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South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health Your Network, Giving you a Voice...
01543 301139 www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth twitter:@ssnmentalhealth
NETWORK NEWS
News for people with an interest in Mental Health Services across South Staffordshire
Issue 53 Winter 2014
P.2 Keri’s Mumblings / Sophie Writes
P.3 Life on the Open Road
P.3 Social Media / Welcome to Naila
P.4 Volunteer Update
P.5 Toolbox Lichfield and Stafford
P.6 SSNMH Annual General Meeting
P.7 An Introduction to Martin
P.7 The Casserole Club
P.8 Mental Health Carers Service
P.9 Ten Ways to Cope With Stress
P.10 Planning for the Festive Season
P.11 Keeping Safe This Christmas
P.12 Changes Health & Wellbeing
P.13 Puzzle Fun
P.14 Member’s Poems & Artwork
P.15 Making Space Work4You
P.16 Your Voice, Everyday Humour
P.17 Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline
P.17 Asist
P.18 Tamworth CMHT, Podcast
P.18 Time to Change, Open Door of Hope
P.19 Information Directory
P.20 Notices
Picture
by Julie
INSIDE THIS EDITION...
2
Welcome to Network News Issue
53. As always, we have a
bumper of an issue for you with
articles about keeping well over
the Christmas period, things you
can do to manage your mental
health, as well as a reminder of
the great services in
Staffordshire. You may
remember an article a few issues
ago from Rose, who shared her
experiences of the Work4You
service. She has been busy and
has updated us on her visit to
Prague. It is great to hear from
her.
I don’t have much to report on
this time as I have had some time
off for an operation, which went
very well. The team have
done a great job in my absence.
The Your Voice service is starting
to grow now, as below:
Inform:
All new members now receive a
handbook on how to use the
service and make better use of
the Network. All members are
welcome to ask for a copy, which
we can do by post or email.
Consult and Represent:
With this issue, you will have
received a Survey exploring your
thoughts on Care Plans. Please
have a look at this and complete
if you have any views on Care
Planning.
Involve:
Improving Customer Experience
and Care and Recovery
Evaluations are now live and
awaiting your input! If you use a
mental health service, or have a
Care Plan, we would very much
like to spend some time with you
to explore your thoughts. See
page 16.
Collaborate and Volunteer:
We successfully recruited two
new volunteers in October 2014,
Donna and John. See page 4 for
more information on what our
volunteers have been doing.
Lead:
We are opening up more
opportunities for volunteers and
Network Members to take the
lead on things we do (such as
this newsletter and the podcast).
Well, here we are at the end of 2014! The Network
has had an exciting year, starting off with our ‘90
Seconds of You’ project. I am extremely proud of
everyone who was involved and the impact it’s had
on the way services will be shaped in the future.
In April, we were successful in our Stafford Public
Health bid and launched our Toolbox service in
Stafford & Surrounding areas. Sarah has been
working hard promoting this project.
I would like to thank everyone who has completed
our Medication Reduction Survey in the Summer- we
had a fantastic response and again your views help
to improve mental health services across
Staffordshire.
This Autumn, I have been busy attending the Patients
Council and Mental Health forums across the south
of the county. Information gained has helped the
Network identify gaps in services and what we will be
prioritising in 2015.
I am also looking at our Volunteers Programme
ensuring that the Network achieves our Investing in
Volunteers Quality Assurance Standard. To
date, I have successfully completed our self-
assessment and writing our development plan
ready to submit these in early January - a big
thanks to Gemma, Gill, Karen and Tracey, who
have supported me with this work.
And finally I would like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’
to Trustees, staff, volunteers and guest speakers who
were involved with our AGM. The afternoon was a
great success and we have received excellent
feedback from the event. For me, it was my first
AGM and I was overwhelmed with the assistance and
enthusiasm I received from everyone. I know we are
a small team but the fact that everyone chips in,
makes us a great team. Well done guys!
I am ready for the challenges that are lying in wait in
2015.
Both Sophie and Keri wish everyone at the
Network and all of our members a safe Christmas
- and anyone who thinks they will need extra
support over the festive season, please get in
touch with Naila - she will be happy to signpost
you to the relevant organisations that will be
open across the holiday period.
Keri’s Mumblings Keri Lawrence, Project Coordinator
Sophie Writes… Sophie Phillips, Project Manager
3
Life on the Open Road... Gemma Giles, Development Worker
Welcome to Naila! Naila Ahmed, Development Worker
naila [email protected]
My name is
Naila Ahmed and I have
recently joined the team as
a Development Worker
covering for Gemma Giles
whilst she goes on
Maternity Leave.
I commenced employment
on the 3rd November 2014
and I have been extremely
busy since then attending
various groups, meetings
and training sessions.
Recently, I have been
shadowing Gemma at her
workshops and have been
part of the AGM on 18th
November, where I
shared a workshop on
Social Media with Julie
Atkinson. The AGM was
a great success and I had
the opportunity to meet
and introduce myself to
many people such as the
Network Trustees,
volunteers and some
members of the Network.
If you haven’t already met
me, you will be doing very
soon!
I hope you are not stressing too much over
tinsel and baubles, and are taking advantage of
the decent TV listings at this time of the year.
As many of you know I will be going onto
maternity leave from December 2014, so
you will be put into the safe hands of
Naila Ahmed.
Over the last few months I’ve been busy
getting ready for my maternity leave by
getting all my paperwork up to date so I
have been quiet on the visits front as
some of you may have noticed.
