network news 44 - sep 2012
TRANSCRIPT
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health: The Service User’s Network
www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk
Inside this issue
Suzanne’s Update……………………… 2
Keri’s Random Mumblings…………… 3
Network Member’s Forum……………..3
Volunteer News ……….……………….. 4
Tracey Reaches Out…………………… 5
Smoke Free Trust & Brendan House.. 6
Quest Football Group…………....……. 7
SSNMH Annual General Meeting……..7
Your Changes Wellbeing Stories..... 8-9
Lichfield Open Door of Hope……...…10
Cannock Hope Project,………………..11
Information Directory ………..…12—15
Noticeboard……………………………. 16
When you have finished with this
magazine PLEASE pass it on
or recycle it.
NETWORK
NEWS NEWS FOR PEOPLE WITH INTEREST IN MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE
ISSUE 44 Autumn 2012
Photo by Jason Burrows
2
Welcome to the Autumn 2012
edition of Network News!
By the time you receive your copy
I will have left the Network to go
on to pastures new. Although
some people consider my two
years with SSNMH to be a short-
time, it does not feel that short.
And, I don’t mean that in a bad
way. It is just so much has
happened in those two years.
Since I started as project
coordinator I have seen trustees
come and go, volunteers grow in
such confidence and in some
cases move onto paid
employment.
I’ve met many different and very
interesting people, countless of
whom have such inspirational life
stories that I never tire of hearing.
Thank you to my team of staff
Karen, Keri & Tracey. You may
read that Tracey is also leaving us
due to her project ending. I am
truly sorry Tracey will no longer be
with the Network, her bubbly
character is very uplifting in the
office and feedback shows that
service users love her too!
And a massive thank you to our
volunteers who I could name
individually but you all know I
appreciate everything you have
ever supported us with. You never
fail to amaze me with the amount
of time you give.
Thank you for the support of the
trustees. It’s been a pleasure
working with you.
And now, as I conclude my
Oscars type speech—thanks to all
the professionals I meet on a day
to day basis when out there
representing service users. I will
mention Lorien from NSUG, all at
the JCU, and those in the third
sector providers. There are also
many many others and I am sure
there is a possibility I will bump
into you in the future.
For those I didn’t get to say t’rar
to, goodbye and I wish you all the
very best in the future.
Suzanne Cole
Write to us at: South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, FREEPOST MID 23594, Lichfield,
Staffordshire WS13 6LL or email us on
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Project Coordinator
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead SSNMH.
It is the role of the Project Coordinator to lead the organisation
on an operational and strategic level in order to promote and facilitate the
involvement of adults with experience of mental distress in the development
of mental health services.
Hours 37.5 hours per week Salary: £23,708—£27,849
Closing date for applications: Monday 15 October 2012
For application packs and further information, please contact
Karen Hunt, 01543 301139, or email [email protected]
Visit our website for more information www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk
Everyone appears to have felt the
pinch in the last year... so have
we! If you do shopping online you
can help raise money for the
Network without even putting your
hands in your pockets.
Simply sign up at
easyfundraising.org.uk and select
South Staffordshire Network for
Mental Health as your cause.
Whilst signed into easy
fundraising search for your
retailer, click on ’go shopping’ for
that shop, and when you've got to
their website shop as normal. A
percentage of what you spend will
be donated by the company to us.
The amount of money donated
varies, but as a popular
supermarket says “Every little
helps!”.
Our fundraising page is
www.easyfundraising.org.uk
/causes/ssnmentalhealth
3
Keri’s Random Mumblings
Being a part of the South
Staffordshire Network for Mental
Health has its fair share of big
challenges and even bigger
rewards, as some of you may
guess! However, my proudest day
in the three years I’ve been
working here came on Friday 20
July 2012…
As you may know, we were part of
the Improving Customer
Experience Project (ICE) in 2010
with the Joint Commissioning Unit
interviewing people on their
experiences on Day Opportunity
Services. When the JCU invited
us to support them again over
August and September, we
wondered if we could get some of
our members on board and
trained up to interview people.
The JCU have been great in
helping us to do this and some of
our existing volunteers wanted to
help also. I know people are busy,
or have their own personal
challenges, so was immensely
proud and honoured when I had
NINE people on the ICE
Involvement Project Training on
20 July 2012! That’s nine people
across the six districts willing to
sacrifice their time, taking the
brave step of travelling miles out
of their home towns, going
through the paperwork and CRB
checks to attend the training, with
the aim of nervously sitting down
with other people to find out their
experiences of services for the
JCU!
At the time of
writing (mid
September), we
have carried out
nine ICE visits to
Richmond
Fellowship Life
Links or
Changes Mental
Health &
Wellbeing
services, with six
of the ICE
volunteers
carrying out
around 20
interviews with
people using
those services!
