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Local Update, 27 November 2023
Barnet Voice for Mental Health
020 3475 1314
bvmh@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
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.
Inclusion Barnet news and events
Final reminder - User Voice Meeting, Thursday 30 November, 12.00 - 2.00pm
At this meeting, we have planned some special guests to discuss current consultations to ensure your voices are heard. We will confirm our guests with you in the coming weeks. At the meeting we'll also discuss the suitability of other venues for User Voice events, consider the best meeting format and how well it works for people, and, of course, hear from you as much as possible!
It's going to be a friendly occasion, with refreshments and there will be time for an informal chat, getting to know new people and catching up with some old friends.
Disabled people and/or carers are welcome, as well as friends and family.
Events and news from the web
Removing the stigma around men's mental health (From Red rocket events ltd), Thursday 30 November, 9.30am - 4.30pm
This event is dedicated to creating a safe space where men can share their experiences, seek support, and learn coping strategies.
Managing mental health whilst working in fast-paced & busy environments (From PMAC mental health & wellbeing), Friday 1 December, 1.00 - 1.30pm
In this seminar they will explore:-
Understanding the stress response
Using the stress response to your advantage
Reframing to energise yourself
The importance of taking "baby breaks"
Book Managing mental health whilst working in fast-paced & busy environments
Community navigator trial
Make social connections and reduce loneliness.
Would you like to join a research study to help find a new way to support people to make social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness?
The Community Navigators Programme aims to support people using community mental health services who are experiencing low mood and loneliness.
It is part of a clinical trial taking place at various NHS Trusts including:-
Barnet, Enfied and Haringey
If you decide to take part, you may be offered support from a Community Navigator. This will involve receiving support to make social connections (e.g. finding new groups, connecting with friends, and family). Half of the participants will be allocated a Navigator, and the other half will receive written information on local social activities, and both groups will be offered their usual care.
Want to find out more?
Speak to your usual clinician from the team
Brent: Harness Community Mental Health Hub.
Contact our study researcher:
Gamze Evlat, gamze.evlat2@candi.nhs.uk Phone/text 07510 239172
Check out study website and leaflet
www.ucl.ac.uk/priment/our-collaborations/community-navigator-trial/about-study
Please note: the study is open only to clients of currently participating mental health services. You can join the study via a referral from your clinician, or by contacting the research team who can answer any questions you have.
Lets talk about mental health (From HIYOS (healthy in your own skin)), Friday 1 December, 1.00 - 1.30pm
An 8-week series to openly discuss and raise awareness about mental health
I don't need help: supporting people who can't see their mental illness (From Mindspring mental health alliance), Tuesday 28 November, 6.00 - 7.00pm
Why do people sometimes reject help? Discuss the reasons why people refuse mental health care and how to respond & cope in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Book I don't need help: supporting people who can't see their mental illness
Boundary IQ: the art of healthy relationships [free webinar] (From Mindspring mental health alliance), Wednesday 29 November, 6.00 - 7.00pm
In the same way that fences provide privacy and a sense of security to neighbors, boundaries safeguard relationships. But implementing healthy boundaries can be a challenging task. Discuss the role of boundaries in relationships and learn how to implement healthy boundaries with a licensed therapist in this one-hour seminar.
How to improve your mental wellbeing as a gig economy worker (From The Calmer team), Tuesday 28 November, 5.00 - 6.30pm
This webinar is dedicated to unpacking the benefits and the challenges associated with gig economy work, as well as identifying the vital support needed to ensure mentally healthy, compassionate and safe working conditions.
Book How to improve your mental wellbeing as a gig economy worker
Living Well in Barnet (From Age UK Barnet)
Monday 4 December 2023 – 10am-12.30pm
The Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT
Join Age UK Barnet for a morning of free talks and information with a focus on memory and living well with dementia - plus a chance to find out about local community groups.
Professor Catherine Loveday on why nostalgia is good for our brain
Talk on rare forms of dementia - Nikki Zimmermann from the Dementia Research Centre
Improving dementia care for Black communities - Moise Roche University Of London
Poetry reading from former carer Karin De Novellis
All over 50s welcome. Free entry. Information stalls. Refreshments. To register, just contact Fiona Cronin on 0208 629 0269 or email fiona.cronin@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Mental health drop-in sessions (From Barnet Health Champions)
Taking place from 2.30 - 4.30pm at Chipping Barnet Library on Wednesday 22 November and then fortnightly.
Also at Colindale Library, 2.30 - 4.30pm on Wednesday 29 November and then fortnightly.
A friendly face to listen, support and signpost to local services as well as providing information.
Podcasts
Podcast: On purpose with Jay Shetty (From iHeartPodcasts)
From Jay Shetty, whose purpose is to make wisdom go viral. He's fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world.
