check out Staffs County Council website to find out, & have your say, about local health & social care services.
Okay, okay... I'm with you when it comes to 'consultation fatigue', there always seems to be planty of asking but not so much when it comes to the doing from the 'powers that be'. However, it's always good to try to give honest, useful feedback when folk ask for it!
Have a look, & have your say. You have until 16th Jauary 2012 to respond: email or fill in the online survey; I imagine the Service User Locality meetings will be pulling together the views of folk; alternatively pop into one of our drop-in venues, ask a volunteer/staff member, or Andy at Cannock's Advice Shop & we can supply a paper copy for you to fill in & send.
02 December 2011
28 November 2011
Mid Staffs Mind Christmas Party
11am - 2pm on Friday 16th December 2011
cabaret by the fabulous WalNuts...
Arthur Findlay Centre, Stafford, ST16 2RS
All service users, carers, volunteers, staff & members most welcome...
but it would be rude not to let us know you were coming!
cabaret by the fabulous WalNuts...
Arthur Findlay Centre, Stafford, ST16 2RS
All service users, carers, volunteers, staff & members most welcome...
but it would be rude not to let us know you were coming!
27 November 2011
Mid Staffs Mind relaunch website
You really should have a look at the organisation's website... the bugs have been ironed out of the system, the general information reflects current activity, & the development news is up-to-date & interesting... looks kinda nice too!
We are entering a period of practical service development, whereby new activities & opportunities will be coming on line quite frequently - the Mid Staffs Mind website is a great way of keeping in touch with all of that.
We would be very grateful for any comments or ideas you may have regarding the website or other promotional material / events.
Thanks
We are entering a period of practical service development, whereby new activities & opportunities will be coming on line quite frequently - the Mid Staffs Mind website is a great way of keeping in touch with all of that.
We would be very grateful for any comments or ideas you may have regarding the website or other promotional material / events.
Thanks
04 November 2011
Peer Support at Mid Staffs Mind
What is Peer Support?
“Peer support is not like clinical support. In peer support we understand each other because we've been there, shared similar experiences.”
Peer Support allows people to give & receive care & help based on mutual respect, commonality, shared responsibility, & agreement as to what really helps; it does not rest on diagnosis or the medical model. It is about true empathy with another human, & the shared experience of mental & emotional pain.
The ‘Peer’ is someone with current or previous experience of mental health problems – in other contexts, it might be a person who has been through the redundancy ‘grinder’, or someone with a specific physical illness such as diabetes or epilepsy. ‘Peer Support Volunteers’ support folk with similar experience, socially, emotionally, & practically e.g. listening non-judgmentally, empathising, &/or providing information, running groups / activities etc.
“Peers don't see each other as patients... as peers we can remind ourselves we are people first. Because we have all been there we can help each other change our patterns and get out of ruts that we may be stuck in.”
Don't we already 'do' Peer Support?
We most certainly do! Informal Peer Support has always been a central element of Mid Staffs Mind activities, with friends being a 'listening ear’, giving feedback, suggestions etc. Sometimes just a cup of tea & 10 minutes does it! More formal Peer Support has been evident for a long time with service user volunteers organising groups like Music & Badminton.
“It is reassuring to meet others who are experiencing just the same kinds of feelings; to know you are not the only one.”
What is different about this 'new' Peer Support?
Many folk who use Mid Staffs Mind want to get involved in the planning, running, & development of activities & services. We want to ensure Peer Support Volunteers are fully trained, properly supported, & recognised for their crucial role. We aspire to offer something unique to those who knock on our door - open acceptance, honest concern, & real care... we believe this is worth fighting to keep, & with funding tight all over, the Peer Support Volunteer is one new way to do this.
“It is encouraging to hear about self-help tips that have worked for other people and to have the support of the group to try them out for yourself.”
What does it mean for Mid Staffs Mind Service Users?
All who use Mid Staffs Mind will be encouraged to contribute as much as they can to activities & services. During Peer Support sessions folk are expected to take responsibility for themselves as ‘peers’, ie. equals, using &/or contributing to the service, rather than being treated as ‘patients’ to be looked after. Such mutual support will enable us to keep our open access drop-ins available.
“When everyone is in the same boat it is easier to feel trusting, accepted and understood; the support is relaxed and mutual.”
What does it mean for Mid Staffs Mind Staff?
This enables our small band of paid support staff to interact with folk in a more individual & focused way, including more ‘person-centred planning’ helping individuals to identify & work towards personal goals. It allows staff to get out-&-about, building new partnerships & bridges to training, education, employment, & community groups, as well as generating new funding & projects 'within' the organisation.
“It can be easier to socialise in a supportive environment and being part of the peer network means there can be people within reach you can easily contact.”
What makes a Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers will have ongoing or previous personal experience of mental health problems. Those without such experience are still very much encouraged to apply to be a Mid Staffs Mind volunteer – it certainly does take all sorts! The Peer Supporter running open access drop-ins will enjoy working with people, be approachable, a good listener, & thoughtful, capable of firmness when needed – a sense of humour would be a great asset. We like to hear from folk who would like to contribute to Peer Support sessions in other ways - we want to involve everyone, as much as possible, & support everyone in reaching their full potential.
“It means sharing our vulnerabilities and our strengths and finding value in each others help.”
