The February 2006 Newsletter

A community resource to promote better mental health

Welcome

So what's this newsletter all about? Well, it is a resource for organisations, individuals and groups across the statutory, voluntary and community sector who share an interest in mental health. It is a tool for sharing information about what is going in Redbridge.

What's really important to ensure this newsletter succeeds is that you keep us up to date with the latest news, training events, service changes and campaigns.

Win £30 pounds of Marks and Spencer Vouchers

We want a catchy name for our e-newsletter so email Jon Abrams with your ideas and the best name will win some M&S vouchers.

New Website

Our new website was finished just before Christmas, and is now up and running. It is still at www.rcmh.org.uk and has several new sections including: an events diary, a job section (paid and voluntary work) an art and poetry gallery, as well as an up-to-date directory of mental health services in Redbridge. If you would like to advertise a job or an event then please email Jon Abrams.

Hearing Voices Group Launch

Redbridge Concern for Mental Health in partnership with Nelmht and the Family Housing Association are pleased to announce that a Hearing Voices group is now up and running in Rebridge. A number of such groups have been established across the country and are typically, made up of people who share the experience of hearing voices, coming together to help and support each other with the aim of offering an opportunity for people to accept and 'live with their voices'.

We meet every Thursday from 3pm to 4.30pm at 19 Mansfield Road, Ilford, IG1 3BA

For more info contact Email:Jon Abrams (tel: 020 8925 2435) or Jackie Silman (tel: 020 8970 4043)

Small Grants make a big difference

Capital Volunteering Redbridge is inviting organisations to apply for a small grant between £500 and £5,000 for one year. A key criteria is that organisations endeavour to tackle issues of mental health and social exclusion by increasing volunteering opportunities in particular for mental health service users.

For more information email Duduzile Moyo the Redbridge Capital Volunteering Co-Ordinator or phone: 020 8970 6011.

Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health

Sue Merchant is currently working with the Strategic Health Authority as the Site Activity Co-ordinator for the Delivering Race Equality (DRE) Programme. Sue says "DRE in Mental Health Care is an action plan for achieving equality and tackling discrimination in Mental Health Services in England for all people of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) status. The North East London Sector has been selected as one of 17 Focused Implementation Sites (FIS) across the country and their task is to eliminate discrimination and ensure equality of care. To find out more click here

Mental Health and the Media

A new report on print and broadcast media coverage of mental health has concluded that media coverage stigmatises people with mental health problems. The survey was carried out on behalf of Shift by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Media and Rethink. You can read the report and download copies from the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health Website.

Dolphins help treat depression

Dolphins, according to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, can help alleviate symptoms of depression after two weeks of treatment. Participants who got to play with the dolphins showed significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than those who only enjoyed other aspects of nature.

Well, that got me thinking with the current emphasis on choice when I next visit my GP I know what I'll be requesting. Or even better how about a dolphinerium in Goodmayes..... You can read the study in full here.

And, finally

I hope you found the newsletter useful if you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms then please let me know. And, please let us know

Jon Abrams
Web Site Editor
Redbridge Concern for Mental Health
98-100 Ilford Lane
Ilford, Essex, IG1 2LD
Web Site: www.rcmh.org.uk
Email:rcmh@btconnect.com
Telephone: 020 8925 2435

Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3115971
Registered Charity No. 1065770

Disclaimer

Redbridge Concern for Mental Health does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Redbridge Concern for Mental Health unless otherwise specifically stated.