Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NETWORK NEWS
Mid Staffs Mind Ecotherapy 14
Julie’s Poem 14
Together Community Tamworth 15
Rose’s Experience of Work4You 16
Talent Match Staffordshire 16
Art & Soul Friendship Group Uttox 17
Quest Time to Talk Day 18
Food 4 Thought Café 18
Creative Writing Workshop 19
Belinda’s Story with Life Links 19
Adverts 20
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health 01543 301139 www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth twitter:@ssnmentalhealth
NEWS FOR PEOPLE WITH AN INTEREST IN MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE
ISSUE
50
SPRING
2014
Your
Network,
Giving you
a Voice.
Keri’s Mumblings 2
Gemma’s Life on the Open Road 3
Volunteer News 4
Raft News 5
Lichfield Foodbank 5
Report on Jobcentre Plus Surveys 6
Abigail’s Story 7
SSNMH Job Vacancy 7
Quest Inspiring Futures 8
Information Directory 9-12
Changes Burton on Trent and BME 13
Picture by Julia M
2
Write to us at: South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, FREEPOST MID 23594,
Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LL or email us on [email protected]
Keri’s Mumblings Keri Lawrence, Project Coordinator [email protected]
Our Website: www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk Online Surveys: www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/OnlineSurveys Facebook: www.facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth Twitter: @ssnmentalhealth Easy Fundraising: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ssnmentalhealth
Welcome to Issue 50 of
Network News!
New Network Leaflet
You may have received one of
our new leaflets with this edition
of Network News. We would be
interested to hear what you think
about this leaflet’s new design.
It’s your choice what you do with
this, for example, you could use it
to:
1) Update your details with us,
perhaps you have some new
information to share with us
(such as an email address).
2) You could pass it to someone
you know that could benefit
from being a member of our
charity and finding out more
about local mental health
services, or about how to be
more involved.
Update on the Team
We have been in the great
position of being able to go to
recruitment for two new posts to
strengthen our team. The Project
Manager will support projects
both inside and outside of our
Development and Promotion
service, helping existing staff
and volunteers. This may include
helping with the surveys and
reports we conduct, and ensuring
projects like Improving Customer
Experience (Brendan House)
and 90 Seconds of You Film
Project run smoothly. They will
also manage new projects to
meet the requests you made to
us in our annual survey, such as
working more with families and
young people.
The Volunteer Lead is also a new
post, taking on some of Gemma’s
role in helping volunteers, and to
ensure our Volunteer Programme
stays helpful to people wanting to
help the community more and to
the communities we serve. This
role is still vacant; if you are up
for the challenge and can spare a
couple of days a week to work for
us, please see p. 7.
We have some new volunteers
coming on board as well—this will
enable us to provide more
workshops and talks.
Surveys
95 of our members returned
surveys on their experiences of
Jobcentre Plus. Our friends at
North Staffs Users Group also
conducted the same survey. You
can read more on page 5.
Your responses to the surveys
are not our only way of finding out
your views. However, they do
provide a excellent way of finding
lots of information quickly. By
listening to what’s important to
our membership, we build these
surveys and find pathways to
getting your views heard by
decision makers who can make
the differences you are asking for.
Every view counts!
If you live in one
of the six areas
we cover, this
edition of Network
News will have come with a
survey on your experience of
visiting the GP regarding your
mental health. Again, it is so
important to hear your thoughts
and help us to highlight the good
things that are happening, and
the not-so-good!
Healthwatch Champion
The Network has become a
Healthwatch Champion
Organisation. This means we will
support Healthwatch Staffordshire
by going into the community and
talking to local people about their
concerns and experiences of
local services. From here,
Healthwatch Staffordshire is able
to use its statutory role to
feedback this information to the
relevant authorities and track key
trends by making
recommendations to Healthwatch
England. This is an extra tool we
now have to make the differences
requested by our members.
Individuals can also become
Healthwatch Champions.
Network Office Easter Opening
Please remember the Network’s
office is closed from Good Friday,
18 April 2014 to Tuesday 22 April
2014. We are open as normal
from 9am on Wednesday 23 April
2014, onwards.
3
Life on the Open Road... Gemma Giles, Development Worker
Over the last few months I have
been very busy. Since
December I have temporarily
taken on the role of Volunteer
Lead along with my permanent
role as Development Worker. I
have found it to be very
enjoyable being linked with the
volunteers and being able to see
what everyone is up to and help
them shape their roles. All the
Network Volunteers are very
committed in their roles and are
passionate about what they do.
Not only have the volunteers
been out and about and linking
well with services in their areas,
but I have also been promoting
and partnership working with
organisations. The last quarter, I
have worked with Quest on their
promotion days and I am very
thankful for this. I found the
events very interesting and
engaging. The first was Quest
Inspiring Futures day held on
30 January 2014. It had a
fantastic attendance and I learnt
a great deal during the day. I
also held a Network toolbox
Workshop in the afternoon. I
was very happy to see so many
people sat in my workshop and
engage so well with me. Food 4
Thought Café supplied the
lunch buffet which went down
very well; I even had a few
comments from members about
how they really enjoyed the
food, so if you are ever in
Stafford and feeling hungry, do
pay them a visit. I also worked
with Quest and Stafford FM
radio on the ‘Time To Talk’ day
which was on 6 February 2014
at ASDA Stafford - it was a
great opportunity to interact with
the public and spread the word
on mental health. It was a
fantastic day, with us having
over 400 conversations with
people. ASDA customers were
very engaging and I found some
of the comments very inspiring. I
found one comment so strong
that it has really stayed with me
as I feel this reflects so many
people.
Over the last three months I
have been presenting the
Network Workshops all around
South Staffordshire having very
much enjoyed it. The feedback
has been fantastic and it is great
to know you are feeling more
empowered about your care,
how you see yourself and your
recovery. The workshops we
offer are shown on the right.
I used to think mental health
was this big scary thing, but
then my sister got diagnosed
with Bipolar and I realised it’s
not a big scary thing - it’s my
vulnerable scared little sister
SSNMH Workshops
Jigsaw - Have a better
understanding of the health and
social care services available
locally.
Toolbox - To help identify the
stages of recovery and the
services available at each stage,
and what the gaps are.
Masked perceptions - Looking
at barriers to person centred
planning. Finding if our personal
masks cause barriers.
The Ladder of Empowerment -
What is involvement and who are
the Network? Where do service
users sit within decisions on
services and care?
Care Programme Approach –
Having a better understanding of
your rights and what to expect
when attending a CPA meeting
(best suited for people supported
by Community Mental Health
Teams).
Mental Health Awareness -
Looking at differences between
Psychiatric models of mental
illness and Recovery approaches
to mental health.
Fighting Fear and
Discrimination Together - How
discrimination and stigma impact
on people with experience of
mental illness.
If you are interested in any of the workshops we offer, please get in touch using the contact details
at the top of the page.
Patient Information Data Sharing We have had a concerned member call us regarding the potential information sharing of patient data within NHS services. She asked us to help her decide if she should ‘opt out’ or not. Although it is not our place to make these decisions for people, it is clear that this issue is causing confusion for many people, with conflicting messages about what is being proposed and what is happening. If this is something that is of interest to you, perhaps the following Healthwatch webpage might be useful.
http://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/taking-public-concern-about-data-sharing-nhs-england
4
Volunteer News
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...
Staffordshire Community Wellbeing Fund Our volunteer programme has been part-funded by the
Staffordshire Community Wellbeing Fund 2014.
Thanks to the funders for this opportunity.
Jason (Involvement Champion,
Stafford)
I have continued to attend the
Service User Reference Forum
meetings and will present the
‘Comments Log’ each month on
behalf of service users. I also visit
Quest in my Involvement Champion
role. I have enjoyed listening to and
chatting with the Art group. I recently
supported Gemma at the Quest
Inspiring Futures Day which was well
attended by service users. I have
attended the Community
Engagement Group meeting run by
the Trust, and also, the Staffordshire
University Service Users and Carers
Group meeting. This aims to help
develop awareness and
understanding of mental health
amongst those studying on the
university’s courses.
Sian (Involvement Champion, Cannock) I'm still an Involvement Champion with the Richmond Fellowship peer support groups in Rugeley and Cannock. I have completed the first interview for the '90 seconds of You' film project and will be completing the rest of the project with Max by Easter. I continue to be involved in Network Nuggets as a presenter and will be recording the next podcast after the Spring edition of the Network News is out.
Chris (Office Support) This past couple of month's I've been mostly working on the website redesign. But apart from that, I've had some big changes in life. I've opened my own shop in Cannock Town Centre, and will be working from there. I've also spent a lot of time planning my upcoming wedding, and getting that sorted.
Rachel (Involvement Champion,
South Staffs)
It’s been a bit of a quiet spell for me
Network-wise these past few weeks
and months partly due to moving
house and partly due to my health.