Due to how the service has changed you may
notice a reduction in group visits from the
Network as we become more focused on
working with you on a one to one basis. This is
through the ICE and CARE aspects of the
service (more information can be found on
page 16).
We are changing the way we work to improve
your experiences when using mental health
services. It means we can give you more
support and your comments can go a lot further
in the mental health world. These are exciting
times and I am a little gutted I am missing all
the amazing changes coming the Network’s
way. We still present workshops as we find
these very beneficial to helping members gain
important knowledge regarding their rights and
responsibilities about their care.
AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS:
Jigsaw
Mental Health Awareness
Care Programme Approach
Ladder of Empowerment
‘Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!’
The Network currently has five different ways
that we promote services using social media:
Website
Podcast
Network News
We need your input!!
So, if there is anything you can think of that you would like us to include in any aspect of
our social media, then please contact:-
Gill Wootton [email protected]
or Naila Ahmed. naila [email protected]
or telephone 01543 301139
Social Media
4
Volunteer’s Update The Network Team is supported by 18 volunteers. Volunteers contribute to our
great work in different ways. Here is a selected update on what’s going on...
Julie (Office Support) Since September, despite being
exceptionally unwell, I have carried
on with my voluntary work -
attending the usual quarterly
meetings in October as part of my
role as Volunteer representative, as
well as editing and recording the
podcast. I also got the opportunity to
be on the interview panel again as
we have recruited a replacement for
Gemma whilst she is on maternity
leave.
I have attended and assisted with,
our Annual General Meeting in
November, which was very
enjoyable. Since then I have been
busy organising a Christmas social
event for the Volunteers at Chapters
Café and have been compiling the
Network News for your enjoyment.
I would like to thank everyone who
has contributed to this edition.
Jason Middleton
(Involvement Champion, Stafford)
I have not been able to volunteer as
much as I would like due to studying
commitments, however, as I find that
volunteering is an important part of
keeping me well, not to mention
giving me a break from studying, I
have continued to volunteer where I
can. Over the last few months, I
have continued to develop a good
relationship with Richmond
Fellowship Life Links, supporting
groups and encouraging service user
involvement. I have also enjoyed
attending the Service User and Carer
Involvement Committee Meeting with
the Trust as well as helping to
represent the Network at the Trust’s
AGM, where I had the opportunity to
chat with many service users and
staff promoting the Network as well
as the new chairman! I also enjoyed
supporting CASS (Carers
Association South Staffs) during their
‘Big Breakfast’ event.
Over the coming months I will
continue to develop my relationship
with Richmond Fellowship Life Links
and represent the Network at
upcoming Service User and Carer
Involvement Committee Meetings
with the Trust as well as the next
Personality Disorder multi-agency
Steering Group which aims to
improve services offered to those
service users with Personality
Disorders. Personally, I am also
looking forward to attending the
CASS ‘Roadshow’ in Stafford and
finding out more about the role of
carers and how we can help to
support them better.
Sian (Involvement Champion)
This quarter I have helped in the
recording of the Podcast, visited
a Richmond Fellowship group in
Cannock and represented the
volunteers at the Network’s Steering
Group. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting
students at Keele University at a
volunteers fair helping Gill in
promoting the Network and
discussing volunteering opportunities
within the Network. Some of the
students are now becoming
volunteers as a direct result of that
event. I have attended the quarterly
Volunteer and Network meetings and
have met with Gemma and Naila to
discuss developing individual
volunteering opportunities for myself
within the Network. I have also
received advocacy training and
attended the Network AGM. As a
volunteer and representative of the
Network, I have also attended the
Trust AGM and information day and
a local SURF ( Service Users Forum)
meeting where information regarding
developments within the trust are
outlined and discussed.
In early 2015 I will be out and about
in Tamworth supporting Gill with the
Network’s Mental Health Awareness
Roadshow. I will be helping to re-
develop the format and content of
the Network Nuggets (Podcast) so
that it will be an exciting extension of
the Network News. I will also be
undertaking training to be able to
speak one to one with service users,
to listen to individual experiences so
that the Network can feed that
information back to service providers
and ultimately provide better services
for people experiencing mental
distress .
Our volunteers play a key role
in improving mental health
services in Staffordshire and
making life easier for people
with experience of mental
illness by sharing their
experiences and opening the
eyes of the public!
Our volunteers also support us
in the office with inputting data,
building reports, making sure
information is up to date and
keeping the staff on their toes!
Volunteering isn’t just about
giving! Our volunteers find out
loads on how to make best use
of mental health services and
are given training on how to
support other people to be
heard. They also build skills
and confidence!
Most of our volunteers leave
us to go to paid employment or
education.
To make an application, please
email Gill as above or call the
Network on 01543 301139
If you put volunteering on
your New Year’s Resolution
list, think of the Network!
Volunteer for the Network! Contact Gill Wootton, Volunteer Lead
5
The project has just under a year left to run
(where’s that time gone!?) I’ve loved being
back at the Network and I’ve thoroughly
enjoyed the RAFT appointments and informing
people about the help that’s available to them
in Lichfield District. I’ve also really enjoyed
working with the project’s 2 volunteers, Mark
and Donna, and the enthusiasm they’ve shown
has been fantastic.
It’s been great to work with other community
groups and the networking is really starting to
pay off now with referrals from the work club
and talent match along with the Citizens
Advice Bureau.
