Newsletter Winter 2013

Mind, Local & National‘Mental Health is the biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age. A problem that blights the lives of millions, can affect anyone from any social group. A problem that costs the economy vast amounts in terms of money, pressure on public services and lost opportunity for those affected and those who care about them.’

Most of you reading this wouldn’t be surprised to hear these words in a Mental Health Charity newsletter, however, you might be more surprised to know that these words are taken from a speech made by Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party on 29th October 2012 to the Royal College of Psychiatrists; the first speech by a leader of a major political party on the subject of mental health.

This speech was given three days after our AGM on 26th October and we are very grateful that Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind was still able to attend along with working with Mr Miliband’s office on the speech. Speaking to Paul before the AGM, it was clear how big an event it was

for Mind at a national level. For an organisation that seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues and to combat stigma, a major political figure addressing these issues on a national stage is a vindication of the work Mind and other organisations have done to get to this point.

But what does this national exposure mean for an organisation like Buckinghamshire Mind and for people in Buckinghamshire with mental health needs?

Despite the sometimes variable public opinion of Members of Parliament, the truth is that government policy really matters and policy is made by politicians. So opening up a nationwide debate on the social and economic costs of mental illness should mean that we see a greater recognition of the need for Mental Health services including our own. Increasing recognition of the cost to employers of mental ill health among staff may make them more receptive to information, advice and training and a greater public understanding of Mental lllness should benefit those suffering and those caring.

Buckinghamshire Mind’s responsibility is to help make this national debate real and relevant to the local community,

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Beating the Winter BluesThe winter period is often a lonely time for people and it can be a time when we feel isolated and feel that everyone apart from us is having fun. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the most hardy of us can get a little down. We have put together some tips for beating the winter blues that are characterised by mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy.

Keeping fitExercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy, it is also great for relieving the stresses of life as it helps your mind by releasing those feel good chemicals that lift your mood. The effects are long lasting and you’ll have more energy throughout the day.

eat a healthy dietWhat and when you eat has a significant effect on your mood and energy. Irregular eating and having lots of processed foods that lack nutrients (like white breads, rice, and sugar) can really zap your energy and affect your mood, causing depression, lack of concentration and mood swings. Try to eat more complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies and fruit and make sure you get your daily 8 cups of water to provide your body and mind with nutrients that stabilize your blood sugar and increase your energy levels.

Get some sunAs winter days are shorter, darker, and colder, we often spend less time outdoors and this lack of sunlight can cause people to become depressed. Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood, so wrap up warm and venture out!

treat yourselfIf you plan something that you are looking forward to your mood improves when you’re anticipating it as well as when the event actually comes. Plan some things and write them somewhere to remind you of what’s coming up.

Get social supportDon’t underestimate the power of friends, family, befrienders, co-workers, and neighbours when you’re down and need a pick-me-up. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it as most people feel good about being able to help. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email can brighten your mood. Why not try one of our Day Services or Befriending? Call 01494 792244 for more information.

Martyn Walshtrustee

Buckinghamshire Mind Ashton House 14 Granville Street Aylesbury Bucks. HP20 2JRTel: 01296 437328 email: info@bucksmind.org.uk www.bucksmind.org.uk

Buckinghamshire Mind (The Buckinghamshire Association for Mental Health) is a Company Limited by GuaranteeCompany Registration No. 5000185 (England) Registered Charity No. 1103063

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Four members of the Bucks Mind social Group went to see ‘Cinderella’ at The Limelight Theatre in Aylesbury which was performed by a local drama group. The scenery for the panto was done by artist Tony Ashton who runs our Aylesbury art group on a Friday afternoon. We all enjoyed the panto and can’t wait for this year’s!

our Aylesbury members enjoyed a Christmas lunch at The Honeybee in Aylesbury. A good time was had by all!

Park Club & Pippin Club enjoy a three course lunch at the Elgiva Theatre

Thank you!

A special ‘thank you’ has to go to Vicky and

Julia who opened up Sun House for a few hours for people between Christmas and the New Year.

Milestones enjoy a Christmas lunchat 0’Neills in High Wycombe

Christmas CelebrationsChristmas was celebrated in style at the various groups in Bucks Mind. Here is a selection of our celebrations:

making sure we use our voice to influence decision makers and use our community presence to inform and educate about Mental Illness and Wellbeing.

I’m delighted that in the coming months we will be leading on part of the Buckinghamshire Mental Health Strategy aimed at making our county part of a Mental Health friendly society. (More on this next issue!) We will be actively promoting the Five Ways to Wellbeing across our services and we are re-launching our community services across the county in order to increase availability and access. I am also pleased to announce that we have been selected as a Pilot Site by Mind for their Diverse Networks Programme, which aims to support Local Mind Associations to improve the way they work with groups in the community who are currently underrepresented in services.

It looks certain to be an exciting time ahead, with opportunities for organisations like ours to make a real difference to the local community.

rob Michael-PhillipsChief executive

Paul Farmer

for better mental health

UnstoppabletogetherThe strategy for Mind 2012-16

Buckinghamshire Mind is committed to Quality Management in Mind (QMiM),

the quality assurance system developed by National Mind.

