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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
Volunteer News ……….……………….. 4
Tracey Reaches Out…………………… 5
Network News Editorial Board ……… 5
SSSFT research team ……..… ...……. 6
Trevayler…………………………………. 7
Staffordshire Life Links 1 year on …..9
Changes East Staffs 1 year on ……. 9
Open Door of Hope …….. …………..10
Members Forums ………. …………….10
Marion receives MBE …………….…. 11
Information Directory ………..…12—15
Noticeboard……………………………. 16
RECYCLE
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 42 Spring 2012
Photo by Stephen Boot
2
Welcome to the Spring 2012
issue of Network News!
It‘s the first issue of 2012, the year
where everything seems to be
happening. We have the Queens
Diamond Jubilee and the
Olympics in London. Of course,
with that we have the torch relay
which will pass through many of
our towns and villages this
summer. Lots to look forward to!
The recent consultation about
proposed changes to inpatient
services in South Staffordshire
has now closed. SSNMH made a
formal response which can be
downloaded from our website.
There is no news yet on the
results of this consultation, but
once we know we will make you
aware.
Thank you to the people following
us on our social media channels. I
would encourage others to join in
as there are these listed benefits
of following us on twitter or
facebook:
Regular weekly updates
Information on opportunities
that are too short in time for
Network News.
Opportunity to have
discussion with other people
about mental health and
local services.
Links to news from other
services.
Quick and informal way to
contact SSNMH.
You can share your own
updates quickly with us.
If you are lucky enough to
have a posh mobile phone—
you can get updates straight
to your phone.
To join in the discussion go to
www.facebook.com/
ssnmentalhealth or on twitter
@ssnmentalhealth
We at SSNMH are working
towards enabling you, our
members, as many opportunities
for involvement in how we take
our organisation forward as
possible. Therefore, we push
forward with our Network
Members Forums (p. 10) and
Network News Editorial Board
(p. 5). If you have any general
comments about SSNMH you
wish to make, please do not
hesitate to contact me or tell Keri
on his travels.
I also take this opportunity, on
behalf of SSNMH, to send our
very best wishes to Sue Wyke
who is retiring from Quest Day
Opportunities.
Suzanne Cole—Project
Coordinator
Write to me at: South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, FREEPOST MID 23594, Lichfield,
Staffordshire WS13 6LL or email me on [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP WITH SSNMH IS 100% FREE. JOIN US TODAY!
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
I‘m really enjoying my visits to services at the moment. There‘s a really happy feeling to many of the groups I visit and its great to report this. Lots of people are really benefiting from the spirit of recovery that services are promoting. I‘m seeing people doing things they themselves would have never dreamed of doing... I won‘t name you—you know who you are! If you don‘t feel this, please, talk to a member of staff at your local service, or, if you prefer, to myself on one of my visits.
I seem to be working a lot more on a one to one basis with people who have for whatever reason got a bit stuck. It might be that they are having problems getting the best from their service, or are worried about being discharged. Perhaps a service outside of mental health, like the Job Centre Plus or a housing provider, has let them down.
For the Network, this is useful as it means we are spreading our
mission to organisations that might not have heard of us before and getting other people to think about mental health.
But, let‘s not forget, that you guys are the real experts on what works, how to manage and how to overcome life‘s obstacles. If you are having problems with stuff, talk to your peers and others around—you‘ll be surprised at how much we all know about as a group of people!
If it relates to the Trust‘s services (like Community Mental Health Teams, Crisis Services, etc), also talk to the PALS team (01785 221469)!
If your concern is about Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health, Richmond Fellowship Life Links, Brendan House, or Quest, these services now have Service User Meetings, Forums or Involvement Meetings where you can have your say and help shape those services in the future.
What I’m Up To:
I have reported on the County Council‘s Care Programme Approach Policy Review. You can get this from our website.
I‘m looking to collect your views and awareness of Care Programme Approach and look to be reporting on this in May 2012
Delivering a new presentation to groups called Toolbox: Who’s helping you?
Let me know if you‘d like to take part in this.
I‘ve been promoting a few things for the Trust, including a research project on Bi Polar Disorder and Advance Directives, their Psychological Services Event, and their survey on Equality and Diversity
I‘m involved in providing some mental health awareness training for Midstaffs Mind and also the Staffordshire Libraries.
Currently looking to support the self help groups and independent groups to have a networking meeting to share success and challenges
Making sure our website is kept up to date and you guys have a regular update on what‘s happening!
...and I‘ve had a hair cut.
Keri Lawrence—Development Worker (pictured)
LOST I was lost within that vortex
Someone handed me a map
Then I was passed a compass
To help me out of the top
I was in the middle of the forest
Not knowing which way to turn
I came to a few dead-ends
It was the only way I would learn
Eventually I could see through the branches,
The blue sky was there clear to see.
