Canterbury Wellbeing Blog

Draft LPMG minutes published

2012-02-06T22:59:00.000Z

Draft minutes of the January 2012 Canterbury & Coastal LPMG meeting have been published.

East Kent Carers Support newsletter

2012-02-05T19:29:00.002Z

East Kent Carers Support - part of Rethink Mental Illness - have published a newsletter full of valuable information and articles.

The Power of Telling my Story

2011-11-10T09:32:00.002Z

Help others learn from your experiences

Help services learn how to improve

A two day workshop for those who have a lived experience of mental health challenges. Those of us who have mental health challenges are strong, worthwhile people who have a story to tell which can encourage us, and those who hear it.

This two day practical workshop, led by trainers from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, will cover:

Recovery in mental health
The recovery journey that we are all making
The vital role and positive impact of ‘telling our story’
The skills of story telling
Opportunities for sharing our story to help further improve services

Building on your strengths and increasing confidence the course will equip you to tell your own recovery story; helping you to see the hero that you are.

Dates: 24th & 25th Nov, 2011
Venue: Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road Canterbury. CT1 2BT
Time: 9.30 - 4.45 each day

Travel expenses will be reimbursed and lunch and refreshments provided. For further information, or to apply to join this training please call or email Nick on 01227 81202

Carer Support Groups

2011-10-05T22:26:00.000+01:00

Rethink Mental Illness have a Carer Support Group every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the

Canterbury Umbrella Centre
7:30pm - 9pm

and on the 1st Friday of the month at

Durham House, Herne Bay
2pm - 3:15pm

All carers are welcome.

The aim of the Support meetings is to facilitate networking of Carers in the area to encourage mutual support. Carers meet up in an informal environment and the group gives them the chance to discuss their roles and experiences within their Carer role. The Carer Groups are an effective tool in preventing isolation and promoting social inclusion.

Carer Groups provide support via publications, personal experiences and, on occasions, speakers are invited to attend to discuss a variety of areas that you may find useful within your caring role. The Carer Groups have proved to be highly effective and feedback has been very positive.

Investing in Mental Health

2011-10-05T22:04:00.000+01:00

Social Enterprise Kent are hosting this informative seminar which will be looking at Investing in Mental Health, the theme for this year's World Mental Health Day. Speakers include:

Peter Lake - KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Lynn Marchant - Mindful Employment
Frances Beaumont - Dyspraxia UK.

There will also be case studies from Employment Services.

When: 10th October
Time: 9.30 until midday
Venue:Kent Enterprise House in Herne Bay
Cost: Free of Charge

To reserve your place, call 01227 844544.

Tree of Life

2011-09-13T15:21:00.003+01:00

Tree of Life is an installation by creative groups and individual artists from across Kent celebrating creativity for mental wellbeing, organised by Canterbury Mind the Gap. The opening event is on 18 October 12 noon – 3pm, and thereafter the exhibition continues daily 11am – 4pm until 29 October at

Cleary Gallery
Blackfriars
Canterbury CT1 2AP
(off King Street, nearest car park St Radigunds)

For further information see the website, call 07870 320479, or email.

Secret Thoughts and Time to Talk

2011-08-25T15:17:00.002+01:00

Rethink announce an event for the Time to Talk campaign at the Secret Gardens in Sandwich (also know as The Salutation Gardens) on Friday 26th August 2011 from 11.00am until 3pm.

They will be giving away free gifts together with promotional items, literature and leaflets. There is a tea room, a gift shop and 3.5 acres of stunning Lutyens and Jeckyll gardens which are an oasis of calm and serenity. The Secret Gardens are surrounded by ancient city walls inside which there are tree lined walkways, sculptures to admire and the beautiful lake and gardens. We will invite people to write their thoughts and ideas (either anonymously or signed) as to how they would encourage people to talk more openly about mental illness on a tag/label which they will then be able to tie onto a ''Time to Talk Tree'.

Friday 26/08/2011 - 11:00am - 3:00pm

Knightrider Street
Sandwich
Kent CT13 9EW

Wimbledon House Summer Fair

2011-08-21T20:25:00.000+01:00

Wimbledon House in Herne Bay will be holding their Summer Fair on Wednesday 24 August, from 2 - 4:30 pm at

Wimbledon House
58 Selsea Avenue
Herne Bay CT6 8SD

Raffle - Tombola - Hook a Duck - Guess the Sweets in the Jar - Bric a Brac - Jumble - Books – Puzzles
Cake Stall - Wet Sponge Stand - BBQ - Refreshments

Bert Butlers Jazz Pilgrims will be entertaining throughout the afternoon.

See the flyer here.

Canterbury Umbrella meeting

2011-06-30T16:08:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday 19 July at 19:30 at Canterbury Umbrella, the monthly open meeting guest speakers include Cathy Nymeck and Michelle Webb talking about KMPT ‘Access and Recovery Services’. You are cordially invited to attend.

Peer Support - the way forward

2011-05-26T16:32:00.004+01:00

KMPT are holding an event aimed at both service users and staff considering how peer support is transforming mental health services in the UK, and how it can be put into action across Kent and Medway.

Thursday 7th July 10.00am - 4.00pm at

Lenham Community Centre, Groom Way,
Lenham, Near Maidstone ME17 2QT

For further information and an application form, see this flyer.

Grand Summer Fete

2011-05-25T08:06:00.001+01:00

The Friends for Mental Health (East Kent) announce their Grand Summer Fete on Saturday 2 July at

St Martin's Hospital
Littlebourne Road
Canterbury

Stalls, Games and Competitions, Music, Barbecue, Refreshments, Tug of War, Face Painting, a Grand Raffle prize of £350 and much more!

Admission and Parking Free

For further information see this flyer, email Maria Duran or call 01227 812034

Casa Support awareness event

2011-05-19T13:12:00.000+01:00

On Friday 3 June, from 10am until 2pm, Casa Support are holding an event to raise awareness of their housing related support - including various accommodation projects and floating support services.

It will also be an opportunity for people to network of course!

It will be at Chaucer House (hopefully in the garden!)

