“Enablement and Well-being What do you think works?” 4th September 2015 11am– 3pm Dugdale Centre, Enfield Town. Free Buffet Lunch Music and Poetry Workshops Goodie bag for all participants
W
e have been very busy at EMU arranging a Conference for people with experience of mental health services to have their say about services, what works and what doesn't and what improvements could be made.
Its very important that you come and tell the Commissioners who decide what services are provided what you think! This will influence their decisions about what is planned and provided. You have real life experience and they are very keen to find out what your experiences are.
We have booked the Dugdale Centre in Enfield Town and will be providing a nice lunch and some workshops on music and poetry so that we can enjoy the day and treat it as a get together with friends. The date and times are on the front page.
There will be other groups there, information stalls and a surprise goody bag for all of you who attend with a ticket to a social event later in the year. Have a look on our Web site for more information on what we are doing
www.emugroup.org.uk We also have a Twitter account and a Facebook page so please friend, follow or like us! It would help us if those of you who can access email could opt to have their newsletter sent by email instead of post. To do this please send an email titled NEWSLETTER: Damian.loukas@emugroup.org.uk We very much want to encourage people to volunteer with us—come and try our volunteer training sessions or contact us for a chat. Sara
Stop press! Stop press! Food Growing Project EMU New opportunities for work and training! We have had a new grant to run a community food growing project in Edmonton. We will be providing training, expenses and some paid work. Learn skills, meet new people, have fun. Contact Sara.litchfieldbrown@emugroup.org.uk
Dealing with the bumps in life while getting back into the swing of things Volunteering can be great way to learn new skills and gain confidence when you may have hit a bump on the road in life. It can also open the doors to new experiences and help you to grow. But sometimes when you continue on the road called life, there can be many bumps along the way too. So how do you deal with these bumps while trying to get back to employment? I have laid out some tips below. THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF ALL – TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF If things are building on top of you then, take a deep breath and step back! Take time to unwind and relax. How can I? I hear. Let me tell you the actions we take that built on automatic responses tend to come from our flight or fight impulse and can sometimes make situations worse. So take a deep breath and count to down from 10 to 1 and calm yourself. We at EMU currently have access to counselling which can also be beneficial. Speak to the office for more details Work at a pace that suits you. Remember volunteering is giving your time up for free. What you do is up to you. It’s your time you’re giving up, and it must suit your needs. EMU always tries to work with your availability. Say NO! If there is something you don’t want to do then say NO! We often have a belief that if we say no there will automatically be negative consequences. This is not always the case and in some cases can show great strength. If there are negative consequences remember you are not in charge of their people’s reactions!
Kind Regards and Very Best Wishes Damian Loukas
Can we help with your well-being? Complimentary Therapy: We do have a waiting list for services and need to make it clear that we provide 6 initial sessions for free. We ask you to fill in a base line survey at the beginning of the service and then an exit survey when you have finished the course. We use this to reflect with you if the sessions were of benefit and what other services we can help you to engage with to support your well-being. Counselling: We have 2 counsellors on placement with us, you can self-refer and we will do an assessment with you to see if our service is suitable for you. The counsellors are under supervision and will work with you for 6 sessions. At the end of this time you and they will decide what the next step might be. We do ask for a donation of ÂŁ5 per session for this service to cover our costs in providing this. With both services we ask that you think carefully about engaging with the service. If you feel you are not ready but might be later on we can keep you on the waiting list. If you do not attend 2 sessions in a row we withdraw the service and suggest you go back on the waiting list until you are in a better position to engage.
Did you know…………. that you now have a right to choose who treats your mental health problem? From April 2014 adults with mental health problems have had the legal right to: “Choose which provider and consultant or mental health professional will be in charge of their care then they attend their first outpatient appointment’
This means you now have the right to choose who your GP refers you to for mental health care.