We still have
seven visits to
go so I very
much expect our
targets to be
met. A huge,
huge
thanks to all
involved on
this, I
expect
another very proud day when we
have our ICE Celebration Event in
early October 2012 and we award
certificates to the nine people
involved.
The success of this Project so far
has really shown me that now is a
fantastic time for people to really
grasp the opportunity to volunteer
for services or to represent and
support others within mental
health. We are looking at
reviewing our Volunteer
Programme later this year, so
watch this space!
Just one more thing.. I’ve just
found out I will be Acting Project
Coordinator between now and Jan
2013! Please wish me luck!
Things I’m up to at the Moment
Improving Customer
Experience 2012 (ICE), as
above
‘Smoke Free Trust’ –
exploring how we can share
information about how the
Trust intend to have no
smoking on any of their sites
and how people can get
involved, see p. 6
Looking at our Volunteer
Programme to see how we
can attract and support
more people to volunteer
with us
Exploring what information
our Network Members
would like regarding
Benefits
Keri Lawrence—Development Worker (pictured)
4
Volunteer News
Camilla, Involvement
Champion, East Staffs
“Since we started the Margaret
Stanhope Meetings in January
2010, I’ve met loads of interesting
people who have brought up a
variety of issues that we hopefully
helped to resolve. Since the
closure of the ward was
announced, the general feeling
from the patients has been one of
compassion, appreciation, and
support for the staff who were
continuing to provide a service to
the best of their abilities whilst
facing uncertainty about what
would happen to their jobs once
the ward closed. I’m not sure what
my future role is going to be for
SSNMH but whatever I end up
doing I look forward to meeting old
friends and making new ones who
share my passion for getting the
service user voice heard.”
The Network would very much like
to thank Camilla for all her
dedication, passion and strong
leadership with the Margaret
Stanhope Inpatient Meetings. The
meetings have inspired the Trust
to develop a way of running
similar meetings on all their
wards. Camilla’s determination
and empathy really helped our
most vulnerable members to have
their say, anonymously and
without judgement, to improve
experience of the ward! Also big
thanks to Stella, Trudy and Quynh
for their commitment and support
on these meetings.
Trudy, Involvement Champion,
East Staffs
Trudy has been supporting
Camilla with the Margaret
Stanhope Meetings and has also
been a key player in keeping the
Network up to date with what’s
going on in Burton on Trent. We
have future plans for Trudy to
further support the Mental Health
cause with her strong networking
and representative skills by joining
her local GP practice’s Patient
and Public Group.
Sarah, Involvement Champion,
South Staffs District
“I have attended the Brendan
House steering group, have
chaired the Twigs Local
Engagement Group Meeting, and
have also conducted four
interviews for the ICE Project.”
Rachel, Involvement Champion,
South Staffs District, also led on
the Twigs meeting, and is also
looking at new ways to support
the Network with a new project.
Stella, Awareness Champion,
East Staffs & Mandie,
Involvement Champion,
Stafford
Stella has presented five of her
brilliant “Fighting Fear & Stigma
Talks” for the Network over the
last 3 months. Also, both Mandie
and Stella have trained to be ICE
Volunteers also and are
supporting us with interviewing
people.
Mike, Admin Support, Lichfield
Mike has done a great job
checking our website for missing
and broken links and out of date
information. Mike and Keri will be
looking to sort these out in the
near future. Mike has also
supported with data entry and
filing. It’s always a pleasure to
have his positive energy and
support in the office!
The Network also introduced six
new volunteers, supporting us
short term on the ICE project. By
the time you read this, some of
you will have met or even been
interviewed by them. A huge
thanks to them all: Julie, Joan,
Diane, Lynette, Cyril and Abi.
We look forward to some of these
guys sticking with us after the
project as we look to increase and
improve our Volunteer
Programme.
For more information on
volunteering visit:
www.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk
We will be looking at
promoting new
opportunities to
volunteer in the near
future. If you have a
good idea of doing
something that fits into
what the Network does,
please get in touch!
The Network Team has many volunteers, contributing to our great work in different ways.
Here’s an update on what’s going on...