50 Roper Road
Canterbury CT5 1JX.

Parking on the road nearby is free.

Canterbury Umbrella Summer Fete

2011-05-06T13:18:00.000+01:00

This year's Canterbury Umbrella Summer Fete will be held on Saturday 25 June at Westgate Gardens.

Come along and enjoy events, competitions, music, stalls, food & drink!

Remove The Fear And Get The Most Out Of Personalisation and Self-Directed Support

2011-05-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

The Canterbury and District Mental Health Forum are holding this Consultation Day on personalisation on Friday June 3 at

Whitstable Umbrella
St Mary's Hall
Oxford Street
Whitstable CT5 1DD

with the following program:

11am - 11.30am Registration (with refreshments)
11.30am - 1pm Speakers talking about different aspects of personalisation
1pm - 2pm Lunch provided and an opportunity to network
2pm - 3pm Your opportunity to ask questions of the panel of speakers
3pm Closing comments

For more information see this flyer, call 01227 788211, or email.

Changes to your Wellbeing Blog settings

2011-04-14T15:05:00.000+01:00

Some improvements have been made to your local wellbeing blog.

Firstly, anyone can now comment on any of the posts. You do not have to be a registered user. So if you have something to say about anything you read here, let the rest of us know!

Secondly, there are now two new ways to stay up-to-date with your local wellbeing blog, using two new options on the right hand menus, "Subscribe to" and "Follow by Email".

"Subscribe to" allows you to pick up a news feed with, amongst others Google Reader, My Yahoo and Atom RSS.

If that sounds complicated, the really easy option is "Follow by Email". Enter your email address, follow the simple verification instructions, and henceforth you'll get an email every time there is a new post!

Rethink East Kent Advocacy Service

2011-03-23T18:36:00.001Z

A reminder that the Rethink East Kent Advocacy Service will be running a drop in for anyone wishing to access the advocacy service on the following dates and times in March and April:

Herne Bay Umbrella Centre - 31 March 2 - 4pm, and 28 April 2 - 4pm
Canterbury Umbrella Centre - 24 March 1 - 3pm, and 21 April 1 - 3pm
Whitstable Umbrella Centre - 5 April 12 - 2pm
Faversham Umbrella Centre - 14 April 12 - 2pm

For more information about Rethink and the services provided click here.

Changes in the NHS - What will it mean for YOU and your doctor?

2011-03-09T19:28:00.001Z

This Kent LINk Community Engagement Event is your chance to find out what is happening to your health and social care services.

The formal meeting will start at 10.45am although refreshments will be available from 10.00am to give people an opportunity to socialise and network. See full information and book your free place here.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011, 10am - 3pm

The Camden Centre,
Royal Victoria Place
Market Square
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SW

Art Uniting People - Spring Exhibition

2011-03-08T20:01:00.001Z

Art Uniting People is a non-profit organisation who have run two successful annual exhibitions in 2009 and 2010 to promote the talents of artists around Kent, including professionals, amateurs and those with mental health and physical disabilities. This year, for the first time, there is also a Spring Exhibition at

County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ

from 14th -28th March, 10:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Entry is FREE

The Mustard Seed Singers - Spring Concert

2011-03-04T10:35:00.000Z

The Mustard Seed Singers (a choir promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing) are holding a Spring Concert on 31st March 2011 at

St Peter's Methodist Church
St Peter's Street
Canterbury CT1 2BE

The concert will begin at 5.45pm and will include a short workshop in which you will have the opportunity to get involved. Entry is free however, donations will be gratefully received.

Read more about the Mustard Seed Singers, the practical benefits of singing for mental health and wellbeing, and watch a short BBC video report about the singers.

Learning from Experience 2 - How are we doing?

2011-02-25T16:16:00.001Z

This event is for service users and carers and is a follow up to the actions that the Kent & Medway Partnership Trust have put into place since the National Patient Survey of last year.

Tuesday 15 March, 10:30am - 3:30pm

Upstairs lounge, The Salvation Army
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Lunch is provided. Registration is required, so for more information see the flyer here or call Maria Duran on 01227 812034.

"Spotlight on Recovery" - Canterbury & Coastal Rethink Carers Support Group

2011-02-25T15:46:00.000Z

The next meeting of the Canterbury and Coastal Rethink Carers' Support Group throws a "Spotlight on Recovery" with speakers Rachel Turpin and Venetia Gibbs.

Tuesday 15 March at 7:30pm

Canterbury Umbrella Centre
St Peters Place
CT1 2DB

All mental health carers, serviceusers and professionals are very welcome to attend.

Personal Development Fund - up to £500 for service users & carers!

2011-02-18T11:07:00.001Z

A reminder about the Personal Development Fund, which is intended to promote the personal development of individuals living right across Kent whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by severe or persistent mental ill health.

The fund has been able to pay for things like conferences and training courses, travel and accommodation for such events, art materials, Reiki training, laptops, printers and so on.

A panel of service users, carers and voluntary organisations meet every three months to decide on awards. For more information, see this flyer. To apply, download an application form in either Word or PDF format.

The scheme is funded by Kent County Council and administered by Sevenoaks Area Mind.

Your feedback on community mental health in Kent and Medway

2011-02-16T12:49:00.001Z

Medway PCT, who lead the development of mental health services across Kent and Medway, are asking for your help in looking at how these services can be improved. They would like to ask service users and carers six simple questions about the services they are using - including what works, what doesn't work, and what are the key factors that make a good service.

This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard!

The survey can be completed very simply online here, or alternatively you can download the survey in Word or PDF format to complete and return by post or email.

Please make sure your voice is heard by Friday 18 March!

No Health without Mental Health

2011-02-05T00:07:00.001Z

The government have published "No health without mental health - A cross-government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages." A news item on the Live It Well website gives details of where you can read this, and a sample of responses from relevant organisations.

Canterbury & Coastal Rethink Carers Support Group

2011-02-04T13:14:00.000Z

A reminder about the ongoing work of this award-winning support group for the carers of relatives, partners or friends with a wide range of mental health problems. The group was set up nearly 40 years ago to help carers of relatives, partners and friends with a wide variety of mental health problems to access help and information and to provide comfort and support on a regular basis.

