NETWORK NEWS NEWS FOR PEOPLE WITH INTEREST IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH

ISSUE 45 Winter 2012

Inside this issue

Keri’s Random Mumblings______2

Camilla’s Page______3

Job Advert and Poem______3

Volunteer News ______4

Rural Outreach Project ______5

Dance 123______6

Spiritual, Religious and Pastoral____ 7

SSNMH General Meeting______7

My Story, by Sue Wyke______8

Smoke Free Trust & StampScheme__9

Richmond Fellowship Life Links____10

My Recovery Journey, by Abi______11

Information Directory ______12—15

Noticeboard and Bromford Floating Support______16

When you have finished with this magazine PLEASE pass it on or recycle it.

Photo by “Simply Rhona”

South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health: The Service User’s Network

www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk

Keri’s Random Mumblings Write to us at: Network for Mental Health, FREEPOST MID 23594, , Staffordshire WS13 6LL or email us on [email protected] Welcome to the Winter than I did! Camilla was key to our Edition of Network News... Inpatient Meetings at Margaret Stanhope, so has real experience in This is the first issue with myself as helping people to have their say! editor, as I’m now in my new role as Karen, our Admin Officer, has kick- ANNUAL SURVEY Project Coordinator, so I really do started our website and facebook hope this meets with your RESULTS page. Please check these out and expectations. find out even more about what’s In the last issue of Network News, we Network News belongs to the going on. You can even use facebook had our annual survey. Network Members – Please let me and the website to tell us your know how you feel we can make it thoughts about mental health We didn’t get a huge response to this more about the things you want to services: in comparison to previous years read about! We are always, always (about 2% of our membership this www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk looking for contributions – your year, from around 10% less year). success stories, poetry, photography, facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth More people completed the survey artwork, news about services make In November 2012, we held our online than on paper this year, which the News come alive. If you fancy Annual General Meeting . It was is interesting. And it appeared that giving it a go and seeing your work great to see so many people come people still value having a copy published, please send to us at the along and support us. The Annual posted out to them, which is useful to addresses above. General Meeting celebrates our note. achievements over the past year and We had several changes over the last is this is also the time to elect our Out of the people who rated our few months. As reported in last issue, Board of Trustees. We had a really services we provided to themselves, Suzanne and Tracey have left the moving story celebrating the recovery 71% rated us good or excellent, Network to pastures new. Also Sean journey of someone volunteering at whilst no one rated us poor or very and Brian, long standing board Quest’s Food4Thought cafe, thanks poor. members have completed their roles again to Sue for arranging this! All of as trustees. Please join me in wishing Out of the people who rated our our members are invited to our AGM them all the very best for the future services in general, 64% rated us and next year it would be great to see and sincere thanks for their passion good or excellent, and whilst no one even more faces! and dedication. rated us poor or very poor, it does look like we’ve got some work to do We are happy to report Camilla I also wish to offer thanks to All to improve! We would be grateful to Freeman, volunteer for us for four Saint’s Church at Alrewas for their hear your suggestions and ideas on years, has taken over the kind donation of £300 towards our this... Development Worker role for the time ’Fighting Fear and Discrimination’ being and has done a great job in Talks. This money will help these Have a great Christmas picking up all the hard work it brilliant volunteer-led talks continue in and New Year... requires and getting round even more the future! Keri Lawrence, Project Coordinator

Wouldn’t it be great if you could help raise money for our charity without it costing you a penny? Well, if you shop online, you can!

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. Lots of the online shops you might already use have signed up to this scheme. A percentage of what you spend will be donated to us by the company. Our fundraising page is www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/