Why be a Mid Staffs Mind Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers get involved for all kinds of reasons: the work is challenging & rewarding: supporting folk under stress, passing on practical coping strategies, helping with difficult behaviour, motivating people to overcome anxiety or social inhibition. Support is mutual as it helps everyone involved think through what are often shared difficulties, with others in a similar situation. Peer-led activities are often popular as they are provided by & for people with experience of using services. It provides a chance for those who use Mid Staffs Mind to set up activities of particular interest to them.
Ongoing support, training, supervision, & recognition is provided for Peer Support Volunteers to enable folk get the most from the experience - whether on the road to employment, with CV, references etc., or as an end in itself e.g. in building personal confidence & esteem, &/or help better manage one's own mental health concerns.
“There is the opportunity to give as well as receive support which can help you to feel better about yourself.”
To find our more contact:
Leanne, Operational Lead, Mid Staffs Mind
tel: (01543) 462907 email: leanne.midstaffsmind@gmail.com
“Peer support is not like clinical support. In peer support we understand each other because we've been there, shared similar experiences.”
Peer Support allows people to give & receive care & help based on mutual respect, commonality, shared responsibility, & agreement as to what really helps; it does not rest on diagnosis or the medical model. It is about true empathy with another human, & the shared experience of mental & emotional pain.
The ‘Peer’ is someone with current or previous experience of mental health problems – in other contexts, it might be a person who has been through the redundancy ‘grinder’, or someone with a specific physical illness such as diabetes or epilepsy. ‘Peer Support Volunteers’ support folk with similar experience, socially, emotionally, & practically e.g. listening non-judgmentally, empathising, &/or providing information, running groups / activities etc.
“Peers don't see each other as patients... as peers we can remind ourselves we are people first. Because we have all been there we can help each other change our patterns and get out of ruts that we may be stuck in.”
Don't we already 'do' Peer Support?
We most certainly do! Informal Peer Support has always been a central element of Mid Staffs Mind activities, with friends being a 'listening ear’, giving feedback, suggestions etc. Sometimes just a cup of tea & 10 minutes does it! More formal Peer Support has been evident for a long time with service user volunteers organising groups like Music & Badminton.
“It is reassuring to meet others who are experiencing just the same kinds of feelings; to know you are not the only one.”
What is different about this 'new' Peer Support?
Many folk who use Mid Staffs Mind want to get involved in the planning, running, & development of activities & services. We want to ensure Peer Support Volunteers are fully trained, properly supported, & recognised for their crucial role. We aspire to offer something unique to those who knock on our door - open acceptance, honest concern, & real care... we believe this is worth fighting to keep, & with funding tight all over, the Peer Support Volunteer is one new way to do this.
“It is encouraging to hear about self-help tips that have worked for other people and to have the support of the group to try them out for yourself.”
What does it mean for Mid Staffs Mind Service Users?
All who use Mid Staffs Mind will be encouraged to contribute as much as they can to activities & services. During Peer Support sessions folk are expected to take responsibility for themselves as ‘peers’, ie. equals, using &/or contributing to the service, rather than being treated as ‘patients’ to be looked after. Such mutual support will enable us to keep our open access drop-ins available.
“When everyone is in the same boat it is easier to feel trusting, accepted and understood; the support is relaxed and mutual.”
What does it mean for Mid Staffs Mind Staff?
This enables our small band of paid support staff to interact with folk in a more individual & focused way, including more ‘person-centred planning’ helping individuals to identify & work towards personal goals. It allows staff to get out-&-about, building new partnerships & bridges to training, education, employment, & community groups, as well as generating new funding & projects 'within' the organisation.
“It can be easier to socialise in a supportive environment and being part of the peer network means there can be people within reach you can easily contact.”
What makes a Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers will have ongoing or previous personal experience of mental health problems. Those without such experience are still very much encouraged to apply to be a Mid Staffs Mind volunteer – it certainly does take all sorts! The Peer Supporter running open access drop-ins will enjoy working with people, be approachable, a good listener, & thoughtful, capable of firmness when needed – a sense of humour would be a great asset. We like to hear from folk who would like to contribute to Peer Support sessions in other ways - we want to involve everyone, as much as possible, & support everyone in reaching their full potential.
“It means sharing our vulnerabilities and our strengths and finding value in each others help.”
Why be a Mid Staffs Mind Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers get involved for all kinds of reasons: the work is challenging & rewarding: supporting folk under stress, passing on practical coping strategies, helping with difficult behaviour, motivating people to overcome anxiety or social inhibition. Support is mutual as it helps everyone involved think through what are often shared difficulties, with others in a similar situation. Peer-led activities are often popular as they are provided by & for people with experience of using services. It provides a chance for those who use Mid Staffs Mind to set up activities of particular interest to them.
Ongoing support, training, supervision, & recognition is provided for Peer Support Volunteers to enable folk get the most from the experience - whether on the road to employment, with CV, references etc., or as an end in itself e.g. in building personal confidence & esteem, &/or help better manage one's own mental health concerns.
“There is the opportunity to give as well as receive support which can help you to feel better about yourself.”
