Collectivism #11

COLLECTIViSM #11, October 2017

WORLD MENTAL HE ALTH DAY EDITION

ONE

IN FOUR OF US WILL EXPERIENCE

A

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM AT

SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES

“

I hold onto the fact that each time I am broken by my mind's own cruelty to itself, driven into hiding, I always get back up. Art has been a route to rebuilding my life each time I destroy it.

” “

“

Through drugs and alcohol slowly I lost everything including the will to live.

I was sleeping on the streets. I lost all respect for myself. The GSM program has helped me to feel and become 'normal'. People treat me with respect and I respect them. I've been shown a path, many paths and it's my choice to carry on.

”

Robin Firth

Jay

I suffer with anxiety. I joined a programme called Sisterhood through Talent Match and worked with my mentor to develop my confidence and employability.

”

Saffron Amber Hill

“

A lot of us are very isolated. Everyone loved Epic Café, there was a place for everyone to go.

We need consistency in our lives. When services are cut, it’s devastating.

”

Emma Thomas

CONTENTS #11, October 2017

5 # 6 # 8 # 9 # 10 # 12 # 15 # 16 # 17 # 18 #

20 # 24 # 25 # 26 # 27 # 28 # 30 # 32 # 34 # 35 # 36 # 38 # 39 # 40 #

Kate Penman

Editorial Dr Theo Stickley

Participatory Arts and Mental Health Anna Smith

The Kaleidoscope Plus Wellbeing Group Anna Smith

Craft Angels Pete Cashmore

The Mental Health Joke That Isn't Funny Kate Penman

Support Life Saffron Amber Hill

Daring 2 Be Me Robin Firth

Section 17 Studios Dr Damien Francis

12-Steps Jeremy Watson

Wolverhampton Church Shelter

“

Much has been done and there is much more to do so that the stigma of mental illness can be reduced and eventually eradicated in society…

”

Alicia Spence

Gurpaal Judge

Mental Health and the Power of Healing Jo Burgess

Altered State Kate Penman

Signpost to Hope James Henderson

Places of Welcome Anne Smith

Wolverhampton Alz Café Andrew Smith

Mental Health Travel and Social Group No Work Team

To Tell, or not to Tell Interview with Wolverhampton based fine artist

Jimmy Lannon Rachel Arnold

Raise Peace with Yeast Alicia Spence

The African Caribbean Community Initiative Moya Lloyd

Arts and Wellbeing at Boundary Way Sue Allen

Angels of Hope HeadStart Wolverhampton

HeadStart Conference 2017 HeadStart Wolverhampton

Designing Hope the HeadStart Wolf #

3

#Editorial

Kate Penman

EDITORiAL COLLECTIViSM cont.. Edition 11

COLLECTIViSM is an arts, community and social action magazine that puts a spotlight on the good works going on behind the scenes in Wolverhampton, and brings to centre stage those who are shaping our city from a grassroots perspective.

Previous editions have celebrated Wolverhampton becoming a City of Sanctuary and International Women’s Day. This edition raises awareness of mental health issues and champions the city’s wellbeing initiatives and projects in support of World Mental Health Day on October 10th.

As somebody whose own life has been impacted by mental health issues, I was amazed at the candour of others, disclosing their battles and stories of recovery for us to share. Sadly not

COLLECTIViSM

EMAIL: collectivism@outlook.com EDITOR: KATE PENMAN CO-EDITOR: ANNA SMITH

everyone receives the right support or treatment. Waiting times and cuts to support services in mental health are a national concern. The holistic approach to mental health and the need for people to feel safe and valued in their community is inarguable yet often this is a neglected process. Fortunately there are charities and community groups who are addressing this blind spot and provide valuable tailored support and hope to people in need.

For all the ongoing work in our city, the challenges of stigma and shame still exist around mental health and people are scared of being open or talking about their mental health issues. The inspiring testimonies and artwork shared in COLLECTIViSM hopefully encourages open dialogue without the shadow of shame.

DESIGN: JULIAN GWINNETT PHOTOGRAPHY: NELSON DOUGLAS

Image (opposite page): ‘Vince’ by Robin Firth Cover Image: ‘A Letter to my Younger Self’ by Anna Smith #

5

#Participatory Arts and Mental Health Dr Theo Stickley

PARTICIPA AND MENT Dr Theo Stickley

““

In a nutshell, through arts activities with other people, participants find a sense of connectedness with others, a sense of hope, purpose and meaning to life, a transformation of identity and genuinely feel empowered.

”

Dr Theo Stickley is Academic Lead for Public Engagement and Associate Professor of Mental Health at The University of Nottingham.

Dr Stickley has published many research articles on this topic which can be found on his website: www.theostickley.co.uk ARTICLE REFERENCES 1. Creative Health can be found at this website: www.artshealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry 2. The RSPH Report can be found here: www.rsph.org.uk/resourceLibrary/arts-health-andwellbeing-beyond-the-millennium-how-far-have-wecome-and-where-do-we-want-to-go-.html

As a contribution to World Mental Health Day, I would like to offer an argument in this short article that questions afresh some of the assumptions not only in psychiatry but in society at large and that is the need to put creativity at the heart of mental health care.

Psychiatry begins with the premise that when some people behave in certain ways, they are demonstrating symptoms of mental illness and that illness needs treatment. This treatment invariably is a combination of having their beliefs challenged, often, their rights removed and being “offered” mind-altering medication.

But this is only one way of understanding human experience. Unfortunately, this way (I will refer to this as the medical model) is the way of thinking that is generally accepted as “truth” that is explained by experts and is also enshrined in UK law (the Mental Health Act). There are many ways of understanding human experience and that the medical model has not got it right (even though it is the most authoritative version of truth). If we change the way we think about human experience, then we can think of different ways to help ourselves and others experiencing emotional or psychological distress. One of the best ways I know of doing that, is by creative expression.

TORY ARTS A L H E A LT H Medicine is one way of understanding and explaining human distress, but we should also take into account other explanations such as possibly offered by culture, anthropology, sociology, psychology, spirituality and of course the arts.

If people are immensely sad, disturbed, manic or experiencing psychotic episodes, there is usually some cause. Often this is because of some damaging life-experience and sometimes accompanied by an acute sense of hopelessness. As a responsible society, we then need to think how best to help people. And yes, that does sometimes require us to help others keep themselves safe. Every human being is creative and it is that creative nature that can be encouraged to help people not only cope with life but also flourish. Society has become obsessed with risk, but when people flourish, risk diminishes.

Before I became a student nurse in the early 1990s, I went to work in an old asylum. The acute psychiatric ward I worked on had a grim environment. So, I took along my guitar and encouraged people to sing and write poetry. I started a drama group which became very popular.

When I qualified as a nurse, I took my beliefs with me into my practice. We set up a group in the hospital of like-minded people and promoted the arts around

the wards. We then set up a community arts project and an Arts on Prescription programme. Over many years, I have seen first-hand the impact that participatory arts can have on people. Instead of people seeing themselves as “mental patients” they could instead see themselves as singers, artists or actors and so on. The change in people has been phenomenal.

In 2000 I began to research the impact of participatory arts and this has become my life’s work. Now, there is overwhelming evidence of how participatory arts can help people who struggle with life. In June this year, a parliamentary report was published that is called “Creative Health: The arts for health and wellbeing”. 1 You can download this report and see for yourself the compelling argument of how the arts can help transform people’s lives and transform society. Another great report is published by the Royal Society for Public Health.2 In my own research, I have been interested specifically in the relationship between participatory arts and mental health recovery. In a nutshell, through arts activities with other people, participants find a sense of connectedness with others, a sense of hope, purpose and meaning to life, a transformation of identity and genuinely feel empowered. All things that the medical model can never provide.