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Camilla’s Page

Camilla Freeman, Acting Development Worker

Well, when I wrote my contribution to Network. This helps the Network by the last issue’s Volunteer News I making us visible to potential certainly wasn’t expecting to be members and partners, it also gives offered the exciting opportunity to be us the chance to put mental health on the Acting Development Worker for the agenda and learn about other the South Staffordshire Network for services who we can signpost our Mental Health. members to. be leaving this role to take up a permanent contract with a day Thanks to the volunteer work I have An example of an event I have opportunities service, but my done for the Network and other attended is the Welfare Benefits involvement with the Network will mental health organisations over the Reform Awareness Raising Event I continue as I’m going to rejoin the years I was able to get stuck straight attended just this morning. There was Network volunteer team when I’ve in visiting groups I already knew and a presentation by a representative of settled into my new job. gathering comments from people the Department for Work and about the services they are receiving. Pensions about the benefit changes I have really enjoyed being the Acting being implemented in response to Development Worker, Keri and Karen I’ve also been to some groups that The Welfare Reform Bill. This was have been very patient answering my were new to me and had a lovely useful for the Network because many questions, the Network’s welcome from the people who attend although we do not give advice about Volunteers and Trustees have been them and the staff and volunteers benefits, we get asked a lot of supportive and our fantastic members who provide them. questions about them and if we have have been very welcoming and There is a lot more to the information from events like this we accommodating whilst I get up to Development Worker role than just know we have the right awareness speed with what I’m supposed to be visiting and gathering comments and can hopefully point people in the doing. about services. Once someone right direction to alleviate some of So I’ll be seeing you again but next passes on a comment we have to do their fears about the future. something with it! Anonymously time it will be from the more familiar passing on the views of people who Some of you may have noticed the setting of the volunteer page. use services to those who run them is word “acting” forms part of my current Things I’m up to at the Moment how we help service providers job title. This is because I am currently working on a temporary develop by learning from their  Working with Quest to find ways of contract that was offered to me successes and listening to the other making sure that the people who because Keri was “Acting Project comments so they can continue to go to Quest have the chance to put Coordinator” for a while when improve what they do. forward their views to help the Suzanne left the Network and they service develop in the future. I’ve also attended meetings and needed someone to cover the events as a representative of the Development Worker role. I will soon  Representing our Network members during the planning of an JOB OPPORTUNITY at SSNMH: Development Worker event about how to improve the This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work for SSNMH. The Development effectiveness and awareness of the Worker’s role is to promote and facilitate the empowerment & involvement of adults who Care Programme Approach. have mental health needs in the planning, development, and improvement of mental health services in the six districts of South Staffordshire. In addition, they take a key role in Reader Submitted Poem coordination of volunteers, and signpost people to access possible care, treatment, accommodation, occupational and training opportunities available. Psychology

Hours: Up to 34 per week When I was small We are happy to consider job share & part time working arrangements I had aspirations Salary: SCP 24 to 28 (£20,858 to £23,708 pro rata) A psychologist Closing date for applications: 5pm Monday 4 February 2013 I wanted to be Interviews to be held on 19 and 20 February 2013 Now I’ve grown up For application packs and further information, please request an application pack from Karen Hunt, 01543 301139, or email [email protected] I’d gladly be anything SSNMH is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from all communities. Anything

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Volunteer News The Network Team currently has 14 volunteers, contributing to our great work in different ways. Here’s an update on what’s going on...

ICE—Improving Customer had a real focus on volunteers deal with their enquiry, for Experience Involvement 2012 and volunteering for the Network. example to the welfare benefits

Over the summer, we ran a We are going to see some really services at Staffordshire County project with the Joint positive work on this in the near Council. Commissioning Unit to train up 9 future, such as the creation of new volunteers to help conduct roles and increased use of social Stella’ Report – Awareness interviews with people using media. Champion – East Staffs services at Richmond Fellowship It has been an interesting time for Life Links and Changes: Mental Rachel ‘s Report – Involvement me as a volunteer for the Network. Health and Wellbeing. Champion – South Staffs In addition to giving another anti It’s been a quieter spell in my life The project was a great success, stigma and discrimination talk and it meant that instead of getting the due to the need to physically rest arranging others, I was asked to 48 planned interviews, we actually more, hence a slightly quieter be on the interview panel for the interviewed 80 people. People spell in actually doing things as an new project co-ordinator position. had the opportunity to be Involvement Champion in the I found this very interesting and interviewed by volunteers who South Staffs district. However, have used similar services in the was aware how responsible this within the principle of being past, which put them at ease. would be for the management of human beings not human doings I the Network. A huge thanks to Cyril, Joan, have been able to be there to

Julie, Diane, Lynette for joining listen to people’s concerns, I have recently attended the the team and making this such a comments and compliments about good project to be involved with. Network away day for volunteers, the mental health services staff and trustees where the Cyril and Joan have already available in the area. There have importance of volunteers to the started to support us on other been many positive comments Network has been clearly projects already, so we can see about the groups that run in this emphasised. Being a volunteer for their valuable contributions lasting area, like Mind, Quest, Richmond into the future. me has meant I am able to use Fellowship, as well as the and develop skills. It boosts my Also thanks to Mandie, Stella and Network, and it has been good to self esteem and confidence and is Sarah, volunteers who joined the be able to feedback with very rewarding. The beauty of project, eager to learn new skills contributors remaining being a volunteer for the Network and help in different ways. Sarah anonymous if wanted. is that my illness is understood, interviewed 4 people in one day, a real feat! So a special well done to People have also been extremely and if I am not sufficiently well to her. concerned and confused about undertake a task there is no the relocation of St David’s obligation only understanding. It is Away Day 2012 House, where the Community such a friendly and supportive Many of our volunteers, and a few potential volunteers, attended our Mental Health Team have been organisation. I am also helping Away Day 2012 to discuss the based for a long time for the area; with statistical input in the office future of the Network and putting a move to new premises in so I am developing new IT skills! in some thinking and planning Codsall has been announced. going to next year. Additionally I have been able to We want more volunteers! If you want to get more involved, The Away Day was funded by the signpost people to whichever please get in touch! Community Wellbeing Fund and service is appropriate to better