5
Tracey “Reaches Out”
Hi everyone
Here goes my last article for the Network News... I want to start by saying a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who took the time and trouble to fill in the rural survey. I have had 77 replies which is 5 more than last time and is over a much shorter period of time. I’m so pleased with the response as it means I can make some really accurate comparisons and the survey reflects the views of people who live in rural areas. I’m going to spend the last couple of weeks here collating the information and then distribute the overall findings and statistics as widely as possible. This will include the Network News and our website www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk. It will highlight the key issues that people face when experiencing mental distress in rural areas covered by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust and will show the improvements they would like to see. Since my last article, I’ve attended our Network members forum in Uttoxeter which was really interesting. Hearing different speakers and having the opportunity to ask questions is invaluable. I’ve arranged 4 stigma talks which have been delivered by Stella. I have to say, these talks have been a big
part of my work at the Network. When I started my role, I spent some time thinking about how to tackle the problem of stigma in rural areas as I saw this as one of the main areas my project should focus on. As soon as I supported Stella for the 1st time and listened to the inspiring talk she’d put together, I realised the impact it has on all sorts of people who may not normally be talking about mental health or even think about the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health problems face. I grabbed the opportunity to promote and take a share in delivering the talks as it is a fantastic tool to help the rural outreach project and promote the Network to rural communities. I really think that this has made a difference. I think that if you can change just one person’s opinions and attitudes at a talk, then it’s been well worth doing. One last plea from me! If you know any community groups who have guest speakers then please refer them to the network and someone will arrange a talk for them. That way, we’ll keep chipping away at stigma and discrimination which will, in turn, encourage more people to talk about mental health and ensure we all start seeing it as an illness like any other, not something
which we should be ashamed of and hide away. I’m also very proud of the fact that since I started my role 14 months ago, I have signed up 81 new members to the network including many from rural areas. I hope you’re all enjoying the Network News! So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you again to the staff, volunteers and trustees at the Network for all their encouragement, training and support, I’ll miss them. It really is a fantastic role that the Network plays, giving a voice to people and ensuring they’re heard and also signposting people to a huge range of services that are out there to help. I’d also like to thank each service user, carer and professional I’ve met along the way who have all helped to teach me such a lot and look at mental health in a different way. It’s made me challenge my own ideas and preconceptions and those of family, friends and everyone I meet who wants to listen! I will hopefully see some of you again and look forward to reading future editions of the Network News... (I am a member you know!) Bye for now, Tracey.
Supported by Lloyds TSB
Foundation for England &
Wales
6
Smoking
remains the
largest single
cause of death
and disease in
the UK. The
Trust Board
has recently discussed the issue
of smoking on the Trust’s property
and has noted that many Trusts,
both mental health and acute,
have already become Smoke
Free.
Views have been received on this
issue from a number of sources
and discussions have taken place
in different settings with Trust
Governors, staff side
representatives and service users.
The Board has noted the views
expressed to date and the
challenges that will arise but has
now taken the final decision that it
can no longer support smoking
taking place anywhere on Trust
property in the interests of the
health of both service users and
staff.
Therefore SSSFT will become a
SMOKE FREE TRUST as from 1st
April 2013. This means that all
premises and grounds managed
by the Trust become smoke free.
It is recognised that this may be
difficult for those who are addicted
to nicotine and will require
sensitive engagement and active
support from staff and Trust.
Plans are being developed around
smoking cessation programmes/
treatment and education, for staff
and service users.
Views will be sought on how best
to implement this policy and
lessons identified from other
Trusts who have gone through
this process.
Discussions had previously taken
place with staff and service users
in Shropshire to consider whether
it was practical to make the new
Redwoods Centre in Shropshire
totally Smoke Free from the point
of its opening in September.
However, it is clear that that would
not give sufficient time to put in
place all the support needed. The
Redwoods Centre will therefore
also now become totally Smoke
Free from 1st April 2013.
The move to being Smoke Free
will mean working with all
stakeholders including service
users, carers, staff and health
promotion services. This move will
be centrally coordinated, but will
also need careful planning and
action in all Directorates.
The move to becoming Smoke
Free will undoubtedly be
challenging. However, being
Smoke Free will ultimately help
everyone, with the Trust being a
healthier place to visit, stay or
work and it is vital that all staff
actively support this development.
Should you have good ideas
about how this process can be
helped then please do let me
know.
Submitted by
Neil Brimblecombe, Chief
Operating Officer/Director of
Nursing at SSSFT
Note from Editor: This Letter was
sent out by the Trust on 27 July
2012 and we have published it on
behalf of the Trust. Our current
role on this is to represent our
service user members, both
smokers and non-smokers at the
relevant meetings. We are
exploring ways of how people can
be involved in developing how the
Trust do this, and ensuring we
have up to date and important
information to share with our
members.
Smoke Free Trust
BRENDAN HOUSE UPDATE
1. Brendan House will now accept people over the age of 65 (as long as all
other criteria is met).
2. Remember If you need a referral into Brendan House—this can also
been done by the service managers of Richmond Fellowship Life Links
and Changes Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Brendan House offers a safe space or sanctuary to people in mental distress
for whom a hospital admission is neither wanted nor needed, for up to 3 nights.
For more information contact Brendan House on 01543 899465.