However, in the spirit of never giving
up I have continued to be a presence
at the Wombourne groups. This has
involved meeting varying needs, for
example by promoting the Network,
sign-posting people to the most
appropriate place for their query, or
gathering information from the
Network to pass back. Overall it has
been exciting to see people become
enthusiastic and wanting more
information on things like the “90
seconds of You” project. Hopefully,
despite limitations, I have still been
able to be a resource to the folks
around me, promoting not just the
Network, but good mental health to
all.
Julie (Office Support)
Since Christmas, I have attended
several meetings as part of my role
as Volunteer Representative. I have
also been helping the staff with
aspects of admin work in my role as
office support - both from home and
in the office - as well as recording the
winter edition of Network Nuggets
Podcast. I am continuing to edit the
Network News - a role which I enjoy
immensely. This is my fourth edition
now and I feel that my skills have
improved so much in this area, and
again I am so grateful to have been
given this responsibility and
opportunity.
Trudy (Involvement Champion,
East Staffs) has been busy with
the Community Mental Health Team,
supporting a project to really
empower service users to have
influence of how the team operates.
The CMHT, with Trudy’s help, will be
producing a newsletter and working
on an event sometime in the future.
Max (Awareness Champion,
Cannock) has been busy filming
participants for the “90 Seconds of
You” Film Project.
Mandie (Involvement Champion,
Stafford) has been supporting the
Improving Customer Experience
project. This involves spending some
time talking to people who have
stayed at Brendan House to find out
how their stay has helped them.
Francine and Mark (Right Advice
First Time Volunteers) have
attended the training for the RAFT
Project and are now taking steps to
support people being referred into
the advice project within Lichfield
District.
New Volunteers
By the time you are reading this, we
will have also inducted three new
volunteers, bringing some new ideas
and skills into the Network!
Our funding from the Staffordshire
County Council Community
Wellbeing Fund has now come to
an end. This has been a great
opportunity to make a real difference
to our community. Some of the
continuation of this success will now
be funded by the South East
Staffordshire and Seisdon
Peninsula Clinical Commissioning
Group.
5
Hi everyone Here is an update from the RAFT project for you all.
Quite a lot has happened since the last issue and now
is the time to get promoting RAFT! As you read in the
last Network News, we have started a new project
working with six other partners including South East
Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau (SESCAB), Beat
the Cold and Pathway which is called Right Advice First
Time. At the Network, we will offer appointments to
people who live in Lichfield District and who would like to
find out information about where they can go to get help
for their mental health. We will talk to people about their
needs and come up with a plan of what they can do, and
where they can access to get the right help for them.
We had our first appointment last week which went really
well and the person that I saw was not aware of all the
agencies and services that are out there and that could
really support her. She left the appointment saying that
she felt so much better to know she is not the only
person who struggles sometimes and she was looking
forward to trying new services and meeting new people
who understand how she feels.
The two RAFT volunteers (Mark and Fran) and myself
are really looking forward to seeing more people and
making a difference, empowering them by informing
them about the help they can get. If you would like a
RAFT appointment or know of anyone else who would
like one then please get in touch. We have started to put
up posters and shout about the project, and we are
eager to tell people all about it so please send us an
email or give us a call if you would like any more
information.
We hope the project will grow and develop and we will work with all sorts of agencies in Lichfield District so we can help each other’s clients get the help they need. The RAFT team have just become an agency which will be able to allocate vouchers for Lichfield Foodbank too so I am really pleased that we have made a good start in what promises to be a successful project.
Tracey Hackett Right Advice First Time Outreach SSNMH Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LL [email protected] Office: 01543 301139 Mobile: 07806 637522 www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth Twitter @ssnmentalhealth Please note that I work Wednesdays only
After several months of hard work by a small team of volunteers, Lichfield Foodbank will be open for business from 11 March 2014 at Curborough Community Centre. There will also be a Wednesday opening at Emmanuel Christian Centre from 19 March 2014 and a further centre will be opening in May 2014. Local churches, businesses, and other organisations have been generous in their help and around 150 further volunteers have been recruited and trained. The Foodbank will provide three days worth of food for individuals and families in crisis, which can be
accessed with a voucher provided by participating agencies.
Along with the food, information and advice will be given to clients, signposting them to agencies which can provide ongoing help and support. The Lichfield Foodbank is part of the national Trussell Trust Network of Foodbanks and further information can be found
at www.lichfield.foodbank.org.uk
Lichfield Foodbank
6
Service User
Perception of
Jobcentre Plus Over the last few months of 2013,
we noticed an increase in the
concerns and comments
members raised with us about
welfare benefits and Jobcentre
Plus, with the effects this has
sometimes had on their health.
Below are just some of the
comments gathered:
‘I found the Jobcentre staff
intimidating, I feel they are judging
me all the time’
‘If you get a worker who is nice
and understanding it makes the
experience less scary, and helps
anxiety subside’
‘We need confidence building and
education, instead we get
penalised’
‘Jobcentre- I had a lovely adviser
who made me feel at ease if I had
not had that I doubt my
experience would have been so
pleasant’
Based on these comments, we
put out a survey, designed with
Bill Evans, Jobcentre Plus Mental
Health and Wellbeing Partnership
Manager, in December 2013’s
Network News. The survey was
promoted by North Staffs Users
Group (a charity with similar aims
as the Network, operating in North
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent).
The survey was also promoted by
our staff and volunteers and by
means of an online survey.
In total we had 122 responses,
which is around what we expect to
receive for such a survey.
To the right is a table showing the
ten statements we asked
respondents to agree or disagree
with, in the order of most
disagreement. This allows us to
highlight the main concerns raised
by our members.
It is clear that the most disagreed
with statement suggests that
people do not feel comfortable to
object to something they
disagreed with.
Most people do not feel put at
ease when they first enter the
Jobcentre Plus. Many people did
not feel that the adviser had a
clear understanding of mental
illness.
On the more positive side, less
than half of people felt that they
were discriminated against due to
mental illness. There was also a
balanced view regarding being
kept up to date and knowing what
was happening. The statement
that was most positively agreed
with suggests that over a third of
advisers spoke in a way that was
easy to understand.
Our full report will be available on
our website shortly and will be
presented to Jobcentre Plus in
order for them to use the
information to make
improvements across
Staffordshire.
We recommend the following:
More customer service training to
staff having first contact with
customers.
Training regarding mental health
delivered to staff involved with Job
Seeker Allowance.
More information provided to
customers on their rights,
particularly in respect of disagreeing
with staff, and with making
complaints.
We thank the Jobcentre Plus
District Management Team,
particularly Bill Evans, for the
openness and support with this
survey and look to see the report
make great strides into improving
Jobcentre Plus in Staffordshire in
the near future.
7
In the year 2011, I was feeling
well, happy and in love. On the
26 February 2011, at 1.30pm, I
was given the news by the
transport police that my father
had died.
He had been moved to a
nursing home, because he
had vascular dementia at the
age of seventy six years old.
My father was admitted to
hospital originally via an
ambulance with pneumonia
and after four months of
intensive care, and with
medicine Heartlands Nursing
Home had made him well
again. I hadn’t seen my father
for six years because of
domestic violence I was
experiencing in my marriage.
When I first moved to
Burntwood, I felt like I’d landed
on the moon, but over time I
made new friends, a new
home and a new life.
I visited my father in hospital
after he was well again, and to
my surprise he recognised me
straight away. The reunion
was very emotional for me, but
a very important one! After
visiting my father in hospital,
the next time I was to see him
was on the Tuesday in a
nursing home. I spent all day
with him, which was relaxed
and enjoyable, although my
father was like a caged tiger
wanting to be free and go
home to where he had been
living for a very long time. He
had bought a home, worked,
had married and had two
children. He got divorced after
my mother left when I was
twelve years old.
How I admire my father for
bringing up both me and my
sister as a single father. The
skills he taught me over the
years, the love he gave, the
whole community
acknowledged my father as a
very caring person indeed. He
became a councillor, after
retirement as a carpenter
working for Birmingham
council, he remained an active
pensioner, fit as a fiddle,
walking the dog, gardening,
and spending valuable time
with his grand-children and
great grand-child Ellie-May.
He was always the life and
soul of the pub too. Everyone
enjoyed social time with him.
Obviously mental health
affects everyone in life as a
human being, we were all born
with a brain, and sometimes
our brains need medical help
with medication or therapy.
After having several break
downs, suicidal wishes and
severe depression, I went to
the bottom of a black hole. I
felt useless and anxious,
wondering how to escape and
return to the bright light above
me. I decided to climb a very
long ladder. After two years of
climbing, I am now half way up
this ladder – looking towards
an opening of bright light,
smells and noises, trying to
live on the planet I was born
on in 1961.