To find our more contact:
Leanne, Operational Lead, Mid Staffs Mind
tel: (01543) 462907 email: leanne.midstaffsmind@gmail.com
A bee in my bonnet
The Ritz of wildlife hotels
31 October 2011
Unhappy Birthday Schizophrenia
100 years since the term 'schizophrenia' was first coined, & those affected by the illness continue to get a raw deal in most areas of their lives.
What would life have been for you if you were diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1911?
Viewed with fear and suspicion; treated by trial and error; your rights and views ignored.
Sounds grim, but sadly folk living with schizophrenia often experience similar today. Schizophrenia can be a devastating illness, affecting the lives & prospects of hundreds of thousands of families across the UK.
If you, like we at Mid Staffs Mind, believe people impacted by this distressing, debilitating, isolating illness deserve a better deal, please send Rethink's e-card to David Cameron urging him to support their five birthday wishes for schizophrenia & help ensure the next 100 years are nothing like the last...
Dear David Cameron
It's 100 years since the term schizophrenia was first coined but people who have it are still getting a raw deal. I am supporting these five birthday wishes from Rethink Mental Illness. I think you should too.
I wish, in the next ten years, people with schizophrenia...
1. Will not be dying, on average, 20 years younger than everyone else.
2. Will have the same access to treatment as people with physical illnesses.
3. Will not face stigma & discrimination just because they are ill.
4. Will not be silenced and sidelined, but they & their families will have their voice heard.
5. Will be treated with compassion not suspicion.
Go to: www.facebook.com/RethinkCharity
What would life have been for you if you were diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1911?
Viewed with fear and suspicion; treated by trial and error; your rights and views ignored.
Sounds grim, but sadly folk living with schizophrenia often experience similar today. Schizophrenia can be a devastating illness, affecting the lives & prospects of hundreds of thousands of families across the UK.
If you, like we at Mid Staffs Mind, believe people impacted by this distressing, debilitating, isolating illness deserve a better deal, please send Rethink's e-card to David Cameron urging him to support their five birthday wishes for schizophrenia & help ensure the next 100 years are nothing like the last...
Dear David Cameron
It's 100 years since the term schizophrenia was first coined but people who have it are still getting a raw deal. I am supporting these five birthday wishes from Rethink Mental Illness. I think you should too.
I wish, in the next ten years, people with schizophrenia...
1. Will not be dying, on average, 20 years younger than everyone else.
2. Will have the same access to treatment as people with physical illnesses.
3. Will not face stigma & discrimination just because they are ill.
4. Will not be silenced and sidelined, but they & their families will have their voice heard.
5. Will be treated with compassion not suspicion.
Go to: www.facebook.com/RethinkCharity
Hi! We're back... with an update...
Hello there, it’s been a long, long time since we had a little chinwag, but during that time the guys at the coalface here at Mid Staffs Mind have been doing a whole bunch of stuff…
There was our first Mid Staffs Mind Annual Review 2011 in late July: folk from across the organisation, representing localities, clubs & groups, service users, staff, volunteers, & Trustees got together to take a look at where we’d come from, & where we hoped to go! It proved a great opportunity to reflect on activities we had to let go, those we committed to hold on to, & potential social, health, & lifeskill developments we might offer to future users of our service. Some great ideas for activities & partnerships were generated, & we began to explore changes needed to enable the primacy of volunteers & peer supporters in facilitating MSM work.
A few of the guys got together & took off across Cannock Chase on their bikes – this was to get Mid Staffs Mind Mountain Bike Club off the drawing board. We’ve had a few rides over the Chase, & a couple of road rides, but haven’t got into a regular pattern yet – at least in part ‘cos of wimping out as the colder, damper weather’s threatened! But I think we’ll persevere, even if it’s only once a month to keep a couple of roughie-toughies ticking over through the winter months. Further examples of ideas generated are a Coffee Club likely to be joint activity with Cannock library, & a Supper Club (nice way to package domestic skills development, eh?)
Our inaugural Mid Staffs Mind Volunteer Day 2011 in late August was a grand day. We got together with most of our volunteers, gave’em a great big cheer & pat on the back for all the wonderful work they do, then remorselessly picked their brains for feedback in respect of Mid Staffs Mind’s general effectiveness (& ineffectivenesses!), changes or additions to our systems / services , & things they need individually & collectively to be effective volunteer staff members. We did give'em a nice lunch in exchange for their efforts! Thank you to all who took part, the data provided on the day was most informative & will be of real practical value.
Our Annual General Meeting 2010-11on 8th September was quite the milestone, providing a point at which we could say a formal goodbye to our past – applauding Mid Staffs Mind’s history & achievements; taking lessons from previous mistakes & difficult days – while ushering in new aspirations, structures, & strategies. It’s a tough process; some folk who supported this organisation through thick & thin for many years are striving to accept the altered practices in governance & workstream demanded by our constrained funding – some may not complete the journey, & that is a great sadness, but significant change is inevitable, may be embraced, & can be managed.
In September, we took part in a couple of Job Fayres in Cannock & Rugeley hosted by Cannock MP Aidan Burley. Underpinning our presence is volunteering as a great way for people to get their CV going or broadening their experience, especially in employment-challenged areas like ours. Structure, social contact, productivity, personal confidence, learning – what’s there not to like about the upside of volunteering?