Our visionOur vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for

all, and that treats people with experience of mental distress fairly, positively

and with respect.

Our missionBuckinghamshire Mind aims to promote good mental health in

Buckinghamshire by providing a range of accessible, high quality, person-

centred services, delivered with the involvement of service users and the

local community.

We actively promote volunteering and community involvement in mental

health service provision as ways of promoting our cause and overcoming

stigma.

We campaign to improve mental health services in Buckinghamshire.

Buckinghamshire Mind

is supporting

The Healthy Communities Partnership has launched the Five Ways to Wellbeing

campaign to encourage people who live and work in Buckinghamshire to take part in

one or more of the five ways that have been proven to boost wellbeing.

Research shows that there are five themed areas or ways to wellbeing where positive

actions will contribute to and boost the feeling of wellbeing. Each of these themed

areas or ways will have a positive impact, being aware of and a combination of all five

will provide a rounded contribution to feeling good and functioning well.

Connect

With your friends, family, neighbours and people at work. Have

a conversation, pass the time of day, make time for a chat.

BeActive

Find a physical activity that you enjoy, go for a walk. Run or

cycle, try gardening.

TakeNotice

Be curious, take time to look at the day. Catch sight of the

beautiful. Remark on the unusual.

KeepLearning

Try something new, whether it’s a new recipe, fixing the bike or

even signing up for a course.

Give

Smile, do something nice for a friend or neighbour, make time

for others.

TofindoutmoreaboutFiveWaystoWellbeingaskinanyofourservices,visit

www.buckinghamshire.nhs.ukorwww.buckscc.gov.ukorfollowthelinkfrom

ourwebsitewww.bucksmind.org.uk

Aylesbury Services GuideSpring 2013

Rickfords

Hill

Oxford Road

GatehouseRoad

Bicester RoadBuckingham

Road

New Street

Castle Street

High Street

WaltonStreet

TempleSquare

St. Mary’sChurch

KingsburySquare

MarketSquare

Buckingham Street

Oxford

Road

Friarage Road

Exch

ange

St.

Church St.

Cambrid

ge Stre

et

Friarage Road

FriarsSquare

Morrison’sSupermarket

MultistoreyCar Park

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MINDHEAD OFFICEAshton House, 14 Granville Street

Granville St

.

HEADOFFICE

Buckinghamshire MindAshton House 14 granville Street Aylesbury Bucks Hp20 2JrTel: 01296 437328 email: info@bucksmind.org.ukWebsite: www.bucksmind.org.uk

www.twitter.com/bucksmindBuckinghamshire Mind is on Facebook

Dates for your Diary MArCH 9th Volunteer Training (Aylesbury) 12th Talk on Dementia (Chesham)MAY 16th Talk on Personality Disorders (Aylesbury)JulY 9th Talk on Adolescent Mental Health (High Wycombe)

tBA Talks on up and coming Benefit Changes (Aylesbury and High Wycombe)

For more details or to keep up to date with what’s happening at Bucks Mind you can follow us on twitter and Facebook or have a look at our website.

Joint Venture for World Mental Health DayAs part of last year’s World Mental Heath Day initiatives, Dr Rosemary Anderson, one of our trustees and an expert in stress in the workplace, agreed to write and run a workshop for local businesses. The aim of the workshop was to help managers improve employee mental health, performance and attendance at work as well as raise the profile of Buckinghamshire Mind.

The workshop was held on Thursday 25th October 2012 and was a joint venture between Buckinghamshire Mind, the Clare Foundation and Buckinghamshire Business First. It was held at The Clare Foundation headquarters in Saunderton and was extremely well received.

In his opening address, Malcolm King, Chair of Trustees explained that this workshop was a first for Buckinghamshire Mind on two accounts – to work with partner organisations and to address workplace mental ill health. He said that the charity would be aiming to do more work of this nature in the future.

The workshop began with Dr Anderson explaining the concepts of mental ill health commonly encountered in the workplace and went on to explain causes and how to spot if employees are experiencing problems. In the afternoon, delegates discussed how managers may sometimes be the cause of mental ill health at work and were shown some basic steps that they could take to proactively address the problem. The workshop also showed managers how they could meet their legal requirements for mental health in a simple pragmatic way.

Dr Anderson said “Tackling mental health in the workplace is not just a legal requirement; addressing it proactively can improve the performance of the organisation. Unfortunately many small organisations cannot afford to send managers on training programmes of this nature. This joint initiative between our three organisations made this possible.”

Mandy Carey, Operations Manager attended the workshop and said “there are many things I learned today that I hope to be able to put into practice for Buckinghamshire Mind.”

Of the twenty four delegates who attended, all agreed that the workshop had been both enjoyable and extremely useful to their daily working lives.

Employment SupportHi, my name is Jan Court and I am the Senior Wellbeing worker based at our Aylesbury office.

