindfulness for those who were living with chronic pain.

It was the first study of its kind and following the results, Jon Kabat-Zinn realised just how powerful it could be and started the first MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) courses.

These non-religious courses are now taught all around the world, to many thousands of people. The MBCT course is even featured of the NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) list of recommended clinical treatments for depression.

So why is it so well thought of? Much of this is due to a growing body of research which highlights the many benefits of mindfulness.

Research has found that many benefits occur when an individual practices mindfulness regularly. These include: reductions in depression and anxiety; increased wellbeing; reduced pain and feeling more grateful and content with life.

So how do you practice mindfulness? One of the core practices in meditation. Practices are short, often only three minutes long, and can help you feel calmer and less anxious.

It is about learning to be more aware of your thoughts, through ways such as concentrating on your breath, or the sounds around you. There are many more practices too and we will cover these in future newsletters. For now, you could try this one https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/

Another option is trying a mindful walk. Take a slow walk, noticing everything around you: the sounds of the wind; the feel of the sun; the different colours of the trees, plants and buildings. Each time you notice a thought arise, acknowledge it and then bring yourself back to noticing what's around you.

Want to try it for yourself and learn more? York Mind offers a range of courses just for you. If you live in York and you have a mental health issue, you can try one of the courses on offer in our Activities Programme.

If you are not able to access one of these due to location, we also run open courses. Further details can be found on our website https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/our-training/ You can also contact our Training Manager, Mark Willis, on training@yorkmind.org.uk

Picture: The York Mind balcony, perfect for a mindful moment

Time to Update and Review

In July, the York Mind Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities Programme reached the end of its first full year of delivery. This has been a great opportunity to review the work of the service so far, and fully appreciate the positive difference that the various groups and courses are having on people's lives.

Below is an example of one service user's pathway through the service, demonstrating the simple, yet effective, steps that individuals are able to make, due to the skills and techniques they are learning as part of the programme.

Engaging with activities delivered directly by York Mind and our Programme Partner Organisations, enables them to build their confidence and resilience and progress their recovery.

Partner Organisation: St Nicks

Activity Area: Wellbeing 

Activity Type: Woodwork and Advanced Cycling

Russ started off in the Woodwork Group and quickly became a valuable member of the group. Soon moving into a volunteer role, using his woodwork skills to guide other members of the group. He attended every week, helping set up and clear away. He also generously donated materials for the group to use.

He regularly commented how much the group helped him and how much he looked forward to coming each week.

Russ also joined the Cycling Group and although he hadn't ridden for a few years, really pushed himself and was soon able to ride distances of 20 miles. He commented that one of the additional benefits of the Cycling Group at St Nicks, compared to other community cycling groups, was the value of the peer support that gradually built up: the chance to share experiences and talk to other members of the group who were also experiencing mental ill-health.

"I have made friendships, become a happier, more relaxed person, gained confidence and become fitter and healthier. Some of these aren't a permanent thing - I still suffer with some not-so-good and some very-bad days, but this is due to the nature of BPD. St Nicks and York Mind have helped me so much and I am not being over dramatic when I say that. If I hadn't got involved with them and received the help and support that they have provided, things would be very different right now. I was at the lowest point of my life and on the verge of suicide. The Activities Programme has helped me change that."

"These courses and activities are needed and are a must."

Picture: Stunning artwork painted by David Roberts, a particpant of the 'Walk in The Park' Activity Group.

The Positive Power of Nature - Beautiful Pictures from The Walking Group

Team 'Hook, Mind and Sinker' cruise to success

15th July 2018 saw York Mind's first team in the Rotary Club of York's Dragon Boat Race event, since 2010.

This year, York Mind was delighted to be in the position of being one of the Rotary's partner charities for the event we felt it was only right that we should have a team on the water too!

Team 'Hook, Mind and Sinker' (dressed in Peter Pan and Co. costumes) had such an amazing day and also managed to raise over £2,000 in sponsorship money. It was a brilliant organisation- wide effort, with staff members, trustees, volunteers and service users either rowing, sponsoring, or coming to cheer on the day.

Gemma Perry, one of York Mind's supporters via the Aviva Women's Network, rowed in the team and had this to say about the race:

"This year was my first Dragon Boat Race experience and what a fantastic event to be part of. The organisation was excellent by both the York Rotary Club and Holly, at York Mind, who organised us novices on the boat! Despite coming last by a long way in out first race, we were ready to accept defeat but, with a bit of coaching from the organisers and discussion of tactics amongst team members, we powered through our second race as winners! Coming 19th on the final league table was a great result. We raised over £2,000 for York Mind and made some great memories."