Monday 10th October was World Mental Health Day & this year we finally managed to get some awareness-raising events off the ground: Mid Staffs Mind in Wombourne partnered with Wombourne library & held a ‘Coffee & Information’ morning; there was ‘Tea, Cake & Chat’ at Mid Staffs Mind in Cannock. We met a few folk, downed a few calories, raised a few shillings, & appreciated the need to get very much better organised in future opportunities to invite our communities, promote our presence & service, & fundraise.
Mid Staffs Mind in Stafford were rather rapidly bounced out of the Chartley Centre at the back end of September. There was an element of rumour & rudeness attached to the process, & our Stafford service users were caused significant worry. Things were looking kind of bleak for a while there, until somebody in the upper echelons of South Staffs & Shropshire Foundation Trust stepped in & reiterated their ongoing support in a most practical fashion by enabling us to move to the Arthur Findlay Centre, where we now base a peer-supported drop-in (Monday 10am – 1pm) & our Women’s Group (Thursday 1.30 – 4.30pm). We would like to take this opportunity to thank our local mental health Trust & individual officers for all the support they have given us over many years.
Mid Staffs Mind Out of Hours Service in Stafford has relocated to Quest at the weekend. The Cannock Out of Hours Service continues to run at our Manor Avenue centre.
Mid Staffs Mind has commenced joint-working in Stafford with Richmond Fellowship, running a peer-supported safe space / drop-in, Tuesday 10am – 1pm, at St John’s House, Weston Road. Here's hoping this is but the first of many joint enterprises with this colleague organisation.
Mid Staffs Mind in Wombourne have moved from the United Reform Church – to whom we would like to give our heartfelt thanks for their welcome & ongoing support - & now host a peer-supported group 1 – 4pm Wednesdays, in the community room at Wombourne Fire Station.
Mid Staffs Mind Work Clubs, supported by funding from JobCentre Plus, were inaugurated at Cannock Work Club on Wednesday 12th October. Stafford Work Club launched on Monday 24th October; a Wombourne Work Club is to follow, possibly in November. The Work Clubs will initially run Monday 10am – 12.30pm based alternately at Stafford (Arthur Findlay Centre) & Cannock (Mid Staffs Mind, Manor Avenue).
Thursday October 13th saw the Mid Staffs Mind Development Day 2011 co-facilitated by Eleanor Chumley-Roberts, who has been working with us as part of the Staffordshire Community Works mentorship scheme. This was a fantastic event, with representatives from across our localities, groups & activities – plenty of ‘new’ faces, not just us usual suspects oft seen lurking about Mid Staffs Mind meetings – coming together to consider our shared values & mission, internal / external communication, generating activities, fundraising, promotion etc. In short, bringing the ‘family’ of Mid Staffs Mind together to reflect, respond, & help reorientate the organisation. Hard work, good fun, honesty, ideas, commitment, clean mugs & pumpy-pumpy-squirty-things for hot drinks… what more could we have hoped for? Thanks to everyone who gave up a day to support this important forum. We will be doing similar again – why wouldn’t we use the resource & support offered by folk we already know, who already know us?
See... I told you we’d been busy!
There was our first Mid Staffs Mind Annual Review 2011 in late July: folk from across the organisation, representing localities, clubs & groups, service users, staff, volunteers, & Trustees got together to take a look at where we’d come from, & where we hoped to go! It proved a great opportunity to reflect on activities we had to let go, those we committed to hold on to, & potential social, health, & lifeskill developments we might offer to future users of our service. Some great ideas for activities & partnerships were generated, & we began to explore changes needed to enable the primacy of volunteers & peer supporters in facilitating MSM work.
A few of the guys got together & took off across Cannock Chase on their bikes – this was to get Mid Staffs Mind Mountain Bike Club off the drawing board. We’ve had a few rides over the Chase, & a couple of road rides, but haven’t got into a regular pattern yet – at least in part ‘cos of wimping out as the colder, damper weather’s threatened! But I think we’ll persevere, even if it’s only once a month to keep a couple of roughie-toughies ticking over through the winter months. Further examples of ideas generated are a Coffee Club likely to be joint activity with Cannock library, & a Supper Club (nice way to package domestic skills development, eh?)
Our inaugural Mid Staffs Mind Volunteer Day 2011 in late August was a grand day. We got together with most of our volunteers, gave’em a great big cheer & pat on the back for all the wonderful work they do, then remorselessly picked their brains for feedback in respect of Mid Staffs Mind’s general effectiveness (& ineffectivenesses!), changes or additions to our systems / services , & things they need individually & collectively to be effective volunteer staff members. We did give'em a nice lunch in exchange for their efforts! Thank you to all who took part, the data provided on the day was most informative & will be of real practical value.
Our Annual General Meeting 2010-11on 8th September was quite the milestone, providing a point at which we could say a formal goodbye to our past – applauding Mid Staffs Mind’s history & achievements; taking lessons from previous mistakes & difficult days – while ushering in new aspirations, structures, & strategies. It’s a tough process; some folk who supported this organisation through thick & thin for many years are striving to accept the altered practices in governance & workstream demanded by our constrained funding – some may not complete the journey, & that is a great sadness, but significant change is inevitable, may be embraced, & can be managed.