The group meets at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month (except August) at the Canterbury Umbrella, St Peter’s Place, Canterbury, CT1 2DB

For more information about the group, please contact Chris and Cheryl Ives by email or call 01227 760707. You can also read the flyer here.

Fit for Work Service

2011-01-26T22:21:00.002Z

Fit for Work is a free service running across East Kent. The aim is to help individuals, who are employed but currently off work sick, to return to work. A team of occupational therapists, employment
specialists, psychologists and physiotherapists is available depending on the employees support needs.

More information in this flyer, or on the Eastern and Coastal Kent NHS website.

Swale and Canterbury Carers Support - Newsletter

2011-01-18T10:27:00.000Z

Swale and Canterbury Carers Support have published their January Newsletter, including information about their Carer's Rights Day on Friday 21 January 10am-2:30pm at the

Alexander Centre
Preston Street
Faversham
ME13 8NZ

with a wide range of speakers and display stands, where you can learn about changes to Carer's Rights.

Canterbury Umbrella Centre's Valentines Day Event

2011-01-18T09:43:00.002Z

You're invited to this Valentines Day Event, 7pm on Saturday 12 February, at

The Canterbury Umbrella Centre
St Peters Place
Canterbury CT1 2BD

Tickets are available at £5 per head, in advance or on the night, and for this amazing value you get a meal and a drink (vegetarian option available). Contact the centre via email or on 01227 767660 for more information.

Canterbury Umbrella is a local charity working with and for people who have mental health problems and for anyone in times of isolation, distress and loneliness.

Rethink Carers Support Group - Personalisation and Brokerage

2011-01-11T10:18:00.000Z

This month's Canterbury and Coastal Rethink Carers Support Group meeting is on the theme of Personalisation and Brokerage. What do you know about personalisation? Will your service user need a broker to help with this new initiative? Who can become a broker?

Mark Kilbey, Director of the Canterbury and District Mental Health Forum will be coming along with a colleague from Signpost Kent to speak to this group and to answer your questions on the above topic.

TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 2011
7.30pm at the Canterbury Umbrella, St Peter's Place, Canterbury, CT1 2DB

This is your opportunity to find out how this government initiative could affect your service user.

For further detail about the evening ring Chris on 01227 760707 or email.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing - followup

2010-12-29T10:58:00.003Z

On Monday 13th December a workshop evening was held by representatives of both the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and the Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust. Among the attendees were NHS professionals, members of the Transgender community, representatives from GIRES (the Gender Identity Research and Education Society) and other interested private bodies. The workshop aimed to find out how to provide more and better access to support and information for Transgender people.

Many topics were discussed, and several priority areas emerged for future work. The need to provide more education regarding Transgender issues in training NHS staff was highlighted, alongside the importance of working with General Practitioners to encourage willingness to provide medical care for, and a more ethical treatment of, Transgender people. The workshop established links with individuals and organisations eager to participate and take the agenda forward.

All feedback from both the participants and facilitators was very positive and when asked for their thoughts of the evening, one participant remarked “I am so happy to see that there are people within the NHS committed to improving the experience Transgendered people encounter”.

A working group will be formed and another meeting will be held in January 2011.

For more information, please contact either Sheree Bell, Community Engagement Officer for the Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust, or Adam Lott, Equality and Diversity Manager for Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust.

EKUF Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Support Group

2010-12-29T10:24:00.001Z

The East Kent User Forum's Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Support Group is a self-help group meeting on a monthly basis, offering a warm and friendly atmosphere to talk about lifestyles, hardships, joys, intimacies, and anything else!

Read more and see the schedule for January - June 2011 here.

East Kent User Forum campaign against proposed cuts to benefits

2010-12-29T09:57:00.001Z

The EKUF have launched a vigorous campaign to voice the concern and stress felt by those on mental health related benefits who feel threatened by the cuts proposed in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review.

Read more about the campaign here, and take part in an anonymous survey here.

Mental Health Commissioning and Contracting Team - Christmas 2010 newsletter

2010-12-13T22:39:00.001Z

Kent County Council's Mental Health Commissioning and Contracting Team have published their latest newsletter. Amongst the many interesting items is a brief article introducing myself, Brian Pugsley, as the new Live It Well webmaster, and a report on the opening of the Live It Well centre in Ashford.

KMPT Community Engagement Workshops

2010-12-13T19:25:00.000Z

The Kent and Medway Partnership Trust are holding a series of workshops as part of their search for an improved approach to accessing expertise within the community and the development of a Community Engagement Strategy. Local people, particularly those that use KMPT services, will be vital to the success of this strategy. Anyone interested in becoming involved is invited to attend one of the workshops.

The workshop in Canterbury is on Thursday 16 December, 10am-2pm (lunch provided), at

Main Hall
St Martin's Hospital
Littlebourne Road
Canterbury
CT1 1AZ

Further information can be seen on the KMPT website, where you can also download a workshop booking form.

A Woman's View - exploring mental health experience through an artists eye

2010-12-13T15:13:00.001Z

This free one day event will take place at

Tonbridge Baptist Church
Darenth Avenue
Tonbridge
TN10 3HZ

on Monday 10 January 2011, 10am-3pm (lunch provided)

A day for women to discuss, share and learn from each others experiences, giving women a voice and influencing support services. Using art work especially produced for this event to stimulate discussion, the workshop will focus on the theme of "The 3 phases of womanhood" (18-35, 35-60, 60+).

The event is promoted by the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust. To find out more, see this flyer or call Sheree Bell, Community Engagement Officer at KMPT on 07949 037401. To register and obtain a booking form please email or call the Equalities Team on 01732 523347.

East Kent User Forum Christmas Newsletter published

2010-11-30T19:14:00.002Z

The East Kent User Forum Christmas Newsletter has been published can can be accessed or downloaded here. This is a great media-rich document with lots of photos, images and articles, consequently it's quite large (4.4mb) so it might take a while to appear.