If you would like to see some more pictures from the day, you can view our picture gallery here: https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/fundraising/fundraising-gallery/dragon-boat-race-2018/

Picture: Team Hook, Mind and Sinker

Picture appears by kind permission of Lewis Outing

Our deepest thanks go the the Rotary Club of York, for not only choosing us at one of the charity partners for the race, along with York CAB, but also for organising and hosting a fantastic event.

A Lasting Gift

Could you be an angel for York Mind and remember us in your Will?

Money raised through gifts in Wills is a very important part of our fundraising and our ability to continue to provide our much needed services for the people of York.

We know that caring for family and friends is a priority; however, after making provision for them, if you would consider leaving a gift to York Mind in your Will it would be greatly appreciated.

You can either leave a specific amount or a share of what is left over after all your wishes have been carried out.

Leaving a gift couldn't be simpler. If you haven't yet made a Will it can be done when you see your Solicitor. If you already have a Will your Solicitor can simply add an addition to it.

If you would like any further information on leaving a legacy please contact Rosanna Andrews on rosanna.andrews@yorkmind.org.uk

Award Winning Music

York Mind is truly delighted to have been chosen for the fourth year running as the charity of choice of York's Little Festival of Live Music.

The festival was recently awarded the impressive accolade of 'York's Outstanding Festival Of The Year' and returns to The Music Marquee on Parliament Street between 21st September - 29th September (excluding 24th and 25th September), for over 28-hours of free, family-friendly, live music.

It will again be accompanied by the York Food and Drink Festival so there will be plenty of tasty, tempting treats on offer too.

Please support this fantastic event if you can. Any donations collected during the event will benefit York Mind.

Picture: The full line-up for York's Little Festival of Live Music

We need lots of helpers for the festival. If you are able to give some of your time please contact the Fundraising Team on fundraising@yorkmind.org.uk

All change at the Hub

York Advocacy Hub has seen some changes in recent months. Firstly with a change of premises; from Devonshire Court in Clifton, to 30 Clarence Street YO31 7DE. We are really happy with this move as it makes the service more accessible to clients and helps us to link up with the other mental health support services happening at 30 Clarence Street, such as York Mind's Sunday Coffee Club and The Haven.

Secondly, Cloverleaf Advocacy are no-longer delivering part of the Hub's advocacy services with us. So, we have enlarged our staff team and are now delivering all types of advocacy directly:

• General Advocacy (including the Benefits Advice Project - see flyer below);
• NHS Complaints Advocacy;
• Care Act Advocacy (for people struggling to be involved in social care processes);
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (for people detained under the Mental Health Act); and
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (for people lacking capacity to make important decisions).

We are also recruiting for staff and volunteers - please see www.yorkmind.org.uk for more details.

We are confident that through these changes the York Advocacy Service will go from strength-to-strength, and we are excited about bringing all types of advocacy fully under one roof, within York Mind.

Picture: York Advocacy's Benefits and Debt Advocacy Project

For further information of any of these services, please contact York Advocay Hub on 01904 414 357 or email office@yorkadvocacy.org.uk

Selected for support

We are very grateful to everyone at the York store of Sainsbury's Piccadilly, who recently voted for us to be their local 'chosen charity' to support over the next twelve months.

If you are out and about in York, why not pop in for your groceries and support our collecting tins on the counter?

Picture: Bags at the ready at the Piccadily store

If your local shop, or business, would like to support York Mind and select us as your 'Charity Of The Year' please do get in-touch. Contact the fundraising team on 01904 643 364 or email fundraising@yorkmind.org.uk

Liz's Triathlon Triumph

"On 15th July 2018, I took part in my first ever triathlon, raising money for York Mind. The date was perfect - almost exactly one year after I had undergone major surgery, which felt like a good way to celebrate the progress I'd made since then."

"I decided to use the opportunity to fundraise for York Mind, as being active has always had a big impact on my own mental health - not least when I was recovering from my operation. Also, I'd spent time volunteering for the charity and loved getting to know some of the wonderful people who make up the organisation and witnessing what a positive difference they make to people who are experiencing mental ill-health."