I was guided right out of the forest,
The compass It had guided me.
Occasionally we all get lost in the vortex,
And need a tourist guide.
They will hand you a map and a compass,
And the clearing you will find
Read
er S
ub
mis
sio
n
by J
ck
aylo
r
Lifestyle Service
South Staffordshire PCT
Looking to quit smoking, eating
more healthily, doing more
exercise or drink less?
The Lifestyle Service offer
information and encouragement
on a one to one basis and help
you to look at your lifestyle,
working on a step by step basis
with you, to make changes that fit
you and your lifestyle and keep
you motivated.
To be referred to this free and
accessible service, speak to
Keri, your GP, or call the
Lifestyle Team on 01827 306190
4
South Staffordshire
Rachel and Sarah
The main issue affecting service
users in the Wombourne area is
the relocation of the outpatient
facilities at St David‘s House (the
current base for the Community
Mental Health Team). Whilst
service users have known for
some time that appointments will
no longer be offered at St David‘s
House, it has not yet been
officially announced where this
new location will be; however, it is
believed that appointments will be
offered to be the police station in
Wombourne although this is as
yet to be formally confirmed.
The idea of having appointments
at the police station has raised
some concern that it may not be
the most appropriate location as
police stations are sometimes
used as a ―place of safety‖.
However, people generally felt
that, as it has been very hard to
find a suitable location in
Wombourne, appointments at the
police station in Wombourne is
better than appointments outside
of Wombourne.
Rachel has received two
letters from the trust,
including a letter from
Neil Carr the chief
executive. Both letters
reassured service users
that there will definitely
be a satellite service in
Wombourne, so
appointments will be
available there.
East Staffordshire
Camilla and Quynh
The most reported
comment about the
services at the Margaret
Stanhope Centre whilst
we have been running
meetings with inpatients
has been regarding the
food. There are often
reports that there is not
enough food, or some of
the food combinations
don‘t really go together (pasta and
beans). Through reporting the
issue back time after time and
providing the evidence needed to
make change, the manager of the
hotel services (who provide the
food) came in on one of the
meetings to hear the comments
directly and to pledge to make
changes.
At the last inpatient meeting in
February, there were no negative
comments about the food!
Hopefully, this good news will
continue.
Lichfield
Mike
Mike joined us in the New Year
and has taken the lead on sorting
out our office‘s information library.
This is where we keep a stock of
leaflets for all the services our
members want to know about, and
lots of reference materials,
documents, policies… it goes on,
so this has been no easy feat! It is
now much easier to find things,
out of date stuff has been
removed, and we are restocking
the leaflets now we can see our
gaps!
New Volunteers
We have just inducted three new
volunteers and are very excited
about the new opportunities they
are bringing with them!
For more information on
volunteering visit:
www.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk
The Network Team has many volunteers, contributing to our great work in
different ways. Here’s an update on what’s going on...
Mid Staffs Mind
New Courses
Changing Lives through Drama & Art,
Music and Creative Writing in Stafford
and Cannock.
Using creative arts can help develop a
range of skills, overcome barriers and
encourage positive life choices if used in
an appropriate way. Courses will run
weekly.
Music and Creative Writing
Starts Tuesday 17 April 2012
Stafford Quest 10am-12noon
Cannock Mind Office 1.30 –3.30
Drama and Art
Starts Wednesday 18 April 2012
Stafford Quest 10am -12noon
Cannock Asda Community Room
1-30pm– 3.30pm
There‘s no need to book. If you would like
more information, contact Sophie on:
01543 462907 or 07971 050881
5
Tracey “Reaches Out” Hello Network members.
How my time is flying! I will have
been at the Network for a year in
June and can‘t believe how fast
it‘s gone. I‘m very proud of the
fact that I‘ve signed up 65 new
members to the Network since
I‘ve joined and I sincerely hope
that you are all getting something
out of it, whether it be information,
feeling part of something or
reading about what the charity has
done and what it offers.
I‘ve had a fantastic few months
since the last issue of the Network
News. I was really pleased to go
along to Brendan House for its
open day at Christmas. It‘s such
a brilliant place and I can see how
much it must benefit the people
who use it.
Stella and I met with a learner
who has personal experience of
mental distress at Rodbaston
College and Stella presented her
‘Fighting Fear and Discrimination‘
talk to her, which she thought was
excellent. I‘ve now taken on
board the feedback that she gave
to include things which will
engage younger people, such as
famous faces who have mental
health problems who are more
current such as musicians and
actors. I‘m looking forward to
meeting up with the Healthy
College Manager again soon. This
is to arrange some awareness
sessions with learners and
teachers that are tailored to their
needs. If the talk gets at least one
person thinking about how we
perceive mental health then I think
it‘s worthwhile.