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#

#The Kaleidoscope Plus Wellbeing Group Anna Smith

THE KALEIDOSCOPE PLUS

WELLBEING GROUP Anna Smith

The Kaleidoscope Plus Wellbeing Group facilitates a program of wellbeing activities and social groups across Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley. They run a wide variety of sessions including group therapy, self help support groups, educational and vocational groups, individual therapies, and social, leisure and physical therapy groups. They also provide information, signposting and guidance advice.

All the sessions within the program are based on The New Economics Foundation (NEF) evidence based model called ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ which are: Connect - Link with others, Keep Learning - Try something new, Take Notice - Be aware of what’s around you and reflect, Be Active - Exercise makes you feel good and Give – Give something back. These Image: by Matthew Walker architect

5 steps are geared towards supporting individuals to maintain and improve their wellbeing, enhance health and improve their social network.

Some of the Wolverhampton based activities include Mindfulness Walk and Photography who meet every Tuesday, 1.30pm at West Park Bandstand, Creative Projects who meet every Tuesday, 11.00am at Broad Street Church and Crafting Angels who meet at Wildbytes Cafe, Mondays, 3pm at Darlington Street.

A full list of the sessions available can be found here: http://www.kaleidoscopeplus. org.uk/wp-content/uploads/home/ Whats-on-Guide-September-2017-1.pdf

#Craft Angels Anna Smith

CRAFT ANGELS Anna Smith

As part of the Kaleidoscope Plus Wellbeing Group initiative, Craft Angels is a weekly volunteer run, arts and crafts group passionate about bringing people together who have experienced mental health issues. ‘The idea of the group is to invite people to come out of their shells, enjoy themselves and relax with arts and crafts,’ explains Debbie Znojek who runs the group with Sarah Astley.

Every week, in the upstairs community room at Wild Bytes café, the group meets to work on a variety of creative projects from glass and tile painting to fabric flowers and decoupage. Many of the creations are sold downstairs at the café with the monies returning to sustaining the arts and craft sessions. The group however is more than just an arts and crafts group. It is a lifeline. Sarah Astley explained, “It’s all about inclusion, learning new skills, encouraging people to socialize. It’s something that the group looks forward to a lot.’

The group moved to the community café after the closure of the Epic Café that had been home to many volunteer run groups with mental health issues.

One member explained, ‘A lot of us are very isolated. Everyone loved Epic,

there was a place for everyone to go.

We need consistency in our lives. When services are cut, it’s devastating. I really don’t think the powers that be have any real inclination about mental health.

Decisions seem to be made without consultation of the people accessing the services. Luckily we have moved to the Wild Bytes Café and it’s great here. The only drawback is there is no disabled access to the upstairs room but the management and the staff are great here. It is so easy when depressed to become inactive, the group stimulates us and it helps me with my mental health issues and physical health.’

When speaking to various members of the group the feedback was unanimous in how essential to their wellbeing their creative time together was. Many credited the group with keeping them sane. Others cited the fun and fellowship but perhaps what was most insightful was one Craft Angels is young woman every Monday 3-5 at explaining how Wild Bytes Café. Debbie and the group Sarah run ‘Creative Projects’ helped take her every Tuesday 11-12.30 at Broad mind off the Street Church. £2 for each voices. session. New members are most welcome. # 9

#The Mental Health Joke That Isn't Funny Pete Cashmore

THE MENTAL HEALTH JOKE

THAT ISN'T FUNNY

Pete Cashmore

As I write this, it is a Wednesday. Next Tuesday I will have my second consultation with a specialist psychiatrist. It will be my second face time with a specialist in eight months because that is how long you have to wait on the NHS. Sadly, I’m nothing special but I am fortunate enough to have an understanding and indulgent family who give me sanctuary when I can’t cope any more with deep troughs of my bipolar disorder, recognise that sometimes I won’t answer the phone when they call, and paid £70 a week for me to see a private therapist.

This is the reality of free mental health care in the UK. It’s effectively the American model of care applied specifically to mental health - in other words, if you don’t have much money then you’re screwed.

Last year I spent ten days in a mental hospital when I became a danger to myself.

I made a few friends in there and of those friends, one is now sleeping on a mattress in a disused bus shelter. He told me that he desperately wants to be back at the hospital. But he says they won’t take him in as he has no fixed abode with which to register with a GP any more and get referred.

The way I see it, if you showed up at a hospital with a broken leg, you’d get seen straight away. In order to be seen by a specialist for something more esoteric like bipolar, you have to be referred by a GP,

then wait several months, and I suspect that Wolverhampton isn’t even the worst place in the UK. I hear horror stories about 18-month waiting lists, which doesn’t bear thinking about.

I’m hoping against hope that on Tuesday next week, they can prescribe something that fits, because again, it’s very random and pretty much all the drugs can have brutal side-effects. So far I’ve tried Citalopram (weight gain, loss of libido), Fluoxetine aka Prozac (brutal bedding-in period that makes you feel even more depressed), Sertraline (sweats, bright yellow diarrhoea), Mirtazapine (muscle and joint aches) and Amitrypyline, which I’ve found simply doesn’t work.

Thanks to bipolar, I rarely socialise any more. I’ve been unable to hold down a job since last November – it’s ironic that one of the last things I did was win an award for my writing, one of the proudest moments of my life, and then within a weekend I was plunged into the abyss again, for one of my worst weeks ever. Not long after that I had to resign, because I couldn’t deal with the shame of not showing up for work. It’s the shame that is the hardest thing to take – when you feel like you’re letting everyone in your life down, that’s when you feel most disposed to try something stupid.

And I wish I could say that I have never tried, but it would be a fairytale. I’m 44 years old now, which is a significant figure

because it means I just fit into an unwelcome demographic, which is that suicide is the current number one killer of men aged 18-45 in the UK. That’s little short of an epidemic.

Two people I know have killed themselves in that bracket, two more in hospital had just tried.

I don’t know what the answer to this situation is, but I know that until the Conservatives are voted out, it’s unlikely to change. It’s very noble that they believe they have ‘pledged a commitment to mental health, but a) their extra funding is a drop in the ocean and b) they are mainly targeting school-age kids and the elderly, which means they are swerving that epidemic, as if we men are not a priority.

People often struggle to come to terms with defining bipolar disorder and depression in general.

The best I can do is describe it as a wasting disease of the soul. I really hope that on Tuesday they can help me, but it’s a faint hope. Really, mental health care in this country is a bit of a joke. But it’s not a joke that’s especially funny.

Pete Cashmore is a Wolverhampton-born freelance writer who has written on the subject of mental health for The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, Nuts magazine, Express & Star and Depression Alliance.

He has also appeared on ITV's Tonight programme discussing depressive disorders among men and has been a media ambassador for Time To Change.

Image: Pete Cashmore photographed by Colin Williams

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#

#Support Life Kate Penman

Image: ‘Support Life Wolf’ by Alex Vann www.alexvanndesign.co.uk www.wolverhamptonopenstudios co.uk

SUPPORT LIFE

Kate Penman

In Wolverhampton, between 2013 and 2015, 66 people tragically ended their lives by suicide; the majority of these were men.

Wolverhampton City marked World Suicide Prevention Day (Sunday 10th September) by a series of activities and events across the city. The key point of these events was to encourage people to seek help and support when needed.

The Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum includes organisations and networks likely to have the greatest impact on reducing suicides in Wolverhampton. P3's Housing and Homeless Services and the University of Wolverhampton discussed raising awareness and running creative workshops after the forum was awarded a wolf to design. As part of the city’s ‘Wolves in Wolves’ project, open workshops were held to come up with the design for a Suicide Prevention wolf with local artist and University of Wolverhampton graduate Alex Vann. Alex ran the workshops with Base 25, a young people’s support charity, The Haven, Wolverhampton College and P3 clients.