7
FOOTBALL
ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
Wednesday 7th November 2012 at 12 Noon
Wade Street Church, Frog Lane, Lichfield
Afternoon Tea provided
Guest Speaker in
The Brendan C ommons Lecture: “Food 4 Thought Café”
Remember to nominate people for trusteeship—see
your individual invitation for instructions.
If you are planning to attend please let us know by 26 October
2012 for catering purposes—telephone us on 01543 301139 or
email us at [email protected]
If you are a member, remember to bring along your individual
invitation letter as proof of your voting right.
Come and play football and:
Keep fit
Make friends
Have fun
Learn new skills
Boost confidence
Improve well-being
‘Sometimes in football you have to score goals’ - Thierry Henri
Details:
Contact Matthew Hocking or Lesley Hall at Quest for more information: (01785) 249251 or Naomi Potter (Tamworth AOT) (01827) 308820 or Marvin Shortman (F.A. level 2 qualified coach) on 07968841976
Starts Monday 16th of July 2pm ‘til 3.30pm
Open to men and women over 18years of age, some equipment supplied.
Location Lichfield City football
Club, Brownsfield Road, WS13 6BT
local pick up/support to attend
depending on need/location
8
DJ is a 22 year old female who
has had experience of severe and
enduring mental illness since
childhood. DJ has been under a
psychologist from approximately
the age of nine. DJ does not work
and is considered a vulnerable
adult and currently has a CPN and
her Auntie is her carer.
When DJ came to Changes
Health and Wellbeing she was
completely mute and did not
speak, a few who knew her said
that she would not speak to
anyone, she suffered from terrible
anxiety and physically shook
when she entered and would just
sit in the corner and keep her
head down so no one would look
at her. At this time we knew little
about DJ or her situation, as she
would not communicate with us.
After a week DJ had started to
communicate with us here at
Changes Health and Wellbeing
and visited us on a regular basis
for mutual support groups, as time
went on DJ grew within herself
here in confidence and self
esteem enabling her to join
foundation wellness and to make
her time at college more useful by
learning to read and write. DJ has
made some friends here of which
she grew a social life outside of
Changes Health and Wellbeing
and brought new members into
Changes from the centre she
attends. Goals were set for DJ
every week including taking her
medication every day instead of
hiding it, talking to one new face
at college, talking to her tutor and
support worker and gradually over
time she will now talk to most
people who she meets including
her doctor who was very surprised
as he had never heard her speak.
DJ has a communication book
that is taken between college,
home and ourselves to her Auntie
so we monitor how the goals are
going.
DJ has now started volunteering
with us and learns new skills and
is learning to trust others by letting
them make her drinks within
Changes and using the toilet
within Changes, something she
would not do before. Through DJ’s
hard work of attending mutual
support groups and discussing her
past and present struggles and
mental distress she has grown
from strength to strength and
through attending the wellness
workshops her increased
confidence has enabled her to do
activities she never thought she
would.
The intervention with Changes
Health and Wellbeing has
benefited DJ as she comes to us
in times of need when doctor’s
appointments aren’t available, she
has built a trust with us as she
sees us regularly which enables
her to talk to us to discuss her
problems and fears. DJ has
successfully achieved goals that
no one ever thought she would
enabling her to live a full and
active life. DJ now has a social life
outside of Changes with friends
from the service, her Auntie has
more trust in her now to give DJ
more responsibility and supported
living is now being considered for
DJ a positive move towards
independence and social
inclusion.
“My Auntie can now trust me to be
on my own and I have my own
bedroom, as I can now sleep by
myself. This was a goal – I always
meet my goals and make sure
others meet their goals”
“I got a special award at college
for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ and
in September I will be looking at
work placement”
DJ is now much less likely to need
emergency help e.g. hospital bed
or Crisis Team as her mental
distress is much improved and
she knows how to manage with
problems or who to ask if she is
struggling, DJ has reduced the
weekly CPN appointments to
fortnightly, and now to monthly,
DJ has not self harmed for over a
month so if this continues then no
treatment for the severe cuts will
be required and DJ only has GP
appointments when they are
needed they are no longer on a
regular basis. DJ has reduced the
contact she is using the NHS
services and in turn has reduced
the cost to the NHS; DJ is only
one Changes member. There is
the potential to show improvement
like this in all users which would
reduce the cost to the NHS,
freeing up much needed financial
resources at this time of austerity
to those in severe mental distress
and supporting those who can
become socially included and able
to make a contribution to fulfil their
potential to do so.
Submitted by Michelle Felton,
Wellness Coach, Changes
Health & Wellbeing Centre
Changes Health and Wellbeing
Service Intervention Case Study
9
READER SUBMISSION—A CARTOON BY JENNIFER
Response from
South Staffordshire
Network for Mental
Health to the Case
Study (left):
15 August 2012
It is always great to
hear such a wonderful
story of a person’s
journey towards
recovery.