We’ve seen 27 clients now with 3 booked in
and we’ve had some great feedback We saw a
lady a few weeks ago who was feeling really
overwhelmed and stressed and these feelings
were intensified by the fact that she
felt incredibly lonely. We gave her information
and contact details for three different groups
she could try in Lichfield which did not all focus
on mental health but would perhaps provide
her with another interest and expand her social
circle and help her well-being. I had some
feedback from her two weeks later through the
person who referred her to us which was; “Just
letting you know, the client thought you were
very good because you listened
really well to her and she
felt that you cared. She
said it was really important as not many people
listen to her troubles.”
It makes us so motivated and happy to get
feedback like that and I’m sure this project has
lots more to offer in the coming months.
Please get in touch if you would like an
appointment and let your friends and family
know about it too.
Lichfield Toolbox Tracey Hackett, RAFT Outreach Worker [email protected]
Hi my name is Sarah and I am the new Toolbox Keyworker and am currently busy promoting the service in and around Stafford where I am based.
Before starting this post in September, I was a volunteer for the Network, and am now employed for two half days a week. However, I still currently volunteer for Mind and Richmond Fellowship Life Links.
I would very much like to thank the Network for giving me this exciting opportunity.
Toolbox is a set of questions to assess how someone is feeling and hopefully not needing to access mental health services.
I am currently in the process of recruiting volunteers to help me out with appointments, so if you think this is something that you might like to do - then please contact me on the above email address, or you can ring the office on: 01543 301 139.
I am finding this role very rewarding and have already completed three Toolbox appointments!
Tracey Hackett
Right Advice First Time Outreach
Office: 01543 301139
Mobile: 07806 637522
Please note that I work Wednesdays only
Stafford Toolbox Sarah Latham, Toolbox Keyworker [email protected]
6
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health Annual General Meeting - 18th November 2014
Our second speaker was Danni Cook who is the Trust’s
Recovery Lead Partner with lived experience.
Danni explained the new peer recovery service due to
be in all Community Mental Health teams in the future.
This seems a very exciting project and the feedback we
received about Danni’s talk was great and everyone felt
she presented the talk in a way where everyone could
feel her passion and determination. A big thank you to
Danni, and we can’t wait to see what happens in the
near future on the new project under the Trust.
Rachel Craven, one of the Network ’s Awareness
Champions, was kind enough to present her very own
talk called ‘My OCD Hell’. Many people, including staff,
had not heard the talk before and it went down very
well. It was very well presented, and at the end, it gave
a huge amount of respect for people who are tackling
OCD every day in their lives. Thank you, Rachel, it was
truly an eye opener.
Feedback comment: ‘A very well presented meeting. Presentation speakers were excellent and interesting to listen to – an enjoyable afternoon all round!’
Imre Tolgyesi (pictured right) Partnership Development Manager
for the South Staffordshire Districts was first up to talk about the
South Staffordshire Partnership, Imre talked about the 90 Seconds of
You Project and how far the videos have now stretched and how many
commissioners and councillors have seen them. This is a great
achievement for all involved. If you would like to have a look at the
videos they are available on ‘YouTube’ under the South Staffordshire
Network for Mental Health channel, don’t forget while you’re there to
subscribe. There are many exciting things coming out of the South
including The Good Life. This is a great resource to see what’s
available to you in the South Staffordshire District area.
Their website is southstaffordshire.thegoodlife.uk.net
A big THANK YOU to Imre for such a great presentation!
Here at SSNMH, we felt the AGM was a great success this year. We had three fantastic speakers who
presented three very different presentations. The cake went down well with everyone. On one of our
feedback forms someone did suggest bacon baps next year. Although in the office we all agree with this
comment we doubt we will get Keri to agree to it!'
A big thank you to all who came on the day,
and thank you to all volunteers who helped out during the day.
7
An Introduction to Martin
by Martin Wall
My name is Martin Wall and I have volunteered to work in the extreme south of the area for the Network. I live in the village of Kinver just two miles from the border with Worcestershire. It is a pleasant pretty village, but is isolated and not really on anyone’s radar very much in terms of services. If you don't drive, like me, it can be very difficult to access services of any kind, let alone mental health services, but (thanks to the Network) the Connect bus service has opened up opportunities for rurally isolated people, which has been a big plus. I will be covering the area between Wombourne and Kinver, as an Awareness Champion and Involvement Champion. I have been involved in mental health services since 1991 one way or another. I was a volunteer with Nottingham Advocacy Group ich was the first mental health advocacy
group in the UK. I worked in the community and social services in mental health until 2005, ending my career as an Approved Social Worker (anyone remember them?). I then worked in the Probation Service with a mental health hat on until 2009 when I became a carer. These duties ceased in 2012 and I am now retired due to physical and mental ill health, but still try to keep myself active when I can. My main interests in mental health are rural isolation and premium issues, stigma and discrimination, mutual support, campaigning, advocacy and especially institutionalized social exclusion processes which dehumanize and demonize disabled people. My hope is that I can help empower others to take more control of their lives and defend themselves against unfair stereotyping which is unfortunately still endemic and entrenched in the public consciousness. I have a special interest in writing as a therapeutic tool, and I have published some of my work. I hope to be able to meet you all in due course.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year to you all!