In September, we took part in a couple of Job Fayres in Cannock & Rugeley hosted by Cannock MP Aidan Burley. Underpinning our presence is volunteering as a great way for people to get their CV going or broadening their experience, especially in employment-challenged areas like ours. Structure, social contact, productivity, personal confidence, learning – what’s there not to like about the upside of volunteering?
Monday 10th October was World Mental Health Day & this year we finally managed to get some awareness-raising events off the ground: Mid Staffs Mind in Wombourne partnered with Wombourne library & held a ‘Coffee & Information’ morning; there was ‘Tea, Cake & Chat’ at Mid Staffs Mind in Cannock. We met a few folk, downed a few calories, raised a few shillings, & appreciated the need to get very much better organised in future opportunities to invite our communities, promote our presence & service, & fundraise.
Mid Staffs Mind in Stafford were rather rapidly bounced out of the Chartley Centre at the back end of September. There was an element of rumour & rudeness attached to the process, & our Stafford service users were caused significant worry. Things were looking kind of bleak for a while there, until somebody in the upper echelons of South Staffs & Shropshire Foundation Trust stepped in & reiterated their ongoing support in a most practical fashion by enabling us to move to the Arthur Findlay Centre, where we now base a peer-supported drop-in (Monday 10am – 1pm) & our Women’s Group (Thursday 1.30 – 4.30pm). We would like to take this opportunity to thank our local mental health Trust & individual officers for all the support they have given us over many years.
Mid Staffs Mind Out of Hours Service in Stafford has relocated to Quest at the weekend. The Cannock Out of Hours Service continues to run at our Manor Avenue centre.
Mid Staffs Mind has commenced joint-working in Stafford with Richmond Fellowship, running a peer-supported safe space / drop-in, Tuesday 10am – 1pm, at St John’s House, Weston Road. Here's hoping this is but the first of many joint enterprises with this colleague organisation.
Mid Staffs Mind in Wombourne have moved from the United Reform Church – to whom we would like to give our heartfelt thanks for their welcome & ongoing support - & now host a peer-supported group 1 – 4pm Wednesdays, in the community room at Wombourne Fire Station.
Mid Staffs Mind Work Clubs, supported by funding from JobCentre Plus, were inaugurated at Cannock Work Club on Wednesday 12th October. Stafford Work Club launched on Monday 24th October; a Wombourne Work Club is to follow, possibly in November. The Work Clubs will initially run Monday 10am – 12.30pm based alternately at Stafford (Arthur Findlay Centre) & Cannock (Mid Staffs Mind, Manor Avenue).
Thursday October 13th saw the Mid Staffs Mind Development Day 2011 co-facilitated by Eleanor Chumley-Roberts, who has been working with us as part of the Staffordshire Community Works mentorship scheme. This was a fantastic event, with representatives from across our localities, groups & activities – plenty of ‘new’ faces, not just us usual suspects oft seen lurking about Mid Staffs Mind meetings – coming together to consider our shared values & mission, internal / external communication, generating activities, fundraising, promotion etc. In short, bringing the ‘family’ of Mid Staffs Mind together to reflect, respond, & help reorientate the organisation. Hard work, good fun, honesty, ideas, commitment, clean mugs & pumpy-pumpy-squirty-things for hot drinks… what more could we have hoped for? Thanks to everyone who gave up a day to support this important forum. We will be doing similar again – why wouldn’t we use the resource & support offered by folk we already know, who already know us?
See... I told you we’d been busy!
07 August 2011
Mid Staffs Mind AGM 2011
Thursday 08.09.11. @ 11.00 a.m. @ Manor Ave, Cannock
All members, service users, staff, volunteers, & stakeholders welcomed - but only members get to vote!
Want to exercise a vote? Join Mid Staffs Mind as a Member: (01543) 462907 or midstaffsmind@gmail.com or chat to a member of staff/volunteer.
All members, service users, staff, volunteers, & stakeholders welcomed - but only members get to vote!
Want to exercise a vote? Join Mid Staffs Mind as a Member: (01543) 462907 or midstaffsmind@gmail.com or chat to a member of staff/volunteer.
02 August 2011
Chase Community Showcase Event
I know it's a bit late in the day, but hey! better late than never... anyway, this Wednesday, 3rd August, the Premier Suite in downtown Cannock plays host to an event showcasing the supports and services available in our communities, and from our communities.
Charitable and community groups / workers have been invited, jointly by Chase CVS and local MP Aidan Burley, to 'display their wares', meet the public, and network with other local bodies.
I have to admit, Mid Staffs Mind was a wee lax when it came to signing up for the event - yes we're a bit short of boots on the ground these days, but that ain't much of an excuse for missing such a key local promotional opportunity. Thankfully, one of our terrier-like Trustees, and her equally fierce daughter, wouldn't let go of the bone, so we're gonna be there.
So, what is available locally? How are things going in the Cannock Chase area? Will Mid Staffs Mind have deadly dull posters and leaflets? Is there gonna be tea?
For the answers to these, and many other questions, and if you a little time to spare between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday, why not pop along for a look and a chat.
Hope to see you there.
Charitable and community groups / workers have been invited, jointly by Chase CVS and local MP Aidan Burley, to 'display their wares', meet the public, and network with other local bodies.