We would like to take
this opportunity to
independently confirm
we have known DJ
since she attended a
service previous to
Changes taking the
contract in the area.
We would like to
celebrate the amazing
positive change in DJ
and the way in which
she is taking more
control of her life and
wellbeing through the
support offered by
Changes Wellbeing
Centres.
A huge well done to DJ
and the team.
I have been unwell on and off for several years and used to attend a drop in centre up until last August when they closed. I started to attend Changes when they started in September not really knowing what to expect as it was completely different to what I had been used to, but I decided to give it a try. I began by attending the Mutual support Meetings and I found it really helped me as not only was I receiving support and encouragement but I was able to help others who were in a similar situation to myself. I attended the Wellness Programme which was a huge help to me as it showed me ways in which I can improve and maintain my well being that I was not aware of before. Since September I have also been attending the social activities every Saturday which I really enjoy as I am able to meet with friends , relax and enjoy myself and this is important to me as before I started going I had no motivation or reason to go out on Saturday and now I look forward to it instead of dreading it. As I access the Changes services regularly every week, I now have more structure and routine back in my life which is very important to my well being
and I have found that my motivation has improved greatly as a result of this. In October, I decided to do the Coordinator Training Programme, not knowing if I would be able to cope, but I completed it and have now qualified to assist and coordinate Mutual support meetings. I really enjoyed it, learned so much and met new friends along the way. This was a huge achievement for me and I am now enjoying my role as a result of the training. I have also been doing voluntary office work twice a week since Christmas and am really enjoying it. As well as gaining more structure and routine to my week, I am learning new skills. Overall, I enjoy everything I am doing with Changes, and as a result of the last 10 months I have been attending, my confidence has improved and I am able to have a much more positive outlook on life, and since this time last year my well being has improved a great deal, and that is all due to the services that Changes provide and I would like to thank them for the support, encouragement and opportunities that they have given me. Julie - ( Burntwood )
My Testimony
READER
SUBMISSION
What do you
call an
Alpaca with
cataracts?
The dull eyed Llama.
10
As service users we noticed a
gap in mental health services
in Lichfield. Several users led
by Lichfield man Mike Wetson
and five others opened an
alternative to fill the gap.
The group started on 3rd
October 2011 in Lichfield
Methodist Church with just six
members. Now only a short
time later they have over 55
members, proving that there is
a need for the service.
Mike said: ‘The group came
together to cater for Mental
Health Service Users and their
carers and families to help
those suffering from Bi-Polar,
Depression and
Schizophrenia. Our aim is to
provide a friendly, family
atmosphere in a relaxed
environment, enabling people
to share their experiences and
problems through a range of
activities’.
Pete Huckfield, who organises
some of activities added: ‘the
activities, which include
quizzes, bingo, cards, chess,
music, arts and crafts and
always involve free tea, coffee
and biscuits and are designed
to bring people together. We
find that by talking about and
sharing issues, many of us
have the same problems, and
there is always someone who
can share valuable
experience, having been there
before.
Trisha King, Treasurer said:
‘one of our meetings each
month is devoted to a talk
from a healthcare professional
about the support that’s
available to our members, who
pay a £1 membership fee and
£1 admission for each
session, which are held twice
a week at the Methodist
Church at the junction of
Green Hill and Tamworth
Street, and at the Pig & Truffle
pub.
We are knocking at an open
door, in that the success of the
group is starting to attract
funding and in kind support,
from a number of local
organisations, including: St.
Michaels Mental Health
Centre, Greenhill Health
Centre, Lichfield CVS, South
Staffs Network for Mental
Health, Staffordshire County
Council, The Swinfen Broun
Charitable Trust and Lichfield
Methodist Church.’ Mike
added.
‘Anyone who wants to know
more can email Mike on
or ring 07779 980741 or just
come along to the Church
on Monday and Thursday
1pm – 3pm and Tuesday
7pm – 9pm at the Pig &
Truffle all will be warmly
welcomed’
Self - help group Open
Door of Hope proves
Big Society is in
Lichfield
Open Door of Hope
A POEM
You may not have thought
There was much scope
For a group like ours
Which is Open Door of Hope
We started October the third last year
With six people around the table
And we have proved to most
That we are perfectably able
We are now up to eighty
Which is beyond our wildest dreams?
They come for a drink and a chat
And listen to our schemes
The smiling faces in the club
When they come through the door
Most are really satisfied
And come back for more
Our Door is Open giving Hope
To those who need it that’s for sure
We are not registered doctors
And can’t provide a cure
But if effort could be classed
And put into a jar
We would then be recognised
Because we go so far!