The Casserole Club Hi all, Do you know any older adults who would appreciate a free, home-cooked meal, delivered to them by a friendly neighbour? Casserole Club can help! Our free service puts volunteers, who can spare extra portions of their home-cooked food, in touch with older neighbours who would benefit from a nutritious meal and some extra social contact. The service has been commissioned through the Public Health and Wellbeing Team of Staffordshire County Council and anyone wishing to volunteer as a Cook can visit www.casseroleclub.com to express his or her interest. Diners of the Casserole Club can sign up to the project by contacting us on 0300 111 8006 or by completing a sign-up form and consent form . Referrals can be made to the Casserole Club Team by friends, family or a trusted organisation in the voluntary and community sector by telephone or email to: [email protected]
Once a suitable match (between a Cook and Diner) is identified, and the cook has successfully cleared a Food Safety test and DBS check, they will be invited to send an introductory message to their local Diner. The Casserole Club Team will stay in contact with both Cook and Diner to make sure they feel safe and comfortable with the service. Since the initial launch of the project in Staffordshire, a number of meal-shares have taken place with friendships starting to grow. We have many volunteers across the county still wishing to be paired with local Diners and any support in identifying those who would benefit from the service is appreciated. If you would like to get involved or request further information please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for your time.
8
Mental Health Carers Service
What we do: Mental Health Carers Workers support carers caring for someone with any mental illness, this includes anxiety and depression, bi polar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders to name but a few. The cared for (service user) must be between the ages of 18 - 65. We offer free and confidential advice and information that is both general and specific to the carer's situation. Emotional Support: For times when a carer needs someone to talk to, who understands their situation. This can be one-to-one at home or at a venue away from home, (either venue being mutually agreed between carer and mental health worker). Telephone support is also offered. Liaison with other professionals and agencies: When the carer needs help to find their way through mental health services and communicating their needs to other health and social care professionals. Sign posting: Informing the carer of other services and agencies both statutory and independent, who can help with specific issues such as housing, benefits, drop-ins etc. A voice for carers: Providing a voice for carers to ensure that their views are heard by those who can make a difference. New Mental Health forum where mental health carers can have your say: CASS Mental Health Carers Workers, Diane Robbins and Sam Bradbury, are working with representatives from the Mental Health Service User Networks in the county to develop a new forum which will be a focus for the promotion, facilitation and ongoing reality of effective participatory involvement of service users and carers in the commissioning and provision of mental health services and monitoring the quality and effectiveness of these. Carers and service users who have concerns, ideas or suggestions regarding mental health service delivery and or design can be channelled via this forum where they will be considered and the most appropriate way of taking them forward will be decided. Where there are themes occurring the forum can report these to the
Mental Health Partnership Board and responses taken back to the relevant groups or individuals. Carers can feed into the forum via Diane or Sam or can request a 'HAVE YOUR SAY' form, just call the office on 01785 222365 for one to be sent to you. Diane or Sam will contact you to discuss your submission before taking this forward to the forum. Mental Health Carers Packs: We provide specific Mental Health Carers Packs - ring CASS on 01785606675 or Making Space on 01925 231402. Mental Health Carers Groups: There are Mental Health Carers Groups held monthly at the following venues:
George Bryan Centre Tamworth 6.30pm to 8.30pm
on the 1st Monday of the month
St Chad's Outpatients, St Georges Hospital, Stafford
6pm - 8pm on the last Wednesday of the month.
CASS Mental Health Carers
Roadshow
Friday 6th March
Wolseley Bridge Conference Centre
Monday 16th March,
Tamworth Wiggin Centre, Robert Peel Hospital
10.am - 3pm
Buffet lunch provided
The morning offers interactive workshops for
carers and professionals looking at current mental
health standards. Lunch will be a time for
networking and socialising. The afternoon focuses
on ways carers can take care of their own
wellbeing.
9
Our Website: www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk
Online Surveys: http://www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/OnlineSurveys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth
Twitter: @ssnmentalhealth
Easy Fundraising: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ssnmentalhealth Office Email: [email protected]
Or write to us at: South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health,
FREEPOST MID 23594, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LL
Ten Ways To Cope With Stress www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/reduce-stress.aspx
Be Active If you have a stress-related problem, physical activity can get you in the right state of mind to be able to identify the causes of your stress and find a solution. To deal with stress effectively, you need to feel robust and you need to feel strong mentally. Exercise does that. Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and enabling you to deal with your problems more calmly.
Take Control There’s a solution to any problem. If you remain passive, thinking, ‘I can’t do anything about my problem’, your stress will get worse. That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing. The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else
Connect With People A problem shared is a problem halved. A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way. If you don’t connect with people, you won’t have support to turn to when you need help. The activities we do with friends help us relax and we often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever. Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems.
Have Some ‘Me Time’ The UK workforce works the longest hours in Europe. The extra hours in the workplace mean that people aren’t spending enough time doing things that they really enjoy. We all
need to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise. Set aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work. By earmarking those two days, it means you won’t be tempted to work overtime on those days.
Challenge Yourself Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, helps to build confidence. That in turn will help you deal with stress. By constantly challenging yourself you’re being proactive and taking charge of your life. By continuing to learn, you become more emotionally resilient as a person. It arms you with knowledge and makes you want to do things rather than be passive, such as watching TV all the time.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. Men more than women are likely to do this. We call this avoidance behaviour. Women are better at seeking support from their social circle. Over the long term, these crutches won’t solve your problems. They’ll just create new ones. It’s like putting your head in the sand. It might provide temporary relief but it won’t make the problems disappear. You need to tackle the cause of your stress.
Take up Volunteering Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, become more resilient. Helping people who are often in situations worse than yours will help you put your problems into perspective. The more you give, the more resilient and happy you feel.
On a more basic level, do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone to cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues. Favours cost nothing to do, and you’ll feel better.
Work Smarter, Not Harder Good time management means quality work rather than quantity. Our long-hours culture is a well-known cause of workplace illness. You have to get a work-life balance that suits you. Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that will make a real difference to your work. Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that your in-tray will always be full. Don’t expect it to be empty at the end of the day.