P3’s Senior Support Worker, Sarah Moseley explained, ‘It’s really exciting for P3 to be involved in such a great project – one which ensures that people know what support is available, but also breaks the stigma and encourages people to talk about their feelings to do with suicide.’

Mark became a client of P3’s Floating Support Housing services, after a suicide attempt last year. He attended one of the Suicide Prevention meetings to put forward his suggestions for what the sculpture should feel and look like. ‘My ideas were around ‘breaking the silence’.

What was important for me was absolutely the fact that you shouldn’t stay silent if you’re feeling suicidal, that you should tell someone you trust and not keep it all inside, like I did.’

Alex Vann led the workshops across the city. ‘What was coming out of the workshops was this notion of people feeling disenfranchised and unable to talk about feelings. I thought it was important that the design address that, as well as other issues that came up. Although I was using other people’s ideas on this piece, it actually felt very autobiographical to me. Lots of things in there link to me. I’ve suffered with depression and lost a best friend to suicide. I had to go to counselling when he took his own life so working on the Support Life Wolf was a very personal experience for me. A lot of the suggestions from the workshops were about trying to convey a positive message, rather than concentrating on negativity and thinking about some of the steps towards wellbeing – learning new things, being creative, giving and keeping active.'

Alex has dedicated the wolf to the memory of his good friend, Rich McMahon.

Contact Samaritans: Free call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org Samaritans Wolverhampton 54 Newhampton Road West Wolverhampton WV6 0RU Open to callers: 11.30am - 10.00pm, Monday - Thursday Visits by appointment: call 01902 426 422 to book

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#Daring 2 Be Me Saffron Amber Hill

DARING 2 BE ME

Saffron Amber Hill

My name is Saffron Amber Hill, a 21-yearold, aspiring writer. I also suffer with anxiety. I started writing poetry earlier this year. Writing poetry helps creatively channel my thoughts. It enables me to somewhat overcome problems that I’ve previously struggled to deal with.

I joined Talent Match in 2017, a support organisation that accommodates people aged between 18-29 who aren’t at the best stage in their life. This could be in terms of unemployment, mental health etc. Talent Match provides amazing mentors who help you to determine your own journey and decide where you want to be in your life.

In terms of where my writing is taking me now, I have recently been involved in Komlaish Achall’s UNTOLD exhibition at the Asylum Gallery. This was my first live performance. I’m working in collaboration with artist, Hannah Boyd on several projects. I’m thrilled to be a part of Collectivism, – I hope in meeting lovely people to collaborate with, I can really develop as a writer.

I joined a programme called Sisterhood through Talent Match and worked with my mentor to develop my confidence and employability skills. I was involved in The Talent Match Film Festival where the film, Hidden* was shown. I wrote and performed the backing piece for this.

Image: Saffron Amber performing at the Asylum Art Gallery, during the spoken word event as part of ‘UNTOLD’ a touring exhibition by Komlaish Achall *Hidden can be see at the ‘Breaking the Stigma’ exhibition (see pg 43)

(Opposite page) Words: Saffron Amber Image: Hannah Boyd

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#

#

Robin Firth

Section 17 Studios

SECTION 17 STUDIOS

Robin Firth

My first severe episode of mental illness changed everything.

I have been many things in the last 25 years, some shameful, somethings I am proud of. I hold onto the fact that each time I am broken by my mind's own cruelty to itself, driven into hiding, I always get back up. Art has been a route to rebuilding my life each time I destroy it. I have been a teacher, a painter, a theatre set and prop designer. I have designed t-shirts and album packages, been a photographer, a caricaturist, made puppets and decorations and drawn, on and on.

This time I am a tattooist. As always I feel this is my last hope at building a creative career, I hope it succeeds. I have a studio, it's out of the way, the people who come do so because they have found me and want original and unusual designs. The loyalty and faith shown by my clients has kept me going through a difficult winter. In the aftermath of my last meltdown I had clients in for free semicolon tattoos and we'd share our stories and tips and fears. I hope I can be worthy of the love and support friends and strangers gave me.

My studio is selective in the work we do. There are no pictures to choose from the wall, each tattoo is for the client and only for them. I love to work with clients’ anatomy to create striking, beautiful or provocative work. Section 17 Studios gives me somewhere to go each day and the people who come have wonderful stories to tell. And as I work and listen I can feel my morale lift a little. This is a beautiful thing for me. Come and see us or find us on Facebook.

People all over the world who have struggled with addiction, suicidal thoughts, and depression are tattooing themselves with semicolons as part of the Semicolon Movement. The semicolon is used when a sentence could have ended, but didn't.

#12-Steps

Dr Damien Francis

12-STEPS

Dr Damien Francis

Alcohol was everything to me. It took away my excrutiating social anxiety, it gave me confidence, it lifted my depression, it veiled my shame, it got me to sleep. Alcohol defined me; I was the clown at the pub, the cat with nine lives, the person you could always rely on to say yes if you wanted a drink on a weekday night. It was the glue that bonded me with my friends - I knew that as long as I had alcohol in my life I would be safe. But then it turned on me.

Not overnight, but gradually, it chipped away at everything that I had built up, until I had little left. Alcohol gave me wings, as they say, but then it took away the sky.

First, it stopped helping me sleep. Yes, it would knock me out, but I would wake up at 3am, in the dark, feeling intense fear. How would I function in the morning?

What if I couldn’t get back to sleep? So I drank more to get back to sleep, but woke feeling worse – terrible anxiety and shame, which only alcohol could relieve. It was a cycle of shame, anxiety and alcohol that rolled on relentlessly for months and years.

Until, I ended up broken. Unable to work or socialise, or have a romantic relationship or any of the things that alcohol had helped me to do in the first place. It was a lonely and terrifying place to be in. The one thing that had given me strength was now my worst enemy.

So, when I began my recovery journey I had little hope that my life would be anything but one anxiety-filled and joyless slog. Perhaps I could stop drinking, but I was convinced that my life was effectively over. How could I go out and enjoy a meal without a bottle of wine? How could I go on holiday without gin and tonic and the

sunset, how could I relax in the evening without a bottle (or three) of red wine. Yes, how the hell do you relax without alcohol? I thought I’d give it a year of sobriety to see if my life would get any better and resolved to drink myself to death if it didn’t.

But I was helped by other people, it was others who gave me the hope to keep going. There are different ways to get sober, but I’m convinced that it’s very hard to do it on your own. I needed a network of people who were going through the same pain, who knew what it felt like, at the start of recovery when everything felt hopeless. For me, I used a 12-step approach (Alcoholics Anonymous), but there are more and more ways now, including SMART recovery and some Buddhist-inspired approaches.

What I got from meeting others was empathy and identification. I was promised that my life would get better despite the fact that I was 100% convinced it wouldn’t.

‘Keep coming back’, they would say. ‘It gets better’, they would say. And, incredibly, it did. I’ve been sober now for about 11 years and my life is very different today. It’s anything but boring. I have started a new career, done a PhD, travelled the world, started a healthy relationship and moved to the seaside. I have been forced to cultivate real confidence through hard graft, relying on myself and my friendships, rather than alcohol. This has made me stronger, kinder, more resilient. I understand what it feels like to have no hope after a life relying on alcohol but I am living proof that there is another way. For anyone caught in the cycle of shame and addiction, there is a way out.

Just don’t do it on your own.

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#Wolverhampton Church Shelter Jeremy Watson

W O LV E R H A

CHURCH Jeremy Watson

““

As a man who volunteered last year, I can say it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you're doubting your ability to do this - then dont! It's amazing to be able to help people who need it most.