I have to admit, Mid Staffs Mind was a wee lax when it came to signing up for the event - yes we're a bit short of boots on the ground these days, but that ain't much of an excuse for missing such a key local promotional opportunity. Thankfully, one of our terrier-like Trustees, and her equally fierce daughter, wouldn't let go of the bone, so we're gonna be there.
So, what is available locally? How are things going in the Cannock Chase area? Will Mid Staffs Mind have deadly dull posters and leaflets? Is there gonna be tea?
For the answers to these, and many other questions, and if you a little time to spare between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday, why not pop along for a look and a chat.
Hope to see you there.
15 July 2011
Service User Meeting dates...
Service User Meetings:
MSM values Service User Meetings as a great way of gathering views from the various localities; to find the consensual view of our larger MSM community; to feedback directly the Executive Committee's response to Service User questions and concerns... if you fancy your say, come along...
MSM values Service User Meetings as a great way of gathering views from the various localities; to find the consensual view of our larger MSM community; to feedback directly the Executive Committee's response to Service User questions and concerns... if you fancy your say, come along...
Cannock: Monday at 1:30pm.
July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17th, November 14th, December 19th.
Wombourne: Wednesday at 1:30pm.
July 20th, August 17th, September 2nd, October 19th, November 16th, December 21st.
Stafford: Friday at 11:00am
July 22nd, August 19th, September 23rd, October 21st, November 18th, December 16th.
These dates may be subject to change.
04 July 2011
1 in 5 admitting to Mental Health issue lose their job...
... campaigners fight for healthier workplaces, where people can speak out!
Check out
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jul/01/mental-health-problems-at-
Check out
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jul/01/mental-health-problems-at-
25 June 2011
Mental Health experts warn against pace of Incapacity Benefit cuts
It'll affect a fair few folk, so read on...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/31/incapacity-benefit-cuts-mental-health
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/31/incapacity-benefit-cuts-mental-health
Psychiatry in Crisis?
We know it's a difficult time, but what's the view from the other side of the desk? Have a look at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/21/psychiatric-services-damage-limitation
The Stafford Knot
The Stafford Knot – a.k.a. the Staffordshire Knot – is seen in it's earliest forms on a 7th century sword hilt fitting from the Staffordshire Hoard, and a stone Anglo-Saxon cross in a Stoke-on-Trent churchyard, traceable to between 750 - 850 AD.
It is possible the Knot is an heraldic symbol of the Kingdom of early Mercia, or a Celtic christian symbol brought to Staffordshire by missionary monks from Lindisfarne.
Legend has it three felons, convicted by a Stafford County Sheriff, were due to be executed in Stafford gaol, but there was an argument as to who should be hanged first. The executioner solved the problem by devising this knot and hanging the three simultaneously.
There is a seal in the British Museum, property of Lady Joan Stafford (later Lady Wake), with a border made up from her husband's badge, the Wake Knot, made up from the initials W(ake) & O(rmond) intertwined. The seal clearly depicts a cordon of four knots in the shape of the Stafford Knot. The knot was passed down through the Earl's family; gradually used by citizens & freemen of Stafford; eventually incorporated into the Coat-of-Arms of the Borough of Stafford: the county motto being 'the knot unites'.
It is possible the Knot is an heraldic symbol of the Kingdom of early Mercia, or a Celtic christian symbol brought to Staffordshire by missionary monks from Lindisfarne.
Legend has it three felons, convicted by a Stafford County Sheriff, were due to be executed in Stafford gaol, but there was an argument as to who should be hanged first. The executioner solved the problem by devising this knot and hanging the three simultaneously.
There is a seal in the British Museum, property of Lady Joan Stafford (later Lady Wake), with a border made up from her husband's badge, the Wake Knot, made up from the initials W(ake) & O(rmond) intertwined. The seal clearly depicts a cordon of four knots in the shape of the Stafford Knot. The knot was passed down through the Earl's family; gradually used by citizens & freemen of Stafford; eventually incorporated into the Coat-of-Arms of the Borough of Stafford: the county motto being 'the knot unites'.
24 June 2011
June 2011 MSM Newsletter
Welcome to the June edition of the MSM newsletter. Over the past months many people have been hard at work, putting their heads together and developing a sustainable business plan to lead our organization into a new place in the community. In this edition you will find updates and information relevant to our changing times and the work undertaken. If you would like to see any new items in future editions, or if you would like to receive a newsletter via email (it helps keep our costs down!), please forward your ideas or email address to the newsletter email address (see contact details at the back of the newsletter).
The re-engineered OoH is well and truly underway in both Stafford and Cannock on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note: the service in Stafford has moved from Trinity Church to the Chartley Cemtre. Volunteers and staff have undertaken formal training in the Recovery Star model of helping improve wellness, and are now working with referred clients on a personalised, 1:1 basis. There have been some teething problems - referral trickle rather then pour in – but all involved are making every effort to achieve successful outcomes in terms of individual clients and the overall contract. MSM management is working hard to support the changes demanded by this new way of working, and to gather all data needed to ensure the service runs effectively.
Anyone accessing OoH works with the Recovery Star, and can also access the 'safe space' run by volunteers alongside this individual service. Most referrals (75%) will come from health care professionals, but clients that have been using MSM throughout the years may refer themselves to arrange an appointment to begin their Recovery Star journey.