Finding work can be a very positive step towards recovery, whether it is voluntary, part-time or full time or paid work and our Employment Support is a free service offered to clients over the age of 18 who are ready to start looking at some form of work or needing help to stay in employment. Clients are offered one to one support, tailored to the individuals’ needs and we offer help with CV writing, preparation for interviews and interview practice as well as helping with addressing some of the issues around disclosure.

We work with clients to identify skills and training needs and can help find voluntary work, or paid employment, as appropriate for the client and their needs. Our links with a network of partners means that we can also provide training aimed at specific job related skills as well as personal development such as increasing confidence and self-esteem. Once in employment we are happy to continue to offer support and liaison between the client and their employer if this is needed.

the first step to accessing this service would be to give me a call on 01494 774499 and then if appropriate we would book in an assessment. Do give me a call if you would like any further information.

Services for Older PeopleHi, my name is Julia Thornton and I am the Area Co-ordinator for Chiltern and South Bucks, specialising in Older People’s Services.

Through a small and friendly group setting, we provide support, companionship and stimulation for older people who have become isolated in their community either through having dementia or another mental health problem. Our specialist workers develop close working relationships with all of our clients and a real understanding of their individual needs. Our two services at Park Club in Chesham and Pippin Club in Prestwood offer a variety of activities such as games, quizzes, orientation and reminiscence activities, crafts and physical activities.

Thanks to the many kind donations received throughout the year we were able to celebrate the festive season in style with a three course Christmas lunch at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham. Christmas crackers, party hats, silly jokes and a sing song before everyone went on their way full of festive cheer!

Our services are for people over 60 and referrals to our services can be made directly by a family member, by a carer, by a community mental health team or by another agency such as the Alzheimer’s Society. if you would like to find out more our older People’s services then please do give me a call on 01494 792244.

Wanted secondhand Books!We are running more secondhand book stalls

on Aylesbury market to raise funds and awareness.if you have any unwanted books please drop

them into our Granville street office.

www.bucksmind.org.uk Activity Groups • Befriending • Employment Support • Counselling for Adults & Children • Older People’s Services www.bucksmind.org.uk

Counselling Services for AdultsHi, my name is Bev Taylor and I am Team Lead for Counselling Services, based at our Aylesbury office.

Our service provides high quality one-to-one counselling to adults with a variety of mental health needs and includes working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, relationship issues, difficulties with anger, recovery from traumatic events or are struggling to cope with the pressures of life.

Buckinghamshire Mind is committed to making our counselling services accessible to the wider community and do not want fees to prevent those in need from accessing the service, however, as we do not receive any funding for this service there needs to be a charge appropriate to an individual’s circumstances. The first step to accessing counselling would be through an initial assessment and the fees for the service would be discussed and agreed at this point.

We have counselling services in High Wycombe and Aylesbury and these services are offered through a single point of access from our High Wycombe office on the number noted below. Clients are offered an initial assessment to ascertain that we are the correct service for them, and if we are they will then be offered up to 10 sessions of counselling, each taking place in either High Wycombe or Aylesbury at the same time on the same day of each week.

if you are interested in our service please call us on 01494 463364 to have a chat and if appropriate make an appointment for an initial assessment.

Whether you have made

a donation, carried out

fundraising, volunteered

or promoted our services,

we would like to say a very

big thank you to everyone

who has supported us

throughout 2012.

Introducing...Dr rosemary Anderson, trustee

My name is Rosemary Anderson and I live in Beaconsfield with my husband and two children. I am a Chartered Psychologist and run my own consultancy, ApP, helping organisations improve the wellbeing and performance of their employees.

I originally studied Biochemistry at university where I stayed for three extra years to complete a Ph.D and

work in PR for the students’ union. I then went to work as a marketing manager for Fisons.

When my children were born I worked part time as a teacher and university lecturer and trained in counselling. I also took a further degree in Psychology. As I suffer from depression I was keen to understand this condition and find ways to help myself. I also wanted to help others and this eventually led the formation of ApP. In addition to professional work I have also previously been a trustee of Shropshire Mind and Chair of The International Stress Management Association.

I applied to be a trustee of Buckinghamshire Mind as I believed my experiences to date may be of use. I hope to be able to assist with employee development and to help improve the profile of Bucks Mind by working with local organisations. I began this task in October by running a one-day workshop to mark World Mental Health Day.

When I do not have my psychologist hat on I love dancing and organising events and I am also on the fundraising committee of Iain Rennie Grove House. I love travel and have just returned from driving route 66 across the USA. My philosophy on life is that the best things are “the people we love, the places we’ve seen and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

Dr rosemary Andersontrustee

The Board of Trustees would like to say an extra special thank you to staff member Julia Thornton and her family who organised the Santa Run raisingmoney for the Older People’s Service.

Money raised from Christmas CardsOur Christmas Cards for 2012 were designed byfour service users. The cards were sponsored by

Bluepepper Designs and raised over £200.

Delegates at the workshop

oxford Health talks - We are delighted to be working with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to bring you three public talks from mental health experts on a variety of topics. The talks (intended for members of the public, those with personal experience, mental health professionals and those working in related fields) will take place in March, May and July 2013 in Chesham, Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Follow us on twitter and check the website for more details.