I‘ve delivered the talk to the following groups since my last article: Uttoxeter Changes, Open Door of Hope in Lichfield, Richmond Fellowship in Stafford, Brewood WI, Bromford Housing Support in Lichfield and Whittington WI. I have a talk arranged for Whittington‘s Wednesday club and 3 talks arranged for Stafford Borough Council when one of our roving reporters, Sarah will be coming along to share her experiences with the group, which will add real value to the talk. Please can I make another plea to
the readers and ask if you know of any community groups who would like a talk and get in touch with me and I‘ll go and see them. Give me a call on 01543 301139 or send me an email on [email protected]. I‘m attending 3 networking events
at Brereton, Chadsmoor and
Rugeley soon where I will be
promoting our charity and the
work that we do, and hopefully
make some new links. I‘m also
attending 2 community voice
forums in Pattingham and
Penkridge which I found really
useful last year. As before, if
anyone knows of any community
events coming up where I can
come along to talk about the
Network, please let me know.
Hopefully I‘ll meet some more of
you soon on my travels!
Supported by Lloyds TSB
Foundation for England & Wales
We will soon be launching an
editorial board for this newsletter
in the near future. It aims to do the
following two main things:
To develop the Network
News content to be
meaningful, relevant and
what our members want.
To develop ideas for the
publication to be presented
in innovative ways to
become more economical in
its production.
There will be the opportunity for
up to six service users (who are
members) to be involved with this
steering group.
To register your interest, please
leave your name and contact
information with us at on 01543
301139 or email us on
6
I have worked for the Trust for the last two years in various research and service evaluation roles. I have worked on an evaluation of the services the Trust offers around employment and job retention as well as on a project looking at service user involvement in mental health research (sponsored by Staffordshire University). My current role focuses on developing research and evaluation projects which have service user involvement integrated throughout (from the earliest formulation of areas of interest to developing specific research proposals for potential external funding support). My job also involves seeking volunteers to national research studies (as described below).
What we do: The Research and Development Department oversees research projects and promotes and supports research taking place within the Trust. We also undertake service evaluation work across the Trust. The R&D Department also supports a national portfolio of research studies which investigate various aspects of mental health and service delivery. Working with the Mental Health Research Network (MHRN), one of our roles is to match local volunteers with relevant national studies. Involvement in these studies may be as simple as filling out a questionnaire or participating in a short interview. Some studies involve a DNA sample for investigations into the possible genetic causes of mental health issues. Some of these research projects target a small subset of people who have been affected by a particular condition; other studies seek a wider group of participants. Many of the studies are based at nationally prominent universities and carry a variety of celebrity endorsements (one large, national genetic study is supported by Stephen Fry and
Kerry Katona, for example). Currently we are working with 21 research studies and volunteers are being sought for 12 of these. These include studies into Bipolar Disorder; addiction; Schizophrenia; some service evaluations and a number of trials investigating the effectiveness of various medicines or medical practises. If anyone is interested in volunteering to participate in a mental health research study, or wants more information about involvement in R&D activities more generally, please contact the R&D department via the following addresses: Via Email: There is a generic mail mailbox [email protected] for general enquiries. I can be reached directly at [email protected] By mail or phone at: Research Office, Block 7, St George's Hospital, Corporation St, Stafford, ST16 3AG. Tel: (01785) 221-409
News from
Research and
Development
(R&D) department
by Tim Lewington
Service User Development
Officer
Field Finches With stabbing eye and startling gaze,
the field birds come to graze.
Searching for food in the oily soil,
The field finches are hard at toil.
With mocking cry and hurried gait,
The field finches stand and wait.
Waiting in the breeze for the currents to fly by,
The field finches search the sky.
Rea
de
r Su
bm
issio
n
by E
. Go
ldin
g
If you would be ok with us sending
you the Network News via e-mail at
no cost to SSNMH, please let us
know your email address.
E-mail us at:
7
Trevayler is part of 2Care a national mental health rehabilitation and recovery charity with an outstanding reputation for successful outcomes. We are part of the Richmond Fellowship group.
We are in Derby and our model of service is based on the enabling principles of a therapeutic community. This model offers opportunities for those who wish to realise their full potential and take charge of their own recovery develop the skills to maintain their own mental and physical well being.
Each person is supported to develop individual programmes and packages based around their goals and aspirations, moving forward and gaining skills whilst recognising their own achievements.