Be positive Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful. Write down three things at the end of every day which went well or for which you're grateful. People don’t always appreciate what they have. Try to be ‘glass half full’ instead of ‘glass half empty’ This requires a shift in perspective for those who are more naturally pessimistic. It can be done. By making a conscious effort you can train yourself to be more positive about life. Problems are often a question of perspective. If you change your perspective, you may see your situation from a more positive point of view.
Accept the things you can't change Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. If this proves to be the case, recognise and accept things as they are and concentrate on everything that you do have control over.
10
Planning for the Festive Season
This time of the year can be worrying for many people due to many different reasons, for example, feeling isolated or dealing with debt, maybe having to come into contact with family members that they do not want to be around. So what can we do to cope with these different situations and how can we stay well and feel we are still in control of our recovery during a very stressful time of the year? Here are some ideas to hopefully help you through the festive period:- PLAN AHEAD Plan your days and don’t leave things to chance. There are many films and TV programmes running over the festive season; have a look at what you fancy watching and add it to your plan. Maybe you have been wanting to visit somewhere but have been putting it off, here is the perfect time to go visit places, even if it is going to the Chase for a walk or around the canals. Consider your hobbies, or any hobbies you fancy trying, it is a great time of the year to be baking Christmas cake or cookies, and then sit watching a film whilst eating them. MENTAL HEALTH ORGANISATIONS Check through our Christmas directory to plan some mental health group visits.
SELF HELP WEBSITES AND APPLICATIONSS There are now many apps available on smart phones to help you stay well, why not use this time to explore them? If you struggle with self-harming, make sure you check out NSHN.co.uk - this site not only has distraction tips and ideas but has an active forum for you to use if you feel you are struggling. Also at your local library there are self-help books and mood lifting books available - this is great if you are a book fan. HELPLINE NUMBERS Make sure you have logged the Mental Health Helpline number and Samaritans into your phone, so you have easy access if you are feeling your mental health is dipping. Mental Health Helpline number is: 0808 800 2234 Samaritans number is: 08457 909090. CARE PLAN If you have a Care Plan or a Recovery Plan, check it has the relevant information on what to do in case of distress and crisis. And don’t forget your ‘daily maintenance’!
‘Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift! That's why
it is called the present’
11
Keeping safe this Christmas (Domestic Violence)
Christmas is usually a happy festive season, but for some people Christmas can intensify mental health, due to financial pressure, bad weather, or lack of family and friends support. While many people will be looking forward to having time off work, for some the impact of Christmas is increased stress, family conflict or alcohol misuse. For others it is loneliness and isolation from friends and family. For people who have suffered bereavement the feeling of loss and sadness can be especially distressing at Christmas. Christmas is also a time that domestic violence tends to rise due to increased financial pressures, increased alcohol and drug consumption, increased family pressures and conflict and increased contact with the abuser who may be at home more for the holiday season. One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute. On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former male partner. In the run up to Christmas domestic violence increases. This does not just have an impact on the immediate victim but also their children who may witness the abuse, friends and extended family during this time of the year. It can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. Domestic violence can be both of a physical and psychological nature. There are other forms of domestic violence which include sexual and financial abuse. Below are some tips on how to keep yourself or anyone else you know who is experiencing domestic violence, safe this Christmas: Put the right numbers on speed dial:- If you have a mobile phone, make sure to put the following numbers on speed-dial in your address book:
Police 999
Staffordshire Women’s Aid 24 hours FREE PHONE 0870 2700 123
Pathway Project 24 hour helpline - 01543 676800
24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
The number of a close friend, co-worker or family member who can be on standby to get you out of the situation or act as witness.
For those who fear that their phone may be taken away from them, memorise all important numbers so, if need be, you can call from a public pay phone. Have a ‘Safe’ word / phrase:- Have an agreed ‘safe’ word or phrase with your close friend (s) or family member (s) who agrees to have their phone on standby to receive any emergency calls or texts. Keep it short and simple. Keep your phone (and some money) on you at all times:- Keep it fully charged at all times. Keep an emergency bag packed with the bare essentials and some money in case you decide to flee. You can consider leaving this with a trustworthy family member or friend. Always have an audience:- Use holiday visits to extended family and friends as a chance to minimise being alone with your abuser. Being in company will keep the violence in check. At worst, if violence does happen, it will happen publicly and you may have others stepping in to intervene or at least a few witnesses. Have an escape plan:- When you are away in a household that is not your own, quietly check out all possible escape routes in the house. If there is a good chance that your abuser will be in a drunken or drug-induced sleep over the holidays, it may be your chance to escape with your kids. Go through emergency plans with children – where to run to for help, and who to call.
Whatever your plans are this Christmas, make sure you stay safe!!
12
Changes Health & Wellbeing
Changes is a service user led organization. We use a 12 Step Recovery Programme that enables people like you to take control of your symptoms of mental distress and live a more purposeful and rewarding life - e.g.: we describe recovery as ‘learning to live with, rather than suffer from Mental Distress’
How do we do this?
Mutual Support Groups – The emphasis is on ‘mutual help’ from people who ‘get it’. Our trained coordinators and assistants make sure that you feel relaxed and comfortable, able to speak if you wish, or if you want to just sit and listen, then that’s ok! During the meeting you will identify with people who are all in the ‘same boat’ to share advice, encouragement and support, achieve goals and develop ‘Wellness Tools’.
Wellness Workshops – 8 x 2.5 hour workshops, using the ‘think link’ thoughts, feelings, behaviors and also looks at ways to change unhealthy thinking and behaviors, changing low self-esteem, and about feeling good about yourself as well as understanding feelings and why feelings are important.