Live It Well summary published

2010-11-22T13:19:00.001Z

A summary of the final version of the Live It Well strategy for improving the mental health and mental wellbeing of people in Kent and Medway has been published, and you can read or download it here.

How health walks transform lives

2010-11-22T07:40:00.001Z

An article in The Guardian discusses the benefits of "health walks." Groups were established by professionals and are now self-supporting. Walkers are convinced that, in addition to the obvious physical benefits, their morale and mental health is lifted.

East Kent User Forum Autumn Newsletter published

2010-11-05T15:34:00.001Z

The East Kent User Forum Autumn Newsletter has been published can can be accessed or downloaded here. This is a great media-rich document with lots of photos, images and articles, consequently it's quite a large (8mb) so it might take a while to appear.

Regulator says it will drive improvements for mental health patients

2010-11-05T15:01:00.002Z

The Care Quality Commission today (27 October) highlighted areas of poor practice in mental health services for patients who are subject to the Mental Health Act, and pledged to use its regulatory powers to lever improvement.

Publishing its first annual report on the use of the Act, CQC said its findings raised important concerns about how some care providers, in both the NHS and private sector, were adhering to the principles of the Act and its Code of Practice.

The commission identified three priority areas where services needed to do much better:

involving patients in decisions about their care and treatment;
assessing and recording patients’ consent to treatment;
minimising restrictions on patients and avoiding ‘blanket’ security measures.

Read the full press release or download the full report.

Call for research volunteers - aged over 65

2010-11-05T14:22:00.001Z

Are you over 65? Would you be prepared to be interviewed for an important study of older people’s health and wellbeing?

The East Kent User Forum is helping the Royal College of Psychiatrists to develop a standardised interview, which could be used by mental health practitioners and researchers to more effectively assess mental health disorders in the elderly. The interview will be used in a major European survey of people aged between 65 and 84 in six countries, including the UK. Before starting the main survey, the interview we’ve developed needs to be tried out with a small number of people to see how well it works, find out if there are any problems with it, and get feedback about how it can be improved.

The interview will last a couple of hours and would take place in your own home at a time convenient to you. If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Maggie Gallant on 01843 230726 who will be able to tell you more about it. Thank you.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing

2010-11-04T12:30:00.002Z

You are warmly invited to an evening of discussion and social networking in a confidential and respectful space. The aim of this event is to engage transgender people further in helping to improve key areas such as access to support and information, getting help with substance misuse concerns and enabling staff to deliver better services through improved awareness and training.

Refreshments and a buffet meal will be provided on arrival.

Please come along and get involved – your views matter!

Monday 13th December 2010 5.45pm – 8.30pm at

Music for Change
Chaucer Technology School
Spring Lane
Canterbury, CT1 1SU.
www.musicforchange.org

To register: contact Deana Cook
To discuss: please call Sheree Bell 07949 037 347

See the flyer here.

The Umbrella Art Exhibition - "Piece of Mind"

2010-11-03T09:29:00.000Z

The Umbrella Centre of Herne Bay are holding an Art Exhibition "Piece of Mind" at

The Bay Art Gallery
William Street
Herne Bay

Official opening is on Tuesday 9th November at 10am.

The exhibition is open from Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th November, 10am-4pm.
Please come and support local talent.

See the flyer here.

Singing for Wellbeing

2010-11-02T09:48:00.000Z

The main focus of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre is researching the potential value of active participation in group singing for wellbeing and health. In September 2009 they established the East Kent Singing for Health project, which culminated in a public performance at the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate in June 2010, clips of which are shown in this wonderfully informative and inspiring short film about the project.

The Centre has undertaken an evaluation of the project during the first year and shown substantial positive benefits for mental wellbeing among participants. The project re-started in October 2010 for a second year and further performances are planned. Learn more about this exciting project from the website or via email.

East Kent User Forum open meetings

2010-10-29T15:19:00.003+01:00

The East Kent User Forum (EKUF) are having a series of three open meetings. Come along and find out how you can become more involved in your area and have a say in how local services are planned. Meet the staff, volunteers and user reps over a mince pie and hot chocolate. We look forward to seeing you.

Ashford meeting on Thursday December 2nd at 11.00am

Braethorpe
Canterbury Road
Ashford

Deal meeting on Friday December 3rd at 11.00am

Deal Resource House
London Road
Deal

Dover meeting on Wednesday December 8th at 11.00am

Ashentree House
Ashentree Lane
Dover

For more information – ring Maggie or Amanda on 01843 230 726

Ways to Wellbeing Workplace Workshops

2010-10-29T13:49:00.003+01:00

The NHS is funding free Ways to Wellbeing Workplace Workshops as part of the Live It Well Strategy.

Organisations are invited to arrange for workshops covering issues such as stress, anxiety, low mood and the sorts of work-related and financial worries that are becoming everyday realities as more people face coping with the impact of the economic downturn.

The free Ways to Wellbeing workshops are run by professionals from KCA’s Psychological Therapy team and employment specialists mcch. They aim to help people survive uncertain times by introducing them to strategies designed to build up their resilience and help them thrive. The workshops are run by professionals from KCA and mcch.

To arrange a workshop for your organisation or find out more, call Don MacLeod, KCA’s Programme Co-ordinator on 01634 406087.

Race & Ethnicity in Mental Health Action Group

2010-10-29T12:46:00.002+01:00

The East Kent Race & Ethnicity in Mental Health Action Group (REMAG) will be holding their initial meeting on Friday 12th November at the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre in Canterbury between 10am and 12pm; lunch will be provided afterwards.

"We envisage that service providers, mental health and social care commissioners (from statutory and voluntary groups) alongside members of the community, will engage with this action group in order to encourage equity in access and experience of services for black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in East Kent. This opportunity is the first of its kind in East Kent and it has the potential to be a beacon of good practice across the region."

Further information in this flyer and in this report. If you would like to attend or have any other queries please contact Bernadette Avis on 01622 230718.

If you were in charge, where would you spend the money?

