Friday, August 28, 2009

INHERITANCE PLANNING

Hi,

Canterbury and Coastal Rethink Carers' Support Group are holding an open meeting on Tuesday 15th September 2009, 7.30 pm at the Canterbury Umbrella (rear entrance, St Peter's Place, Canterbury, CT1 2DB).

There will be a presentation from Steven Howles, Senior Associate with the law firm Clarke Willmott about INHERITANCE PLANNING - WILLS, INHERITANCE TAX AND DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS.

Admission is free, with tea/coffee and biscuits provided.

For further details please contact the Area Joint Voluntary Coordinators, Chris and Cheryl Ives on 01227 760707 or email rethinkcanterbury@dsl.pipex.com

Monday, August 24, 2009

Personalisation Event

Hi,

Click HERE to view information about a personalisation event that is happening in November, around service user involvement in the personalisation agenda!

Care Quality Commission, Mental Health Strategy

Hi,

Click HERE to view the consultation document from the Care Quality Commission for Mental Health Strategy. Please be aware that you need to put your views forward by the 7th Sept!

Lets Get Started!

The Lets Get Started project is a new project at Chaucer Homecare. Starting earlier this year, Lets Get Started has been organising 16 taster sessions of various sports and social activities for groups of 6-8 adults (applicants must be 18 years old or over). Each week offers 2 to 3 new and exciting activities to take part in. The project is completely free to join for adults of all ages and abilities.

The project is not suitable for anyone who is in an acute phase of crisis as there is only one worker accompanying the group at all times and they will have to concentrate on the needs of the group as a whole rather than deal with on individual who cannot or will not engage with the activity or group.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Football, swimming, tennis, badminton, circus school, health walks, T'ai Chi, yoga, art, drama, cinema, pottery, supper club, book club, music group and cookery/lunch club.

The project allows is members to meet new people while trying new and exciting things, which in turn improves their social inclusion, self esteem as well as their physical and mental health. The hope is that the group members will choose to continue taking part in activities in their own time.

Many studies have proved that exercise and social inclusion are very important in improving feelings of anxiety and stress. Exerting yourself allows adrenaline to flow around the body which eventually helps to improve thought patterns and physical performance.

The project with aim to enable members to:

  • Become more involved with the local community
  • Live more independently
  • Improve self esteem
  • Improve physical fitness

Some benefits of regular exercise include:

  • Improving your mood
  • Sleeping well
  • Reducing tension, feelings of stress or fatigue and give you more energy
  • Improving your self image
  • Increasing motivation

The project also promotes independence as group members must make their own way to and from the activities. Previous group members have agreed that this course has increased their confidence, motivation and given them a great reason to get out and about within the community.

If you are interested in taking part in this exciting new venture then get in contact with Ben Taylor or Udi Perry on 01227 451834 and we will send you an introduction pack including an application form.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Some interesting information from Dave Woodward

Dear all,

A couple of news items you may be interested in which thought i would put on the blogs for information

Dave Woodward

Films aim to tackle stigma of mental illness

10th August 2009 Mental Health Foundation

Two films that aim to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health have been launched today. Time to Change, a mental health anti-stigma campaign, is launching the films to coincide with a YouGov poll that reveals more than a third (34%) of the public believe people diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be violent.

Full Press Release

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/news/?entryid17=74398

Six out of 10 suffer in silence with mental illness

10th August 2009 - Mental Health Foundation

More than six out of ten people with a mental illness will suffer in silence for at least a year before seeking help, it emerged today.

A new study showed almost a half of all patients will not discuss their condition with friends, while a fifth believe there is still a stigma attached to their illness.

The survey by St Patrick's University Hospital also showed more than half of all people felt afraid when diagnosed.

Some 37% were also ashamed and 29% embarrassed.

Paul Gilligan, chief executive of the mental health service provider in Dublin, said there are still many obstacles preventing sufferers from mental health problems from accessing appropriate care and treatment.

Full Press Release
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/news/?entryid17=74383


Piece of Mind Creations - Herne Bay

The Umbrella Centre of Herne Bay is holding an exhibition and sale of work produced by its members from:

Tuesday 3rd November until Saturday 7th of November at the Bay Art Gallery 47A William Street Herne Bay


The exhibition is entitled 'Piece of Mind Creations' and will feature an eclectic mix of art, woodwork and crafts.

This is an ideal opportunity for you to buy your Christmas presents whilst supporting a charity which supports people with mental health and/or learning difficulties.

For further information phone 01227 370 200 or email lynnguthrie@umbrella.plus.com

Thursday, August 13, 2009

5 Year Mental Health Strategy

In partnership with the Health and Social Care Advisory Service (HASCAS), the three Kent PCT's are developing a five year Mental Health strategy based upon the shared vision of service users, carers, staff and commissioners.

HASCAS have set up a group site, which enables you to participate by giving your comments or by contributing to discussions. You can also view the Draft Vision document, and the feedback from the four consultation events.

Get involved at:

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/kentandmedwaystrategy

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Welcome to your new blog!

Hi!

Welcome to your new blog!

Use the blog to keep others up to date with your news, activites and any exciting or important information that you want to share.

Anyone can add to the blog, just email Heather Wells on hwells1@nhs.net with your update.

Any problems call Heather on 01634 382807, or email on hwells1@nhs.net

Get blogging!