Social Events – weekly social gatherings help build social skills important for recovery and ease isolation. These can include fun quizzes, healthy eating and meals out, Art & Craft and cross-stitch amongst other things.
Wellness Action Plan (WAP) Support Sessions – A chance to work through your individual recovery plan one to one, with a member of staff. WAP’s are a great tool in adding focus and structure to your recovery - eg: identifying what is going well, which areas need a little extra support and goal setting - for example, healthy thinking, support networks and self esteem. This puts you in control. To get help and support, you can ‘just come along’ or if you would prefer, you can contact the Wellbeing Centre to book an induction with a member of staff (whenever suits you!). Here we will put you at ease, show you around and give you an overview of the service and answer any questions. There is no ‘discharge’ from Changes, you use the service for as long as you need, as much or as little as you need and you can always ‘just come back’ - you are in control!
Burton: 01283 500805 Uttoxeter: 01889 567436 Tamworth: 01827 311 006 Lichfield: 01543 309 770
Burntwood: 01543 679 000
Company reg no: 7761177 Charity reg no: 1144940
13
E S Q I F O C U S N O I T A T I D E M
G M O O D K E R D E X N E G A T I V E
N B P S Q C F J L S T N E L A T S E Y
A S S E N S U O I C S N O C M P H X T
H X S A J K D G U F L Y W W I H C H I
C B L F Q G W P B I T C N R D O F P L
I A O I S E L F C O N F I D E N C E A
B N O E S E P Y A S I T Z S Z E X U N
V E N D X U L N C T E M E K A S D P O
J X P E B P B F O G T V I R C T L K S
D T O D R D E C A I N R I N N A E L R
E E S N E P E R O W T I I T D A T A E
V R I I I G E V I N A C T B I F L T P
I N T M N L A A E E S R E C U S U F A
E A I N S N U M C L N C E L E T N L B
C L V E P F Y O I E O C I N F J E E I
R K E P I S S F S K M P E O E E O S S
E S H O R T C O M I N G S S U S R R J
P H Y W E T N E I T A P E E Y S S X P
Theme: Increasing Your Positive Self- Awareness
Puzzle Fun! Want to give your mind a great work out whilst
relaxing with a cuppa? Then why not give this
word search a go! All the words on the right are
hidden in the main grid in every direction -
all you have to do is find them. Good luck !
ATTACK ATTRIBUTES
BALANCE BUILD
CHANGE
CONSCIOUSNESS
DEVELOP
EXPERIENCES
EXTERNAL FOCUS
HONEST IMAGE
INNER PEACE
INSPIRE INTERNAL
MEDITATION MINDFUL
MOOD NEGATIVE
OPENMINDED PATIENT
PERCEIVE
PERSONALITY
POSITIVE PROJECTING
REFLECTION
SELF AWARENESS
SELF CONFIDENCE
SELF TALK SENSITIVE
SHORT COMINGS
SOUL
SPIRIT
SUBCONSCIOUS
TALENTS
14
Member’s Poems & Artwork By a service user from
Changes Health & Wellbeing
Masquerade Turned up at life's masquerade Each in fancy dress. Feelings masked behind disguise And truth behind reflective lies.
The jester, joking, poking fun,
Laughing aloud at everyone.
The antics of the red nosed clown,
Who painted his face on upside down.
The icy maiden's frosty stare,
As she freezes out the chance,
For love to come in from the wars
And warm and heal her battle scars
The great pretender I have been,
Hiding behind a different face,
But so have you – there is no blame,
On reflection we all dress the same.
For your mask was my mask,
Your need of love – mine too.
We are the pulse in the heart of love
And rainbows in the heart of truth.
Lost
I really don’t know how I feel, What is fake, what is real. What does the world expect from me, How to act, how to be. A damaged child, victim of pain, Replaying roles over again. I would like to be okay, With help and guidance on the way. To have a taste of joy and bliss, Of kindness, love and happiness. If I could forge the magic key, Will it unlock the real me? Time to remove this SORRY dress, Be positive in my express.!
15
Making Space Work4You
Making Space, Work4You Employment Service was invited to take part in an Employment Conference in Prague, in October.
Two members of staff attended with Jayne and Rose, who have both gained employment with Work4You.
Day one, we all visited the offices of the Fokus Prague company and gave practical tips and examples for how Work4You apply
the IPS model (Individual, Placement and Support) to get the best outcomes. Both Jayne and Rose told their stories and how paid
employment has improved their mental and physical health giving them a new purpose in life.
Day two was held at Nostic Palace, (pictured left) which is now
The Ministry of Culture. The conference was based on barriers, obstacles and experiences
of mental health issues in the Czech Republic and compared to Sweden, Italy and UK.
They also gave a review of the IPS model and later in the afternoon showed the film ‘Parallel Lives’, which starred the
Work4You team.
After our full days we all explored Prague at night and managed to see the main sites. Everyone enjoyed themselves and felt
honoured to be sharing this experience.
Rose’s Experience of the Prague Conference
It was an honour to be asked to attend the conference at Prague on the IPS model. This really helped in improving my self-esteem, as I was quite low at the time. It raised my spirits and made me feel so valued. Prague is a beautiful city and all the people we met were very welcoming and had a positive attitude towards working and how important this was for people with mental health to feel valued. As Lyn said, paid work is usually the place that you meet friends that help you then to go forward and to have a healthy social life. We met with Focus, a group working with people with mental health, who had very positive attitudes. Lyn and Louise gave them some good practical ideas, which they said would help them a lot and they were delighted to hear from myself and Jayne when we talked of our experiences of having paid work. I have always believed that working has so many benefits and is so important to a person’s mental health and morale. It was Lyn’s determination that got me my job which I have now been in for a year and a half. She saw the desire and need for me to work to improve my life and move forward. This was being reiterated by all other groups at these meetings and it was nice we were all on the same page.