Hopefully, with the support of
doctors, the community mental
health team, and a new shop
which opened in August 2013,
the Mind charity shop, where I
am a volunteer, I will be able
to manage my illness, and
accept it as being normal for
me, because I have emotions,
a heart and a brain.
Here’s looking forward to doing that. My father will always be in my heart, mind,
body and soul forever, but it’s not time for us to see each other on a daily basis. I have written my story because I wanted to give hope and
support, and to thank the Mind shop in Burntwood for all their support over the past six months. Stephen Fry, the executive of Mind, sent me a card and gift for Christmas to
say a big thank you to me for being a volunteer, and a human being. How cool is that!
By Abigail Carter
ABIGAIL’S STORY SSNMH JOB
VACANCY
Volunteer Lead
This is an exciting and challenging
opportunity to work for South Staffordshire Network
for Mental Health. The Network promote and develop
mental health services from the perspective of
people who may use them. We represent the views
and thoughts of people with experience of mental
illness within health and social care services, and
commissioning. We also provide a meaningful
volunteer programme in community development
and challenging stigma and discrimination.
The Volunteer Lead will contribute to the recruitment
and support of up to 10 volunteers with experience of
mental illness. The Volunteer Lead will support
volunteers enablement to become more active within
community development, service user involvement,
increase of public awareness of mental health, and
the challenge of stigma and discrimination within the
local authority areas of Tamworth Borough, Lichfield
District and South Staffordshire District. The role will
provide a co-ordination and pastoral role. It will also
aid towards the mental health recovery of volunteers,
where appropriate in partnership with other service
provision.
Closing date for applications:
5pm, Monday 7 April 2014
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15 April 2014
For application packs and further
information, contact Karen Hunt
Tel: 01543 301139
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health is
an equal opportunities employer and welcomes
applications from all sections of the community
Hours
8 hours a week ideally over two days.
May include occasional out of hours
work for which time off in lieu is avail-
able with agreement
Salary NJC Grade 4 SCP 20
(£18,638 pro rata, actual £3,976)
Time
Period
To commence 1st May 2014
(will consider later) till 31st March
2015 with potential to extend period
and hours subject to funding.
Location
Office based in Lichfield, Stafford-
shire, May require some travel across
Staffordshire, for which out of pocket
expenses will be
reimbursed.
8
Quest, Employment Works and Food 4 Thought held their ‘Inspiring Futures’ event at 3 Tipping Street, Stafford on 30
th January 2014.
The day was a great success with over 70 service users, carers, staff and partners attending. The morning was filled with a series of inspiring recovery stories from various people including one person’s story of using rock climbing to help with his recovery; a carer talking about their son’s journey through services and how positive engagement has made a difference for the whole family. Also, two service users promoted the ‘Wellbeing 4 Work’ project which is based at Carney Pools (near Rugeley) and is a partnership project between Quest, Employment Works and Chase Aqua Rural Enterprises, with additional funding from the Adult & Community Learning Fund.
In the afternoon, everyone chose one of three workshops to join; one of which was a creative arts workshop that involved designing a leaf to hang onto a tree of inspiration; one which was run by Gemma, from South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health which looked at a ‘Recovery Toolbox’, this helps identify the stages of recovery and the services available at each stage, and what the gaps are. Gemma also ran a juggle game which involved throwing soft balls at each other. This was a great way for people to recognise how much they achieve daily and that blips are understandable not a sign of failure! Please contact Gemma at the Network for more details. The third workshop was run by Mark Edwards from Employment Works; it looked at transferrable skills and how they can be applied to different work roles. Apart from all the fun that was had on the day one of the main aims of the day was to get feedback from service users, carers and partners about developing services for the future. Here are a sample of the comments we received about this and the day in general.
“Amazing to see all the help available for people, I am very impressed with people’s dedication”
“You are all inspiring services but the most contact I have is with Quest. It does what it says on the tin! Welcoming, friendly, nothing is too much trouble! Directional, focused and many more good things. The Food for Thought café is exceptional for volunteers”
“Good to hear from service users with real stories and life experiences to share”
“They give people purpose, routine and opportunity to learn new things”
“Helps me to gain new skills and meet new people, helps me to gain confidence to talk to others”
“More promotion and events like today”
“Excellent event today; Inspirational! Moving and educational”
Food 4 Thought are entering the Pride in
Stafford Awards 2014. We are entering in the Best Eatery and Best Professional Service categories, please can you vote for us! Follow the link below and don't forget to click the link in the confirmation email to make your vote count
http://www.stafford-towncentre.co.uk/prideinstafford.htm
Last year we came in the top six so that's our target to beat this year! You can help us by forwarding this link to all your email contacts.
Sue Wyke thanks you for your support!
If you would like to know more about services provided by Quest, Employment Works or Food 4 Thought, please contact : Dave Bradbury or Sue Wyke on:01785 783078
9
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from March 2014
Please note: If a service is listed as Referral Only, please contact your GP or Care Coordinator in order to
access the service. All times & venues subject to change, please check with Service Provider before attending
for the first time.
Mental Health Helpline — Brighter Futures Freephone from landlines and most mobile phones. Time provided for you to talk about your worries and concerns in
complete confidence . Ring Out Service also available through referral.
0808 800 2234 Weekdays 7pm– 2am Weekends 2pm—2am
Mind Advice Line Able to provide information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treat-
ments and advocacy. Mon-Fri 9am –6pm 0300 123 3393 [email protected]
Cruse Bereavement Helpline Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm 0844 477 9400
Samaritans Helpline 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year 01785 243333 or 08457 909090
Work4You Employment Service — Making Space
A mental health employment service, covering Staffordshire to help individuals who wish to gain or retain paid work. We will sup-
port people who are not yet in employment but wish to do so. Also support individuals who are at risk of losing their job because
of mental ill health to maintain that role. Offers training to employers to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with
mental ill health in the workplace.
01785 887813 Staffordshire Business Village, Dyson Way, Stafford. Staffordshire, ST18 0TW
Employment Works — SSSHFT
Supporting a stepped approach to employment for people with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Referral through Care Coordinator only 3 Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LL. Tel 01785 249251
Brendan House Short Term Intervention Service — Richmond Fellowship
Provides a safe space and support in a non medical setting for a short period of up to 3 nights. Offers service users who are in
personal crisis help, support and the opportunity to talk. First stay is Referral Only.
01543 899465 5 Locketts Court, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 5FZ [email protected]
Asist Advocacy Service One to one support in having your views and opinions heard and understood
Chadsmoor: 01543 468588 Burton on Trent: 01283 564772 Stafford: 01785 246709
CVS Buildings Arthur Street, Chadsmoor, Cannock, WS11 2HD www.asist.co.uk
Carers Association South Staffs (CASS) Mental Health Project Supporting carers caring for someone with mental illness. Offering free and confidential advice and information, both general and
specific to the carers situation, including emotional support, signposting and providing a voice for carers.
Stafford (covering South Staffs District, Chase District and Stafford Borough): 01785 606675
Lichfield (covering East Staffs District, Lichfield District and Tamworth Borough): 01543 301140
Quest Day Opportunities Providing Recovery orientated services and volunteer opportunities across the South of Staffordshire—Referral Only
3 Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LL. Tel 01785 783078 (new number) Office open Mon – Fri 8.30am – 4.00pm
Tamworth contact – Matthew Hocking on 07837643335 Burton & Uttoxeter contact – Carl Slater on 07891871928
Lichfield contact – Janice Pacey on 07792370678 Cannock contact – Anita Sumner-Smith on 07792370718
Wombourne & Codsall contact – Lily Rodberg on 07792398581 Stafford contact – Duty Officer on 01785 249251
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for SSSHFT Ensures Service Users and carers receive information and confidential support when they need it and that their views and sug-
gestions are used to shape the way the Trust is run. PALS also listen to concerns and work towards their resolution.
01785 221469 01785 221490 01785 221499
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, Office Open Mon—Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am –4.30pm
Mansell House, 22 Bore St, Lichfield, WS13 6LL, Tel 01543 301139
[email protected] www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/OnlineSurveys
www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk www.facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth Twitter @ssnmentalhealth
Donate whilst you shop: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ssnmentalhealth
No
te–
Th
e In
fo D
irecto
ry is in
th
e m
idd
le s
o y
ou
ca
n p
ull
ou
t a
nd
kee
p
10
N
FO
RM
AT
ION
DIR
EC
TO
RY
- f
rom
Marc
h 2
014
West
Sta
ffo
rdsh
ire
If
a s
erv
ice i
s lis
ted
as R
efe
rral O
nly
, p
lease c
on
tact
yo
ur
GP
or
Care
Co
ord
ina
tor
in o
rde
r to
access t
he
serv
ice.