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Rural Outreach Results

The Rural Outreach Project was Cost of travel to get to services supported by Lloyds TSB and lack of public transport Summary of Foundation for & The Network’s volunteers compiled a Main Findings 2012 Wales. Tracey Hackett Rural Transport Report which was completed the project at the widely distributed and the Rural end of September 2012. Here Outreach Worker took it to relevant forums sharing the findings. We Top 5 key issues: are the results of Rural Survey. st made links with South Staffordshire 1 – Lack of services and The original survey was originally District Council and ensured that we activities in rural locations carried out in September 2009. had some input into the new transport 2nd – Stigma and discrimination service ‘Staffordshire connects’ which Since then, the Network has 3rd – Lack of public transport to is ‘dial-a-ride’ system linking villages employed rural outreach worker to together using a charitable provider. get to services and activities work with rural communities. elsewhere The survey was repeated in There has been focus on tackling 4th – Lack of information/publicity September 2012 to show if any the main findings which were in rural areas about services and highlighted in the first survey. improvements have been made and to highlight areas which activities These were: th people think need improving. 5 – The cost of travel to get to Stigma and discrimination services and activities is too high tackled by delivering 42 talks to The survey was sent out to all of community groups, many of which our members and was taken out Top 5 things people would like were in rural areas. on visits to service users at day to see improved: opportunities. The original survey Lack of services 1st – Mental health awareness as the new Social Inclusion and had 72 replies over a three month period. This time, we had 82 training in rural areas Recovery Services were nd commissioned, the providers have set replies in just over one month so 2 – Better/more publicity in rural up more groups in rural areas such the comparisons should be fairly areas of existing services and as Marchington and Rocester, service easy to make. However, as the activities users have also set up their own peer replies are anonymous, we are 3rd – More mental health services support groups in areas such as unable to tell if any of the same run in rural areas , Lichfield and Abbots people have filled in a survey th Bromley. 4 – Improved transport again and have found that the availability to get to services and Lack of information/publicity things they wish to see improve activities in rural areas about services have changed. 5th – Someone to practically help and activities The Network have visited local with getting back to leisure/life etc services in places such as libraries, village halls, churches and doctors surgeries.

This report can be found in full on our website at: http://www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/NetworkNewsOtherDownloads

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Dance 123

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Spiritual, Pastoral and Religious Care

As we rapidly approach Christmas it is a good time to think about faith and beliefs. Within the Trust we look after your Spiritual, Religious and pastoral care needs. EXTRAORDINARY Religion: Religious care helps you to practise your own Religion. GENERAL MEETING Religious and spiritual beliefs play an important role Monday 21 January 2012 in the lives of people with experience of mental and emotional distress, and religious involvement is 1.00pm until 3.00pm increasingly associated with positive mental health outcomes. Meeting Room 1, Mansell House 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL Within mental health services, the role of spiritual or religious beliefs for individuals experiencing mental Refreshments provided health problems is sometimes overlooked. There may be taboos around discussion of religious beliefs The Chair and Board of Trustees are seeking to amend the within mental health services, or religious beliefs may Articles of Association of SSNMH. Clause 43 presently be ignored or interpreted as symptoms of illness. states: Some people who use mental health services feel that their spiritual needs are not understood and The Quorum for the transaction of the business of the valued. People may be trying to understand the Trustees may be fixed by the trustees but shall not be meaning of their distress in religious and spiritual less than one third of their number or 5 Trustees, terms and may look to mental health service staff to whichever is the greater. help them with this. In some cases, professionals may be very helpful, listening without judgement and It is the intention to request, from the membership of being willing to ask pertinent questions about SSNMH present, agreement to the following alteration: people’s experiences and beliefs. Religion is not the The Quorum for the transaction of the business of the same as spirituality, though it can often be the way Trustees may be fixed by the trustees but shall not be someone expresses their spirituality. Religion represents a common set of beliefs, behaviour and less than one third of their number or 4 Trustees, practice, including rules, rituals and prayers. whichever is the greater.

Spirituality need not have any of these. The The Chair and Board of Trustees are seeking to amend the chaplaincy service offers a valuable source of Rules of SSNMH. Rule 1.1 presently state: support. Membership of the Charity shall be open to any person Spirituality: Spiritual care may not involve being over the age of 18 years interested in furthering the religious. It may be something like Yoga, walking, art objects of the Charity. or gardening. Spirituality is that part of each one of us which gives us a sense of identity, meaning It is the intention to request, from the membership present, purpose and belonging. It is not about knowing lots agreement to the following alteration: of facts, but of discovering deep within us and within others resources that help us cope with life’s ups and Membership of the Charity shall be open to any person downs. over the age of 16 years interested in furthering the objects of the Charity. Pastoral: Being alongside someone in need of pastoral care means helping anyone who is upset. It In addition, Rule 1.3 states: provides comfort and support for people who use our Every member, whether Full or Associate, shall have services and also our staff. one vote. It is the intention to request, from the membership present, Please read the Spiritual, Pastoral and religious care strategy on the trusts web site to see how your agreement to the following alteration: needs are being met by our Chaplain and others. Every member of the age of 18 or over, whether Full or Associate, shall have one vote. For further information please contact the Hospital Chaplain, Revd. Capt. Keith Shaw. If you are planning to attend please let us know by Tel: 01785 257888 Ext; 5365 () 16 Jan 2013 by calling on E-mail; [email protected] 01543 301139 or emailing at [email protected]

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My story – I suffered a cardiac arrest and survived!!! By Sue Wyke, Quest Day Opportunities

Wednesday 25 January 2012 was just like any other ordinary day; I got up and went to work. I can’t remember what the weather was like that day or what I was wearing, come to think of it; I can’t really remember much about the few days previously. I do remember gradually waking up in Stafford hospital about 6 or 7 or so days later to the beeping of machines.