Podcast: The critical importance of shared humanity (from George Mason University)
Melissa Perry, dean of George Mason University’s College of Public Health, is an ardent proponent of virtual reality and AI as tools to help solve the nation’s health challenges. But, as she tells Mason President Gregory Washington, a technology overload has also helped create an “epidemic of loneliness” that has heightened the importance of a shared humanity. Perry also discusses her suicide attempt as a teenager that ultimately inspired her career in public health.
Listen to Podcast: The critical importance of shared humanity
Articles
A deep sense of wonder, a firm grasp on reality: what magicians can teach us about mental health (From the Guardian)
A study suggests professional deceivers may be less prone to mental disorders.
From boys to men: teenagers talk mental health (From Men's Health)
The transition from adolescence to adulthood has always been fraught with challenges. But today’s young men are undoubtedly struggling. Rates of anxiety and depression are on the rise, with exam pressures, an unstable job market and conflicting messages around masculinity compounding the problem. But the right support systems can make all the difference.
How a healthy workplace can drive positive change in wellness and productivity (From Architecture and Design)
The workplace isn’t just a place where we earn our bread and butter – it’s a cornerstone of our mental and emotional health.
Read How a healthy workplace can drive positive change in wellness and productivity
Think you have SAD? Think again (From Wired)
Research has questioned whether seasonal depression actually exists. Maybe that doesn’t matter
Be kind and give more: Know the benefits of giving for your mental health (From Health Shots)
An act of kindness goes a long way. It not only helps the person who is receiving it, but also the giver. Here are some mental health benefits of giving.
Read Be kind and give more: Know the benefits of giving for your mental health
Regular Events on the Web
Laughing fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness (From Jon Bockelmann-Evans), Tuesday 28 November, 8.00 - 8.30pm
A 30-minute laughter class filled with joy to boost your physical, mental and emotional health and leave you feeling great!
Book Laughing fit - a weekly online laughter class for health & happiness
Poetry therapy (From Nation's Finest), Monday 27 November, 9.30 - 10.30pm
Join this class and de-stress with poetry! You will learn the structure of micro poems such as American Sentence, Haiku, and Sijo. Examples included for each form. Second half of class will be used for writing, sharing your work is optional.
Mindly weekly - practical tips on mental wellbeing & general anxiety (From Step8up Mindly), Tuesday 28 November, 12.30 - 1.00pm
Join this session each week to know how easy it is to manage day to day mental wellbeing, especially general anxiety, using methods which are practical and easy.
Book Mindly weekly - practical tips on mental wellbeing & general anxiety
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.
Online ADHD support group (From Tim Kiver Foundation), Tuesday 12 December, 7.30 - 9.00pm
A safe place for anyone interested in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in ANY way to share experiences and learn more about:
• What ADHD is
• How ADHD affects peoples every day life
• Ways to manage ADHD symptoms
• How to seek medical help for ADHD
• The Facts and Fiction that surround ADHD
International wellbeing support group (From Rain on Me), Monday 4 December, 5.30pm
A free, international safe space to vent and grow with people who understand and accept you.
Regular Events in Barnet
Community wellbeing support (From Meridian Wellbeing, Mind Enfield and Barnet and Colindale Communities Trust)
Providing mental health and wellbeing support at the heart of the community.
Feeling worried about life or struggling?
Anxious?
Just need someone to talk to confidentially?
The cafe will provide:
Day time and evening access
One to one support from trained mental health wellbeing empowerment workers
Group workshops and training
Emotional health checks and personal action and safety plans
A safe space to be and crisis support out of hours
Help to build your resilience and self-management
Drop into the old library, every Thursday:
12pm - 5pm - emotional health check drop in
3pm - 5pm - crisis and well-being support drop-in
5pm - 8.pm - appointment-based crisis and well-being support
Helpline for immediate emotional support and enquiries 020 8906 7503.
For more information please drop into the Old Library on the Concourse, NW9 5XA or call Colindale Communities Trust (CCT) on 020 8200 3014
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: buildingfriendship@gmail.com. Or leave a message with your name and contact number on 020 8449 5320.
Weekly online social group from Mind in Enfield and Barnet, Fridays from 6.00 - 7.00pm
This group takes place by Zoom, and the session is broken up into a few casual activities such as:
Catch up about each other’s week
Play a quiz where everybody provides 3 questions
Share and discuss TV, movies and news that has inspired us this week
If you would like to attend, please email Sam Brown at sambrown@mindeb.org.uk
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.
Since the Pandemic. Our group has gone through necessary changes. One week our group meets via Zoom from 6-7.15pm. Alternate wks. we meet, in person at 55 Christchurch Avenue 6-7.30pm. No-one is allowed to join our meetings without prior arrangement.
If there is anything else you wish to know, please do not hesitate to contact:
Peter Sartori e: mailto:petersartori168@gmail.com m: 07947 713306 Sandra Turner e: santana.turner01@gmail.com
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
- The Help Hub - free online emotional support sessions
- 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
- Useful links from Sussex University - lots of useful links to MH resources
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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