The people you will give shelter to are amazing. You'll have the support around you of experienced people.

You'll be able to make a difference that neither you nor the people you're supporting will ever forget.

”

Gary Rouwenhorst

The Wolverhampton Church Shelter at The Church on Broad Street began in February 2016 as a four-week pilot project following the tragic death of a rough sleeper in the city centre in January. This year it ran for four months from January to April. In November it will be opening its doors for a 12-month run.

The enterprise began through a partnership between two churches – The Tabernacle Baptist Church at Broad Street and Grace Church. The 2017 Church Shelter ran for four months, during this time 113 different people stayed in the shelter and 20% moved on into either accommodation or employment or both. The culture was the same – a caring, family environment but this time there was a greater emphasis on encouraging all the guests to engage on the Pathway of Hope - a personal and recognised route back into accommodation and employment supported by agencies across the City.

People with poor mental health are more susceptible to the three main factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability. Lacking the capacity to sustain employment they can have little income. Withdrawal from family and friends is common as a result of being unwell and the ability to be resourceful and resilient is impaired.

MP TON

S H E LT E R A report was published, recommending that the Church Shelter should become a permanent facility operating as an integrated part of the Pathway of Hope.

Guests would only require short-term accommodation before moving forward on their respective pathways towards accommodation, employment and restored lives. The feedback from agencies at the

““

I started out volunteering to get to know the stories behind the faces of people who I wouldn't naturally associate with. I joined the team and was trained up as a volunteer. I was apprehensive before but that was blown away by the team on my first night. What for me makes the real difference to the Shelter guests, is being supported by people who genuinely care for them.

”

Jon Bruton forefront of homelessness was that clients who were staying in the shelter were engaging far more readily than before.

Homelessness, in turn, amplifies poor mental health.

The stress of experiencing homelessness may exacerbate previous mental illness and encourage anxiety, fear, depression, sleeplessness and substance misuse. The needs of people experiencing homelessness with mental illnesses are similar to those without mental illnesses: physical safety, education, transportation, affordable housing, and accessible medical/dental treatment.

Funds to sustain the whole operation are coming in via donations, with substantial support from the local business community. The shelter works with the City’s homelessness agencies. Right now, the focus is on recruiting a pool of 150 volunteers for the November re-opening.

Anyone over the age of 18 with a heart to help the homeless is welcome. The only real requirement is to be a good listener and everyone receives training in the basics. Anyone interested should email: churchsheltervolunteers@gmail.com For those unable to volunteer there are other ways of helping. HopeintoAction:BC and the Church Shelter are holding The Big Sleep In/Out to raise funds for the homeless charities. Fri 13th – Sat 14th Oct 7pm-7am at Broad Street Church.

Participants can sleep inside the shelter or under a marquee in the car park. Please book tickets via eventbrite. Sponsorship forms are available from the above email.

For more details find us on Facebook.

People with mental illness experience homelessness for longer periods of time and have less contact with family and friends. In 2015, 32% of single homeless people reported a mental health problem and depression rates are over 10 times higher in the homeless population (Source: the Canadian Observation on Homelessness: www.homelesshub.ca/ about-homelessness/topics/mental-health).

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Gurpaal Judge

Mental Health and the Power of Healing

GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRY

MENTAL HE ALTH POWER OF HEALI

Gurpaal Judge

The Good Shepherd Ministry is a charity in Wolverhampton geared towards helping the homeless and most vulnerable members of society. The Ministry was opened in 1973 by a Roman Catholic religious order of Brothers and has grown over the years to where it stands today, helping over 250 people per day with the basic necessities of life. The services provided are organised and operated by the Brothers, with a few paid staff and a pool of 80 volunteers, myself included.

In 2003 the Ministry moved to its current base, a Methodist Church on Darlington Street. On face value the Ministry looks like a typical soup kitchen, providing hot meals, toiletries, clothing, bedding and tents. Very little is known of the work that goes on behind the scenes in the crypt of this old church in Wolverhampton. The Good Shepherd Ministry employs support workers in a paid capacity as well as volunteer peer mentors with the direct aim of helping the people of our city with mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems and homelessness.

The Ministry is currently running a program that allows people with problems ranging

from mental health issues, addictions and homelessness (with many fitting all three categories), to volunteer with the Ministry in the dining and food parcel service. In return for their participation, individuals are guided into getting the help they need to overcome their problems.

The help ranges from: •• Taking a person to their respective GP so they can get the right guidance and medication.

•• Encouraging people to engage with local services for mental health and addiction problems.

•• Help with getting into appropriate housing.

•• Support in getting back into work and education.

The Methodist Church also hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

This wide variety of support allows individuals to grow in confidence and build a structured life. Another aspect of the program is the evening sessions run every night between 5-7.30pm. More than being a service provided to keep service users

AND THE ING off the streets and away from trouble, the evening session is styled towards helping an individual open up and discuss problems in a safe environment. The benefits of talking to an understanding, non-judgemental person are immeasurable.

As mentioned above, many of the staff and volunteers who organise the evening sessions have themselves been in the same situation as the service users, coming back from severe mental health problems and recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. Different activities are run evening to evening, ranging from fishing trips, art classes, cinema nights and football matches in the local park.

These everyday activities, that many of us take for granted, can make a massive difference in someone's life. The healing power of friendship and laughter cannot

be calculated. To see people come to the Ministry in a hopeless state and to then witness them grow in confidence as they tackle their problems head on is indeed miraculous. A simple chat and a warm cup of coffee could be the catalyst in changing an individual’s life forever.

The Good Shepherd Ministry is making a massive impact on peoples’ lives: through the daytime volunteering program run by Brother Stephen and Paul Burns, and the evening social program co-ordinated by Kim Bethell. It is a privilege to be a part of a charity that not only focuses on the material needs of individuals, but also their emotional health and wellbeing.

Photograph: Kim Bethell #

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#Altered State Jo Burgess

ALTERED STATE Jo Burgess

Altered State: 'A state of mind that differs from the normal state of consciousness, typically one induced by drugs, hypnosis, or mental disorder' (Oxford Dictionary).

As a child I experienced hallucinations, OCD behaviour, out of body experiences, high anxiety and depression. I developed coping strategies and my artwork helped me through. Unfortunately my daughter developed similar disorders, to the point of not being able to function normally or even leave the house. Fortunately I was able to devise art therapy techniques to help her understand how to use her imagination in creative ways, breaking the hold that these thoughts and behaviours had over her.

For my MA in Applied Arts at University of Wolverhampton I explored the links between altered states, creativity and mental disorders. I researched the effects of mental illnesses on artists, and whether it affected their perception and therefore their artworks.

The main influence for the visual side of the work was 'The Yellow Wallpaper'

by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. A Victorian Novella that tells a story of a woman's descent into madness through enforced lack of creativity and her ever evolving disconnect with reality. Prescribed total bed rest by doctors, she spends weeks staring at the ugly yellow damask wallpaper in her room. She begins to hallucinate, seeing things crawling behind it, she loses the capacity to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

Image (previous page): ‘Altered State’

by Jo Burgess

My artwork comprises of several wallpapers that feature densely entwined repeat patterns to suggest being entangled in a web of repetitive thought patterns and behaviours. The installation of my work at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery was designed to induce feelings of confinement, discomfort and the uncanny.

It was very well received, winning the Dean's prize for MA Applied Arts. I have been invited back to Wolverhampton Art Gallery to exhibit at this year's MA show, opening 14th October.