I remember feeling terrified. As I ventricular fibrillation, which became, this was possibly the woke my family were there and could not sustain life, I was dead! worst part as I could not tell doctors and nurses and the story I was incredibly lucky that the anyone how I felt of what had happened to me first responders and paramedic The care I received in Stafford began to unfold. I had been were at my side within less than Critical Care Unit was nothing sitting on the wall outside of work three minutes; They cleared my short of amazing. Not only did talking to my daughter. None of airway of blood, and gave me the they care for me but they looked this I really remember but I am all important defibrillation and after my family who were also told I had a sudden cardiac then put a tube into my airway with me around the clock. arrest. With hind sight I and began CPR, this continued The weeks passed and I remember having some hot in the short ambulance ride to the flushes and palpitations, and gradually became strong and A&E department. Despite after about four weeks I was feeling very tired, which I receiving 40 minutes’ CPR, dismissed as being a part of my ready to get out of bed for the doctors believed that there was first time. I remember clearly how age and thought “oh just get on nothing further they could do. with it Susan”. wonderful it was when I first My family were beginning to ring stood up, feeling the air all I am told that my collapse was relatives and friends to inform around me, but my legs didn’t sudden. Hayley ran into my work them I had passed away, when a feel my own, they were like jelly, and asked them to phone for an doctor returned some 30 minutes but I had to learn to walk again. ambulance. As my daughter bent later to say miraculously they had I spent 7 weeks in hospital. But over to see if I was breathing, the found a pulse! However they first responders arrived just as my need to recover and to get warned that they could not be back to work was enormous. I my breathing had stopped. They sure how long my brain had been arrived in less than three missed those great people I work starved of oxygen and that I with, both people using the minutes. On arrival my heart had might have irreparable brain almost stopped too, except for service and staff. I missed being damage. creative and imaginative. some erratic flickers called I now have an ICD fitted that will But gradually they Sudden Cardiac Arrest happens to around pace my heart should it need it started to wake me up and administer a shock if it ever 100,000 people a year in the UK, without and six days later on warning it kills 250 people a day in the UK, goes into ventricular fibrillation my eldest daughter’s again. less than 5% of victims survive out of hospital, birthday I opened my It kills more people than Lung Cancer, Breast eyes. As I woke up in On the 15 September 2012, Sue Cancer and AIDS combined. Early the critical care unit my and her friends organised Rock 4 defibrillation is the key to surviving a SCA. family told me of the Shock, a night of live music amazing care I had which raised a massive £1180.47 to pay towards a defibrillator for If you would like to donate towards a received, I could not Stafford town which will hopefully portable cardiac defibrillator and to raising speak as I had to have spare families from losing awareness of where these portable a tracheotomy, for anyone who knows me someone dear to them to a defibrillators are situated, please visit: cardiac arrest. So far Sue has http://www.justgiving.com/arrhythmia you will understand how frustrated I raised a total of £2,934.30, which http://www.justgiving.com/sue-wyke is an awesome achievement.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.