READER SUBMISSION
BY MIKE WETSON
Do you run or go to an independent
mental health group?
How about some free promotion?
We want to hear your stories and
more about your group so our
readers can share your success.
If you are interested, please submit
your story, article and/or advert to:
Network News, SSNMH,
Mansell House, 22 Bore Street,
Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LL
11
Beginners
Active Leisure
If you are looking to become
a little more active but don’t
feel ready to join a sports
group- then this may be for
you!
Try out different activities,
meet people, begin to get
active, promote Well-being.
Over 12 weeks you will be introduced to activities
that are both fun and active like crazy golf or gentle
walks.
Time 10am-12pm,
Beginning Monday 16/07/12
Meeting at Burton Enterprise Centre, Waterloo St,
DE14 2NB
For further information please contact Quest’s
Matthew Hocking, Lesley Hall or Carl Slater on
(01785) 249251
The HOPE Project is an initiative
of Living Springs Community
Church in Cannock, Staffordshire
that seeks to provide support for
people who are:
Unemployed
Dependent on benefits
In need of housing
Feeling depressed
Having problems with
money/debts
Just finding life is too
stressful
The HOPE Project aims to
alleviate these life-stresses
through:
Mutual support
Directed mentoring
Teaching life-skills in one-to-
ones as well as group
workshops
Motivational activities
The HOPE Project meets every
Wednesday morning from 10am
- 12noon on the ground floor of:
Little Friends Day Nursery ,
Girton Road, Cannock
WS11 0EB
Examples of activities:
Poetry
Gardening
DIY
CV writing
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
BBQs and meals out
Film nights
Other purposeful activities are
organised on an ad-hoc basis on
other days so no-on need ever be
idle.
Enquiries to 07973 166946 or
Bringing HOPE to Cannock
12
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from September 2012
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]
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
01785 257888 Foundation House, St George's Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford, ST16 3AG
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 Lockett 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 249251 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
13
Stafford Borough Mid Staffs Mind Trinity Church, Mount Street, ST16 2BZ and Highfields Signpost Centre, Auden Way, ST17 9TX
You can drop in to Peer Support on weekdays, Weekend by referral only
Richmond Fellowship: Stafford Office Suite 2, St. Johns House, Weston Road, Stafford ST16 3RZ, 01785 227 020
Also at Stafford Trinity Church, Mount Street, ST16 2BZ
And Stone Frank Jordan Hall, Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NE
Chase District Mid Staffs Mind Cannock 28 Manor Avenue, Cannock WS11 1AA, 01543 462907
You can drop in to Peer Support on Weekdays, Out of Hours and Out of Hour Plus by Referral Only.
Birth Art Group Brereton & Ravenhall Parish Hall, Main Road, WS15 1DS, 07707 392993
Richmond Fellowship Cannock Office 16 High Court, Newhall Street, WS11 1GR, 01543 500 969
Avon Community Centre, Cannock, WS11 1LH (near Asda)
Rugeley St Pauls Church, Lichfield Street, Rugeley, WS15 2EH
Mid Staffs Mind Wombourne Community Fire Station, Giggetty Ln WV5 0AX
Richmond Fellowship Wombourne Community Fire Station, Giggetty Ln WV5 0AX
(Saturdays) Hand in Hand Centre, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ
Great Wryley Great Wyrley Community Centre, Landywood Lane, WS6 6JX
Codsall Codsall Village Hall, Wolverhampton Road, WV8 1PW
Penkridge: St Michaels Church Hall or last Wed of month: Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, ST19 9SD, 2pm-4pm
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Richmond
Fellowship
Life Links
Wombourne 10am—2pm Structured Session
Great Wyrley
1.30pm –3.30pm
Codsall
9.30am—1pm
Peer Support &
Art
MidStaffs Mind
Womboune
1pm-4pm Peer Support
Penkridge
1.30pm-3.30pm
Codsall
Structured
Session
10am
12noon
Wombourne
Hand in Hand
Centre
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Mid Staffs Mind
1pm—4pm Peer Support
2.30– 4pm Music Group
Out of Hours 5pm-8pm
1.30pm –3.30pm Music Group Office
2pm-4pm Badminton Leisure centre
10am —1pm Work Club Office
1.30pm –3.30pm Drama Group Asda Community room
10am—1pm Oasis Cannock Fire Station
Out of Hours 5pm –9pm
Peer Support
1pm-4pm
Out of Hours Plus
10am-4pm
Richmond Fellowship
Life Links
Cannock 11am—2pm Structured Session
Rugeley 10.30am-1.30pm Structured Session
Cannock Out and About 11am—2pm Meet at Copper Kettle
Rugeley 10.30am-1.30pm Peer Support
Cannock 11am—2pm Peer Support
Birth Art Group
Alternative Thursdays 1pm—3pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from September 2012 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.