Our approach enables people to succeed who have struggled to thrive elsewhere. We strongly believe that people‘s biography should not be a barrier to success. This is because we provide a safe environment where people can break new ground and start their road to recovery and the rest of their lives! We also deliver tailored packages of respite support.
Opportunities include accessing local colleges for both educational and recreational courses, Charity shops and the RSPCA are also favourites for volunteers.
As well as a short daily meeting and a weekly community meeting to
discuss and plan events and identify solutions to any challenges, activities take place daily ranging from Drama Group to Film Night. Groups are well attended with service users actively encouraged to take the lead role. Amongst other planned activities a Theme night takes place monthly, we are currently preparing for a ‗Turkish night‘, this will not only include sampling traditional Turkish food but also researching about the culture and history of the country and maybe even learning some key phrases!
Our football team the Trevayler Tigers is an opportunity for both staff and service users to enter the 2Care annual tournament, although we have never won the coveted 1st prize, we are known for our rowdy but good natured support.
Above all we aim to deliver an exciting and challenging choice to recovery that is client led, engaging, enjoyable and above all successful!
2 Care Trevayler Service User quotes
about Trevayler:
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the staff. They are the backbone – always there for me. I’m pleased that I got as far as
this in such a short time. There’s no looking back now – there’s
lots of things I want to achieve”
Sandra spent 18 months at Trevayler before moving to her
own flat. Sandra has a diagnosis of Schizophrenia and was
formerly homeless and addicted to alcohol.
“I can’t believe the difference to my life that living at Trevayler has done to all aspects of my
life. I am more confident, achieving my goals through
college learning and trying to overcome my anxieties and
sustaining well being. A lot of work is done through key
work sessions and I find those meetings very
beneficial”
Mel is now living independently in her own flat after spending many
years in hospital. Mel has a diagnosis of Personality Disorder
and Schizophrenia
To make a referral or if you would like further information please call (01332) 348080 or
email Christine.Lawrence@2care-
rsl.org.uk
8
New Social Inclusion & Recovery Services —1 Year On
STAFFORDSHIRE LIFE LINKS
Who we are Staffordshire Life Links is a Community Based Service that supports individual journeys towards recovery and social inclusion. We work across a large area of South Staffordshire including Stafford, Stone, Cannock, Penkridge, Great Wyrley, Rugeley, Codsall and Wombourne What we offer Access to 1:1 support from the ‗Life Links‘ team Supporting an individual‘s recovery journey, focussing on their goals and aspirations, towards an enhanced quality of life. Access to social networks and peer support Provides opportunities for individuals to access support networks, develop friendships, interests and reduce isolation. This accessible in community based sessions as well as on a 1:1 basis. Access to everyday ‗mainstream‘ opportunities Assist individuals to regain and retain meaningful lives in their local communities. How we work We shape the service around the needs, wants and aspirations of the individuals who access the Service. This service is
offered in community venues at times when support is most needed. There is a programme of taster sessions, structured groups and peer led activities. We use the Recovery Star to explore with individuals where they see themselves 'now' and inform action planning towards short and long term goals. 1:1 support is also provided by our team of 6 Community Link Workers, Peer Supporters and Volunteers. We have a strong ethos around partnership working, especially with local community organisations. Achievements Individuals are achieving outcomes (personal goals) in terms of improved mental health and wellbeing; increased community participation; wider social networks; meaningful daytime activities; education and training; improved physical health and more independent living. ―RF has helped me come out of my shell, to become a part of society‖. ― I enjoy going out to different places within the community, rather than sitting in a room‖. ― Since joining RF I feel a part of something, which motivates me to get up in a morning. I join in different activities offered which always are fun!.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL 01785 227 020 or email
A Day in the Life of Trevor
I wake up in the morning at 6am,
have a wash, eat breakfast then go to
catch the bus on my own to go to
College. I am doing Cooking, English,
Maths and Computers. I really enjoy
this.
When I am not at college I love to go
to Richmond Fellowship peer support
and structured activity sessions. I
really look forward to going there as I
have made a lot of friends, and I like
to see Pauline and David. I can talk to
the staff about my anxieties and
problems. They listen to me and point
me in the right direction.
I like to get involved in all of the
activities provided, especially the
courses where I gain a certificate
after completion. A group of us went
along to A Walk The Leader course
where we were trained on how to
guide a walking group, aspects of
safety and all involved in leading such
a group. It was the best course ever. I
was so proud and excited when I
received my certificate along with all
the others. We are all waiting for
better weather so as we can put our
skills into practice, particularly going
over Cannock Chase, Doxey
Marshes and maybe Trentham
Gardens.