All
tim
es &
v
en
ue
s s
ub
ject
to c
ha
ng
e,
ple
ase c
he
ck w
ith
Serv
ice P
rov
ider
be
fore
att
en
din
g f
or
the
fir
st
tim
e.. R
ich
-
mo
nd
Fell
ow
sh
ip’s
serv
ices b
y a
pp
oin
tmen
t an
d r
efe
rral o
nly
,
Sta
ffo
rd B
oro
ug
h
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Mid
Sta
ffs M
ind
Yo
u c
an
dro
p in
to
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
on
we
ekd
ays
Tri
nity C
hu
rch
, M
ou
nt S
tre
et,
ST
16
2B
Z
Hig
hfie
lds
Sig
np
osts
C
en
tre
, A
ud
en
W
ay,
ST
17
9T
X
Work
Clu
b
10
am
—1
pm
Sig
np
osts
Ce
ntr
e
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
Cre
ativity 1
0a
m—
1p
m
Tri
nity C
hu
rch
2
pm
-4p
m W
om
en
’s
Gro
up
Tri
nity
Ch
urc
h
O
ut
of
Ho
urs
P
lus
10
am
—4
pm
R
efe
rra
l o
nly
Ric
hm
on
d
Fe
llo
ws
hip
Lif
e L
ink
s
Sta
ffo
rd O
ffic
e: S
uite
2, S
t. J
oh
ns H
ou
se
, W
esto
n
Ro
ad
, S
taff
ord
ST
16
3R
Z
01
78
5 2
27
02
0
Se
rvic
e a
lso
at
Sto
ne
, F
ran
k J
ord
an
Ce
ntr
e, L
ich
fie
ld S
tre
et,
Sto
ne
, S
T1
5 8
NE
E
venin
g o
ut
and
about
Ou
t a
nd
ab
ou
t
da
y e
ve
ry o
the
r
Wednesda
y
me
et a
t tr
inity
ch
urc
h
Sta
ffo
rd 1
0a
m-
1p
m
Str
uctu
red S
essio
n
St Jo
hn
s H
ou
se
Sto
ne
Pe
er
11
am
- 2
pm
10
am
—1
pm
Sta
ffo
rd
Art
Expre
ssio
ns
an
d P
ee
r S
up
po
rt
St Jo
hn
s C
hu
rch
Ca
nn
oc
k C
ha
se
M
on
da
y
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Mid
Sta
ffs
Min
d
Yo
u c
an
dro
p in
to
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
on
We
ekd
ays
Ma
in O
ffic
e;
So
uth
Po
int
at
Pa
rk P
laza
, H
ea
th
Ha
ye
s
WS
12
2D
D
As
da
su
pe
rma
rke
t C
an
no
ck
-co
mm
un
ity
ro
om
.
Ou
t o
f H
ou
rs a
t
Ca
nn
ock C
om
mu
nity F
ire
Sta
tio
n
Out of H
ours
/ P
lus a
re R
efe
rral O
nly
12
-1.3
0-m
usic
1
.30
-3–
dra
ma
@
AS
DA
O
ut
of
Ho
urs
5
.30
pm
-8.3
0p
m
2p
m-4
pm
B
ad
min
ton
at C
an
-n
ock
Le
isu
re
ce
ntr
e
10
am
—1
pm
W
ork
Clu
b
Ca
nn
ock L
ibra
ry
Ou
t o
f H
ou
rs
5.3
0p
m-8
.30
pm
Wom
en
’s G
rou
p
12
no
on
- 3
pm
Bir
th A
rt G
rou
p
F
res
h S
tart
Fri
en
ds
hip
Gro
up
Bre
reto
n &
Ra
ve
nh
all
Pa
rish
Ha
ll, M
ain
Rd
, W
S1
5
1D
S, 0
77
07
39
2 9
93
B
arn
s H
ote
l, C
ocksp
arr
ow
La
ne
, W
S1
2 4
BP
Fre
sh
Sta
rt
8p
m
Bir
th A
rt G
rou
p
Alte
rna
tive
Th
urs
-d
ays 1
pm
—3
pm
Ric
hm
on
d
Fe
llo
ws
hip
Lif
e L
ink
s
Ca
nn
ock O
ffic
e: 1
6 H
igh
Co
urt
, N
ew
ha
ll S
tre
et,
WS
11
1G
R, 0
15
43
50
0 9
69
Se
rvic
es a
lso
at:
Avo
n C
om
mu
nity C
en
tre
, A
vo
n R
oa
d, C
an
no
ck,
WS
11
1L
H (
ne
ar
Asd
a)
Ru
ge
ley
St P
au
ls C
hu
rch
, L
ich
fie
ld S
t, W
S1
5 2
EH
Ca
nn
oc
k
Avo
n C
en
tre
11
am
-2
pm
P
ee
r su
pp
ort
R
ug
ele
y
9.3
0a
m-1
.30
pm
1
-1 s
tru
ctu
red
Ru
ge
ley
9.3
0a
m-1
.30
pm
P
ee
r S
up
po
rt
Ca
nn
oc
k
Avo
n C
en
tre
1
1a
m—
2p
m
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
an
d
Art
s
Ca
nn
ock f
ire
sta
-tio
n s
tru
ctu
red
se
ssio
ns 1
;30
-4;3
0
So
uth
Sta
ffs
Dis
tric
t, in
c S
eis
do
n
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Ric
hm
on
d
Fe
llo
ws
hip
Lif
e L
ink
s
Wom
bo
urn
e C
om
mu
nity F
ire
Sta
tio
n G
igg
ett
y L
an
e
WV
5 0
AX
Gre
at W
yrl
ey C
om
mu
nity C
en
tre
, L
an
dyw
oo
d
La
ne
, W
S6
6JX
Co
dsa
ll V
illa
ge
Ha
ll, W
olv
erh
am
pto
n R
d W
V8
1P
W
Pe
nkri
dg
e–
St
Mic
ha
els
ch
urc
h h
all
Wo
mb
ou
rne
S
tru
ctu
red
S
essio
n
10
am
—2
pm
G
rea
t W
yrl
ey
P
ee
r S
up
po
rt 1
pm
—4
pm
Co
ds
all
9.3
0a
m—
1.3
0p
m
Str
uctu
red
Se
ssio
n
Pe
nk
rid
ge
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
1;3
0-3
;30
la
st
Wed
of
mo
nth
:
Ha
ling
De
ne
Ce
ntr
e, S
T1
9
9S
D
Kin
ve
r str
uctu
red
se
ssio
n 1
-3
C
od
sa
ll
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
RF
10
am
- 1
2n
oo
n
Wo
mb
ou
rne
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
10
am
—2
pm
Mid
Sta
ffs M
ind
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
Wom
bourn
e C
om
munity F
ire S
tation
Gig
ge
tty L
an
e W
V5
0A
X
Kin
ve
r– S
t P
ete
rs c
hu
rch
ha
ll vic
ara
ge
dri
ve
Kin
ve
r
Wo
mb
ou
ne
1p
m-4
pm
11
N
FO
RM
AT
ION
DIR
EC
TO
RY
- f
rom
Marc
h 2
014
East
Sta
ffo
rds
hir
e
If
a s
erv
ice i
s lis
ted
as R
efe
rral O
nly
, p
lease c
on
tact
yo
ur
GP
or
Care
Co
ord
ina
tor
in o
rde
r to
access t
he
serv
ice.
All t
imes &
ven
ues s
ub
ject
to c
han
ge, p
lease c
heck w
ith
Serv
ice P
rovid
er
befo
re a
tten
din
g f
or
the f
irst
tim
e.