I now work under the creative banner Patternorium, a surface pattern design business, selling my designs. I am also involved in exhibitions, community art projects and collaborative work with other artists. Most recently I painted 'Kiyiya' the wolf, found at The Way Youth Zone, as part of the Wolves in Wolves art trail. www.patternorium.co.uk

Image: Li Ping holding the Petals of Hope ‘World Dress’ photographed by Komlaish Achall

#Signpost to Hope Kate Penman

SIGNPOST TO HOPE

Transcription of original source by Kate Penman I am an asylum seeker. I can't share my story before I came to Wolverhampton. I do not share my story with many people but I can tell you about how my life got better. I was suffering with depression and my life was very difficult. My GP referred me to Healthy Minds. I had counselling sessions every week. My counsellor was lovely. She listened to me and made me feel safe. I was very isolated. I didn’t go out or meet with anyone. I was scared and didn’t trust anyone because of everything that has happened to me.

When I talked to my counsellor it felt like a big weight was lifted and I was not alone. There was somebody who listened to me and cared about me. I was taught techniques to relax and encouraged to go out and meet people. I was just staying in my bedsit thinking all the time. I was worried when my sessions were coming to an end but Healthy Minds contacted a women’s group at Hope Community Project and told me to go.

This began another chapter and meeting the women in the group changed my life.

Most of the women come from similar backgrounds to me. We have a lot of

fun and I’ve made real friends. Every week we have an arts and crafts session.Two years ago we created textiles and I sewed them all together to show in an exhibition for Refugee Week. Since then my artwork has been shown at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Newhampton Arts Centre and at the Light House. When I saw my dress in the Art Gallery I was so proud.

This year Michelle Sleigh who runs the group wanted to make something different.

It was a big dress and all the women made little dresses from all their countries.

It was part of the City of Sanctuary exhibition at the Light House for Refugee Week. I’ve never worked on anything like it before. I thought Michelle was mad. The measurements were so big. I made this huge English tea dress and Li Ping sewed on all the little dresses made by the other women. It hung from the ceiling with fishing wire. It was beautiful. At the big Meet and Mingle party at the Light House, everybody was telling me how wonderful the dress was. I was so happy.

I would like to thank Healthy Minds for their help and finding the Petals of Hope group for me.

The exhibitions and social events were made possible by Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary,’Celebrating the culture of hospitality’

*Wolverhampton Healthy Minds is a psychological therapies service for people who are experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress. Referrals by GP. Self referalls can be made online.

Address: 44a Pond Lane, Wolverhampton, WV2 1HG Tel: 0800 923 0222 / 01902 441 856 Email: wolverhampton.healthyminds@bcpft.nhs.uk Hours: 9am-4.30 pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) #

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#Places of Welcome James Henderson

PLACES OF WELCOME James Henderson

We have the good fortune of chatting to lots of people across Wolverhampton and the Black Country. One of the things that people talk about is the sense that community isn't as strong as it used to be and how we don't always support one another when times are tough.

Many people are trying new ways to build this community. One such way is through Places of Welcome. The initiative started in Birmingham and there are now are over 180 across England and Wales.

Like most good grassroots ideas, the concept is really simple - to create a network of safe places where people can connect, belong and contribute. Its goals are to build a network of places in each area, where you can make friends and meet people.

Places of Welcome can be in any location including churches, mosques, temples, community centres or housing associations.

More information can be found at www. placesofwelcome.org The movement is built on a set of values called the 5 P's. Place – Accessible building. People – Open to everyone, staffed by volunteers. Presence – A place where people actively listen to one another.

Provision – Free refreshments/basic local info. Participation – Every person brings talents, experience and skills that they can share locally. These values are essential to any Place of Welcome. We are passionate about welcome and hospitality for all.

Importantly Places of Welcome is not a franchise model. It’s owned collectively and there are no charges for joining.

Wolverhampton currently has 13 venues across the city: www.placesofwelcome.org/ locations/Wolverhampton/ Why not pop in?

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#Wolverhampton Alz Café Anne Smith

WOLVERHAMP TON

ALZ CAFÉ

Anne Smith

Picture going to an old fashioned social evening in the village hall. The room has tables surrounding a dance floor. As you enter, you are greeted by a posse of helpers, who rush to serve you tea and coffee and sell you raffle tickets. Each table is set out with tablecloths and plastic flowers. A glamorous young “thirties girl trio,” begin to belt out songs of past eras.

And so the dancing begins! The room is filled with good humour and a warm feeling of friendship.

But this is not 1930, this is the Wolverhampton Alz Cafe in 2017, where people affected by dementia (couples, family and ex-carers) gather each month for a “good-time.” It is a free, independent event, and is funded by sponsorship.

The organiser is Julie; the helpers are volunteers and members of the Wolverhampton Mental Health team. The event demonstrates how the worries and problems of dementia can be forgotten for a while because of the support of such organisations and the kindness of people.

After diagnosis of dementia, there is a bleakness and fear for the sufferer, and for all their family. The illness has been termed “a living bereavement.” Every unchartered journey into darkness is individual. No-one knows how long or short that journey might be, what difficulties maybe encountered.

provides excellent support for sufferers and families. Each sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease is under the supervision of a consultant, and is allocated a community nurse, who charts the progress of the individual and can offer advice and help.

The service runs many courses such as: cognitive courses for dementia sufferers, carers’ courses for partners or family, and courses for couples. It also has a ‘Carers’ Café’, which offers a social environment for carers and provides talks from all the relevant services plus contact with the members of the Mental Health team.

The Alzheimer Society also run ‘cafes’ in a number of locations in the city. These ‘cafes’ provide meeting places and entertainment centres for couples and families, information on financial services and professional support staff provide practical help and emotional counselling.

These organisations and activities provide opportunities for not only enjoyment, but most importantly social contact with other people with similar problems. Individuals support and help each other in as many ways as they can, sometimes just by talking and listening to fellow “travellers.”

Perhaps this is more true for the carers rather than the individuals who suffer with the disease.

For more information about the Alz Cafe contact Julie Grainger on 07804 832397

But Wolverhampton is fortunate in the provision of good support for dementia.

The Wolverhampton Mental Health Service #

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#Mental Health Travel and Social Group Andrew Smith

WOLVERHAMP TON MENTAL HE ALTH

TR AVEL AND SOCIAL GROUP Andrew Smith

My name is Andrew Smith, I am a recovering schizophrenic and I voluntarily run a mental health group on behalf of Wolverhampton City Council.

My own mental health problems began in 2007 shortly before I was diagnosed schizophrenic. Not only did I hear voices and experience other hallucinatory impressions but I also believed the voices were real and that people were out to get me telepathically. The voices comprised of up to a hundred different personalities and were generally aggressive and negative in nature. I saw myself as targeted because I made a stand against the voices and because I refused to engage in the behaviour they engaged in. During the worst period of my illness I engaged with the voices almost on a continual basis. For four years, I slept very little and failed to attend to any of my physical needs. In addition to this, I was on minimal benefits and suffered a high level of poverty. On one occasion I went a week without food and often went without electricity. In short, the schizophrenia I experienced together with the level of poverty I suffered was the source of immense pain and distress and I can honestly say I have never experienced such dire circumstances in all my life.

After four years of immense suffering the psychiatric doctors put me on a drug called clozapine which had a beneficial

impact on my mental health. The clozapine lifted a substantial amount of the hallucinations away and thus curbed the voices I was hearing.

In addition to this, I was also awarded the rightful amount of benefits and was lifted out of poverty. My life is now moving upwards. In addition to running the mental health group mentioned above – I am also studying at the Open University and should finish my degree shortly. Both the studying and

the voluntary work will help me in the long run when it comes to getting a job and thus give me a sense of

hope concerning the future.

Without such hope I would probably give up.