The next day we attended the conference at a Palace, no less. This was a group of people working towards the goals of the IPS model - Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic and of course ourselves (England). We all participated and were thanked by these people for our input, who said ‘ It is very important to involve the service users and that England had a better understanding of mental health issues and less stigma, which was the outcome of various questionnaires which had been undertaken by the Czech Republic’. It was very empowering to hear this and really amazing that we were all contributing to this change. I feel it was a great honour for the Work4You team, Jayne and myself, to be involved in the employment conference.
We had some lovely long walks around this beautiful city - I lost 3lbs on my return!!
I would like to give a big THANKS to Making Space for making this happen. My friends have said that I have definitely got a spring in my step since I have been back. It did wonders for my physical and mental health.
On our visit to Prague, we met a lovely man. Klub Mosty is a Peer Support Worker in Prague with a lived experience. Klub speaks very good English and would very much like to have email
contact with a service user in England. If you are interested please contact:
The Team
16
Your Voice
‘CARE’ and ‘ICE’
What is CARE?
(Care and Recovery Evaluation) This is the brand new service South
Staffordshire Network for Mental Health offer to
all our members who have a care plan or
recovery plan under the community mental
health team.
Spend an hour with a member of staff in a
café close to your home we will buy you a
coffee and sit and explore how to make the
most of your care plan / recovery plan. We will
test how well it performs against the standards
and principles of person-centred planning, and
give pointers and ideas to further strengthen it
and help you see why a care plan is so
important to you and your recovery.
What is ICE?
(Improving Customer Experience) This is a great way for you to help services
recognise what it is they are doing well and
what they are needing to improve. We will
arrange an appointment for our volunteer (who
has an experience of mental illness also) to
meet with you and have a conversation with
you regarding the service you use. It is a good
way to have your views heard and you are
helping the service by explaining why you use it
and what you like most about it as well as what
you least like about it. The session is
completely confidential and takes about 45
minutes to complete - all you will need to do is
just talk and the volunteer will do the rest - it’s
that simple!
How can I refer in to the services? You can contact the office on 01543 301139
and leave your name and contact number and
state whether you would like a CARE
appointment or an ICE survey, or if you see a
volunteer in a group or a member of staff, you
can arrange an appointment through them.
What will happen next? Karen, our ICE and CARE administrator. will
give you a ring and arrange a time, date and
place to meet in the community to suit you.
What happens if there are issues that
show up through ICE or CARE? If you feel you need support to make a complaint about a service, or we can see any discrimination or stigma is taking place, we will help mediate until the issue, in your eyes is settled to the best it can be. We can help you mediate with your care coordinator to help action the improvements needed on your care plan, so it’s to the standard of being your care plan built by you for you.
Everyday Humour By Brian Johnson (Burton Mind)
Actual responses from exam papers! Q. What is 'free speech' ? A. When you use someone else’s telephone. Q. Name the four seasons? A. Salt, Mustard, vinegar and pepper. Q. Explain one of the processes to make water safe to drink? A. Filtration makes water safe to drink by removing large particles such as sand, grit, dead sheep and canoeists. Q How is dew formed? A The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire. Q. What happens to your body as you age? A As you get old – so do your bowels and you become intercontinental. Q What does 'varicose' mean? A Very nearby. Q What does the word 'benign' mean? A It's what you be after you be eight.
17
Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline
The Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline offers support to people who have concerns about their mental health or that of someone they know. The service operates when most other mainstream mental health services are closed, evenings and weekends 365 days a year. The service is FREE to call from landlines and most major mobile networks. The helpline does not advise people what to do, but can offer advice about where to find other support services local to where they are calling from. The service is essentially a listening service where people can talk through their worries or concerns, support you when you need it, and inform you of other services that may be available to help - safely and confidentially. (calls are not recorded). In addition to the 'ring-in' service, we operate a 'ring-out' service over the weekends to people who have been referred to us by a professional to offer additional support. We support people who are over 18 and live in Staffordshire.
The calls are limited to one call per person per night for a duration of up to 20 minutes if needed . However, the service operates 7 days a week, and the caller may call each day if required.
Ways to get in touch: Telephone: 0808 800 2234
Text: 07860 022821 Email:staffordshire.helpline@
brighter-futures.org.uk
The helpline is available on:: Weekdays 7pm - 2am Weekends 2pm - 2am Every day of the year
The helpline is funded by:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Staffordshire County Council
CCG's within Staffordshire The Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline is
a Brighter Futures service. For more information about the range of
services we offer, please visit: www.brighter-futures.org.uk
Asist (Advocacy)
Health Advocacy in Staffordshire
People who feel anxious about attending health
appointments and speaking to health professionals,
or who feel that their concerns regarding their health
are not being listened to, can receive the support of
an Advocate.
Asist (Advocacy Services in Staffordshire) currently
has CCG grant funding to provide Health Advocacy
for people with mental health issues, disabilities and/
or long term health conditions. The aim of the
service is to support people to engage with health
services to ensure that their views have been
listened to, help people to remember what has been
said in appointments and to help them to understand
and explore their options regarding their health.
Anyone can make a referral for an Advocate and we
do not have a waiting list.