Bu
rto
n O
n T
ren
t
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Op
en
to
all
A P
lus
Se
lf H
elp
All
Sa
ints
Ch
urc
h
Ne
w B
ap
tis
t C
hu
rch
Sa
lva
tio
n A
rmy C
ita
de
l, M
osle
y S
tre
et,
DE
14
1D
R C
all
Mic
ha
el o
n 0
78
33
28
21
37
Bra
nsto
n R
oa
d,
Bu
rto
n o
n T
ren
t, D
E1
4 3
DD
De
rby S
tre
et,
Bu
rto
n o
n T
ren
t, D
E1
4 2
LE
'Cra
ft a
nd
Ch
at'
All
Sain
ts C
hurc
h
Bra
nsto
n R
d
1pm
- 3
pm
N
ew
Bap
tist
Ch
urc
h
Derb
y S
t. B
urt
on
10 a
m to 4
pm
A P
lus
Self
Help
Activitie
s &
support
11am
to 3
pm
Snacks &
Hot F
ood
at cost
All
Sain
ts C
hu
rch
Bra
nsto
n R
d,
11am
to 3
pm
Ch
an
ge
s—
Bu
rto
n
Off
ice
Op
en
Mon
– F
ri
10
am
-3p
m
All
activitie
s a
t o
ffic
e u
nle
ss
sta
ted
Ma
in O
ffic
e: B
urt
on
on
Tre
nt
22
2 B
ran
sto
n
Ro
ad
, B
urt
on
on
Tre
nt,
DE
14
3B
T,
01283 5
00805
bu
rton@
ch
ange
s.o
rg.u
k
Se
rvic
es a
t:
Th
e H
aw
thorn
Resourc
e C
entr
e, 200
H
orn
inglo
w R
d
DE
14 2
PY
S
tre
tto
n:
Pri
ory
Ce
ntr
e C
hu
rch
Rd
DE
13
0H
E
Sta
penhill
: W
ate
rsid
e A
dvic
e S
hop,
104 S
hort
St, S
tapenhill
, D
E15 9
LT
W
inshill
Resourc
e C
entr
e, C
ante
rbury
Rd,
DE
15 0
HD
Bu
rto
n F
ire
Sta
tio
n,
Mo
or
St,
DE
14
3S
U
Str
ett
on
Mu
tua
l
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
11
am
-1p
m
An
ge
r M
an
ag
e-
me
nt
1:3
0-3
pm
co
nta
ct
off
ice
fo
r
mo
re in
form
atio
n
So
cia
l A
cti
vit
y W
alk
10
:30
am
at
Sta
pe
nh
ill
Bandsta
nd
M
utu
al S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
12
.30
- 2
.30
pm
Bu
rto
n L
ibra
ry D
E1
4
1A
H
Win
sh
ill M
utu
al S
up
-
po
rt G
rou
p 6
.30
-8.3
0
pm
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
10am
-12pm
11am
-12pm
So
cia
l A
cti
vit
y
1:3
0-3
pm
We
lln
es
s w
ork
-
sh
op
6-8
pm
Welln
ess W
ork
-
sh
op
1:3
0-3
pm
So
cia
l acti
vit
ies
1-3
pm
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
6.3
0-8
.30pm
Mai
n o
ffic
e
Mu
tua
l
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
10am
-12pm
M
utu
al
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
12
.00
-2.0
0p
m
Bu
rto
n F
ire
Sta
tio
n
Work
4yo
u s
essio
n
on
ce
a m
on
th,
co
nta
ct
off
ice
fo
r
de
tails
.
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
10.3
0am
—
12
.30
pm
Task W
ork
s
Unit 2
0, Im
ex B
usin
ess P
ark
, S
hobnall
Road,
DE
14
2A
U,
01
28
3 5
46
75
4.
Re
ferr
al O
nly
9am
—3pm
9am
—3
pm
9am
—3pm
9am
—3pm
9am
—3pm
Bu
rto
n a
nd
Dis
tric
t M
ind
6
7 B
ran
sto
n R
oa
d D
E1
4 3
BY
B
urt
on
an
d D
istr
ict
Min
d r
un
co
un
se
llin
g s
erv
ice
s b
y a
pp
oin
tme
nt
an
d r
efe
rra
l o
nly
Utt
ox
ete
r
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Art
& S
ou
l F
rie
nd
sh
ip G
rou
p
Art
an
ds
ou
lfri
en
d-
sh
ipg
rou
p.c
om
Fa
ce
bo
ok p
ag
e;
art
an
dso
ul-
for
be
tte
r m
en
tal h
ea
lth
Ha
wth
orn
e H
ou
se
, 4
5 M
ark
et
Pla
ce
, S
T1
4
8H
F
D
rop-I
n, sta
ff &
peer
to p
eer
support
,
art
& c
raft
room
, C
om
plim
enta
ry T
hera
pie
s f
or
str
ess &
rela
xatio
n a
va
ilab
le.
9.a
m—
3.4
5pm
9.a
m—
3.4
5pm
9.a
m—
3.4
5pm
9.a
m—
3.4
5pm
Reik
i 11am
-12noon
Wo
men
’s G
rou
p
6pm
-8:3
0pm
9.a
m—
3.4
5pm
Ab
bo
ts B
rom
ley
Fri
en
dsh
ip
gro
up
Churc
h H
ouse, B
agot S
treet, A
bbotts B
rom
ley,
WS
15 3
DA
12.3
0pm
—2.3
0pm
Ch
an
ge
s
Off
ice
Op
en
Mo
n–
Fri
10
am
-3p
m
All
activitie
s a
t o
ffic
e u
nle
ss
sta
ted
23
Ca
rte
r S
tre
et,
Utt
oxe
ter,
ST
14
8E
Y 0
18
89
56
74
36 U
tto
xe
ter@
ch
an
ge
s.o
rg.u
k
Ro
ce
ste
r C
hild
ren
’s C
en
tre
, H
igh
Str
ee
t
ST
14
5JU
Ab
bo
tts B
rom
ley V
illa
ge
Ha
ll, o
ff B
ag
go
t S
t
Ash
bo
urn
e W
ate
rsid
e C
en
tre
Ro
ceste
r
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
10
.30
am
-12
.30
pm
W
elln
ess W
ork
-
sh
op
O
pe
n t
o A
ll
12
-2.3
0 p
m
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
18-2
5ye
ars
6.3
0p
m -
8.3
0p
m
Ash
bo
urn
e
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
6.3
0p
m—
8.3
0p
m
NO
CN
Tra
inin
g
10
am
—1
2.3
0p
m
Ab
bo
tts B
rom
ley
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
10
.30
am
-1
2.3
0p
m
So
cia
l A
ftern
oo
n
Call
for
deta
ils
1p
m—
3p
m a
t O
ffic
e
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
6.3
0pm
-8.3
0pm
at
offic
e
So
cia
l A
ftern
oo
n
Call
for
deta
ils
1p
m—
3p
m
At
Off
ice
Welln
ess w
ork
-
sh
op
6.3
0-8
.30
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
10
am
-12
pm
Co
ffee A
ftern
oo
n
1p
m—
2.3
0p
m
At
Off
ice
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
Ad
ult/P
Y
10
.30
am
-
12
.30
pm
O
ffic
e c
lose
s a
t
1p
m
12
N
FO
RM
AT
ION
DIR
EC
TO
RY
- f
rom
Marc
h 2
014
So
uth
East
Sta
ffs
If
a s
erv
ice
is
lis
ted
as
Re
ferr
al
On
ly,
ple
as
e c
on
tac
t yo
ur
GP
or
Ca
re C
oo
rdin
ato
r in
ord
er
to a
cc
es
s t
he
se
rvic
e.
All t
ime
s &
ve
nu
es
su
bje
ct
to c
ha
ng
e, p
lea
se
ch
ec
k w
ith
Se
rvic
e P
rov
ide
r b
efo
re a
tte
nd
ing
fo
r th
e f
irs
t ti
me
.
Lic
hfi
eld
an
d B
urn
two
od
M
on
da
y
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Op
en
Do
or
of
Ho
pe
Bi P
ola
r G
rou
p
Dro
p In
n
Co
mm
un
ity C
afé
Gro
w W
ell
Lic
hfie
ld M
eth
od
ist C
hu
rch
, B
ackce
ste
r
La
ne
, L
ich
fie
ld, W
S1
3 6
JH
Mik
e o
n 0
77
79
98
07
41
Jig
sa
w,
72 D
imble
s L
ane, W
S13 7
HL 0
845
434 9
907 E
very
Second M
onday o
f m
onth
S
t John’s
Com
munity C
hurc
h, C
hase T
err
ace
Burn
twood
Curb
ourg
h C
om
munity C
entr
e W
S13 7
NY
Beaudesert
Park
Fa
rm-t
ransport
pro
vid
ed if
needed.
