Published by Redbridge Concern for Mental Health

Mental Health Week

Every year we hold a number of events in Redbridge to raise awareness around mental illness, promote mental well-being and challenge the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health. This year we have planned a number of events including an art exhibition at Ilford Central Library and an Arts and Crafts Day at Forest Farm Peace Gardens. To find out more please visit our website

'Hearing Voices, Seeing Things'

Come to the exhibition launch and comedy event of 'Hearing Voices, Seeing Things' on the 16th September at the Serpentine '. All welcome. Places are free, just call to book yours on 0207 7298 1503 or email the Serpentine Gallery.

To find out more about the exhibition visit the thinkarts website.

Service User Consultation Event

The London Development Centre is holding a consultation event on September 11 to identify how to strengthen the involvement of service users, with a Personality Disorder and their carers in mental health services across London. For more information, please download a booking form or contact Hayley Barlow (020 7307 2421).

Leading By Example

In the last bulletin, we were pleased to announce the publication of Nelmht's Service User and Carer Strategies. In the action plan, Nelmht has made a commitment to promote and increase the employment of service users in clinical and non-clinical posts.

Well, the Disability Rights Commission, in conjunction with the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health has recently published a good practice guide on employing people with mental health problems.

According to the report there are a wide range of good reasons for employing service users including a strong moral case. Work, according to the report, is the single most influential factor in terms of social inclusion. "From employment stems friends and money and therefore relationships and somewhere decent to live."

Whilst the publication is targeted at the NHS there is plenty in the report that we can all take on board.

Leading By Example, Making the NHS an exemplar of employer of people with mental health problems can be downloaded here.

Redbridge Resource Centre Visitors' Day

The Resource Centre has recently introduced a Visitors' Day for potential new members, carers and professionals on the last Thursday of every month from 2pm - 4pm.

For further information please phone the centre on 020-8708-5444 /5112, or alternatively email Hycinth Taylor. You can download the latest guidelines for referrals here.

Volunteering Helps Combat Mental Ill Health

A recent study has suggested volunteering can help boost the recovery of people who experience mental health problems. Preliminary research from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London found 85% of those involved in the Capital Volunteering project had experienced positive outcomes from getting involved despite the underlying isolation experienced by many of them within the community.

A summary brochure Capital Volunteering - It's Working has been produced to capture the essence of the research. You can download a full copy of the report, looking at the hopes, fears and initial experiences of the 'first 60' Capital Volunteers here.

If you would like printed copies of the report, Capital Volunteering - It's Working, please contact Katalin Frank at kfrank@csv.org.uk.

Autumn Equinox and Workday - 21st September

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a community garden working with a broad cross-section of the community to promote health, well-being, environmental sustainability and intercultural awareness.

The Peace Garden is holding an Autumn Equinox and Workday on the 21st September at the Forest Farm Community Gardens, end of Hazelbrouck Gardens, Ilford, IG6 2XL.

For further information please call Gareth Morgan on 0791 308 9979 or alternatively email him at: ffpg2004@yahoo.co.uk.

Spirituality and Mental Health

Spirituality and Mental Health is the title of a new booklet from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the popular 'Help is at Hand' series. It provides guidance for the general public, people with mental health problems, and carers. The booklet points out that it is not necessary to hold formal religious beliefs, or belong to an established faith tradition, to experience spiritual awareness. Benefits patients have identified of paying attention to the spiritual dimension of their lives include improved self-esteem, self-control and confidence; faster and easier recovery; improved relationships; and a new sense of meaning.

You can read and download the booklet here.

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.