Richmond Fellowship’s services by appointment and referral only, 1:1 sessions & additional support available outside of times shown.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Mid Staffs
Mind
10am—1pm
Work Club
Highfields
Centre
10am—1pm Peer
Support
Trinity Church
10am-1pm
Music Group
Quest Tipping St
10am—1pm
Arts Project
Quest Tipping St
1.30pm –4.30pm
Women’s Group
Trinity Church
Out of Hours Plus 10am—4pm at Quest
(Referral
Only)
Richmond
Fellowship
Life Links
10am—1pm
Peer Support
Trinity Church
10am-1pm
Stafford
Structured Session
St Johns House
11am — 2 pm
Stone
Peer Support
10am
Stafford
Out & About
Meet at Trinity
Church
South Staffordshire
14
East Staffordshire Burton On Trent A Plus Self Help Salvation Army Citadel, Mosley Street, DE14 1DR, Call Michael on 07833282137
Burton and District Mind Wood Street, Burton on Trent, DE14 3AA, 01283 566696 [email protected]
Burton Mind run counselling services by appointment and referral only
Task Works Unit 20, Imex Business Park, Shobnall Road, DE14 2AU, 01283 546754. Referral Only
Changes Burton on Trent 222 Branston Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 3BT
01283 500805 [email protected]
Uttoxeter Art & Soul Friendship Group Drop-In, staff & peer to peer support, art & craft room, Complimentary Therapies for stress & relaxation
Hawthorne House, 45 Market Place, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HF
Friendship Group Church House, Bagot Street, Abbotts Bromley, WS15 3DA
Changes Uttoxeter 23 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8EY 01889 567436 [email protected]
Rocester Children’s Centre, High Street ST14 7JQ
Abbotts Bromley Village Hall, off Baggot Street
Draycott in the Clay Village Hall, DE13 8NQ
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Community
Groups
Art & Soul
9.30am—3.30pm
Friendship Group
12.30pm—2.30pm
Art & Soul
9.30am—3.30pm
Art & Soul
9.30am—3.30pm
Art & Soul
9.30am—3.30pm
Women’s Group
6pm –9pm
Art & Soul
9.30am—3.30pm
Changes—
Uttoxeter
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
All activities
at office
unless
stated
Rocester
Mutual Support
Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Wellness Workshop
Open to All
12.00-3.00pm
Mutual Support
Group
18-25years
6.30pm -8.30pm
Wellness Taster
6pm—8.30pm
Waterside Centre
Abbotts Bromley
Mutual Support
10.30am -12.30pm
Walking Group &
Quiz Afternoon
1pm—3pm
at Office
Complementary
Therapies
Please call to
book!
10am-4pm Mutual Support
Group
Adult 18+
6.30pm -8.30pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
10am—12.30pm
Social Afternoon
Call for details
1pm—3pm
Wellness
Workshop
6.00-9.00pm
Mutual Support
Group
Adult/PY
10am-12pm
Draycott
Mutual Support
Group Adult/PY
1.30pm-3.30pm
Coffee Afternoon
12.30pm –2pm
Mutual
Support
Group
Adult/PY
10.30am-
12.30pm
Office
closes at
1pm
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Burton
Groups
– No referral
necessary
'Craft and Chat'
Open to all
All Saints Church
Branston Rd
1pm - 3pm
New Baptist
Church
Open to all
Derby St. Burton
10 am to 4 pm
A Plus Self Help
Open to all
Activities and support
11am to 3pm
Snacks & Hot Food at
cost
All Saints
Church
Open to all
Branston Rd,
11am to 3pm
Changes—
Burton
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
All activities
at office
unless stated
Stretton Mutual
Support Group
Priory Centre,
11am-1pm
Social Activities
Reiki Healing
1pm –4pm
Social Activity Walk
10:30am at Stapenhill
Bandstand
Mutual Support Group
12.30- 2.30pm
Burton Library
DE14 1AH
Wellness Workshop
Office 6pm –8.30pm
Mutual Support Group
6.30-8.30pm
Winshill Resource Centre
Canterbury Rd DE15
0HD
NOCN
Coord’s
Training
Open to All
10am –12.30pm
Mutual Support
Group
1pm—3pm
Wellness Workshop
10.00-12.30pm
Mutual Support Group
10.00-12.00pm
Waterside Advice Shop,
104 Short St,
Stapenhill, DE15 9LT
Social Activities
1pm-3pm
Meet at Café Zen,
Market Place
Mutual Support Group
16—25yrs 3pm—5pm
126 New St, Burton
Mutual Support Group
6.30-8.30pm
Mutual
Support
Group
10.00am-
12.00pm
Mutual
Support
Group
12.00-2.00pm
Burton Fire
Station,
Moor St,
Burton,
DE14 3SU
Mutual
Support
Group
10.30am
—
12.30pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from September 2012
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.