1pm
-3pm
7pm
-9pm
1pm
-3pm
9am
–12noon
10am
-3pm
1pm
-3pm
Ch
an
ge
s
Lic
hfi
eld
Off
ice
Op
en
Mo
n–
Fri
10
am
-3p
m
Pa
vili
on
, B
ea
co
n P
ark
, B
ea
co
n S
tre
et,
WS
13
6Q
Z 0
15
43
30
97
70
Se
rvic
e a
lso
at:
Jig
sa
w, 7
2 D
imb
les L
an
e,
Lic
hfie
ld
NO
CN
Co
ord
’s
Tra
inin
g
10
.30
am
–
12
:30
pm
F
ou
nd
ati
on
Pro
grm
me
Jig
sa
w 1
-3p
m
Yo
ga
@
th
e P
avilio
n
10
.00
am
-11
am
P
eer
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
Ad
ult /
PY
1p
m—
3p
m
So
cia
l acti
vit
ies &
Tim
e f
or
Art
1p
m—
3p
m
Ad
ult
Peer
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
6p
m –
8p
m
Ma
nse
ll H
ou
se
Ad
ult
Peer
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
10
.30
am
-12
.30
pm
Welln
ess
Pro
gra
mm
e O
ffic
e
10
:30
am
- 1
pm
Ad
ult
/PF
Peer
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
10
.30
am
—
12
.30
pm
Bu
rntw
oo
d
Off
ice
Op
en
Mo
n–
Wed
&
Fri
10
am
-3p
m
All
activitie
s a
t o
ffic
e
un
less s
tate
d
Bu
rntw
oo
d:
Up
sta
irs s
uite
, O
ld M
inin
g C
ol-
leg
e,
Qu
ee
n S
t, C
ha
se
tow
n,
Bu
rntw
oo
d
WS
7 4
QH
0
15
43
67
90
00
bu
rntw
oo
d@
ch
an
ge
s.o
rg.u
k
Se
rvic
e a
lso
at:
We
lln
es
s
Pro
gra
mm
e
12
no
on
—3
pm
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
Ad
ult /
PY
10
am
-12
.00
no
on
O
CN
WM
R tra
inin
g
co
urs
e 1
2:3
0-3
pm
So
cia
l
Ac
tivit
ies
10
am
-12
no
on
A
du
lt P
eer
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
12
.30
- 2
.30
pm
Off
ice
Clo
se
d
Welln
ess
Pro
gra
mm
e
10am
–12noon
So
cia
l
Ac
tivit
ies
10
.00
am
-
1.0
0p
m
Ta
mw
ort
h
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
ne
sd
ay
Th
urs
da
y
Fri
da
y
Sa
turd
ay
Sta
rfis
h P
roje
ct
07
94
7 9
57
15
5 w
ww
.sta
rfis
hta
mw
ort
h.o
rg
Cry
pt
at
St
Ed
ith
a’s
Ch
urc
h B
79
7B
X
St
Ma
rtin
s C
hu
rch
, S
ton
eyd
elp
h
St A
nd
rew
s C
hu
rch
, L
eyfie
lds
Sa
cre
d H
ea
rt C
hu
rch
, G
lasco
te
St E
dith
a’s
2p
m -
4p
m &
7.3
0p
m -
9.3
0 p
m
Sto
ne
yd
elp
h
7.3
0-9
.30
pm
St A
nd
rew
s
2p
m –
5p
m
AM
S
acre
d
He
art
Ch
urc
h,
Gla
sco
te
Ch
an
ge
s
Off
ice
Op
en
Mo
n–
Fri
10
am
-3p
m
All
activitie
s a
t o
ffic
e
un
less s
tate
d
Off
ice
6 L
ad
y B
an
k, T
am
wo
rth
, B
79
7N
B
01
82
7 3
11
00
6
Se
rvic
e a
lso
at:
Th
e A
rch
, A
min
gto
n B
77
4E
W
Fir
e S
tatio
n,
Ma
rlb
oro
ug
h W
ay B
77
2N
W
Male
Mu
tua
l
Su
pp
ort
Gro
up
10
.30
am
-12
.30
Fo
un
da
tio
n
Welln
ess
1p
m—
3p
m
Am
ing
ton
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
10am
-12noon
La
dy’s
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
10
am
-12
no
on
Art
Sessio
n
1-3
pm
WA
P P
eer
Su
pp
ort
Sessio
ns
1pm
–3pm
We
lln
es
s
Pro
gra
mm
e
10
am
-1p
m
NO
CN
Tra
inin
g
1.3
0p
m-4
pm
Mu
tua
l S
up
po
rt
Gro
up
(A
du
lt)
5p
m -
7p
m
Pe
er
Su
pp
ort
Fir
e
Sta
tio
n
S
oc
ial
Aft
ern
oo
n
12
no
on
–3
pm
Inc.
Me
dita
tio
n
1p
m-3
pm
Mu
tua
l S
up
-
po
rt G
rou
p
10
.30
am
—
12
.30
pm
Tru
st’
s P
ee
r S
up
po
rt S
erv
ice
R
efe
rra
l fr
om
Ca
re C
oo
rdin
ato
r O
nly
fo
r m
ore
in
form
atio
n—
C/O
Am
an
da
Wa
rma
n-B
en
ne
tt,
0
18
27
30
88
20
ext 8
62
6
13
Burton Case Study
I have suffered with depression since a very young age. My self-esteem was incredibly low and I developed an eating disorder as I approached my teenage years.
I began experimenting with drugs at the age of 13 and, by the age of 16, I was dependent on heroin. The following years were a haze of drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm and self-neglect. I suffered the effects of drug-induced psychosis and paranoia and my self-esteem was non-existent. I had to allow my daughter to go to live with my mum as my addiction took control and I was too unwell to take care of her. This heightened my depression further.
My need and want for drugs masked a severe depression whilst at the same time making my symptoms worse. I was in a cycle of addiction and self-destruction. Almost four years ago I finally managed to get clean, but my depression and the associated anxiety was still causing me some distress.
I became involved with Changes after hearing about the NOCN coordinator training and originally started on the training course to gain the qualification. In progressing through the course, completing the Wellness Programme and attending mutual support groups, which I now coordinate and assist, I have learned so much about myself and how to manage my life.
I find myself referring back to the 12 Steps, Wellness Action Plan and the Changes Commitment regularly to maintain my mental wellbeing. Changes has provided me, and so many others, with the tools and the opportunity to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I now volunteer for Changes in a number of different roles and am more than happy to dedicate my time to a well-deserving service.
My relationships with my daughter and family have been restored and I now find myself enjoying life. The focus on recovery allows members to stay positive and work through periods of mental ill health in a safe environment, supported and encouraged by peers who can understand and empathise with the symptoms associated with mental distress.
For me, Changes is an invaluable service and I would highly recommend Changes to anyone who is suffering with any form of mental distress.
BME Session Schedule
Wednesday BME Taster Wellness Session
9.00am – 11.30am at Eton Park Junior School
Masefield Crescent, Burton. DE14 2SG (Ongoing rolling programme)
BME Taster Wellness Session 1.00pm - 3.30pm at
East Staffordshire Children’s Centre 257 Waterloo Street, Burton. DE14 2NJ
(Ongoing rolling programme)
Thursday BME Taster Wellness Session
9.00am – 11.00am at Victoria Primary School
Victoria Road, Burton. DE14 2LU (Ongoing rolling programme)
BME Taster Wellness Session
1.00pm – 3.15pm at Anglesey Primary School
Clarence Street, Burton. DE14 3LG (Ongoing rolling programme)
Friday
BME Wellness Support Session 9.00am -11.30am at
Eton Park Junior School Masefield Crescent, Burton. DE14 2SG
(Support Session)
14
IMPROVING YOUR
WELLBEING
THROUGH
HORTICULTURE
Mid Staffs Minds Ecotherapy Project
Mid Staffs Mind are please to present our
new eco-therapy group in partnership with
Cheslyn Hay Allotments Association.
Our Ecotherapy group has been designed
to support people who are experiencing
mild to moderate mental health issues to
participate in a weekly gardening group.
The Ecotherapy sessions will include:
Introduction to Cheslyn Hay Allotments
Planting for all year round
Practical PH Soil testing
Propagation techniques
Practical seed sowing, taking cuttings
and bulb planting
Caring for your plants at home
Practical planting of flower containers
Practical planting of vegetable containers
Advice on pests & diseases
Individual attendees will be required to pay
£2.00 subscription for each attendance.
Home grown produce to help promote
healthy eating. Personal progression and
skills achieved will be reviewed every 8
weeks.
For more information please
contact:
Mid Staffs Mind 01543 496876
Point South, Park Plaza Hayes Way, Cannock
Staffordshire, WS12 2DB
Reader’s Poem Why ?
I woke up today feeling empty and blue ‘Why do I not know what to do?’
Anger, frustration builds up inside ‘Why do I feel I have to hide?’
So afraid of the world out there ‘Why do I feel 'I just don't care?’
I sit and watch the world go by 'How did it come to this – why?'
People come and people go ‘Why is it that I feel so low?’
Sometimes I ask 'why am I here And why have I this doubt and fear?’
The tears I cry fall down like rain ‘Why am I in so much pain?’
Each day, each hour passes by ‘Why can't I get up and try?’
Going out I cannot face ‘Why am I not in a different place?’
I often wonder how I feel ‘Why does life seem so unreal?’
‘Why is it that I feel so down And all I seem to do is frown’
The night it can't come quick enough ‘Why has today been really tough?’
And when I wake and am in a bad way ‘Why can't this be a better day?’
The answer can only come from me Only I can be who I want to be
Life is a struggle - of this I'm sure But only I can find the cure
So baby steps is what I'll take For a better life – myself to make
I don't know how and I don't know when I've done it before – and I'll do it again
So when from pain I need release I say to myself – 'I WILL find peace!’
Tomorrow is a brand new day
Keep moving forward - it’s the only way!!
by Julie Atkinson
15
Who are Community Together CIC?
Community Together are a non for profit Community
Interest Company (CIC), whose aims are to promote
community cohesion through social activities and
offering a range of volunteering and learning
opportunities to individuals within the local community.