This means that where your GP assesses you as needing mental health care services as an out patient (for instance Community Mental Health Team, Psychological services) they should discuss what choices are available to you that best meet your clinical needs and preferences, including the choice of provider and team to provide your first out patient appointment.
This applies to:
England only.
Your first out patient and subsequent treatment.
Young people over 16 who are considered Gillick competent.
It doesn't apply if you are already receiving mental health care as an out patient unless you have had an assessment and diagnosis that is different to the one you were originally referred for. There is more information if you follow this link. http://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/qual-clin-lead/pe/bp/guidance/
You are invited to the Enfield Community Mental Health Services
Service User Forum Date: Thursday 10th September 2015 Time: 3.00pm-4.30 pm A talk on Mindfulness followed by an opportunity to meet managers from Mental Health Services 58-60 Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3EP (Almost Opposite Civic Centre) For adults who use Enfield community mental health services
How helpful do you find the service? What are we getting right? What do we need to improve on? Do you have any questions about how the services work?
Your Views are Vital‌ Staff representatives will be there to hear your feedback. The forum will be chaired by Enfield Mental Health Users Group (EMU) which is independent of Mental Health Services. For more information please contact Enfield Complex Care Admin Team 020 8702 5011 or 0208 702 5515 Light refreshments will be provided
PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD What a lovely bonding sponsored walk we had on the 20th of June, it was most enjoyable and we were very lucky with the weather. After our photo of feet and paws we set out with water and a chocolate bars to keep our energy up - compliments of EMU. Jack , the dog, led the way, wagging his tail with excitement. If he had it his way, he would of taken full control, holding his lead in his own mouth for the whole walk (quite an adorable character). We proceeded through the town and on towards Enfield Town Park. We took our time enjoying the day and each other’s company, with a lot of laughing and chatting. At the Park we had another circle photo shoot, putting our best foot forward. After a little rest enjoyed the sunshine we set out again. On the way back we took a different route, walking past the Registry Office, posing for photos on bridges along the New River were newlyweds. One new bride looked stunning in her full length white satin gown. I was so glad that we took this route as I had not walked this way before and didn’t realise how beautiful is was. We all agreed on how tranquil and calming walking by the water was. We sighted swans, ducks, coots nesting and in the distance a family of foxes playing in the field. Sara knew an alley way that took us back towards Lancaster Rd. We arrived back at Lancaster centre to receive our certificate for participating on EMU’s sponsored walk. A minute later we it starts to slightly rain and later when safe indoors building to quite a down pour, so yes we were very lucky with the weather. Although we were a rather small troupe we managed to put our best foot forward, collecting over £300 for EMU.
Well done to everyone involved special thanks the
Franklin, Richie, Terry, Sara, Suzanne, Isobel, and of course Jack. And a very big thanks to everyone who put their hands in their pockets to support such a worthy organisation. I am so proud that this event was successful and I can only hope that next year you can also join us when we are planning to do another one. Shelley Graham Lead Peer Support Worker
Photo Board Sponsored Walk
Tuesday Drop-in From September we are running a new weekly group. Tuesday Tea at 2 –3.30pm (currently 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month) At Park Avenue Centre
Tea and coffee and cake (of course)
Mental Health Forum—have your say on services, raise issues and feedback concerns and compliments
Speakers
Activities
Signposting and Information
Advocacy
Training
Self-help and well– being
Do you have experience of using London Ambulance Services Expenses paid. Consultation At Tuesday Drop-in on the 22nd September 2015 at 2pm The London Ambulance service (LAS) has asked us to help them improve the services they provide to people with mental health needs. To do this they need to speak to people who have experience of having a mental health condition and who have used their services in the past and who might need to the services in the future. They will be holding seven focus groups in total across London with 10-15 people at each group. One of these sessions will be with EMU at the Tuesday Drop -in on 22nd September 2015. The session will take approximately 1.5hrs and LAS are able to pay each attendee ÂŁ11.70 for their expenses on the day. They will pay each attendee on the day and get them to sign to say they have received the money. They will introduce themselves, explain why they want to improve services and then ask some simple questions about your experiences of the service. They have a note taker and you will see what is written down. You will get a copy of the report and names will not be used in this. If you are interested in taking part please contact Suzanne.collins@emugroup.org.uk
Groups Evening Support Group (cancelled in August) This is a group for anyone who would like to meet other people dealing with a mental health issue. The group is friendly and supportive. Some people come to the group regularly, others come from time to time when they feel they need extra support. contact Suzanne.collins@emugroup.org.uk
Afternoon Depression Drop-in A regular drop in held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 2-4pm. Coffee, tea and chat. Access to therapies, counselling and support strategies. Mindfulness techniques and a safe space to speak openly with other people who are experiencing the same feelings.