The group I run is called the Mental Health Travel and Social Group. We arrange weekly trips to various towns and cities throughout the West Midlands and beyond. We browse the

shops and visit art galleries and museums, stopping for something nice to eat along the way. Some of the places we have visited are Birmingham, Lichfield, West Bromwich and Telford; we also go to places of interest such as Chillington Hall and Wightwick Manor.

Many of the members are to some degree isolated from other people and suffer a degree of alienation and exclusion. The group gives people the chance to socialise and to engage with other people, it gets people out of their home environment and breaks up the monotony of the week. It also builds people’s confidence to go out into the wider world and to handle public transport; coming on the trips is something they look forward to and helps them overcome the problems they face.

The group consists of a diverse range of people; we have people of different ages and gender that attend the group and people of various ethnic backgrounds.

In short, all are welcome to join the group so long as they have suffered a mental health condition either presently or in the past, and so long as they feel confident enough to make the first step.

If you wish to come on the group contact Andy on 07919626246.

Image: Wolverhampton Mental Health Travel and Social Group

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#To Tell, or not to Tell No Work Team

TO TELL, OR NOT TO TELL No Work Team

I recently worked as a senior mentor on a summer youth programme for 15-17 year olds. We were a team of six senior mentors reporting to a programme leader.

I have been taking 100mg of Sertraline for a number of years as a result of various mental health issues. There was also a fellow mentor with the identical medication.

On my application form I declared my condition and medication whilst he did not.

Why was this?

He is a young man who needs the money, doesn’t have much employment history and thought that it would detrimentally affect his application and hence he did not disclose. I however have many years of experience and didn’t need this seasonal role from a financial point of view.

I discovered some serious health and safety issues with some very dangerous equipment.

As my concerns for employee health and safety fell on deaf ears my mental health deteriorated to the extent that I was concerned about people following me home from work. I also started formulating conspiracy theories about the whole affair.

In the meantime the Managing Director of the recruitment agency refused my calls until I managed to blag my way to having them on the other end of the telephone.

Whilst I had completed all the medical forms openly and honestly the company had not even read the forms.

Whilst there are employees WHAT IS THE TIME TO like my last CHANGE PLEDGE? employer Since 2007 Time to Change has who take been the leading campaign against mental mental health discrimination in England.

If he had have declared this information he would have been treated equally, he would also have received specific details on the process of how to get help if he needed some. Our direct line manager was aware of my condition but not his.

This is the way it should work 9 in 10 people but it is not always the case. with a mental health

We have been working hard to improve public attitudes towards mental health, and increase the confidence of people with mental health problems to challenge discrimination. www.time-to-change.org.uk/ problem will experience stigma pledgewall/makeapledge or discrimination. Did you know that

Conversely I was once headhunted in a 60% of people say that stigma and backhanded way for a discrimination are as damaging specific job that I had the as the symptoms of their mental specialist skills for. This health problem? health seriously and was through a well-known Will you take two minutes to help run an inclusive ship and respected recruitment challenge mental health there are recruitment discrimination? agency. Consequently I agencies with the sole ended working in a set of goal of placing people and weird circumstances in one of the obtaining their commission.

UK’s top manufacturing companies.

I really hope that this company has Unfortunately rather than fix the basic reformed its procedures in light of my functional problems they were having experiences.

EMPLOYER PLEDGE WHAT IS THE TIME TO CHANGE EMPLOYER PLEDGE? When you sign the Employer Pledge you demonstrate your commitment to change how we think and act about mental health in the workplace and make sure that employees who are facing these problems feel supported.

By signing the Pledge you will join a growing movement of more than 500 employers in England across all sectors from FTSE 100 companies and leading retailers to Government departments and local authorities.

WHY SIGN? Mental health is an issue your organisation can’t afford to ignore: • 1 in 4 British workers are affected by conditions like anxiety, depression and stress every year • Mental ill-health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, costing an average of £1,035 per employee per year • 95% of employees calling in sick with stress gave a different reason Looking after the mental health of your employees makes business sense: tackling stigma can make a real difference to sickness absence rates, presenteeism levels, staff wellbeing and productivity, and retention. Since signing the Employer Pledge, 95% of employers said it had a positive impact on their organisation.

Time to Change will work with you to develop an action plan to get your employees talking about mental health. This could include small actions such as running events for World Mental Health Day, to larger ones such as training line managers so they feel comfortable having conversations about mental health with their line reports.

Once your action plan has been finalised we will send you a Pledge Board that a senior leader can sign in front of your employees to mark your commitment.

We will offer dedicated support throughout the Pledge process as well as a year of support after you sign. This includes coaching on your action plan, connections to other employers (look at our map to see who has pledged near you) and free masterclasses where you can learn from leading employers on how they have achieved success. #

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#Jimmy Lannon

Interview with Wolverhampton based fine artist

INTERVIEW WITH WOLVERHAMPTON BASED FINE ARTIST

JIMMY LANNON Anna Smith Jimmy Lannon is a local fine artist currently studying his MA in Fine Art at University of Wolverhampton. Jimmy uses art as a way to cope with depression and anxiety.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

For many years I have suffered with mental health issues, anxiety and depression, exacerbated by physical health issues. I often isolate myself and shut off from friends and family.

What role has art played in your life?

Art is my life. I can honestly say that without my art I wouldn’t even be here now. Painting relaxes me and takes me out of my own head for a while. When I paint it distracts me from negative thinking and my depression lifts, I can channel my emotions onto the canvas.

How do you define your practice?

The way I paint breaks all the rules of painting; it is organic and has many layers. I like to see paint react by mixing oils with water. Water based and oil based paints don’t mix but I love the chemical

reaction of the conflicting paints. The outcome cannot be predicted. As a medium there is limited control and all of my pieces are unique. My painting can be seen as a representation of the conflict and uncertainty within me.

What do you think of the Wolverhampton Arts Scene?

I have made many great and supportive friends through studying art at Adult Education and University of Wolverhampton. There is a strong network of artists and we all support each other.

Taking part in exhibitions has given me a purpose and re-energised me. Recently I have exhibited in Kom Achall’s exhibition Untold at Viner Gallery and Temple Street Studios, and in the Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary exhibition at Lighthouse.

What advice would you give to anyone struggling with mental health issues?

Well it’s so easy to lock yourself away and hide from the world, but talk to friends, family, seek advice, even pop into your local church, help and advice is out there.

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#Raise Peace with Yeast Rachel Arnold

POWER OF THE BREAD,

RAISE PEACE WITH YEAST

Rachel Arnold

The Bread Project aims to gather the history of bread through different artists and educate the public that the bread they eat is the result of the free movement of people. Earlier this year, I had an aggressive experience while working in The Remain Campaign which triggered a break down. I am a survivor of domestic violence and have been in and out of therapy since the age of 16. After becoming traumatised from the confrontation and the rise in aggressive campaigning, I had help from Rethink who gave me skills to manage anxiety. Through meditation I had a huge insight about bread. While reading the history of bread, and in my healing, I started to do abstract paintings of wheat. I baked bread and celebrated Imbolc (Celtic festival – celebrating the start of Spring) with my friends, with a bread and butter pudding party. The poem and artwork that came out of this was exhibited at Wildbytes Café in August. As part of my project, there has been a table of free bread for people to come and share at the café. There have been some lovely conversations

because of the project and I have been out in various communities promoting and spending time talking to people. I’ve read the poem at Shallowford House, “Encourage,” Festival, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Mosque prayer Vigil for Jo Cox and terror victims, The Partition Exhibition and a Green Party Fundraiser.

I have done workshops with local artists where they have contemplated the issues with writing sessions and meditation, brain-storming and bread breaking. The artists felt special and grounded and loved something simple like breaking bread and opening their hearts to one another. After all the political upheaval, it felt nice to go back to basics and just spend time with people. They will meet again to continue work on the subject with the intention to exhibit the results in public places and encourage further discourse.