I also like going on the bus with staff
from Richmond Fellowship. We went
into Stone, walked around and I
showed them where to go, as I used
to live there. We went to Frank
Jordan Centre which holds Richmond
Fellowship peer support. I met up
with people that I had not seen for a
long time which I really enjoyed,
catching up.
I like to make drinks for my friends at
the group, it gives me a purpose.
I have really enjoyed the last ten
Months at Richmond Fellowship,
looking forward to the next ten
months!!!!!
On 1st April 2011, Day opportunities as we knew them all changed. New contracts were put out to tender and subsequently contracted. These articles are submitted by the service providers themselves about their services 1 year on. Changes Lichfield,
Burntwood & Tamworth will be in a future issue...
9
New Social Inclusion & Recovery Services —1 Year On
Changes East Staffordshire Service Provision One Year
On………
It does not seem the wink of an eye since we heard the fabulous news that, we had won the Staffordshire Joint Commissioning contract! This meant that we could take our tried, tested and trusted, multi award winning, unique, authentic recovery rooted approach to those in need throughout the East Staffordshire region.
We quickly found suitable bases in Uttoxeter and Burton and successfully recruited and appointed Lisa and Mark respectively who became our faces and service leads and additional team members quickly followed.
On schedule we opened our doors on 1st April, 2011 and soon after we started our service delivery.
We are an authentic service user led organisation, right from our valued volunteers, operational staff to the Chairman of our Board. Most are experts by experience, which means that they have personally experienced mental distress. This crucial fact ensures that our service user is at the centre of all we do.
Quickly we began to receive positive comments:
“At last somewhere to go and leave on a positive note and not down, I wish it had been here before” O.S.
“I can, for the first time in years, able to start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel because I know I am not alone and other people have recovered around me so I know it is possible.” D.M.
Our service has proven beneficial effects not only for our service users but for their supporters, friends and family.This is demonstrated by an extract from a personal story by G.K. our Uttoxeter service user, valued volunteer and Assistant Co-ordinator:
Being a bus driver you are expected to be cheerful and chatty, so you wore a mask which I did, but at home my wife and I were always arguing. I thought I was coping, but when you look
back now and examine that period of time thoughts of suicide and anger and I had inside road rage, even fighting with work colleagues. In the end my wife gave me an ultimatum go to the doctors or divorce.
So I went to the doctors and was immediately signed off from work after explaining what was happening. My doctor signposted me to an NHS mental health clinic and I had to wait for an appointment. Further time passed and eventually I had a telephone consultation and diagnosis of clinical depression. There must have been some kind of mix up because more time passed and I received a letter from the clinic stating I was no longer clinically depressed and no further action is required. Having only a telephone diagnosis and nothing else I was a little baffled.
I then had a letter from Burton Job Centre to see an Advisor and she gave me a leaflet about Uttoxeter Changes, she said I was under no obligation to go and it was new to her and if I went I was to give her feedback.
I read the leaflet, rang and spoke
to the volunteer co-ordinator. The way she explained things and the tone of her voice made me feel very comfortable so I made the appointment and came to the support meetings. The best part was everyone there all have had mental health issues and could relate to other service users
problems, and knowing that whatever was said stayed in Changes. With a lot of listening and changing attitudes and positive choices and hard work on my part and of course amazing support from other service users and staff.
Changes did what it says on the tin. My life changed and changed so quickly, that even my own G.P couldn’t believe the change - the family is very happy too.
I now proudly organise social events and fund raise for Uttoxeter Changes, and I am on their National Open College Network accredited course and assisting at a weekly mutual support meeting.
Thank you Changes and the staff at Uttoxeter. You really do not know how much you have given me.
We are very proud to support people in their recovery, aiding achieving their potential and social inclusion to become a citizen and member of society.
We take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer for their contribution, without their effort we, as an organisation, could not function.
To find out more visit www.changes.org.uk or tel Mark at Burton Wellbeing Centre 01283 500 805 or Lisa at Uttoxeter Wellbeing Centre 01889 567436
10
The very first Network Members
Forum took place on 27th
February 2012 at Cannock
Community Fire Station. At this
event SSNMH made a pledge to
take action to reduce mental
health discrimination as part of the
national Time to Change
campaign (pictured are Suzanne,
Sean SSNMH chair &
Tracey). We have been
supporting this campaign a
long time with our Fighting
Fear and Discrimination
talk (for more info see p.
5). Although unable to
attend due to illness, Mina
Sassoon, Senior Networks
Officer at Time to Change
said:―I am very impressed
by the scope and commitment of
South Staffordshire Network for
Mental Health. The talk is having
a real effect on getting people
thinking about the taboo of
speaking about mental health
problems. A very inclusive
organisation!‖
Attendees also found a
presentation by Nick Bowyer of
the Joint Commissioning Unit on
Care Programme Approach very
informative and
therefore, if
requested, this will
be repeated at the
next one in April
2012.