2010-10-29T00:03:00.004+01:00

After the recent spending review all Kent Adult Social Services are expecting cuts, meaning some difficult decisions. Service users and others can make their views known at this free event on Thursday November 11th, 10:30-2:45, with lunch.

Ashford Enterprise Centre
Towers School, Faversham Road,
Kennington, Ashford
TN24 9AL

A Kent LINk Community Engagement Event

October KENT LINk Bulletin

2010-10-28T23:06:00.001+01:00

This months bulletin has two articles of particular interest. "Transforming Mental Health Services for Children in Need" introduces Wintrop Hall in Staplehurst, near Maidstone, which is being transformed into Kent's first dedicated specialist children's mental health centre.

"What is Big White Wall?" introduces the revolutionary mental wellbeing social network Big White Wall. A number of places are available to Kent residents on this site, funded by the Kent and Medway NHS Social Care and Partnership Trust.

Read the bulletin online here.

Live It Well final strategy published

2010-10-14T14:01:00.001+01:00

October 10th, World Mental Health Day, saw the publication of the final Live It Well strategy for improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in Kent and Medway. The draft strategy was circulated earlier this year, and changes were made as a result of feedback received.

Read the final Live It Well strategy

Read about the consultation exercise

GP commissioning

2010-09-30T09:39:00.001+01:00

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has written to GPs to clarify the implications for GP commissioning in the July white paper on health.

What do we in Kent think about the planned changes to the NHS?

2010-09-21T13:50:00.002+01:00

In their recent white paper, Liberating the NHS, the Government have set out their plans for improving the NHS. They are interested to hear from members of the public about how these plans should be carried out.

The Kent LINk (Local Involvement Network) has produced this summary of the biggest changes and would like to hear what you think about them. You can give your views by answering the questions in this online survey.

The Kent LINk will then put all the views together and give a combined response to the Department of Health on behalf of the people of Kent.

Or, if you prefer, you can go to the Department of Health website to see the full white paper and give your feedback directly. The deadline for giving your feedback to Kent LINk is Wednesday 22nd September.

The Care Quality Commission publishes the views of 17,000 community mental health service users

2010-09-21T13:12:00.002+01:00

This substantial survey has recently been published, and a short extract from the press release is shown below. Read the full report here, or the entire press release here.

Some people who use community mental health services in England are still not getting the care and support that fully meets their needs, according to a survey published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) today (Tuesday 14 September).

The CQC survey captures the views of more than 17,000 people aged 16 and over who had contact with specialist community mental health services between July and September last year. They had been referred to a psychiatric outpatient clinic, local community mental health team or other community-based service. The survey covered 66 NHS trusts.

People were generally very positive about the health and social care workers they had seen most recently for their mental health condition. The vast majority said workers listened carefully to them, gave them enough time for discussion and took their views into account. Also, most people said they were treated with respect and dignity and had trust and confidence in their health or social care worker.

But many reported that they had not been involved as much as they would have liked in some aspects of their care. Significant numbers of people said they would have liked more explanation of, or more say in, their treatment and support, such as their medication or care planning. Nearly half of those surveyed did not know who to contact in a crisis outside normal office hours. Of those who said they wanted some form of talking therapy, 73% had received it but 27% had not.

Chaucer Homecare AGN

2010-09-18T11:08:00.000+01:00

Chaucer Homecare announce their Annual General meeting, to take place at 7pm on Monday October 4th at

Northgate Ward Community Centre
Military Road
Canterbury
CT1 1YX

All are welcome, and light refreshments are available.

CIH Level 3 in Supporting Homeless Persons Certificate

2010-08-26T15:13:00.001+01:00

Dear Colleague

You may be interested to know that Porchlight is running another “Engage to Change” course, starting in October 2010.

Porchlight was the first centre in the country to be accredited to deliver this course, which leads to the “CIH Level 3 in Supporting Homeless Persons Certificate”. It has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Homeless Link and Broadway as part of the government’s “No-one left out: communities ending rough sleeping” strategy. This new level 3 qualification has been developed specifically for people working directly with homeless people. It covers the mainstays of key working and aims to support workers in developing their approach to gaining successful outcomes for their clients. It is aimed at staff who are experienced in this sector, and is therefore not an induction programme.

We are offering places on the course to external agencies at a cost of £495.00 per student, which includes all course materials, support, CIH registration and student membership.

Course dates are 12th and 13th October 2010, 17th November 2010, 19th January 2011 and 23rd March 2011 and it is essential that students are able to attend on all five dates. The course will be run at our offices in the centre of Canterbury.

For further information about the course content, individual modules, support that students can expect and what we expect from the students, please follow the following link:

http://porchlight.org.uk/about/training/engage-to-change/

As we are expecting more interest than available places, acceptance on the course is by application. An application form is available from the above link.

Applications must be returned to us by Monday 13th September 2010. If successful at this stage, we will invite candidates to come into our Head Office on Monday 20th September 2010 to discuss their application and complete a literacy and time impact assessment.

If you still have any queries about the course, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beverley Callaghan
Interim Head of HR

Porchlight
2nd Floor Watling Chambers
18-19 Watling Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2UA
Direct Line: 01227 813195
Reception: 01227 760078
Fax. 01227 453331

Research Volunteers Wanted

2010-08-26T15:11:00.001+01:00

Hull University - Research Volunteers
Would you like to help to improve our understanding of mental health?
Have you a few minutes to spare?

An NHS mental health professional is seeking volunteers to complete some online questionnaires. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have experienced problems with your mental health – everybody can make an important contribution and anyone aged 18 or over can take part.
Payment is not offered but you will be entered into a free £250 prize draw.

To request more information, please email
volunteer4research@googlemail.com

A new play about the mental health system

2010-08-09T10:58:00.000+01:00

'Blue/Orange', Arcola Theatre, London

Tiata Fahodzi is a professional theatre company presenting drama representing the experiences of Africans in Britain. An experience which is statistically more likely to afflict Britain’s Africans, in line with other Black groups, is spending time in the mental health care system; a topic explored in Joe Penhall’s award-winning play ‘Blue/Orange’.

From Wednesday 27 October – Saturday 20 November 2010 a radically new, all-female, tenth anniversary production of the play will be staged at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, East London.