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Smoke Free Trust

The Trust Board of South  A policy will be developed to end Staffordshire and Shropshire smoking at work by staff and additional Tobacco Healthcare Foundation Trust recently means developed to offer help to staff discussed the proposals for the to reduce or stop smoking. Smoking and Medication organisation to become a Smoke  A positive smoke free message will be Camilla Freeman, Acting Free Trust on its grounds and consistently conveyed through Development Worker premises from 1 April 2013. The signage, posters and staff intervention Discussions we have already had intention has been widely consulted  The emphasis will be on how to get about this issue have brought up the with staff, service users and carers support rather than simply “do not question of whether or not smoking and the Board reported that there has smoke”. tobacco has an effect on the way we been some extremely useful and The Trust's Smoke Free respond to medication. informed debate and some very Implementation Group will continue to Looking at the research provided, positive points, as well as concerns work to develop the appropriate tobacco smoke contains compounds that have notably focused on patient policies and guidance to support the that increase the activity of certain risk and anxiety. All the feedback and process. It is intended that staff and liver enzymes. Some drugs are experiences from other Trusts was service user champions will be broken down by these same liver noted. identified and asked to assist in enzymes, so higher doses of these At this meeting, taking into driving this important health change drugs are required in smokers than consideration all the points raised, and promotion. non-smokers. When people stop The Trust Board has decided to SSNMH have been involved with the smoking the enzyme activity will commit to a long term cultural change Implementation Group. Project reduce over a week or so, and then towards being fully Smoke Free on Coordinator Keri Lawrence said: smaller doses of these drugs are the Trust’s premises with some key required. As with many issues around provisos: 'it was good to note the movements made so far and in particular medication, there is a lot of person to  In the first year, measures will be put in allowances for inpatients which will person variation so the effects of place to significantly enhance the go a long way to alleviating concerns. smoking or quitting are hard to support available to service users to We continue be involved with the predict. reduce and cease smoking in both a community and inpatient setting, for all Implementation Group. Please let me To make things more complicated client groups. know if you are a service user and/or some drugs are broken down by carer and you would like to contribute different enzymes in the liver, or are  Commitment to end all smoking in the to the discussions in order to be buildings and grounds of Trust facilities excreted by the kidneys and these useful to helping the whole Trust to for all staff, visitors and service users drugs are not affected by tobacco who are not inpatients. reach its aims becoming Smoke Free, smoke at all. Fortunately, SSSFT in a way that has a positive effect on have told us that their prescribing  Smoking will be allowed for inpatient care and relations’ service users in the gardens of staff are going to be issued with a individual wards. It is expected that The Project Lead for the Trust is guide to inform them which drugs are each ward will consult with service Martin Thornley. affected by tobacco smoke, and what users throughout next year to jointly they should do, to make sure that

plan ways of reducing smoking in medication remains appropriate, if these inpatient areas. someone’s smoking status changes. We would therefore recommend that Stamps at 2011 prices for people claiming anyone intending to stop smoking some benefits speaks to the person who prescribes

Taken from http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/stamps their medication first and that they (as suggested by Network Member) also speak up quickly if they start

From Tue 6 Nov 2012, if you get certain benefits (pension credit, smoking again. employment and support allowance or incapacity benefit) you can buy up A useful place to look for further to 36 stamps at last year's prices from Royal Mail. First class stamps will cost 46p (usually 60p) and second class stamps will be 36p each usually 50p). information about this is the Trust's

To get the discount from your local post office, you'll need to show that Choice and Medication web-site: you receive the relevant benefits with a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions including Annual Up-Rating or other awards letters, dated within the last 12 months or take your Post Office Card Account http://www.choiceandmedication.org/ statement that lists one of the relevant benefits. south-staffs/. This offer closes on Christmas Eve

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Life Links: Out and About Experiences from two of our members...

Doxey Marshes, ‘Chased off’!

Sea Life Centre

days.’

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A massive thanks to Abi for sharing her wonderful story with us, which we’ve “my recovery journey” by Abi McLeod shortened slightly. Please speak to David at Life Links if you would like to Being offered long term support put After a three month review, my score read this story in full. my mind at rest. I was no longer alone now is 80.5 on the recovery star. This on my recovery journey. score made me feel really chuffed, I moved to the area 15 years ago as a and it boosted my confidence to see victim of childhood sexual, physical Again, when I started going in March that I had progressed. With the and mental abuse. Due to my mental 2012 I was very nervous as I had been support of Life Links, progression no health difficulties, my five children going to Brendan house and again I longer scared me. are not living with me at present. At need not have been. The staff was all the beginning of 2012 in the midst of equally as welcoming and I find the recovery star really easy to the hardest time of my life I was accommodating of my nerves. My life use as it identifies what I need to work referred to Brendan house and to Life links worker met me at my first group on. It also allows my link worker to see Links, where I discovered the recovery and introduced me to everyone. I was what everyday life is like for me, star, which focuses on ten different made to feel very welcome. which helps our professional aspects of my life. It was an eye Before moving to Staffordshire and relationship. opener, and nobody had ever said to using Life Links and Brendan House, I ...progression no longer scared me me that I was capable of looking at all was constantly judged by these different avenues. At first, it was professionals. I had been badly judged The recovery star at Life Links is a tool a shock, but whilst working with it, it particularly at A&E and somewhat that can easily be transferred to work built my confidence that somebody been brushed away. I was made to within both Life Links and Brendan had the belief that I was capable to feel like nobody wanted to reach out House. work on my own life. Here is my to me or could deal with my problems The groups I go to in the day have recovery journey. and I had never dreamed anyone taught me about my illnesses and how In the past I have had multiple stays in could help me see I could deal with to manage them better, also how to hospital, the longest stay being 20 my own problems. Within life links motivate myself and respect myself. months. Using Brendan House and Life they have given me the vision of my They have also taught us about debt links, has prevented me from going future my own direction and guided management and discrimination. me to see I have the power to change into hospital. I have strength and power within to my own life. At Brendan House, I have been able to be whole by listening, offering have a supportive 3 night break. The At Brendan house there is a variety of challenges and directing me to other staff are all unique and each brings things to do such as the creative forms of support even if it is at times something unique to the house. They activities for me, this might be card just having someone to bake cakes are always ready and eager to listen making or collages, crocheting or with someone to listen. Richmond and more importantly, they offer me adding to the Brendan house quilt by Fellowship is proactive motivational new ideas of ways to deal with making patches. and most of all inspiring. difficult situations. If I was asked what the most beneficial I have been in the psychiatric system When I first came to Brendan house I thing in my tool box is it would have for 21 years and it was not until I was did have preconceived ideas. I thought to be writing. It is a safe place to referred to Richmond Fellowship that I my stay would be like a hospital stay. express myself honestly and be heard have been able to move on. Oh how wrong I was! I did not even I could not live without it now. Their way of working is nothing less have to ring the door bell; they were When I did my first recovery star, my than life changing. It is great to say looking out for me. They opened the score was 56.5 out of a possible 110. they have saved my life and even door and instantly, I could see this was My lowest scores were for self-care, greater have helped me see I have a going to be like no place I had ever living skills, identity, self-esteem and life. been before. I was treated with managing my mental and physical I came into their services a victim and respect and spoken to as an equal. health. I had no sense of identity or now with their unquestioning support The house itself is like a home and who I was and little self esteem. I also I walk as a survivor and furthermore even though you can share with up to refused to acknowledge my mental they have helped me to develop two other people it has always been a and physical health. With support, having a future and to take warm and welcoming place to be. encouragement and guidance and a responsibility away from my traumatic I was no longer alone on my bucket load of patience from my life past. links worker, I now have identity and And lastly most treasured for me, they recovery journey furthermore know who I am, I care for have helped ensure my children have myself adequately and have a greater Whilst staying at Brendan House I was a mom to come back to. insight into my mental health. referred to the Life Links services. ...now I walk as a survivor ... 11

NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from December 2012

Please note: If a service is listed as Referral Only, please contact your GP or Care Coordinator in order to access the service. All times & venues subject to change, please check with Service Provider before attending for the first time. Mental Health Helpline — Brighter Futures Freephone from landlines and most mobile phones. Time provided for you to talk about your worries and concerns in complete confidence . Ring Out Service also available through referral. 0808 800 2234 Weekdays 7pm– 2am Weekends 2pm—2am

Mind Advice Line

Able to provide information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treat- ments and advocacy. Mon-Fri 9am –6pm 0300 123 3393 [email protected]

Work4You Employment Service — Making Space A mental health employment service, covering Staffordshire to help individuals who wish to gain or retain paid work. We will sup- port people who are not yet in employment but wish to do so. Also support individuals who are at risk of losing their job because of mental ill health to maintain that role. Offers training to employers to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health in the workplace. 01785 887813 Staffordshire Business Village, Dyson Way, Stafford. Staffordshire, ST18 0TW

Employment Works — SSSHFT Supporting a stepped approach to employment for people with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Referral through Care Coordinator only 01785 257888 Foundation House, St George's Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford, ST16 3AG

Brendan House Short Term Intervention Service — Richmond Fellowship Provides a safe space and support in a non medical setting for a short period of up to 3 nights. Offers service users who are in personal crisis help, support and the opportunity to talk. First stay is Referral Only. 01543 899465 5 Locketts Court, , 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, and Tamworth Borough): 01543 301140

Quest Day Opportunities Providing Recovery orientated services and volunteer opportunities across the South of Staffordshire—Referral Only 3 Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LL. Tel 01785 249251 Office open Mon – Fri 8.30am – 4.00pm. Tamworth contact – Matthew Hocking on 07837643335 Burton & Uttoxeter contact – Carl Slater on 07891871928 Lichfield contact – Janice Pacey on 07792370678 Cannock contact – Anita Sumner-Smith on 07792370718 Wombourne & Codsall contact – Lily Rodberg on 07792398581 Stafford contact – Duty Officer on 01785 249251

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for SSSHFT Ensures Service Users and carers receive information and confidential support when they need it and that their views and sug- gestions are used to shape the way the Trust is run. PALS also listen to concerns and work towards their resolution. 01785 221469 01785 221490 01785 221499

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NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from December 2012 Please note: If a service is listed as Referral Only, please contact your GP or Care Coordinator in order to access the service. All times & venues subject to change, please check with Service Provider before attending for the first time. Richmond Fellowship’s services by appointment and referral only, 1:1 sessions & additional support available outside of times shown. Stafford Borough Mid Staffs Mind Trinity Church, Mount Street, ST16 2BZ and Highfields Signposts Centre, Auden Way, ST17 9TX

You can drop in to Peer Support on weekdays, Weekend by referral only Richmond Fellowship: Stafford Office Suite 2, St. Johns House, Weston Road, Stafford ST16 3RZ, 01785 227 020 Also at Stafford Trinity Church, Mount Street, ST16 2BZ And Stone Frank Jordan Centre, Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NE

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Mid Staffs 10am—1pm 10am—1pm Peer 1.30pm –4.30pm Out of Hours Mind Work Club Support creativity Women’s Group Trinity Plus 10am—4pm Signposts Trinity Church Church at Quest Centre (Referral Only)