15
Burntwood & Lichfield Lichfield District Open Door of Hope Lichfield Methodist Church, Backcester Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6JH Contact Mike on 07779 980741
Changes Burntwood: Unit 8, Old Mining College, Queen St, Chasetown, Burntwood WS7 4QH 01543 679000
Lichfield: Pavilion, Beacon Park, Beacon Street, WS13 6QZ 01543 309770
Bi Polar Group: Jigsaw, 72 Dimbles Lane, WS13 7HL 0845 434 9907
Trust’s Peer Support Service: Referral Only: C/O Amanda Warman-Bennett, 01827 308820 ext 8626
Arty Crafty Tamworth Library, Corporation Street, B79 7DN
Coffee Hour St Editha’s Church, Church Street, B79 7BX Contact Ian on 01827 737144 or 07826713845
Starfish Project Church ran Drop-In and support 07947 957155 www.starfishtamworth.org
Changes 6 Lady Bank, Tamworth, B79 7NB 01827 311006
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Community
Groups
St John’s
Community
Church
Chase Terrace
10am-2pm
Open Door
Methodist Church,
Lichfield, 1pm-3pm
Bi Polar Group
7pm-9pm, Every
other Monday
Curbourgh
Community
Centre
Community
Café, WS13 7NY
9am –12noon
Open Door of
Hope
Pig & Truffle,
Tamworth St
Lichfield, 7-9pm
Open Door
Methodist
Church, Lich-
field, 1pm-3pm
Changes—
Burntwood
Office open
10-3 Mon, Tue
Wed and Fri
Wellness
Programme
12noon—3pm
Adult/PF Peer
Support Group
Adult / PY
10am-
12.00noon
WAP Peer
Support Ses-
sions
12.30 –2.30pm
Social
Activities
10am-12noon
Adult Peer
Support Group
12.30- 2.30pm
Office Closed Wellness Foundation
Programme
10am –12noon
Peer Support Group
Boney Hay Children ’ s
Centre, Primary School,
Chorley Road 1pm-3pm
Social
Activities
10.00am-
1.00pm
Changes—
Lichfield
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
Wellness
Programme
10am - 1pm
Peer Support, 50+
David Garrick
Gardens
Bloomfield Crt
WS13 7JN, 1-3pm
Social
Activities
10.00am-
12noon
Adult/PF Peer
Support Group
Adult / PY
1pm—3pm
Social activities
& Time for Art
1pm—3pm
Adult Peer
Support Group
6pm –8pm
Mansell House
22 Bore Street
Adult Peer
Support Group
10.30am-
12.30pm
WAP Peer
Support
Sessions
1pm –3pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
12.30pm –3pm
Adult/PF
Peer
Support
Group
10.30am—
12.30pm
Monday Tuesday Wed’day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Community
Groups
Starfish Project
Crypt at St Editha’s
2pm—4pm and
7.30pm to 9.30 pm
Coffee Hour
11am –12 noon
Starfish
St Matins, Ston-
eydelph, 7.30-
9.30pm
Starfish Project
at St Andrews,
Leyfields,
2pm –5pm
Arty Crafty
10am-12noon
Changes—
Tamworth
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
Mutual Support
Group
(Male Group)
10.30am-12.30pm
Foundation
Wellness
1pm—3pm
Lady’s Mutual
Support Group
10am-12noon
NOCN Coordinator
Training
12.30—3.30 pm
Young Person’s
Group
2.30-4.30pm Nacro,
59-60 Church Street,
B79 7DF
WAP Peer Sup-
port
Sessions
1pm –3pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
Open to All
1.15pm –3.45pm
Mutual Support
Group (Adult)
5pm - 7pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
Open to All
9.30 –12noon
Social
Afternoon
12noon –3pm
Inc. Meditation
1pm-3pm
Mutual
Support
Group
(PY/
Adult)
10.30am
—
12.30pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from September 2012
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.
Tamworth
16
WANTED
NEWS ITEMS, VIEWS, CONCERNS,
IDEAS AND STORIES
This newsletter is the mouthpiece of the
Network, which is read by mental health
service users and providers. As it is
primarily for the mental health service
user, it should reflect this.
Contributions can be made anonymously
if you wish. So if you have anything you
want to say and providing the space and
the laws of libel allow, we will publish it.
Contributions for the next issue of
"Network News" must be received by
26 November 2012.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ‘NETWORK NEWS’
PROOF READERS FOR YOUR TIME AND
PATIENCE!
Mansell House, 22 Bore Street,
Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 6LL
Tel/Fax: (01543) 301139
Email: [email protected]
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