The forums aim to
allow our members
the chance to raise
issues they have with local mental
health services, have an input into
SSNMH and to receive
information on topics important to
them, in an informal setting. If you
are currently not a member, you
can join up on the day.
Membership is 100% free!
Dates for your diary, all 2.30pm-
4.30pm:
24th April 2012,
Wombourne Community
Fire Station,
14th June 2012, Rising
Brook Community Fire
Station, Stafford
6th August 2012, Uttoxeter
Community Fire Station
11th October 2012,
Tamworth Community Fire
Station
4th December 2012, St.
Johns Church, Chase
Terrace, Burntwood
Get involved and come to a Members Forum
A group of service users led by
Mike Wetson and five others
have opened their own
alternative group to fill a gap they
noticed in mental health services
in Lichfield.
The group started on 3rd October
2011 in Lichfield Methodist
Church with just six members.
Now only a short time later they
have nearly fifty 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‖.
Gary Barlow, who organises some
activities added: ‗the activities,
which include quizzes, bingo,
cards, chess & music and always
involve free tea and coffee, cakes
and jacket potatoes to buy, 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.‖
Mike Whitehouse, Treasurer said:
―one of our meetings each week 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
three times a week at the
Methodist Church at the junction
Green Hill & Tamworth Street.
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.‖
Anyone who wants to know more
can ring Mike on 07779 980741 or
just come along to the Church on
Monday and Thursday 1pm – 3pm
and Tuesday 7pm – 9pm.
All will be warmly welcomed.
Self help group Open
Door of Hope opens
in Lichfield
11
We are over the moon to report
that Marion from Burton Mind
(pictured) has been awarded the
MBE (Member of the Order of the
British Empire) on the Queen‘s
2012 New Years Honours list.
The Award is given to people who
have contributed to their
communities and deserve public
recognition.
Marion has
received the
award for her
services to
Mental Health
Care in
Staffordshire.
Keri met up with Marion recently
to find out more about her…
Marion started as a social worker
back in the late 1970s specialising
in elderly care and mental health.
As many of you know, services
looked quite differently back then,
and Marion was part of a team
that admitted people into
psychiatric hospitals. She then
changed to working for a college
in Essex, helping students with
learning disabilities and mental
illness. Long before the days of
‗Social Enterprise‘, she was
helping to place students into the
work environment, and also on the
curriculum was the opportunity for
students to help run a restaurant.
About 19 years ago, she moved to
the Midlands and became the
Coordinator at Burton Mind which
was already established at the
High Street, Burton on Trent
(tucked in behind the church at
Bargates). The venue here, as
some of you will remember,
consisted of a wooden hut, ―which
wasn‘t great, not good enough for
the service users‖, as Marion
states. It was wasn‘t long before
Marion had expanded the service
into the Signal Box and other
portable buildings, increasing the
Joint Funding from Social
Services & Health.This meant she
could employ staff including Lynne
Barrell, Mandy Cordon
& Linda Bateman, in
addition to running a
counselling service.
The service at this
point was operating 7
days a week, 365 days
a year and supported
the 600-700 people
that came through the door every
month.
Marion could show the
Commissioners that the service
was justified, so Mind was
awarded funding to move to the
present office at Wood Street (an
old GP surgery). She reports that
people were happy to move over
and that lots of people helped with
decorating and moving: ―It was a
good team effort‖. Over the years
Marion helped set up the Mind at
Uttoxeter and a branch at
Lichfield, sadly neither are
presently running.
Marion retired in March 2011, at
the same time the Day
Opportunities contract expired and
Changes: 12 Steps to Mental
Health was awarded the contract
for new Social Inclusion and
Recovery Services. ―We went for
the tender,‖ she says, ―Changes
got it but it was all fair and square.
There‘s nothing wrong with
change and I hope people will use
other services to meet their
needs‖. Burton and District Mind
continues to help people through
its counselling contracts currently
managed by Lynne Barrell. Marion
is still a champion for mental
health services; she now works for
National Mind as a Peer Reviewer
ensuring that Mind services
nationally are meeting their quality
standards!
She says it‘s great to see other
Minds and the different way they
achieve the same goal of offering
Mental Health Services
She found out she was to be
awarded with the MBE in
November 2011 when she
received a letter from the Cabinet
Office. She is a little embarrassed
about it – ―I learnt so much from
the service users, I would like to
thank them for their support also
the volunteers, staff, trustees and
funders. Nothing would have been
achieved without them‖.