‘Blue/Orange’ is a passionate, witty and ultimately devastating exploration of institutional politics, mental health and race. Unfolding like a game of human chess the drama centres on a patient alternately bewildering and beguiling her medical consultants. Her stories of a damaged childhood in thrall to Idi Amin and a precarious urban London upbringing are plausible but are they true?

Is it more dangerous to keep her inside than to set her free?

Tickets are available from the theatre on 020 7503 1646 or by visiting their website.

Tickets start from £10 and the theatre also operates a Pay What You Can scheme on Tuesdays. Please visit the website for more information.

East Kent User Forum - New Website

2010-08-04T16:06:00.001+01:00

Have a look at the East Kent User Forum website!

www.eastkentuserforum.org

Here you will find a wealth of information about East Kent User Forums, the different groups and activities that we offer as well as the many ways in which you can become involved and join our organisation.

Our primary aim is to give a voice to Mental Health Service Users in our region. We aim to help them become involved in shaping the quality and breadth of services offered in East Kent and on a personal level to aid their recovery

Here you will find a wealth of information about East Kent User Forums, the different groups and activities that we offer as well as the many ways in which you can become involved and join our organisation.

Our primary aim is to give a voice to Mental Health Service Users in our region. We aim to help them become involved in shaping the quality and breadth of services offered in East Kent and on a personal level to aid their recovery

Mental Health Related Programmes

2010-08-04T12:41:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Take a look at this website:

http://www.swuf.org.uk/7.html

It has details of mental health related radio and TV programmes!

A message from Herne Bay Umbrella...

2010-08-04T12:12:00.000+01:00

Just to give you a little update on what we are up to here at Herne Bay Umbrella!

Some of our members have enjoyed helping the gardening project which is organised by Bob Salter and Bill Graham and this year they have done extremely well by winning ‘Best Community Garden’. They were awarded a fine wooden sculpture from the Kent Wildlife Trust.

We were also been asked by People United to take part in the ‘We all do Good Things’ project, which ran in May and June this year. Kind Brollies ran from Tues 1st June ‘til Wed 30th June 2010 and there was a window display showcasing stories of kindness.

Finally in November we will be having our Annual Umbrella Art Exhibition at the Bay Gallery from Tuesday 9th November ‘til Friday 12th November 2010.

Hope to see you all soon!

Carers Reference Group

2010-08-03T11:59:00.001+01:00

Dear All

We would like to invite all Carers to attend the next meeting of the Carers Reference Group when the topic will be "Carers having a life of their own alongside their caring role". The details are as follows:

Date: 18 August 2010

Time: 12.30 - 3pm

Venue: Billiard Room, Oakwood House, Maidstone

Regards

Barbara

Barbara Seaman
Kent Carers
Admin Officer
Policy & Service Standards
Tel: 01622 221460

New Mental Health Website!

2010-08-03T11:09:00.000+01:00

Canterbury and District Mental Health Forum announces the launch of a new website:
We are now on the world wide web at

http://www.canterburymentalhealth.org.uk/

On there web surfers can find advice & sources of help for when in difficulties; information about local activities and campaigns; and our most recent newsletters.
We also include a list of other local and national websites for information and support on mental health issues.

Have a look!

East Kent User Forum - Time to Change Event

2010-08-03T11:00:00.000+01:00

Time to Get Moving Campaign Walk’
Part of the Time to change campaign

It's time to ... get moving!
Time to Get Moving is the part of our programme which brings people together to get active, get informed about mental wellbeing and challenge public attitudes. Time to Get Moving Week will run from 9 to 17 October, with lots of fun activities across England.

We at the Thanet User Forum will be running our event with the support of Thanet College

On Tuesday October 12th – meet at Margate Clock Tower at 1.00 pm

Walk will be from Margate to Westgate and back approx – 2 hours
Free time to Change tee shirts for all participants

Everyone Welcome

For more information please call – Maggie or Amanda on 01843 230726

Don't miss Radio 4's Discussion of Mental Health Budgets....

2010-06-28T11:19:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Don't miss Radio 4's discussion about mental health budgets tomorrow at 9pm (Tuesday 29th June) - plus the programme joins in with a Walk and Talk in Shrewsbury.

Take a look here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sv5bk

Carers Week Information Day

2010-06-01T11:45:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

There is to be a Carers Week information day to be held on Monday 14th June 2010 – 10am – 2pm at Teyham Village Hall organised by Swale & Canterbury Carers Support. Click HERE for more information.

Please let the organisers know if you:

• Are able to attend
• Would like to do a presentation
• Would like an information stand

Don't forget - if you want to contribute to this blog you can email me on heather.wells@sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

Mental Health Research Network Conference

2010-06-01T11:42:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I have attached HERE details about a one day conference which may be of interest. The event has been organised by our local Mental Health Research Network to place on the 7th of July.

This free event offers an exciting opportunity to help us build more effective local networks across our respective organisations. Partnership working is key to success in developing our research, evaluation and learning activities and an important means by which to improve and enhance service delivery and care quality in mental health.

Please contact the course organisers for any further information.

Don't forget - if you want to contribute to this blog you can email me on heather.wells@sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

LPMG Action Tables

2010-06-01T11:33:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

You can get copies of the LPMG action plan tables on the right hand side of this blog under the section called The Filing Cabinet. Let me know if you have any problems opening these documents by emailing heather.wells@sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

LPMG Minutes

2010-06-01T11:32:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

You will find the minutes from the Canterbury Locality Planning and Monitoring Group's meeting in April on the right hand side of this blog, in the section called The Filing Cabinet. Let me know if you have any problems.

Don't forget that you can contribute to this blog, or find out more information by emailing me at heather.wells@sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

THE FRIENDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH (EAST KENT) GRAND SUMMER FETE

2010-04-13T10:51:00.001+01:00

THE FRIENDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH (EAST KENT) GRAND SUMMER FETE. Saturday 12 June 2010. Time: 12noon -4.00pm. Place: St Martin’s Hospital, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury. Entertainment/Games//Barbecue/Music. Refreshments/ Tug of War/ Charlton Athletic Beat the Goalie and much more. GRAND RAFFLE -1st Prize £300 and many other fabulous prizes including Leeds Castle Family ticket and Richard Allen Hair Salon Voucher.
Including WEBBS’ GARDEN OPEN DAY from 10.00am with plant sales and coffee, tea and cakes.