Depression Alliance Self-help group supporting people with depression. Access to counselling and support and strategies. Held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm at the Lancaster Centre.
Over 65 Thursday Club Thursday Club, for members who are over 65 years of age, continues to meet each Thursday afternoon at the Lancaster Centre. There are a mix of activities, quizzes and monthly art and music sessions to challenge you. Refreshments provided.
LGBT Advocacy Slots This is a safe place for people form the LGBT community who are experiencing mental health problems. Signposting, information and referrals to support services and a chance to socialise with the main group for film nights, social events and chat, We meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 7pm.
Tuesday Group An informal drop-in group on Tuesdays. There will be speakers, arts and refreshments,
Richie’s Football Group. Tuesdays - 4.15p.m. - 5.15p.m. Enfield Playing Fields. Donkey Lane. EN1 3PL. Opposite Enfield Town FC.http://www.emugroup.org.uk/
E.M.U. Office: 0208 3666560 Mobile: 07760 434405 £1.00 per session.
Have fun, make friends and keep fit.
Volunteer Training 7th September 2015 6.–7.30pm start at the Lancaster Centre
This course is designed to help you understand the volunteer role, know a little bit about confidentiality and safeguarding, develop your interests and skills and find the right volunteer role for you and identify additional training, We will be covering areas such as
Introduction and Role of the Volunteer
Keeping Safe (including Safe Guarding and Boundaries)
Personal skills and development (including CV development)
Introduction to Peer Support, Advocacy and Representation.
We will provide a light supper and a portfolio for you to use to monitor your personal development and use for your cv.
We look forward to seeing some new faces,
Contact Damian on:
Damian.loukas@emugroup.org.uk
Creative Workshops for Adults ONLY ÂŁ1 All Materials Included July 2015 - December 2015 Come, learn, make and have fun Thanks to Enfield Residents' Priority Fund these workshops are being charged at only ÂŁ1 cash per person per workshop that will be donated to charity. How to Book Booking is essential as places are limited. Please email (preferable) or call Zoe to book a place. E: zoe@zinfinity.co.uk M: 07944 974 891 Requirements All these workshops are aimed at beginners but you will need basic English and Math skills. Venue Bountagu 229 Bounces Road, Edmonton, N9 8LP 10 seconds walk from 191 / W8 bus stop No designated bays only street parking. Disabled Access Please note that dates / subjects may change due to unforseen circumstances.
Zinfinity
Workshops
August
When booking please state workshop name and which date you would like to attend. Wire Work – Explore the possibilities of coloured wire to make fabulous creations.
Photography – Use your own camera to photograph your own work or portraits.
Bag Decorating – Release your imagination and decorate a canvas bag.
Jewellery Box – Decorate a little wooden jewellery box for all your precious little bits.
Sat 1st 3pm
Jewellery Making
Thurs 13th
Bag Decorating
Thurs 20th 3pm
Jewellery Box
Sat 29th
Metal Stamping
1-
1-3pm
1-
1-3pm
SEPTEMBER Sat 5th
Make a Bag 1-3pm
Jewellery Making – Understand the basics of connection to make necklaces, earrings etc.
