Medway Wellbeing Blog

Join Rethink "Hope" on a World Cruise "Hope"

2012-01-25T15:08:00.001Z

Can you imagine cruising along the seas to uncover the hidden treasures from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean this winter? You can have a taste of a cruise experience right here in Medway.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of different communities in Medway and share stories of finding Hope beyond Life’s struggles.

Fort Pitt Grammar School
Chatham ME4 6TJ

28 January 2012 between 5.00-8.00pm

Light refreshments will be served.

To book your free place please contact:

Priti Joshi 07952319196 rethinkhope@gmail.com
or
Rathini Mills 07733886959 rathini.mills@rethink.org

Rethink "Hope" Group

2012-01-25T15:05:00.001Z

The Rethink “Hope” group is a project with 3 elements

1. Recovery Hope – peer support
2. Hope in Caring – carers’ support
3. Mental Health Champions

Recovery Hope

A recovery focused support Group for people who are experiencing emotional distress/enduring mental health problems. We meet every Thursday mainly to support each other. We also do creative and physical activities.

Group meeting every Thursday between 12.30 -14.30 at:

Sunlight Centre
105 Richmond Centre
Gillingham
ME7 1LX

"This Group is God sent to me. It is good to be able to interact with people who understand how it feels"

To join the group or refer someone please call Priti Joshi on 07939 570944 or Tina Murphy on 01634 844044 or email recoveryhope@gmail.com

Hope in Caring (in partnership with Medway Carers Centre)

A support group for carers of people who are experiencing emotional distress/enduring mental health problems.

Meets every second and fourth Wednesday from 10.30-12.30 at:

Medway Carers Centre
3 Canterbury Street
Gillingham
ME7 5TP

"I wish I knew then what I know now .We didn’t know where to get help or how to help our relative. It has been good to get information and support by coming to the group."

To join the group or refer someone please call the carer’s centre 01634 577340 or email hopeincaring@gmail.com

Mental Health Champions

Who are Mental Health Champions? Community leaders, professionals, service users and carers championing mental wellbeing in the community

Why do we need champions? Government statistics show the people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups have poorer access to and experience of mental health services. Stigma and lack of awareness prevent people from getting help. People who are suffering from mental health problem often need help to approach services. Early intervention prevents long-term suffering.

What will the champions do?

Support individuals with mental health problems in their community, signposting to relevant services and resources within the community where necessary
Contribute to creating awareness of mental health and combating stigma within their community
Influence the design and delivery of services to the community by bringing community concerns and issues to the attention of relevant authorities through Link and other partners.
Be a link between community and mental health and supportive services

The group meets bi-monthly. If you are Interested in what the champions are doing or if you want to support the champions please email John Okomah at rethinkchampions@gmail.com

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-12-29T14:57:00.002Z

The Patients Consultative Committee provides an opportunity for service users and carers to work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT). The next West Kent PCC meeting will be on 17 January, from 11am to 1pm, at

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

at which Kim Solly, Liason Psychiatry Service Manager, will be talking about handling mental health presentations at A&E.

Please contact Louis Dereham on 0800 587 6757 to let us know if you are coming.

The Power of Telling my Story

2011-11-10T09:27:00.004Z

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: 22nd & 23rd November, 2011
Venue: Trinity Foyer, 20 Church Street, Maidstone ME14 1LY
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

Recovery Journeys

2011-09-21T08:52:00.000+01:00

The Council for Voluntary Services (Medway) are holding a Recovery Journeys event for service users and carers on Thursday 13 October from 12.30 until 3pm at

The Sunlight Centre
105 Richmond Road
Gillingham ME7 1LX

If you would like to attend or any further information please conatct either
Tracey Jones - 01634 812850
or
Rathini Mills - 07788336959

to reserve your place.

LGBT discussion group

2011-09-21T08:47:00.000+01:00

The Council for Voluntary Services (Medway) are holding an informal discussion group for Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities who have mental health problems.

Friday 30th September from 12 until 2pm at

CVS Medway,
5A New Road Avenue
Chatham ME4 6BB

If you would like any further information please contact Tracey Jones on 01634 812850 or via email

There will be tea,coffee and cakes.

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-07-12T23:44:00.001+01:00

The West Kent PCC offers an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the KMPT. The next meeting, on Tuesday 19th July at 11am, will be held at:

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

Including presentations from:

Roger Davies, Consultant Psychotherapist, Head of Psychotherapy at the Brenchley Unit
talking about this service for people with Personality Disorders

Sara Hutchinson, Rethink Community Development Worker
talking about the Trust's new Community Engagement Strategy

Please contact Lois Derham on '0800 587 6757 if you are coming.

Asperger's Information and Networking Day

2011-06-21T16:39:00.000+01:00

Sevenoaks Area Mind are pleased to announce further details of the Asperger's Information and Networking Day on

Thursday 7 July, 10am – 3pm, at the
Salvation Army Building
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Confirmed speakers include Dr Francis Harvey of the Kent & Medway Partnership Trust, with Jo Blamires and Des Walker of the Kent Autistic Trust. Lunch will be provided.

Download the flyer here or read full the details from Sevenoaks Area Mind here.

Please email or call 01732 744950 if you would like to book a place, as space is limited.

Peer Support - learning the lessons

2011-06-17T15:47:00.002+01:00

A meeting for service users looking at how peer support – mental health service users supporting each other - is being developed in mental health services in the UK and beyond. KMPT has commissioned a user led review of current research on peer support. This meeting will highlight the results of this review and seek support in taking this important aspect of service improvement forward.