Richmond 10am—1pm 10am-1pm 10am Fellowship Peer Support Stafford Stafford Life Links Trinity Church Art Expressions Out & About St Johns House Meet at Trinity Church 11am — 2 pm Stone Peer Support Chase District Mid Staffs Mind Cannock 28 Manor Avenue, Cannock WS11 1AA, 01543 462 907 You can drop in to Peer Support on Weekdays, Out of Hours and Out of Hour Plus by Referral Only. Birth Art Group Brereton & Ravenhall Parish Hall, Main Road, WS15 1DS, 07707 392 993 Richmond Fellowship Cannock Office 16 High Court, Newhall Street, WS11 1GR, 01543 500 969 Avon Community Centre, Avon Road, Cannock, WS11 1LH (near Asda) Mondays and Fridays St Pauls Church, Lichfield Street, Rugeley, WS15 2EH

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Mid Staffs 1– 4pm 2pm-4pm 10am —1pm 10am—1pm Women’s Out of Mind Drama & Music Badminton Work Club Oasis -Appointment Group Hours Out of Hours Leisure Office needed, Office 1pm-4pm Plus 5pm-8pm centre 10am- Out of Hours 4pm 5pm –9pm Richmond Cannock Avon Centre Cannock Rugeley 10.30am- Cannock Fellowship 11am-2pm Out and About 1.30pm Avon Centre Life Links Structured Session times vary, call to Peer Support 11am—2pm Rugeley check. Meet at Peer Support 10.30am-1.30pm Copper Kettle Art facilities Structured Session available Fresh Start Friendship Birth Art Group Group, 8pm, Barns Alternative Thursdays Hotel, Cocksparrow 1pm—3pm Lane, WS12 4BP

Mid Staffs Mind Wombourne Community Fire Station, Giggetty Ln WV5 0AX Richmond Fellowship Wombourne Community Fire Station, Giggetty Ln WV5 0AX South Staffordshire (Saturdays) Hand in Hand Centre, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ Great Wryley Great Wyrley Community Centre, Landywood Lane, WS6 6JX Codsall Codsall Village Hall, Road, WV8 1PW : St Michaels Church Hall or last Wed of month: Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, ST19 9SD, 2pm-4pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sun

Richmond Wombourne Codsall MidStaffs Mind From Jan Codsall Wombourne- Fellowship RF 10am—2pm RF 9.30am1pm Womboune Gt Wyrley Peer Support Hand in Hand Structured Session Life Links (RF) Great Wyrley RF Structured 1pm-4pm Peer Support- RF 10am-12 RF 10- Centre 10am— 1.30pm –3.30pm Session Penkridge1.30-3.30pm noon 12noon 2pm

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NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from December 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. Burton On Trent A Plus Self Help Salvation Army Citadel, Mosley Street, DE14 1DR, Call Michael on 07833282137 All Saints Church Branston Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 3DD 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 New Baptist Church Derby Street, Burton on Trent, DE14 2LE Task Works Unit 20, Imex Business Park, Shobnall Road, DE14 2AU, 01283 546754. Referral Only Changes Burton on Trent 222 Branston Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 3BT, 01283 500805 [email protected]

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sun

Burton 'Craft and Chat' New Baptist A Plus Self Help All Saints Community All Saints Church Church Activities and support Church Groups Branston Rd Derby St. Burton 11am to 3pm Snacks & Branston Rd, Open to all 1pm - 3pm 10 am to 4 pm Hot Food at cost 11am to 3pm

Changes— Social Activity Walk NOCN Wellness Workshop Mutual Mutual Stretton Mutual Burton 10:30am at Stapenhill Coord’s 10.00-12.30pm Support Group Support Support Group Office Open Bandstand Training 10am-12pm Group Priory Centre, Mutual Support Group Mon– Fri Open to All Mutual 10.30am 11am-1pm Mutual Support Group 12:30-2:30pm 10am-3pm 10am –12.30pm Support Group — 12.30- 2.30pm Waterside Advice Shop, Social Activity 12.00-2.00pm 12.30pm Burton Library 104 Short St, All activities Reiki Healing Mutual Support Burton Fire DE14 1AH Stapenhill, DE15 9LT Group Station, at office 11:30am-2.30pm 1pm—3pm Moor St, unless stated Phone to book Mutual Support Group Mutual Support Group 6.30-8.30pm DE14 3SU 6.30-8.30pm Social Activity Winshill Resource Centre Reiki Healing Canterbury Rd, DE15 0HD 12:30-2.30pm Phone to book Uttoxeter Art & Soul Friendship Group Drop-In, staff & peer to peer support, art & craft room, Complimentary Therapies for stress & relaxation Hawthorne House, 45 Market Place, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HF Friendship Group Church House, Bagot Street, Abbotts Bromley, WS15 3DA Changes Uttoxeter 23 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8EY 01889 567436 [email protected] Rocester Children’s Centre, High Street ST14 5JU Abbotts Bromley Village Hall, off Baggot Street Draycott in the Clay Village Hall, DE13 8NQ