"I met up with Holly, their community fundraiser, to talk about the triathlon, and she gave me lots of excellent fundraising tips and was really encouraging. I entered the York Triathlon: a 400m swim, an 18km bike-ride and a 5km run. It had been years since I had done any swimming and I was also pretty much a beginner on the bike, so training for all three felt like a very daunting prospect."

"Over several months, I gradually built up my distance in each of the three disciplines, before trying some 'brick' sessions, where you go straight from one to another and feel as if your legs are in-fact made of jelly!"

"I panicked about being too slow; getting a puncture, going the wrong way - the possibilities seemed endless. However, the support I got from friends and family was brilliant and reminded me of why I had entered in the first place. Race day finally arrived and I am glad to say that my nerves went as soon as I started the swim. I didn't get lost in transition (changing from swim to bike and then bike to run) and I certainly wasn't the only 'first-timer'. What's more, I don't know why I worried that my hybrid bike wouldn't be up to the task as their were competitors and bikes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There was even one chap happily pedalling around on a Brompton!"

"The supporters and marshals did a great job of cheering us on, which was particularly appreciated on the run section of the course as the temperature rose and I started to flag. After one hour and forty minutes, I crossed the finish line. Exhausted, emotional,and delighted to have raised almost £1,800 for an excellent cause. If you have ever fancied having a go at a triathlon then I'd highly recommend it. In-fact, I have already signed up for next year!"

Picture: Liz crosses the line - still smiling

 What a fantastic achievement - our great thanks go to Liz for all the effort and hard work she put into her training, fundraising and racing.

A very sunny York 10k - Our Biggest and Best Yet

Sunday 5th August was a very hot and sunny day. It was also the day of the 2018 'Run For All York 10k'! Huge thanks to all our runners, volunteer marshals, cheer point squad and family and friends who came down to support.

It was another fantastic event for York Mind and we are delighted that we have been chosen to remain as a Charity Partner for the race, until 2021.

For further pictures of the event, please check out our picture gallery here: https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/fundraising/fundraising-gallery/york-10k-2018/

 Picture: Edgar the Elephant sets off for York Mind

If you are interested in taking part in this event next year, or any form of Fundraising for York Mind, please contact Holly on holly.bilton@yorkmind.org.uk

Activities are 'go' for year two

The second year of delivery of the York Mind Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities Programme has now begun.  A new schedule of fantastic activities, for the residents of the City of York aged 18+, runs until June 2019.

The Activities Programme links in with several other local organisations to deliver a wide variety of activities and groups: 

• Converge;
• Kindlewoods;
• Kyra;
• Survive;
• YREN;
• The Rowntree Society
• York LGBT; and
• Sunshine Changing Lanes.

The aim of all the groups/activities is to support the mental health and overall wellbeing of participants. Activities will be delivered at staggered start dates across the year, so there is always an activity for people to access.

Activities range from one-off events to open-ended support groups and courses. These include:

Art and Drawing

Mindfulness

Pause for the Menopause Support Group

Yoga

Anger management

Walking Groups

Sunday Coffee Club

Drama

Specialist Guided Learning

Friendship Groups

York Mind Activities 'Bob' Programme

At York Mind, we are passionate about involving clients and service users in the shaping and design of our services. Our in-house activities programme 'Bob', offers bespoke activities that have been chosen by 'you'.

This year, the focus is on all things 'creative'. Clients and service users have all asked for activities that help them to learn skills that they can continue at home, or in the community, long after the activity group or course has ended.

With this in mind, upcoming Activities include:

• Confidence and Resilience;
• Mindfulness;
• Creative Writing;
• Poetry and Motivation;
• Singing for Fun;
• Hula Hooping for health and happiness;
• Making Theatre;
• Santa's Sock's and
• Festive baking.

If you would like to find out more about the Activities Programme please contact the team on 01904 643 364 and select Option 5, or email activities@yorkmind.org.uk

Please see the York Mind website to view the full Activities Brochure, enrolment form and guidelines https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/our-services/mental-health-wellbeing-activities-programme/

And finally...

Between 29th September and 27th October, York Mind and Rethink - York Group, are hosting their third annual Art Exhibition and Auction at the City Screen Gallery, York - and you are you are all invited!

The art work can be viewed by visiting the upstairs corridor of the City Screen Gallery and an official bid box will be in place for any bids you wish to make. All proceeds from the auction will be split equally between York Mind and Rethink - York Group, so that we can continue our essential mental health support for the people of York.

As always, a massive 'thank you' goes out to all of you who support York Mind and the work that we do - we simply couldn't do it without you!