For further details or to book a stall place (no food stalls, please) contact Maria.Duran@kmpt.nhs.uk

Raising Voices, Raising Spirits!

2010-01-26T10:28:00.001Z

Click HERE to see a fantastic report by BBC Kent on the Mustard Seed Choir! Complete with interviews with members of the choir! They sound fantastic!

Article on Live It Well!

2010-01-21T14:25:00.001Z

Check out this article on the new Live It Well site!

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/New-website-will-help-to-boost-mental-well__being-newsinkent32030.aspx?news=local

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

2010-01-18T12:28:00.001Z

Free Training on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.... Click HERE for more information.

Kent and Medway Funding Fair

2010-01-18T12:01:00.001Z

Click HERE for more information relating to the Kent and Medway Funding Fair - booking is open now!

Interviewers Wanted!

2010-01-18T11:32:00.001Z

Do you know any mental health service users who would make a good interviewer for a trust project to look at our systems for service user involvement.

If so please encourage them to apply to this exciting opportunity. Deadline for applications is 21st Jan so please encourage people to act soon.

Click HERE for more information.

Thanks for your help.

Kind regards, nick

Nick Dent

PALS Manager (East)

Kent & Medway Partnership Trust

Love Shouldn't Hurt Conference

2010-01-18T11:15:00.000Z

Canterbury District Domestic Violence Forum
invite you to Love Shouldn't Hurt 2.
A one day conference on domestic abuse and its
effect on children and young people.
St Mary Bredin Church, 59 Nunnery Fields, Canterbury
26 February 9am to 4pm

Click HERE for the invite, HERE for the agenda and HERE for a booking form. RSVP by 26th Jan 2010.

Canterbury and Coastal Rethink Carers' Support Group

2010-01-18T11:02:00.000Z

CANTERBURY & COASTAL RETHINK CARERS’ SUPPORT GROUP

STEVE FURBER AND DONNA BARKER
from Chaucer House will talk about
Casa Support Services- Accommodation/ Floating Support/Swale Horizons Project on
TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2010 at the Canterbury Umbrella at 7.30pm

This talk will be useful to carers, service users and professionals so all are welcome.
In adverse weather conditions please ring Chris and Cheryl on the day to confirm that meeting is going ahead: 01227 760707

Pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme - An Update from Vanessa Fowler, Head of Specialist Commissioning, Secure Services

2010-01-04T15:36:00.001Z

Hi All,

Vanessa Fowler, Head of Specialist Commissioning for Secure Services, has forwarded an update of the Pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme to be posted to the blogs. If you have any questions regarding the scheme you can email the Medway Mental Health Commissioning Team via Claire Martin whose email is claire.martin@medwaypct.nhs.uk

“A pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme began in the 6 police custody suites in Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT and the one Police Custody Suite in Medway PCT in October 2009. These services replicate that in West Kent PCT. The results and evaluation of this pilot service will be used to advise the future service model across Eastern and Coastal Kent and Medway.

Members of the Kent and Medway population detained in prison who meet requirements for transfer under the Mental Health Act 2007 are transferred from prison to hospital in a timely manner and never experience unnecessary delay over 28 days. We have indeed negotiated a bespoke 6 week transfer programme with a low secure hospital provider, dedicated to working with transferred prisoners. The health economy is committed to this group of often acutely ill people getting rapid access to the right treatment in the right place at the right time.”

Community Development Worker Newsletter

2009-12-07T13:09:00.001Z

Click HERE to see the Rethink Community Development Worker Newsletter

Signpost Kent News

2009-12-07T12:56:00.001Z

For those of you who have not yet seen a copy, click HERE to see the first edition of Signpost Kent News!

Live It Well Launch Drop In

2009-11-22T21:43:00.001Z

Hi,

The www.liveitwell.org.uk site will launch with an open day on the 8th of December at Canterbury Umbrella, St Peters Place, Canterbury, CT1 2DB

We will be there from 10.00am to 4.30pm and will be happy to answer any computer related queries. We could help you get more out of email, set up your own blog or website or learn how to use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The press will be there and there will be sandwiches provided!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Consultation on drug and alcohol guidance for schools

2009-11-22T21:36:00.001Z

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has opened consultation on new drug and alcohol guidance for schools.

Consultation closes 15th February 2010

Click here to read more:

http://www.alcoholpolicy.net/2009/11/consultation-on-drug-and-alcohol-guidance-for-schools-.html

Drugs: Guidance for Schools

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1673&external=no&menu=1

Consultation on drug and alcohol guidance for schools

2009-11-22T21:34:00.000Z

Carers to be priortiy group for swine flu jab

2009-11-22T21:32:00.001Z

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson has said that carers would a priority group for vaccinations against swine flu. This is to protect the welfare of those being cared for who may be at risk if their carer falls ill.

To read more click here:

http://www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/News/1258713040

NHS Staff to transform patient care

2009-11-22T21:23:00.001Z

Twenty new projects, designed by frontline NHS staff to transform patient care were announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope on Social Enterprise Day. All frontline staff working in Primary Care Trusts can set up a social enterprise to improve their services under the 'right to request' scheme. Projects include a wide range of services, including those for homeless people, children and young people and mental health services.

To read more click here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_108865

Dignity in care training pack

2009-11-22T21:20:00.001Z

Diginity in care training pack released, click here for more information:

http://www.dhcarenetworks.org.uk/News/NewsItem/?cid=6653

Anxiety mistaken for flu!

2009-11-22T21:14:00.001Z

Anxiety UK is calling for detection, awareness and treatment of anxiety after an anxiety disorder was diagnosed as common flu.