The Recovery Star is a tool we are pleased to incorporate into the support our organization offers, not simply as part of the OoH Service. Many volunteers, staff, and Trustees, learned a lot right across their Recovery Star training. The 'Star' provides a simple way to help people measure their wellness (and needs) across 10 elements of life - the 10 points of the Star - Managing Mental Health; Physical Health & Self Care; Living Skills; Social Networks; Work; Relationships; Addictive Behaviour; Responsibilities; Identity & Self Esteem; Trust & Hope.
The 'magic' of Star work is that it is the individual client, not a health or social care professional, who owns and holds on to their 'work'. It is hoped that this will lead to folk not having to go through a complete assessment process each time they seek new forms of advice or support, or each time they meet a new 'help professional'. The individual can put the 'points' they have previously identified into practice not just with our organization, but with anyone else they access when in need of help and support. The aim of this Recovery work is to help individuals move forward with their own lives, developing knowledge and skills as they move toward problem-solving, independent living, volunteering, education and work.
However, the prospect of this type of work can be daunting to some; changes to the usual can be just plain scary. The recommendation to individuals unsure of this Recovery Star model is give it a chance - make an appointment, sit down with someone versed in the process, and have a look at it. Don’t dismiss Recovery Star work before finding out how it operates. You have to try things in life to decide if you like them or find them useful.
As another approach to peer-support, a bunch of like-minded, and web-literate, folk have decided to give supportive Facebook interaction a go. A 'Friends of Mid Staffs Mind' page has been set up, with the intention of promoting the organization, as well as providing interesting and useful ideas / information. Anyone can come along and 'LIKE' this page. Comments can be added to anything the administrators post, however individuals cannot post anything themselves - this is intended to be an informative, helpful resource page.
There is also a 'Friends of Mid Staffs Mind' group. This enables any member of the group to participate in friendly, helpful, supportive group chat. This is a way for folk to communicate with one another outside our 'safe space' hours. Members must be approved by the administrators before they can interact in the group.
Please note: These pages are run by and for service users / group members; in no way shall Mid Staffs Mind as an organization be liable for anything that occurs in regards to these pages.
Peer Support allows people to give and receive care & help based on mutual respect, commonality, shared responsibility, and agreement as to what really helps; it does not rest on diagnosis or the medical model. It is about true empathy with another human, and the shared experience of mental and emotional pain.
The ‘Peer’ is someone with current or previous experience of mental health problems. ‘Peer Support Volunteers’ support folk with similar experience, socially, emotionally, and practically e.g. listening non-judgmentally, empathizing, &/or providing information, running groups / activities etc.
Ongoing support, training, supervision, and recognition will be provided for Peer Support Volunteers to enable folk get the most from the experience - whether road to employment, with CV, references etc., or as an end in itself e.g. to build self confidence and esteem, &/or help better manage one's own mental health concerns.
This time we wanted to include views of individuals that access MSM. We are proud of the work of our volunteers and staff, but are equally proud of the work these folk do on a daily basis striving to be active members of our community and to find / maintain mental wellness.
All our service users have a voice, deserve to be heard, and hope to be understood. They fight a daily battle for mental and emotional stability, and to fulfil their lives to the best of their ability. The following are quotes from individuals who use our services, and the question put to them was...
My message this edition is simply this, THANK YOU! To everyone who has been working so hard to make this organization great. Though it seems everything has changed, I feel privileged to be a part of a group of people who are truly dedicated to the future of Mid Staffs Mind. It is a battle, and there's a lot of thinking and a lot of doing still to be done - but I think it is all extremely worthwhile. The future, in my opinion, seems promising.
yours truly, Julie D.
* * * * *
Annual General Meeting:
11.00 am, Thursday September 8th 2011, at MSM Cannock base, 28 Manor Avenue, Cannock
* * * * *
Service User Meetings:
Cannock: Monday at 1:30pm.
June 20th, July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17th, November 14th, and December 19th.
Wombourne: Wednesday at 1:30pm.
June 22nd, July 20th, August 17th, September 2nd, October 19th, November 16th and December 21st.
Stafford: Friday at 11:00am
June 24th, July 22nd, August 19th, September 23rd, October 21st, November 18th and December 16th.
These dates may be subject to change.
* * * * *
Out of Hours+Plus Service (OoH)
The re-engineered OoH is well and truly underway in both Stafford and Cannock on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note: the service in Stafford has moved from Trinity Church to the Chartley Cemtre. Volunteers and staff have undertaken formal training in the Recovery Star model of helping improve wellness, and are now working with referred clients on a personalised, 1:1 basis. There have been some teething problems - referral trickle rather then pour in – but all involved are making every effort to achieve successful outcomes in terms of individual clients and the overall contract. MSM management is working hard to support the changes demanded by this new way of working, and to gather all data needed to ensure the service runs effectively.
Anyone accessing OoH works with the Recovery Star, and can also access the 'safe space' run by volunteers alongside this individual service. Most referrals (75%) will come from health care professionals, but clients that have been using MSM throughout the years may refer themselves to arrange an appointment to begin their Recovery Star journey.