Keri asked her if she knew who
had nominated her – ―…we all
know who it is!‖ but she didn‘t
share the information with us! If
you are reading this, we would like
to join you in thanking Marion for
all the hard work and support she
has given to people over the last
35 years and wish her all the best
for the future.
Some comments from people who
have used Mind’s services:
“..very well deserved, Marion went way
and above her job to help people.”
Elaine
“Couldn’t have happened to a nicer
person. Thanks for your help over the
years.” Amanda
“Marion deserved it!” Shirley
“I liked the umbrella she gave me”
Caroline
“Congratulations” Daphne and Brenda
“Well done, I think she deserves it”
Michael
“So well deserved because Marion
went the extra mile” Alison
Marion Hemmerdinger, Burton &
District Mind, is awarded MBE
12
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from March 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
Work4You Employment Service — Making Space
Work4you is a mental health employment service, covering Staffordshire to help individuals who wish to gain or retain paid
work. We will support people who are not yet in employment but wish to do so. We will also support individuals who are at risk of
losing their job because of mental ill health to maintain that role. We offer training to employers to raise awareness of mental
health issues 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
Stafford Borough
Quest Referral Only 2-3 Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LL, 01785 249251 Office open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Mid Staffs Mind at Arthur Finlay Centre, 96a Stone Road, Stafford, ST16 2RS
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 Holmcroft Youth & Community Centre, Newland Ave, Stafford,, ST16 1NL
Stone Frank Jordan Hall, Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NE
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Mid Staffs
Mind
Drama & Art
Groups start
17 Apr 2012
10am—1pm Peer
Support, Arthur
Finlay Centre
10am—1pm
Work Club
Highfields Centre
10am—
12 noon
Drama Group
Quest
1.30pm –4,30pm
Women‘s Group
Arthur Finlay Centre
10am—4pm
at Quest
(Referral Only)
10am -
12noon
Music Group
Quest
10am—1pm
Joint Peer
Support,
St Johns
House
Richmond
Fellowship
Life Links
Stafford
Holmcroft
Community
Centre
10am-1pm
Stafford,
10am-1pm
St Johns House
Stone
11 am—2 pm
Stafford
Holmcroft
Community
Centre
11am—2pm
13
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 by Referral Only.
Birth Art Group Brereton & Ravenhall Parish Hall, Main Road, WS15 1DS, 07707 392993
Richmond Fellowship Cannock- Avon Community Centre, Cannock, WS11 1LH
Rugeley- St Pauls Church, Lichfield Street, Rugeley, WS15 2EH
Richmond Fellowship’s services by appointment and referral only. One to one sessions and additional support available
outside of these times.
South Staffordshire District Quest Wombourne Library, Church Road, WV5 9EZ By Referral Only
Mid Staffs Mind Wombourne: Community Fire Station, Giggetty Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0AX
Richmond Fellowship Wombourne Community Fire Station, Giggetty Lane, Wombourne, WV5 OAX
(Saturdays) Hand in Hand Centre, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ
Great Wyrley Grt Wyrley Community Centre, Landywood Lane, WS6 6JX
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Mid Staffs
Mind
Peer Support
1pm-4pm
Richmond
Fellowship
Life Links
Wombourne
Fire Community Room
10am—2pm
Great Wyrley
1.30pm –3.30pm
Codsall
9.30am—1pm
Penkridge
2pm-4pm
Codsall
Structured
Session
10am—
12noon
Wombourne
Hand in Hand
Centre
10am—2pm
Quest 10.30am—
2.30pm
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Mid Staffs Mind
Drama & Art Groups start 17 Apr 2012
1pm—4pm
Peer Support
2.30– 4pm Music Group
5-8 Out of Hours (Referral Only)
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
Peer Support
1pm-4pm
Out of Hours
(referral only)
10am –1pm
Richmond Fellowship
Peer Support, 1 to 1 and Activities
Cannock
11am—2pm
Rugeley
10.30am-1.30pm
Cannock
11am—2pm
Cannock
11am—2pm
Rugeley
10.30am-
1.30pm
Cannock
11am—2pm
Birth Art Group
Alternative Thursdays 1pm—3pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from March 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.