I hope this will help make society less violent and more skilled in talking about difficult issues and that it will bring people together despite political differences.

Any artists interested in joining in the fun, can email: admin@waterprophetarts. com or contact Rachel: 07939315102

#The African Caribbean Community Initiative Alicia Spence

THE AFRICAN CARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE Alicia Spence, ACCI Director of Services The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) is a holistic and comprehensive support service for African Caribbeans affected by mental ill health. Our services include supported housing and advice, day opportunities, facilities and specialist outreach. We also provide an extensive counselling and therapeutic service and facilitate a dedicated and proactive Carers’ Support Group. This year we celebrated 30 years of service in the community.

ACCI is a unique and truly holistic, humane and compassionate service, where individuals are not treated as the diagnosis they have been given (labels) but each and every one is seen as a very unique and special person.

On reflecting on my role as Director of Services for the past 23 years, we have faced and endured many highs, lows and profound challenges along the way. We have only survived because of the continuing support of our members (service users), carers, partners, staff and community. Against that backdrop, we have developed the resilience to cope with many of the adversities we have faced. Through it all, we have never lost sight of our founding members’ ethos to provide a service underpinned by humanity, where we ensure that those using the service are treated with respect, dignity and compassion.

As Maya Angelou so aptly stated: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

How our members (service users) feel when they engage with our service will determine the quality of their healing, recovery and restoration as human beings.

We all need to feel emotionally, spiritually and psychologically balanced.

I want to pay tribute to those visionaries who 30 years ago had the courage and conviction to take action instead of sitting on the side-lines bemoaning the dire situation that young black men in particular faced in the psychiatric system.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of these visionaries, ACCI has become a beacon in the field of Black Mental Health, gaining recognition as a holistic, dynamic, innovative and compassionate service.

Much has been done and there is much more to do so that the stigma of mental illness can be reduced and eventually eradicated in society and in particular in our own community, where ignorance about mental health remains unacceptably high.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our past and present staff members, partners, board members, funders and those who will be fortunate enough to join us in the future on our magnificent journey. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank our members (service users) for their continued support, loyalty and commitment over the past 30 years. I am confident that you will continue to overcome everything that was meant to destroy you.

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#Arts and Wellbeing at Boundary Way Moya Lloyd

AARTSSENSE OF PLACE AND WELLBEING AT BOUNDARY WAY Moya Lloyd

The Boundary Way project is an arts and heritage project based at Boundary Way Allotments and Community Garden in Warstones, Wolverhampton. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England we are working with a team of artists and heritage specialists to explore local history, natural heritage and sustainability. We are developing the site as a resource for the local community and a venue for arts activity with visiting artists and a community of plot-holders.

experiencing the sights and sounds of nature and engaging with sensory rich activities has numerous benefits for children with complex needs e.g. people with learning difficulties including autism and physical and sensory impairments.

Experiencing a sense of space and sensory stimulation helps to relieve stress and anxiety and supports the development of social skills. The projects enhance crosscurriculum links, fostering independence and building confidence.

Herbalist, Maria Billington is working with pupils and plot-holders to discover the native plants at Boundary Way and notice changes through the seasons. She is encouraging them to examine the amazing usefulness of plants that are often dismissed as weeds. Maria encourages participants to consider interrelationships in nature and to try home grown remedies and foods.

We are thrilled to be part of Wolverhampton’s Open Studios event on the 14th and 15th October. Over the weekend visitors can explore our site and see an outdoor exhibition entitled, ‘A Sense of Place’. Work by visiting artists who have been exploring Boundary Way over the last few months will be exhibited. Drawings by Hannah Boyd, paintings by Clare Wassermann, textiles by Sue Chand and Kanj Nicholas and land art by Richard Shilling and Julia Brooklyn. There will be a chance to take part in outdoor Mandala making with Richard and Julia, soap making with Maria and storytelling walks with Ana Lines. We will also be showcasing work by local school children.

The site has become an outdoor classroom for neighbouring Penn Fields Special School who are frequent visitors. Plotholder Howard Berry regularly guides groups around the garden and allotments and a group of pupils now share part of his plot. Plot-holder and entomologist Mick Phillips is regularly on hand to help children discover the sites’ abundant native wildlife.

Pupils have recently worked with local artists to explore the garden as a source of creative inspiration and have produced some wonderful creative work using collage, photography and stop motion animation. Penn Fields Head of Art, Shelley McGregor highlights that

We are delighted to be working in partnership with charity Julie’s Bicycle who advise artists and organisations on developing sustainable practice. We are aiming to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and use the arts as a catalyst to raise awareness of environmental issues and their impact on emotional wellbeing.

Over the weekend of 14 – 15 October 2017, Wolverhampton artists and makers welcome you into their studios for a unique glimpse into these creative spaces. You can chat directly with the artist, browse and buy original artwork

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If you are a community group who would like to get involved, contact Moya Lloyd: moyalloyd@hotmail.com.

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For full details of our October Weekend and further information about the project, please follow our Blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed: www.boundarywayproject.blogspot.co.uk www.facebook.com/boundarywayarts www.twitter.com/boundaryway

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#Angels of Hope Sue Allen

HOPE COMMUNITY PROJECT

ANGELS OF HOPE

Sue Allen, Manager Hope Community Project

Angels of Hope is an initiative run by Hope Community Project. It is funded by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, and delivers a Golden Year Support Service for people over 60 in Heath Town. Our aim is to provide support and compassion for the elderly, helping them live independently in their own homes. Some of the services we offer include accompanying people to attend medical appointments, respite for carers, help with shopping and daily chores.

Many elderly people become isolated and lonely. Spending days on end having very little social interaction often leads to depression or low self esteem. We provide friendly visits, telephone calls and social activities, trips and outings to encourage new friendships outside their home and extended peer circles. When they meet at the monthly lunch clubs or come to the Friendship Group at Hope, it is a time of fun and laughter with friends old and new.

For one guest, after being confined to a wheelchair and having difficulty leaving the flat, our service has brought him back in to the heart of the community. He has

been matched with a volunteer from Heath Town who vists him weekly. A paid support worker from Hope collects him from his flat so he is able to attend the groups and activities. Since 1985, when the Sisters of the Infant Jesus moved on to the estate, Hope Community Project has always been concerned with reaching the forgotten and marginalized. We believe: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ (Luke 6:31) The Angels of Hope Project is making a difference by reducing social isolation, promoting independent living and improving social interaction. In turn, this community service reduces the risk of early hospital admission or re-admission, gives the elderly the respect they deserve and helps them to have fun, be independent and live longer in their own homes.

#HeadStart Conference 2017 HeadStart Wolverhampton

HEADSTART CONFERENCE 2017 HeadStart Wolverhampton

Mental health advocate and comedian Ruby Wax OBE will be a keynote speaker at a major conference in October organised by HeadStart Wolverhampton.

Aimed at teachers, health professionals and voluntary sector staff who work with children and young people, the conference will focus on how they can support young people in improving their resilience and emotional wellbeing, with the aim of reducing the number who develop ongoing mental health issues.

The conference, organised by HeadStart Wolverhampton, the University of Wolverhampton, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, Young Minds and Time to Change, will also feature a number of workshops with experts from across the UK. Ruby Wax has experienced episodes of depression for most of her life, and has used her experiences as part of her one-woman shows to break down the stigma associated with discussing mental health issues. She is the author of two best-selling books, Sane New World and A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, and was awarded an OBE for Services to Mental Health in 2015.

