Winter 2011
Hello from the new Co-ordinator Welcome to the new twice-yearly newsletter from the MHBS which I hope you will find interesting and informative. I have been in post since the beginning of August and have been enjoying getting to grips with the role! I’m currently in the process of setting up new partnerships and running induction training for new volunteers. Please feel free to email [email protected] with comments, stories, poems and info about events which may be of interest to other volunteers. A big thank you to all the befrienders for giving their time to help others. Have a lovely Christmas and very best wishes for 2012! Natalie Hickman
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER” - Mark Twain
Mental Health Befriending Service Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2011
Christmas themed coffee morning for volunteers Wednesday 14 December from 10.00am to 12.00pm at Voluntary Norfolk, Pottergate
Recent feedback from a volunteer. ”Thank you for my time as a volunteer with you. I enjoyed every minute and was sad to leave” - Nicky
You are cordially invited to the Vincent Room, Pottergate for tea/coffee, mince pies and friendly chat. The perfect chance for you to meet other befrienders and the co-ordinator. Free Mental Health First Aid Training with Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind In a similar way to physical first aid, this two-day training offers you the skills to respond to someone experiencing emotional distress. By doing this certificated course you will also be able to become a ‘Mind Associate’, through which you can gain access to further support and training, invitations to Norwich Mind events, opportunities to get involved as well as the regular newsletter. For more info or to book a place contact: Robert Black, 01603 496387 or [email protected] Do you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a befriender? If so, please refer to the website for more info: www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk or ring 01603 883823 to find out more information.
Grapes Hill Community Garden A welcoming green space near the city centre, open to all. With vegetables, fruits and herbs to buy, a lawn and benches for picnics. A place to meet friends, or just sit and relax. Maybe somewhere some of your clients might be interested to go or actually get involved with? Open 9.00am to 4.30pm (end of October – end of March) www.grapeshillcommunitygarden.org 07729540482 Are you looking for an uplifting experience with your client? Sing your heart out is a series of workshops to bring people together to enjoy the known benefits to mental health from singing. You don’t have to be a good singer and anyone who is a past or present user of mental health services, their friends, carers and support workers are welcome to go along. Sessions are held at The Phoenix Centre, 132 Mile Cross Road Norwich. Tel: 01603 403814 or check out their website www.syho.org.uk
Stress and Nutrition
Why not try something different? Lunchtime Drop-In Meditation Class 12:15pm to 13:15pm (Sat 13:30pm to 14:30pm) £4/£3 No need to book! Held at Norwich Buddhist Centre 14 Bank Street Norwich, NR2 4SE 01603 627034 info@ norwichbuddhistcentre.com
Thanks to Sheryl Thompson
Stress can be a problem in itself, of course. But stress can sometimes lead to unhealthy lifestyle patterns, which can lead to more stress! Poor nutrition can lead to lowered immunity so you’re more susceptible to illnesses, both minor and major. Due partially to increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, stressed people tend to crave foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Think about it: how often have you turned to your good friends Ben & Jerry after a long, stressful day? Instead, why not try Norwich’s first cafe focusing on local, organic, artisan delicacies and handmade raw, Vegan and gluten free treats. 16 Onley Street Norwich NR2 2EB. Open Tues to Sat from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Contemplations of Life I am often alone in this house, sitting quietly with my thoughts. I try to fill the overwhelming silence to quell my anxious thinking to a lull. Some consider my sort invalids, put out to pasture, left to graze grass. Many sadly experience much neglect before they are helped to feel better. All of us crave understanding and love and happiness too. What else is life about? These are basics of being alive. None of us truly enjoy life alone, no matter how much we pretend. I do not want to be alone at the end.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER” - Mark Twain
Mental Health Befriending Service Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2011
Christmas themed coffee morning for volunteers Wednesday 14 December from 10.00am to 12.00pm at Voluntary Norfolk, Pottergate
Recent feedback from a volunteer. ”Thank you for my time as a volunteer with you. I enjoyed every minute and was sad to leave” - Nicky
You are cordially invited to the Vincent Room, Pottergate for tea/coffee, mince pies and friendly chat. The perfect chance for you to meet other befrienders and the co-ordinator. Free Mental Health First Aid Training with Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind In a similar way to physical first aid, this two-day training offers you the skills to respond to someone experiencing emotional distress. By doing this certificated course you will also be able to become a ‘Mind Associate’, through which you can gain access to further support and training, invitations to Norwich Mind events, opportunities to get involved as well as the regular newsletter. For more info or to book a place contact: Robert Black, 01603 496387 or [email protected] Do you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a befriender? If so, please refer to the website for more info: www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk or ring 01603 883823 to find out more information.
Grapes Hill Community Garden A welcoming green space near the city centre, open to all. With vegetables, fruits and herbs to buy, a lawn and benches for picnics. A place to meet friends, or just sit and relax. Maybe somewhere some of your clients might be interested to go or actually get involved with? Open 9.00am to 4.30pm (end of October – end of March) www.grapeshillcommunitygarden.org 07729540482 Are you looking for an uplifting experience with your client? Sing your heart out is a series of workshops to bring people together to enjoy the known benefits to mental health from singing. You don’t have to be a good singer and anyone who is a past or present user of mental health services, their friends, carers and support workers are welcome to go along. Sessions are held at The Phoenix Centre, 132 Mile Cross Road Norwich. Tel: 01603 403814 or check out their website www.syho.org.uk
Stress and Nutrition
Why not try something different? Lunchtime Drop-In Meditation Class 12:15pm to 13:15pm (Sat 13:30pm to 14:30pm) £4/£3 No need to book! Held at Norwich Buddhist Centre 14 Bank Street Norwich, NR2 4SE 01603 627034 info@ norwichbuddhistcentre.com
Thanks to Sheryl Thompson
Stress can be a problem in itself, of course. But stress can sometimes lead to unhealthy lifestyle patterns, which can lead to more stress! Poor nutrition can lead to lowered immunity so you’re more susceptible to illnesses, both minor and major. Due partially to increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, stressed people tend to crave foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Think about it: how often have you turned to your good friends Ben & Jerry after a long, stressful day? Instead, why not try Norwich’s first cafe focusing on local, organic, artisan delicacies and handmade raw, Vegan and gluten free treats. 16 Onley Street Norwich NR2 2EB. Open Tues to Sat from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Contemplations of Life I am often alone in this house, sitting quietly with my thoughts. I try to fill the overwhelming silence to quell my anxious thinking to a lull. Some consider my sort invalids, put out to pasture, left to graze grass. Many sadly experience much neglect before they are helped to feel better. All of us crave understanding and love and happiness too. What else is life about? These are basics of being alive. None of us truly enjoy life alone, no matter how much we pretend. I do not want to be alone at the end.