14
East Staffordshire Burton On Trent A Plus Self Help New Baptist Church, Derby Street, Burton on Trent, DE14 2LE
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 Group 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 Group Peer support & Art Hawthorne House, 45 Market Place, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HF
Friendship Group Church House, Bagot Street, Abbotts Bromley, WS15 3DA
Changes 23 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8EY 01889 567436 [email protected]
Rocester: Children‘s Centre, High Street ST14 7JQ
Draycott in the Clay: Village Hall DE13 8NQ
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Community
Groups
Art & Soul
10am—4pm
Friendship Group
12.30pm—2.30pm
Art & Soul
10am—4pm
Art & Soul
10am—4pm
Art & Soul
10am—4pm
Art & Soul
Women’s Group
6pm –9pm
Art & Soul
10am—4pm
Changes—
Uttoxeter
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
All activities
at office
unless
stated
Wellness Workshop
Open to All
12.00-3.00pm
Mutual Support
Group
18-25years
6.30pm -8.30pm
Rocester
Mutual Support
Group Adult/PY
10.30am-12.30pm
Advance Workshop
9.30am-12.30pm
Social
1pm—3pm
Wellness Workshop
11.45am –2.45pm
Uttox Fire Station
Starts 24 Apr 12
NOCN Coord’s
Training
Week 1 24 Apr 12
6.30pm - 9pm
Complementary
Therapies
25 April - Please book!
10am-4pm
Mutual Support
Group
Adult 18+
6.30-8.30pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
10am—12.30pm
Week1 26 Apr12
Social
Open to All
1pm—3pm
Wellness Work-
shop Open to All
6.00-9.00pm
Mutual Support
Group
Adult/PY
10am-12pm
Friday Music Club
7pm—9pm
Last Friday of the month Draycott Mutual Support Group Adult/PY
1pm-3pm
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
A Plus Self Help
Open to all
Activities and support
11am to 3pm
£1 entry
New Baptist
Church
Open to all
Derby St. Burton
10 am to 4 pm
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
Advance
Workshop
Open to All
9.30am-12.30pm
Stretton Mutual
Support Group
Priory Centre,
11am-1pm
Social Activities
12.30—2.30pm
NOCN Coord’s
Training
Open to All
6 pm –8.30pm
(starts 23 Apr 12)
Social Activity Walk
Contact Office for
details
Mutual Support Group
12.30- 2.30pm
Burton Library
DE14 1AH
(Starts 13 March12)
Wellness Workshop
Office 6pm –8.30pm
Mutual Support Group
Adult 18+
6.30-8.30pm
Winshill Resource Centre
Canterbury Rd DE15
0HD
NOCN
Coord’s Train-
ing
Open to All
10am –12.30pm
(starts 25 Apr
12)
Wellness Workshop
10.00-12.30pm
(Starts 29 March)
Mutual Support Group
10.00-12.00pm
Waterside Advice Shop,
104 Short St,
Stapenhill, DE15 9LT
Social Activities
Open to All
12pm-2pm
Mutual Support Group
16—25years
3pm—5pm
126 New St, Burton
Mutual Support Group
Adult
6.30-8.30pm
Mutual
Support
Group
10.00am-
12.00pm
Mutual
Support
Group (Adult)
12.00-2.00pm
Burton Fire
Station,
Moor St,
Burton,
DE14 3SU
Mutual
Support
Group
10.30am
—
12.30pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from March 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 and Tamworth 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 4QQ 01543 679000
Lichfield: Pavilion, Beacon Park, Beacon Street, WS13 6QZ 01543 309770
Tamworth
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
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
Curbourgh
Community Centre
Community Café
9.15am -11.45am
Open Door of Hope
Methodist Church,
Lichfield, 7pm—9pm
Open Door
Methodist
Church,
Lichfield,
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
NOCN Coord’s
Training
Open to All
12.30pm –3pm
Social
Activities
10.00am-
12.00pm
Adult Peer
Support Group
12:30- 2.30pm
Office
Closed
WAP Peer Support Sessions 10am -12noon
Wellness
Foundation
Programme
12.00 - 3.00pm
Social
Activities
10.00am-
1.00pm
Changes—
Lichfield
Office Open
Mon– Fri
10am-3pm
Wellness
Programme
10am - 1pm
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
Adult/PF Peer
Support
Group
10.30am—
12.30pm
Monday Tuesday Wed‘day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Community
Groups
Coffee Hour
11am –12 noon
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
Mutual Support
Group
(Female Group)
10.00am-12.00pm
NOCN
Coordinator Train-
ing
12.30—3.30 pm
Young Person’s Group 2.30-4.30pm at Nacro, 59-60 Church Street, Tamworth B79 7DF
WAP Peer Support 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
including
Meditation 1-
3pm
Mutual
Support
Group (PY/
Adult)
10.30am—
12.30pm
NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from March 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.
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
8th June 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]
Website: www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk
Registered Charity: 1097461
Company Ltd by Guarantee: 4693666
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 anyway,
it could regarding the Network News, our visits to
services, the way in which we capture your views or
feedback, or whatever! Our Project Coordinator,
Suzanne Cole, would very much welcome your
thoughts.
Please call the office on 01543 301153
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