Our core services include delivering Community Café
drop in sessions, supporting job seekers at our ‘Let’s
Look Together’ Job Clubs (TORC) and providing Work
Experience opportunities for 16 to 24 year olds.
Earlier last year we took over a local community asset,
formerly the Kerria Youth Centre, within an area of
deprivation in Amington, now re-named Amington ‘One
Stop’ Community Centre. Through effective networking,
we have significantly increased the number of partners
using the Centre to deliver services. Also by networking
we are able to sign post individuals to appropriate
agencies providing support and services within the local
community.
We currently run four Community Cafés and five Job Clubs across Tamworth, and volunteering remains key to all of the services we deliver in the local community. We have an active, diverse team of 28 volunteers who undertake a total of 44 volunteering roles covering all Community Cafés and Job Clubs. 43% of the 28 volunteers fulfil two or more roles and have increased their volunteering as their confidence and self esteem have improved. This is very encouraging and by investing in our volunteers’ training and development we are extremely successful in retaining our valued and experienced team of volunteers. Half of our volunteers were recruited from the
Volunteering for All (V4A) Supported Volunteer project
delivered by Support Staffordshire (Tamworth). The
project provides additional support to individuals who
have ‘barriers’ to accessing volunteering, i.e. physical/
learning disabilities, poor mental health, low confidence
and self esteem, a criminal record or long term
unemployment. One of the V4A Project Workers and
Centre Manager, Julie Ravell, is also employed as our
Project Support Officer, which has ensured that we have
continued to work in close partnership with Support
Staffordshire (Tamworth).
Support Staffordshire (Tamworth) are currently actively
promoting five vacant volunteering opportunities. The
roles are required at Belgrave Community Café and Job
Club and include Community Café Leader, Job Club
Leader and Job Club Support Assistants. The Job Club
and Community Café take place every Thursday
afternoon at Tamworth Community Fire Station,
Belgrave. (Job Club - 1.00pm to 3.00pm and
Community Café - 3.00pm to 5.00pm).
In October 2013, the Support Officer and Project Co-Ordinator designed and delivered a Volunteers’ Awareness Session, which was well attended by volunteers from all Community Cafés and Job Clubs. The event provided the opportunity for volunteers to meet one another and to find out how each of the Cafés and Job Clubs are delivered. Feedback from various volunteers suggested the introduction of a Volunteers’ Forum, involving representatives from all sites to discuss ideas, suggestions and concerns to raise with the CIC Board of Directors. The first meeting took place in December 2013 where representatives suggested a Newsletter, Recycling Bins, Raffles and Tombolas. Forum members met again recently and are currently arranging an Easter Raffle and an Easter ‘Eggs’ stravaganser’ event to be held during the Amington Café session on 9
April 2014.
All of our volunteers enjoy their volunteering with Community Together CIC and some quotes include:
“I love my volunteering as it has given me a social life for once in my life. Volunteering has also improved my money skills and I have made new friends.” – Emily, Café Assistant at Wilnecote Community Café.
“Thank you Julie and Lee for providing me with
the opportunity to volunteer. It has improved my life so much” – Helen, Café Leader at Heathfields’ Community Café.
“As a volunteer I enjoy coming to Community
Café each week, serving refreshments to the local community and meeting new people” – Daniel, Café Assistant at Amington Community Café.
May 2013 – Celebrating the Launch of
Amington ‘One Stop’ Community Centre
Volunteering with Community
Together
16
Staffordshire Talent Match Project to help tackle Youth Unemployment
Talent Match is a Big Lottery funded project for young people run by young people.
It is a brand new project in Lichfield and District, Cannock Chase District and Newcastle-under-Lyme to help 18-24 year olds on their journey into employment. The idea is to help young people into employment by exploring the different opportunities that are available to them such as volunteering, work placements, apprenticeships, enterprise, training etc. with the support of a Peer Mentor.
This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to develop themselves, find their talents and create a great new project to help young people. At the moment we are
looking for young people (18 – 24) for the Youth Action Team (who are the decision makers and shapers of the project) and for people who would like to be Peer Mentors. Talent Match is a multi-agency project managed by Support Staffordshire Lichfield
and District which will be linking in with other local provision to support young adults into employment or enterprise.
Alongside the support for young people, we will be working with employers, training providers and other cross sector partners to help address some of the issues, and barriers faced by young people. Young people will have clear progression routes and will be at the heart of developing, steering and delivering the project.
The Talent Match programme will provide a range of training, workshops and support to young people to help them to identify and work towards attaining their own goals.
For more info contact: [email protected] Tel 01543 303030
Rose’s Experience
of Work4You Hi - my name is Rose - I have accessed Changes, All Saints Church, and Making Space Work 4 You – which is a group which helps you to get back into employment if you have experienced metal health problems – and is really good because I managed to actually find work with Lyn who runs Work4You. This helped my mental health a lot because I couldn’t afford to live off the benefits, and knowing I can work the hours I do whilst being on ESA actually relieves the stress and gives me a bit more security. It is also a nice, easy job so it is not too draining.
When I met with Lyn the first time, I was very eager to get into work straight away because I was worried financially. She took the time to get to know me as a person, and found time to make sure I went into the right job. If I had gone into a job that was not the right job for me, it could have sent me ten steps back and could have taken me to where I was before. So I went to a job fayre, where I met a lady who was offering a cleaning job. Within a couple of weeks she came round to the house, gave me an interview and I started working!
Lyn is such a positive person. Sometimes
if I was feeling down, I would be so negative, but after spending 15 minutes with Lyn you can’t help but feel positive because she has so much energy.
I don’t really have any problems with my employer as it has worked out really well. I need to still get full time work but I am not really at the place for that at the moment. I would like to go into some kind of work with mental health. I had have worked for the same employer for 25 years so I didn’t think I could ever do another job; I was worried about references because I resigned. When I first started working, I was only doing 2 hours of cleaning (before I was always used to doing overtime etc.) and I used to have to come home and sit on the sofa for two hours because I was exhausted. It wasn’t because of the manual work, it was the fact it was not the routine that I was used to, so I would have to concentrate really hard – but now I fly through it! I have made it my own little place now and it gives me security as there was no way I could have survived on benefits when I had a house to maintain. Most of my stress was caused by not having money but now I have the security and it makes a massive difference.
I was always so desperate for work at first as I was used to working, so unless I went to the churches or to Changes
there were not many places I could go. I used to pace the floor at home and didn’t like being on my own. The job was from half four till half six, and that’s the time when you are just waiting for the soaps on the television and there is not a lot happening. It kept me from being bored and also helped my mental health as I feel I am doing something that makes my brain work and is worthwhile.
I think that Lyn has got to know me more as a person. She once said to me that I don’t always take the straight route and that I will sometimes go the long way round or think that there is a better way, and I think for her to have worked that out by meeting me is absolutely fantastic as it shows how she has really got to know my personality because that is me!
I know that when I am ready to look for a job that I will be given the right help and support towards finding the right job as I don’t want to go backwards by getting a job that will affect my mental health, although I know life is not always as cosy as that. My current employer is a very nice person. I know there are bad employers out there, but there are also good employers. I’m happy and I am working and didn’t think I would ever work again. I am sure I will get the job I want through working with Work4You – and I know it will be good!
17
Art and Soul Uttoxeter Schedule 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-1 1-2 2-3
Monday Walking group includes Photography if members
wish to bring their cameras 11-1pm
Liz Crafty Cards 11-12pm
Tuesday 9.30-11.30 Steffi’s Silk Painting
For beginners
Jane’s Nattering Knitters 1-2pm
Diane’s Creative Craters members fund items to be made for selling 12-3pm
Wednes-day
Luke Photography
“Hands” 11-12pm
Lee Quiz different
topic each week 1-2pm
Thursday Community Patchwork 11-1pm
Diane’s Creative Crafters 1-3pm, see Tuesday
Friday Lainie’s Sack Boy making 11-1pm
Afternoon Tea
1-2pm
Art & Soul
Friendship
Group
Art & Soul is an independent mental health charity in
Uttoxeter. Set up by two individuals who used to use
Uttoxeter MIND as members before it closed. They
recognised the need for a drop-in center in Uttoxeter
starting out with a room in the town hall and now rent a
listed building in the heart of Uttoxeter, gaining charitable
status at the beginning of 2013.
Within the project you will find a paid member of staff,
volunteers, occasional students and a variety of amazing
members aged between 18-76 years. The project is open
from 9am-3.45pm Monday-Friday and available to all
individuals regardless of their location or diagnosis.