SPEAKER - Carolyn Anderson, KMPT Expert by Experience

Thursday 30th June
11.30am – 2 pm

Maidstone Community Support Centre
Marsham Street,
Maidstone ME14 1HH

A sandwich Lunch and refreshments provided. Transport costs for service users can be reimbursed; please call Nick on 01227 812020 for further info, to discuss your needs and to reserve a place.

Open to all users of mental health services and supporters.

Let's Go Mental for Mental Health

2011-06-08T22:51:00.000+01:00

Let's Go Mental for Mental Health is a FREE gig night organised to raise awareness of psychosis in young people and is taking place in Chatham on 10 June at:

Poco Loco
60 High Street
Chatham
Kent ME4 4DS.

The night has been organised to promote awareness of psychosis and mental illness through live music and information provided by the Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, which provides assessment, treatment and support for young people aged 14 to 35 years, in the early stages of a psychotic illness.

Read more on the KMPT website.

Peer Support - the way forward

2011-05-26T16:31:00.002+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.

Changes to your Wellbeing Blog settings

2011-04-14T15:15:00.001+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!

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

2011-03-09T19:27:00.001Z

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

2011-03-08T20:03:00.001Z

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

Learning from Experience 2 - How are we doing?

2011-02-25T16:15:00.001Z

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.

Resourceful Recovery conference

2011-02-24T19:23:00.001Z

As mental health care providers, service users, families and carers are encouraged to develop partnerships, you are invited to join the West Kent & Medway team of the Early Interventions in Psychosis Service for a day of new learning, networking and refection to explore how resourcefulness supports recovery.

Thursday 24 March, 0900-1630 at
Hilton Hotel
Bearsted Road, Weavering
Maidstone ME14 5AA

For full details and the registration form click here, or call Amy Draper on 01622 721800.

Your feedback on community mental health in Kent and Medway

2011-02-16T12:48:00.001Z

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!

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC)

2011-02-16T12:17:00.001Z

The West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) is an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT). The next meeting will be at the Kingswood Community Mental Health Team at:

180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

on Friday 18 March at 11:00am, when Heather Penn, Vocational Services Manager, will talk about help and support available for those considering returning to work.

Please let Tony Peploe or Lois Derham know if you are coming, on 0800 587 6757.

No Health without Mental Health

2011-02-05T00:05:00.002Z

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.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing - followup

2010-12-29T10:57:00.001Z

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.

KMPT Community Engagement Workshops

2010-12-13T19:24:00.000Z

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 Chatham is on Friday 17 December, 10am-2pm (lunch provided), at

The Old Town Hall
The Brook
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4SE

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

2010-12-13T15:12:00.001Z

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.

Live It Well summary published

2010-11-22T13:18:00.001Z

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

2010-11-22T07:39:00.001Z

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.

"Art of Recovery" exhibition

2010-11-09T09:57:00.000Z

"Art of Recovery" features work by people who have experienced emotional problems (mental health service users) and have found a therapeutic outlet through making art. The exhibition showcases ceramics, Tiffany style glass, paintings and drawings.

This free exhibition is held at the Nucleus Gallery from 30 October - 18 November 2010

NUCLEUS Arts Centre
272 High Street
Chatham
Kent ME4 4BP

Regulator says it will drive improvements for mental health patients

2010-11-05T15:04:00.001Z

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.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing

2010-11-04T12:41:00.001Z

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.

Medway Combating Stress Week, 1-5 November

2010-11-03T13:28:00.000Z

Most of us know what it feels like when things get tough, whether it’s caused by money worries, family or work problems, illness or loneliness. In Medway, the healthy living campaign, A Better Medway, which is running throughout 2010, is running a campaign to raise awareness of the five ways to wellbeing as a way of helping people combat stress and enhance their mental health and wellbeing.

The campaign kicks off with Medway Combating Stress Week from 1-5 November, when the aim is for as many people as possible to try to do one or more of the five ways to wellbeing, and share their ideas and experiences at www.abettermedway.co.uk

Voluntary organisations, businesses, the public sector, university students, exercise instructors, library groups, and many more are getting involved.

If you have an idea for achieving the five ways to wellbeing you’d like to share with others, please email contact@abettermedway.co.uk

Return of the Medway Wellbeing Blog

2010-11-03T13:26:00.000Z

Since information relevant to wellbeing in Medway comes to us at Live It Well, we have decided to re-instate this blog and see what happens. The blog was suspended in January 2010, which is why the existing posts here are so old. Please feel free to submit anything relevant to wellbeing in Medway to us at info@liveitwell.org.uk and we'll try to keep the blog up-to-date, informative and worth following - thanks!

Raising Voices, Raising Spirits!

2010-01-26T10:27:00.001Z

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!

2010-01-21T14:27:00.001Z

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

2010-01-18T12:27:00.001Z

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

Kent and Medway Funding Fair

2010-01-18T12:04:00.001Z

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

Interviewers Wanted!

2010-01-18T11:30:00.001Z

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

2010-01-18T11:24:00.001Z

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.

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

2009-12-07T13:03:00.000Z

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!

Live It Well Launch Drop In

2009-11-22T21:39:00.001Z

Consultation on drug and alcohol guidance for schools

2009-11-22T21:37:00.000Z

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

Carers to be priortiy group for swine flu jab

2009-11-22T21:29:00.000Z

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

2009-11-22T21:28:00.001Z

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

Anxiety mistaken for flu!

2009-11-22T21:13:00.000Z

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

2009-11-22T21:12:00.001Z

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

2009-11-22T20:56:00.000Z

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

Welcome to your Live It Well Blog

2009-11-22T20:53:00.000Z

Hi and welcome to your Live It Well blog for Medway. Use this blog to share information on mental health and wellbeing and keep up to date with the latest information for the area. You can post anything you think is of interest to the blog, be it relevant news links or service updates - just email heather.wells@kent.gov.uk