Metal Stamping – Stamp messages and patterns into metal discs to create tags.
Make A Bag – Make a little bag to hold your bits and pieces in.
Thurs 10th
Memory Books
1-3pm
Thurs 17th
Mini Pics
1-3pm
Sat 26th
Wire Work
1-3pm
Memory Books – Make a lovely memory book or funky note book.
OCTOBER Sat 10th
Mini Pics
1-3pm
Mini Pic – Fun workshop to create badges, keyrings and magnets.
Thurs 15th
Make a Bag
1-3pm
Thurs 22nd
Funky Rings
1-3pm
Funky Rings – Using coloured wires and glass beads to create funky rings.
Plaster Casting – Cast mini plaster shapes and explore colour.
NOVEMBER Sat 7th
Plaster Casting 1-3pm
JULY Sat 4th
Wire Work 1-3pm
Thurs 19th
Mini Pics
1-3pm
Bag Decorating
1-3pm
Thurs 9th
Photography
1-3pm
Sat 28th
Thurs 16th
Bag Decorating
1-3pm
DECEMBER Sat 5th
Thurs 23rd 3pm
Jewellery Box
1-
Jewellery Making 1-3pm
Volunteer Roles
Committee Representatives and interviewers needed Training given, add impact to your cv!
GROUP FACILITATORS We are looking for someone with lived experience of OCD or Bi-polar Disorder or Depression who feel they can share their expreiences of their recovery journey to help support other. As facilitator you will: 路
Listen to the experiences of others and be able to empathise
路
Share experiences
Treasurer Needed! Peer Support Volunteers needed Your lived experience is valuable. Your understanding and empathy is just what is needed to offer support, befriending and positive
Our small but vibrant Committee needs a Finance eye! Experience or interest in mental health an advantage but not a necessity (only MH ser-
role models to people learning to
vice users can be Trus-
live with mental illness.
tees but you can be co-
Training, support and expenses offered.
opted). Looking to add to your CV, time to spare. We really need your skills and experience.
Limit Weight
Words can never quite explain That which experience can never feign Articulate, illuminate, delineate, and create, great (beautifully, all the same!) But words possess a limit weight.
Panda The Panda you see is an important metaphor, It is a beautiful amalgamation. For it is simultaneously, irrefutably, both black, white and Asian. Why cant we be like the Panda? One body of racial and cultural harmonisation.
Paul
Contact Details EMU Lancaster Centre 53 Lancaster Road Enfield EN2 0BU 0208 366 6560 info@emugroup.org.uk Volunteer or admin : damian.loukas@emugroup.org.uk Outreach, advocacy and information: Suzanne.collins@emugroup.org.uk Peer Support: Shelley.graham@emugroup.org.uk CEO: Sara.litchfieldbrown@emugroup.org.uk
Complementary Therapies
Week 4
Tea at 2pm at Park Ave
Depression Drop-in 2-4pm
Complementary Therapies
Complementary Therapies
Complementary Therapies
Week 2
Week 3
Complementary Therapies
Complementary Therapies
Week 1
LGBT Group Advocacy 7-8pm
playing fields
Football 4.15pm Enfield
Tea at 2pm at Park Ave
Complementary Therapies
ing fields
Football 4.15pm Enfield play-
Tea at 2pm at Park Ave
Complementary Therapies
ing fields
Football 4.15pm Enfield play-
feedback to us.)
your say, raise concerns,
(Mental Health Forum—Have
ing fields
Football 4.15pm Enfield play-
Tea at 2pm at Park Ave
Tuesday
Monday
7-9.00pm
Depression Alliance
7.30pm
Support Group 6-
Wednesday
Over 65 Group 1-4pm
Over 65 Group 1-4pm
Over 65 Group 1-4pm
Over 65 Group 1-4pm
Thursday
Friday
If its in italics it starts in September