Art & Soul is a welcoming support group where the kettle
is always on. Members can pop in anytime during
opening hours to meet new people, have a quiet sit down
or a chat, in addition to participating in the structured
timetable of activities if you so wish. Art & Soul have a
strong emphasis on peer to peer support and has
understanding staff. Everybody and anyone can be
affected by mental health issues, whether it is grief,
depression, isolation or loneliness. In Art & Soul
Friendship Group you are never alone. There is no form
filling, no referral needed, not necessary to have a CPN
(Community Mental Health Nurse) or even be on
medication or have a diagnosis. If you feel a little off and
would benefit from mixing with people or hanging out in
the quite room, making up a jigsaw or creating a master
piece of art, making cards in the art room or any other
activities that you choose to participate in please let
yourself be known.
We have a closed Facebook page for regular members,
an open group on Facebook for up to date information
and a website.:
http://artandsoulfriendshipgroup.com/
18
Time for Change launched their first ever Time to Talk
Day on 6 February 2014
Quest and
Food4Thought
were keen to join
the conversations
about mental
health to raise
awareness
through Time to
Talk.
Sometimes it is
the little things we
do that make a big
difference - like
having a chat over
a cuppa, we found
that to be so true.
A group of us got
together to
encourage people to do just that down at our local ASDA
Store in Stafford and in our coffee shop Food4Thought.
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, our local
Radio Station Stafford FM and Quest worked in
partnership to organise the day. We went to the Asda
store in Stafford armed with hundreds of leaflets and
Time for Talk tea bags to share with shoppers.
The Time to Talk campaign hopes to have sparked a
million conversations. We were amazed at the response
from our relatively small contribution. We estimate that
we sparked over 400 conversations, gave out 250
special Time to Talk tea bags, over 100 “I’ve had my
conversation” badges, 200 magazines along with
information about services and other promotional
materials.
Many of the conversations were about well-being and
how chatting over a cuppa can be beneficial. Many
people wanted to talk about their own experiences and
those of family and friends, but as you can see there was
a real mix of comments:-
“My two friends have mental health issues.
Put a bandage on their heads and people
have sympathy, remove the bandage and
people don’t want to know, but I wear my time
to change badge with pride!”
”It’s nice to see time to change in action and
not just adverts on TV. It’s actually inside the
community”
“Walking my dog is good for my mental
wellbeing more than my tablets”
“I didn’t know so many charities existed in the
area about mental health”
“I have done my shopping and chatted about
my wellbeing while learning about services-
very productive day thank you.”
While there were many positive comments, some
reinforced the stigma so very often attached to mental
illness and why we need to do these kind of events,
“I suffer with mental health issues but my
parents don’t know, as they say it’s all a con”
“What’s the point, opinions will never change
due to the media.”
There were many other comments about services and
we gave out Patient Advisory and Liaison Service
leaflets information on various services and illnesses
alongside information on looking after your well-being.
Sue Wyke, Day Opportunities and Social Inclusion
Coordinator, said:
“It was a brilliant day that was well supported, and
by working with partners it meant that we could
provide a range of information, advice and support
to the general public to raise awareness.”
Quest’s coffee shop, Food4Thought also joined in on the
Big Conversation as part of Time for Talk. The team of
service user volunteers and staff worked together to
design their own set of postcards with service user
stories focusing on why it is important to take time out
and talk. The postcards helped the café volunteers to
start a conversation about mental health with our
customers. Laura Bonsor, Coffee Shop Mentor, said
“The event was a great opportunity to begin
conversations with the public and raise awareness
about mental health and what we do at
Food4Thought.”
19
Creative Writing for Health and Wellbeing
Sue Brettell is an experienced Creative Writing and Life Writing Tutor and a qualified teacher in further education. Writing through her own health issues, Sue is well aware of the link between writing and mental and emotional wellbeing.
As a mature student, Sue graduated from Wolverhampton University in 2012 with a Degree in Creative and Professional Writing and English Language. As part of her dissertation, she explored the therapeutic nature of writing and facilitated a Life Writing course with women at Platform 51.
Using her personal and professional experience, Sue has worked with the Carers Association Southern Staffordshire (CASS) to develop courses for adult carers. She has successfully facilitated the first Self-Awareness and Moving Forward course, with a
specific focus on writing and journalling. Carers enjoyed working with other people in similar situations and found that writing their thoughts and feelings down helped them to understand themselves better. Carers also found the group meditations, and creating a goal collage, enjoyable and beneficial.
If you feel that you would benefit from a similar course, please contact Sue on 0774 881 5225, or email her at [email protected].
Sue is a member of the National Association of Writers in Education, and Lapidus, Writing for Health and Wellbeing. She holds an Enhanced CRB disclosure.
Where do I start -
not quite at the
beginning as I
would have to
write a book. I
start my story in
July 2011. My whole world fell apart, after 24 years of
marriage my husband told me he didn’t love me any
more and he left. At first I was upset, then I was scared
and then I was angry. It was almost like going through a
bereavement. I had a choice go to bed and stay there
forever or pick myself up and get help. I chose the latter
as my children and my elderly mother needed me. I
phoned round benefit agencies, housing associations,
council tax etc. Most of the time I was in tears, but I had
to do it. Then I decided to go to my GP, who has always
been wonderful when I have been depressed in the past.
He prescribed me with anti-depressants to cope, and put
me in touch with a support group. I found this very scary
but I needed help and I needed it fast.
I started taking my tablets and waited for an appointment
to come through the post for my support group. When it
finally arrived I had mixed feelings about going, but I
made myself. I never looked back.
Although my first initial interview was nerve wracking, I
decided to give it a go. I joined groups there to do well
being and self esteem courses. I had no idea what to
expect but need not have worried as the people I met
there were wonderful and we all formed a bond of
friendship and support.
As time went on my confidence grew and I wanted more.
They took me to Chase Voluntary Services and I began
my new journey. I volunteered for them for 18 months at
a kind of day service group. Helping people get back out
into the community and making new friends. I also took
the opportunity to volunteer at Richmond Fellowship. I
wanted to give something back and help people who
were in the situation I was in 2011. The then manager,
Rebecca Potter was amazing, she put me at my ease
and I buddied up with Nick Reany to start with. I did the
out and about groups on a Wednesday morning. I loved
it and met some wonderful people. I moved on to helping
out at the groups at St Johns Church in Stafford. This is
where I met Alan Thomas, he taught the group art and
he was and still is amazing. Whilst doing my volunteering
at Richmond fellowship I lost my beloved mother.
Another life changing event for me, but I was surrounded
by the most wonderful people you could meet. Everyone
at Richmond helped and supports me. So along with my
family and Richmond Fellowship Life Links, I managed to
carry on.
2013 has been my year! Who could believe my life could
change so much? Not me that’s for sure! I met my
wonderful partner in April and in July I did something I
didn’t think I could do, I applied for a job, at Richmond
Fellowship of all places, as a Community Link Worker. I
didn’t even think I’d get an interview let alone get the job.
The rest is history as they say. I’ve been working for Life
Links since September and I couldn’t ask for a nicer
bunch of people to work with. I have met some wonderful
people on the way.
The moral of the story is never give up as you never
know what is round the corner. Life is still difficult at
times but I’m surrounded by people who care. I would
like to thank a few people, firstly to my husband for
leaving me. My children and family for being so caring
and looking after me when I was down and to everyone
who has helped me along the way, to my partner Simon
for always being there for me, through good times and
bad. Mostly to Richmond Fellowship for giving me a
chance to prove I am valued and I can achieve good
things in life. Lastly to all the wonderful people I’ve met
doing this job, you make life worth getting up for. Here’s
to the next chapter in my life.
Belinda (Community Link Worker at Richmond
Fellowship Life Links and proud of it.)
My Story by Belinda (Community Link
Worker at Richmond fellowship)
20
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:
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 6 June 2014
Thank you to team who have helped with
this edition, especially Julie, for making
Network News so special!
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 from them.
@ssnmentalhealth
Search for South
Staffordshire
Network for
Mental Health
When you have finished with this magazine PLEASE pass it on or recycle it.
VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATORS WANTED
Changes are looking to recruit enthusiastic and committed volunteers of all ages to enrol on their Co-ordinators Training Programmes. Volunteer Co-ordinators are required to deliver Changes’ recovery focused Mutual Support Groups for adults who are experiencing mental distress. Anyone who feels that they are able to encourage and support people in this challenging and rewarding area would be suitable - especially those who have personal or secondary experience of mental distress. In addition to being personally rewarding, training as a Volunteer Co-Ordinator provides certificates and credits with the National Open College Network West Midlands Region.
Full support will be given during the course. For more information and to book your place on one of
the presentation events below, please contact Changes:
Burton 22 Branston Road Burton Upon Trent DE14 3BT
Wednesday 9th April 12noon - 2pm, or 6pm - 8pm Contact: 01283 500 805 [email protected]
Uttoxeter 23 Carter Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8EY
Tuesday 8th April 12noon - 2pm, or 6pm - 8pm Contact:01889 537 436 [email protected]