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Community Art & Soul Art & Soul Art & Soul Art & Soul Art & Soul Groups 9.30am—3.30pm 9.30am—3.30pm 9.30am—3.30pm 9.30am—3.30pm 9.30am—3.30pm Women’s Group Friendship Group 6pm –9pm 12.30pm—2.30pm Changes— Rocester Abbotts Bromley Mutual Support Mutual Social Afternoon Mutual Support Mutual Support Mutual Support Group Support Uttoxeter Call for details 10.30am-12.30pm 10.30am -12.30pm Group Adult/PY Group Office Open 1pm—3pm Wellness Workshop Adult 18+ 10am-12pm Adult/PY Mon– Fri At Office Open to All NOCN Coord’s 6.30pm -8.30pm 10.30am- 10am-3pm Draycott 12.00-3.00pm Training at office Wellness 12.30pm All activities Mutual Support Mutual Support 10am—12.30pm Workshop Group Adult/PY Office at office Group 6.00-9.00pm 1.30pm-3.30pm closes at unless 18-25years Social Afternoon At office 1pm stated 6.30pm -8.30pm Call for details

Mutual Support 1pm—3pm

6pm—8.30pm at Office Waterside Centre

Ashbourne

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NFORMATION DIRECTORY - from December 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.

Burntwood & Lichfield

Open Door of Hope Lichfield Methodist Church, Backcester Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6JH Contact Mike on 07779 980741 Changes : Unit 8, Old Mining College, Queen St, Chasetown, Burntwood WS7 4QH 01543 679000 Lichfield: Pavilion, Beacon Park, Beacon Street, WS13 6QZ 01543 309770 Bi Polar Group: Jigsaw, 72 Dimbles Lane, WS13 7HL 0845 434 9907

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Community St John’s Curbourgh Groups Community Community Church Centre Chase Terrace Community Open Door Burntwood Café, WS13 7NY Methodist 10am-2pm 9am –12noon Church, Lichfield, Open Door Open Door of 1pm-3pm Methodist Church, Hope Lichfield, 1pm-3pm Pig & Truffle, Bi Polar Group Tamworth St 7pm-9pm, Every Lichfield, 7-9pm other Monday Changes— Wellness Support Group Social Office Closed Wellness Foundation Social Burntwood Programme Adult / PY Activities Programme Activities Office open 12noon—3pm 10am- 10am-12noon 10am –12noon 10.00am- 12.00noon 1.00pm 10-3 Mon, Tue Adult Peer Peer Support Group Wed and Fri WAP Peer Support Group Boney Hay Children ’ s Support 12.30- 2.30pm Centre, Primary School, 12.30 –2.30pm Chorley Road 1pm-3pm Changes— From 28.01.13 Social Social activities Adult Peer Wellness Adult/PF Lichfield NOCN Coord’s Activities & Time for Art Support Group Programme Office Peer Office Open Training 10.00am- 1pm—3pm 10.30am- 10:30am - 1pm Support 10.30am –1pm call 12noon 12.30pm Group Mon– Fri Adult Peer for details 10.30am— 10am-3pm Peer Support Group WAP Peer 12.30pm Peer Support Support Group 6pm –8pm Support

David Garrick Gardens Adult / PY Mansell House Sessions

Bloomfield Crt 1pm—3pm 22 Bore Street 1pm –3pm WS13 7JN, 1-3pm

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 Starfish Project Church ran Drop-In and support 07947 957155 www.starfishtamworth.org Changes 6 Lady Bank, Tamworth, B79 7NB 01827 311006

Monday Tuesday Wed’day Thursday Friday Saturday Sun Community Starfish Project Coffee Hour Starfish Starfish Project Arty Crafty Groups Crypt at St Editha’s 11am –12 noon St Martins, at St Andrews, 10am-12noon 2pm—4pm and Stoneydelph, Leyfields, 7.30pm to 9.30 pm 7.30-9.30pm 2pm –5pm

Changes— Mutual Support Lady’s Mutual Wellness Peer Support Mutual Tamworth Male Group Support Group Programme Fire Station Support Office Open 10.30am-12.30pm 10am-12noon 10am-1pm Marlborough Group (PY/ Mon– Fri Foundation Art Session WAP Peer NOCN Coord’s Way B77 2NW Adult) 10am-3pm Wellness 1-3pm Support Training 10.30am— Social 1pm—3pm Sessions Open to All 12.30pm Afternoon Peer Support 1pm –3pm 1.30pm-4pm 12noon –3pm 10am-12noon The Mutual Support Inc. Meditation Arch, Amington Group (Adult) 1pm-3pm B77 4EW 15 5pm - 7pm

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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 Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, to say and providing the space and the laws Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 6LL of libel allow, we will publish it. Tel/Fax: (01543) 301139 Contributions for the next issue of "Network News" must be received by Email: [email protected] Friday 8 March 2013. Website: www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk THANK YOU TO OUR ‘NETWORK NEWS’ PROOF Registered Charity: 1097461 READERS FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE! Company Ltd by Guarantee: 4693666

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