In addition, Asist can provide workshops to groups
of people to equip them with skills which may enable
them to self-advocate more effectively. We are also
looking for people in South Staffordshire who might
be interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate.
To make a referral, book an advocacy awareness
session or discuss volunteering, please contact
Asist on 01782 845584.
18
Open Door of Hope
A Mental Health Group for Service
Users & Carers Held on Mondays & Thursdays
1pm - 3pm at Lichfield Methodist Church,
Lichfield, Backcester Lane (rear entrance). Admission £2 Membership £3
Free Tea & Coffee. For further details contact Peter
On:- 07971 113505
Closed on Christmas Day
and New Years Day
The Time to Change Campaign want to hear about the impact mental health stigma and discrimination has on you. Please help by completing their survey:
http://svy.mk/1z2yfYC
Date for your diary:
5 February 2015
Time to Talk Day
For more information see:
www.time-to-change.org.uk/
timetotalkday
Don’t forget you
can listen to the
audio podcast
edition of the
Network News
by visiting the
link below. This
edition will be
online by the end of January 2015.
www.podcastgarden.com/
podcast/ssnmh
Tamworth Community Mental Health Team have relocated.
Their new address is:-
Andrew Ward
Sir Robert Peel Hospital Plantation Lane
Tamworth B78 3NG.
Tel: 01827 308820 Fax: 01827 308807
Opening Times - 9am to 5pm
Monday to Friday.
It is hoped that the new facilities will assist us in providing additional services
to the people of Tamworth with double the consulting rooms, a large group
room, a clinical room and physical health room.
For any more information please contact Dianne Thain, Operational Team Leader
(details as above) who will be very happy to answer your queries.
19
I
N
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
O
N
D
I
R
E
C
T
O
R
Y
Organisation
Website
Telephone
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health
www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk 01543 301 139
Richmond Fellowship Life Links
www.richmondfellowship.org.uk 01785 227 020
Changes www.changes.org.uk
Burton 01782 416 000/ 01283 500 805 Tamworth 01827 311 006 Lichfield 01543 309 770
Mid Staffs Mind www.midstaffsmind.co.uk 01543 496 876
Mind Info Line 0300 123 3393
Carers Association South Staffordshire
www.carersinformation.org.uk 01785 606 675
Brighter Futures Mental Health Helpline
www.brighter-futures.org.uk Tel:0808 800 2234
Text: 07860 022 821
Making Space Work 4 You
www.makingspace.co.uk 01785 887 813
Quest Day Opportunities www.sssft.nhs.uk 01785 783 078
Healthwatch
www.healthwatchstaffordshire. co.uk
0800 051 8371
Patient and Liaison Advice Service (PALS)
www.sssft.nhs.uk 01785 221 469 01785 221 490 01785 221 499
Richmond Fellowship Brendan House
www.richmondfellowship.org.uk 01543 899465
Asist Advocacy www.asist.co.uk 01543 468 588 01283 564 772 01785 246 709
Grow Well Seeds of Hope
seedsof-hopebeaudesert.wordpress.com
Lorraine Longmore - Support and Referrals 07724 591 568
Cruse Bereavement Helpline
www.cruse.org.uk 08444 779 400
Samaritans Helpline 24hrs www.samaritans.org 01785 243 333 08457 909 090
SSSHFT Employment Works
www.sssft.nhs.uk 01785 249 251
Starfish Project Tamworth
www.starfishtamworth.org 07947957155
Open Door of Hope Lichfield
Peter: 07971 113 505
Bi Polar Group Lichfield 0845 434 9907
A-Plus Self-Help Group ( Burton)
Michael: 07833 282 137
Directories Brighter Futures Mental Health Directory
staffordshirementalhealth.info/
South Staffordshire The Good Life
southstafforshire.thegoodlife.uk 01902 696 000
Staffordshire Marketplace www.staffordshiremarketplace. co.uk
0300 111 8014
20
When you have finished with this magazine PLEASE pass it on or recycle it.
WANTED!!! NEWS ITEMS, COMMENTS,
IDEAS, POEMS, ARTWORK AND STORIES
This newsletter is one of the range of opportunities
the Network uses to reach its membership. It is
read by people with experience of mental illness
and providers. Contributions can be made
anonymously if you wish. We reserve the right to
amend contributions for clarity, objectivity and
length. Contributions for the next issue of Network
News must be received by:
Friday 6th March 2015
Thank you to the team who have helped
with this edition, especially Julie, for
making Network News so special!
NOTICES
Comments, Compliments &
Complaints
We are always trying to improve on
our great work here at the Network,
that means making our ears bigger
and our voices louder!
If you think we can improve on what we do in any
way, this could be regarding the Network News, our
visits to services, the way in which we capture your
views or feedback, or whatever! We would very
much welcome your thoughts.
Please call the office on
01543 301139 or email:
SSNMH Mansell House, 22 Bore Street,
Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LL
01543 301139
www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk
Registered Charity: 1097461
Company Ltd by Guarantee: 4693666
Network News is published by SSNMH. The views
expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the
policies of SSNMH or the views of the current Board of
Trustees. We have gone to considerable lengths to
check the accuracy of contributions and, as far as we
know, details are correct at the time of going to press.
Whilst every effort has been made to check the content
of websites mentioned in this publication, no
responsibility can or will be taken by SSNMH for their
content or that of any external links.
@ssnmentalhealth www.facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to
all of our readers from
everyone here at the
Network !
Please be aware that the office
for South Staffordshire Network
for Mental Health will be closed
from 12pm on Wednesday 24th
December until Monday 5th
January 2015.