Read the press release here:

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/news/?entryid17=76144

Credits for Caring Scheme

2009-11-22T21:11:00.001Z

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has called for the introduction of a ‘Credits for Caring’ scheme. One million carers would get extra support and over £0.5billion new money would be available for carers if the system were adopted, say experts at The Trust.

For the full press release click here:
http://www.carers.org/news/credits-for-caring-scheme-could-save-millions,5274,NW.html

Sainsbury Centre welcomes government plan to implement Bradley report

2009-11-22T20:58:00.001Z

Sainsbury Centre welcomes government plan to implement Bradley report

The Government has issued a comprehensive five-year action plan for improving the support people with mental health problems get in the criminal justice system.

See the full press release by clicking here: http://www.scmh.org.uk/news/2009_welcomes_plan_to_implement_bradley.aspx

Funding support

2009-10-26T15:00:00.001Z

Community Action South and East Kent, which was previously known as Mid and SE Kent Council for Voluntary Service, has been working with and for the voluntary and community sector for many years.

CASE Kent provides:

Support to groups on issues such as setting up, funding and governance
A training programme relevant to the sector
Bi-monthly newsletters and e-bulletins to members
Mentoring to obtain the PQASSO quality standard
Support to various forums
Representation of the sector
A directory of local VCS organisations

Take a look at the website - http://www.casekent.org.uk/

Health Secretary clarifies Government position on disability benefits

2009-10-26T12:03:00.000Z

The Secretary of State for Health has made it clear that Disability
Living Allowance for the Under 65s will not be affected by Government
plans to create a National Care Service.

Click HERE to read full statement

NEWSFLASH - NEW MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITE

2009-10-15T16:27:00.000+01:00

NEWSFLASH - NEW MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITE

http://www.amimad.org/

This is a website for anyone who wants to find out more about mental health. What is mental health? Will it affect me? What does it mean if my doctor has referred me to another service? How do you find out what services are out there to support you, where and how do you access these services?

If these are some of the questions you have then this is the site for you.

Am I mad is hosted by the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust and the list of services are those that are nationally available and services that are specific to Canterbury, Swale, Thanet, Dover/Deal, Ashford and Shepway- the geographical boundaries of the PCT.

NEWSFLASH - NEW MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITE

2009-10-15T16:20:00.000+01:00

World Mental Health Day Event

2009-10-15T15:58:00.000+01:00

CANTERBURY AND COASTAL RETHINK CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP WMHD EVENT

We still have a few places for carers and service users at our World Mental Health Day event at the Canterbury Umbrella at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 20 October. The Kent Circus School will be giving a short performance then will run a juggling workshop. Come along to watch or join in. It will be a fun evening and at the very least will make you smile. Places are FREE but must be booked

Please contact

Chris and Cheryl Ives
Joint Voluntary Coordinators
Canterbury and Coastal Rethink Carers' Support Group

01227 760707

Get Involved - New Horizons Consultation Event FREE!

2009-09-22T14:54:00.001+01:00

The Future of Mental Health, the consultation event around New Horizons, London on 28 September is now available to attend at no cost.

Hear leading figures from mental health, including from the Department of Health, explain what the new vision entails and how it impacts particularly on local authorities and social care.

Click HERE for details on how to book to attend this event free of charge.

Movie Release - The Soloist

2009-09-22T14:23:00.000+01:00

Why not grab a friend and head out to the cinema?

The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, played by Jamie Foxx, a musican who becomes schizophrenic and homeless and his relationship with the columnist Steve Lopez played by Robert Downey Jr.

The film is out now and has received great reviews! Check out the official site HERE or contact your local cinema to find out screening times.

Canterbury Umrella AGM

2009-09-17T23:28:00.000+01:00

The Canterbury Umbrella Centre is holding it's Annual General Meeting on the 8th of October at the Umbrella Centre, St Peter's Place, Canterbury 4.00pm for a 4.15pm start.

Rethink Survey - Your Voice Counts!

2009-09-17T23:12:00.000+01:00

Rethink's Black and Minority Ethnic Community Development Service is currently carrying out a survey called 'Your voice counts' - for every member of the Kent and Medway community to feedback their views.

Further information can be found below, and you can follow this link to take part in the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZLmLxPCAsYogSb_2fJMZGrKw_3d_3d

Reena Sooch, Service manager CDW service, states:“Whether it is depression, anxiety, stress or panic we all have experience of ourselves or someone we know suffering a mild or moderate mental health problem and if we don’t receive treatment or support these problems can often become worse. We want to ensure that every individual is aware of support available to them and is able to access it without any barriers. There are many more severe mental health problems such as Schizophrenia, Bulimia or Post traumatic stress disorder, which also affect a significant number of people in our communities and they too with the right treatment can look towards recovery and hope.

'Your voice counts', with this survey we need to understand what our local community feel are necessary changes to improve access to mental health services. We would like to hear your voice about your experiences in accessing mental health services locally and your suggestions for improvements. Your opinion, experiences and suggestions will be involved in making changes that affect lives positively by improving services. Your contribution towards this survey is vital and will be much appreciated.”

All responses are confidential and will only be used for the purpose of identifying gaps in local services and to look at ways of improving service provision.

Any concerns or queries about this survey please email:cdw@rethink.org

Thank you.

Time to Change

2009-09-17T22:52:00.000+01:00

You can pick up some great information on the Time to Change Campaign - seeking to end mental health discrimination at www.time-to-change.org.uk

You can also order leaflets and other promotional items for your service to display by following this link: http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/actionpack

Let us know if you take part in or hold a Time to Change event by emailing heather.wells@kent.gov.uk

Well Being For All

2009-09-17T22:39:00.000+01:00

Celebrate World Mental Health Day in East Kent 12th to the 16th October

A week long exhibition in Margate Library

We Need YOUR poetry, photos, art, your time, your enthusiam and your support!

For more details or to offer your help please get in touch with Maggie Gallant at furst@rethink.org

Great Porchlight Website

2009-09-17T22:38:00.001+01:00

Have you seen the Porchlight website?

Porchlight are one of the foremost charities supporting vulnerable and homeless people in Kent.

Their website is great - take a look HERE!