Ruby will share her experiences as a keynote speaker at the HeadStart Wolverhampton conference at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Tuesday 3rd October. Other keynote speakers are Paul McGee, who developed the SUMO (Stop, Understand, Move On) approach to resilience, and Dr Pooky Knightsmith, a mental health ambassador, educator and director of the Young People and Schools Programme at the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.

Following the conference, an evening event will showcase the impact that HeadStart and its community partner organisations are having for young people in the City.

Places for the conference are free and can be booked now by visiting www. headstartonline.co.uk/conference2017.

HeadStart Wolverhampton, funded through The Big Lottery Fund, is a “test and learn” programme designed to improve the resilience and emotional well-being of children and young people aged 10 to 16 by giving them the skills they need to cope with life’s challenges.

To find out more about HeadStart, please visit: www.headstartonline.co.uk.

““

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE SO COMMON, AND CAN AFFECT ANYONE. THE TROUBLE IS, NOBODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT AND THAT MAKES EVERYTHING WORSE. WE NEED TO TAKE THE STIGMA OUT OF MENTAL ILLNESS; PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE ASHAMED OF IT. IT USED TO BE THE 'C' WORD – CANCER – THAT PEOPLE WOULDN'T DISCUSS. NOW IT'S THE 'M' WORD. I HOPE PRETTY SOON IT'LL BE OKAY FOR EVERYONE TO TALK OPENLY ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

”

Ruby Wax OBE #

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#Designing Hope The HeadStart Wolf HeadStart Wolverhampton

DESIGNING HOPE THE HEADSTART WOLF HeadStart Wolverhampton

The issue of mental health, whether in adults, or in children and young people, has emerged from the shadows of stigma and unspoken discrimination to become a national priority for communities, health services and schools.

Mental health issues frequently start before adulthood and 75% of adults with a lifetime mental illness first developed symptoms before 18.

HeadStart supports 10-16 year olds in Wolverhampton in developing their resilience, raising their awareness of their own mental health and that of their peers, and in preventing the development of lifelong mental health issues.

We were delighted to be asked to design a HeadStart wolf for the Wolves in Wolves project, the largest public art event to take place in the city.

HeadStart Ambassadors (a volunteer group of young people aged 16-25) came up with the design. The initial concept was an idea of a tree being the backbone and support of HeadStart. The tree symbolises the growth that HeadStart aims to give to young people and the flowers represent the help for young people to blossom.

Digital interactions are key elements of the HeadStart programme, so the ambassadors were keen to represent these on the design by adding headphones.

A QR code was added to direct the public to the HeadStart website for more

information [www.headstartonline.co.uk].

The HeadStart creative team of Alice Whyley and Emma Sayles then went on to develop the ambassadors' ideas further to come up with a final concept to present.

The design also took inspiration from the quote ‘Don’t let the weeds grow around your dreams', which has been written onto the tail of the wolf. This reflects the idea that some young people have negative influences holding them back, stopping them from being the best they can be.

The wolf design has a gradient from light to dark. Weeds wrap around the dark base of the wolf and gradually develop into flowers, growing more as the design moves from bottom to top. Small elements, including a butterfly and small flowers, can be seen in the bottom dark section of the wolf, symbolising the idea that young people in the most challenging of circumstances are still bright and full of potential, shining despite the darkness that surrounds them.

They just need support to work their way to the top. Key words are intertwined over the whole of the wolf’s body. Negative words such as 'anger', 'stress', 'grief' and 'stigma' are at the bottom. Positive words gradually emerge in the design as you climb towards the top: 'resilience', 'determination', 'courage', and, of course, 'Hope'.

Image: ‘HeadStart Wolf’ photographed

by Alice Whyley, Creative Designer HeadStart.

““

WE WANT, HOPE THE HEADSTART WOLF, TO INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE RESILIENT AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO NOT LET THINGS IN LIFE HOLD THEM BACK FROM BEING THE BEST THEY CAN BE.

”

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BREAKING THE STIGMA COLLECTIViSM #11 LAUNCH

An evening of spoken word, music, art and conversation

Tuesday 10th October COLLECTIViSM presents an evening of contemporary art and entertainment, compered by Wolverhampton actress and producer, Tonia Daley Campbell. The exhibition showcases the artists featured in Collectivism #11, World Mental Health Day edition alongside other emerging Wolverhampton artists and community groups.

The exhibition also provides a platform for community groups and work by local school children as featured in the magazine.

Breaking the Stigma on World Mental Health Day is not only our attempt to bring people together to say there is no shame, but also an event featuring the very best from Wolverhampton artists, reflecting on the need for creative expression and art as social justice.

We would like

Wild Bytes Café, an inclusive meeting place where everybody is welcome, is hosting the free event - with live music and spoken word to take this opportunity Following on from the downstairs and an exhibition to thank West Midlands Police exhibition launch on upstairs. The exhibition for sourcing the materials and the Tuesday is the Action features the work of several Good Shepherd Ministry Volunteers for Happiness Course, Wolverhampton established for their hard work creating a running for six and emerging artists fresh and exciting gallery space consecutive weeks at specialising in a variety of upstairs at Wild Bytes the café from Tuesday media including painting, specifically for the event.

17th October photography and film.

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NAVIGATING LIFE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION CAN BE TOUGH, AND THE ISOLATION, BLAME AND SECRECY THAT IS OFTEN ENCOURAGED BY STIGMA CAN CREATE HUGE CHALLENGES TO REACHING OUT, GETTING NEEDED SUPPORT AND LIVING WELL.

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National Alliance for Mental Illness [www.nami.org/stigmafree]

Image: ‘Red Riding Hood’ by Robin Firth #

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UPCOMiNG EVENTS MACABRECADRE PRESENTS 'TREATMENT' Friday 6th October, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, The Asylum Art Gallery, 21 Clifton Street, Chapel Ash, WV3 0UF Immersive and interactive installation piece on the state of the NHS FUN PALACE Sunday 8th October, 12.00am – 5.00pm, Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, WV1 4AN A free fun celebration of Arts, Science and Culture for all ages. Run by the community for the community Discover your inner scientist and creative flair UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON MA SHOW Saturday 14th - Sunday 22nd October, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield St, WV1 1DU Showcasing the work of over 45 graduating Master’s Students, ranging from ceramics and glass to photography and sculpture – entry is free and open to everyone WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS Saturday 14th - Sunday 22nd October, Viner Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Boundary Way Project, Eagleworks Gallery, Newhampton Arts Centre, Temple Street Studios and Gallery and Tettenhall Wood Institute www.wolverhamptonopenstudios.co.uk A FINE FINE PLACE BY STEVE POTTINGER Sunday 15th October, 7.00pm – 9.30pm, The Lychgate Tavern, off Queen Square, WV1 1TX Book launch, meet and greet the author THE ACTION FOR HAPPINESS COURSE Every Tuesday 17th October – 5th December, 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Wild Bytes Cafe, 15 Darlington Street, WV1 4HW (tickets available from www.eventbrite.com) Inspiring 8 week course to explore what matters for a happy and meaningful life – together with a group of friendly, like minded people WOLVES IN WOLVES PUBLIC AUCTION Thursday 2nd November, 5.00pm, Molineux stadium, Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR Proceeds go to the Outside Centre charity and the Charities of the Mayor of Wolverhampton MINDFULNESS FOR SELF-COMPASSION Sunday 12th November, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Room 103, Gallery Hall, Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, WV1 4AN (£25) Exploring ways of applying mindfulness to caring for ourselves with mindfulness trainer and psychotherapist, Keith Hackwood THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD – 'CAN A RADICAL VOICE SAVE A 1000 FROM RADICALISM’ Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December, 7.30pm, Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, WV1 1SE (£12/£10) Wolverhampton playwright Dave Pitt’s latest play