Recovery Star:
The Recovery Star is a tool we are pleased to incorporate into the support our organization offers, not simply as part of the OoH Service. Many volunteers, staff, and Trustees, learned a lot right across their Recovery Star training. The 'Star' provides a simple way to help people measure their wellness (and needs) across 10 elements of life - the 10 points of the Star - Managing Mental Health; Physical Health & Self Care; Living Skills; Social Networks; Work; Relationships; Addictive Behaviour; Responsibilities; Identity & Self Esteem; Trust & Hope.
The 'magic' of Star work is that it is the individual client, not a health or social care professional, who owns and holds on to their 'work'. It is hoped that this will lead to folk not having to go through a complete assessment process each time they seek new forms of advice or support, or each time they meet a new 'help professional'. The individual can put the 'points' they have previously identified into practice not just with our organization, but with anyone else they access when in need of help and support. The aim of this Recovery work is to help individuals move forward with their own lives, developing knowledge and skills as they move toward problem-solving, independent living, volunteering, education and work.
However, the prospect of this type of work can be daunting to some; changes to the usual can be just plain scary. The recommendation to individuals unsure of this Recovery Star model is give it a chance - make an appointment, sit down with someone versed in the process, and have a look at it. Don’t dismiss Recovery Star work before finding out how it operates. You have to try things in life to decide if you like them or find them useful.
* * * * *
Facebook Facebook Facebook
As another approach to peer-support, a bunch of like-minded, and web-literate, folk have decided to give supportive Facebook interaction a go. A 'Friends of Mid Staffs Mind' page has been set up, with the intention of promoting the organization, as well as providing interesting and useful ideas / information. Anyone can come along and 'LIKE' this page. Comments can be added to anything the administrators post, however individuals cannot post anything themselves - this is intended to be an informative, helpful resource page.
There is also a 'Friends of Mid Staffs Mind' group. This enables any member of the group to participate in friendly, helpful, supportive group chat. This is a way for folk to communicate with one another outside our 'safe space' hours. Members must be approved by the administrators before they can interact in the group.
Please note: These pages are run by and for service users / group members; in no way shall Mid Staffs Mind as an organization be liable for anything that occurs in regards to these pages.
* * * * *
What is Peer Support?
“Peer support is not like clinical support. In peer support we understand each other
because we've been there, shared similar experiences.”
Peer Support allows people to give and receive care & help based on mutual respect, commonality, shared responsibility, and agreement as to what really helps; it does not rest on diagnosis or the medical model. It is about true empathy with another human, and the shared experience of mental and emotional pain.
The ‘Peer’ is someone with current or previous experience of mental health problems. ‘Peer Support Volunteers’ support folk with similar experience, socially, emotionally, and practically e.g. listening non-judgmentally, empathizing, &/or providing information, running groups / activities etc.
“Peers don't see each other as patients... as peers we can remind ourselves we are people first. Because we have all been there we can help each other change our patterns
and get out of ruts that we may be stuck in.”
Don't we already 'do' Peer Support?
You most certainly do! Informal Peer Support has always been a central element of MSM, with friends being a 'listening ear’, giving feedback, suggestions etc. Sometimes just a cup of tea and 10 minutes does it! Some formal Peer Support takes place with Service User volunteers organizing groups like Music & Badminton. “It is reassuring to meet others who are experiencing just the same kinds of feelings;
to know you are not the only one.”
What is different about this 'new' Peer Support?
Many folk who use MSM want to get involved in the planning, running, and development of activities and services. We want to ensure Peer Support Volunteers are fully trained, properly supported, and recognized for their crucial role. Also, despite losing core funding, MSM seems to offer something unique to those who knock on our door – open acceptance, honest concern, and real care... we believe this is worth fighting to keep... without funding we need to find new ways to do it! “It is encouraging to hear about self-help tips that have worked for other people
and to have the support of the group to try them out for yourself.”
What does it mean for Service Users?
All who use MSM will be encouraged to contribute as much as they can to activities and services. During Peer Support sessions folk are expected to take responsibility for themselves as ‘peers’, ie. equals, using &/or contributing to the service, rather than being treated as ‘patients’ to be looked after. Such mutual support will enable us to keep our Open Access / 'safe spaces' (drop-ins) open, even if the format changes slightly.“When everyone is in the same boat it is easier to feel trusting, accepted and understood;
the support is relaxed and mutual.”
What does it mean for Staff?
This will enable staff to support people in a more individual and focused way, including with more ‘Person Centred Planning’ helping individuals to identify and work towards personal goals. It will allow staff to get out-&-about, building new partnerships and bridges to training, education, employment, and community groups, as well as generating new projects 'within' the organization. “It can be easier to socialize in a supportive environment and being part of the peer network
means there can be people within reach you can easily contact.”
What makes a Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers will have ongoing or previous personal experience of mental health problems. Those without such experience are still very much encouraged to apply to be a MSM volunteer – it takes all sorts! The Peer Supporter running Open Access / 'safe spaces' will enjoy working with people, be approachable, a good listener, and thoughtful, capable of firmness when needed – a sense of humour would be a great asset. We like to hear from folk who would like to contribute to Peer Support sessions in other ways - we want to involve everyone, as much as possible, and support everyone in reaching their full potential.“It means sharing our vulnerabilities and our strengths and finding value in each others help.”
Why be a Peer Support Volunteer?
Peer Support Volunteers get involved for all kinds of reasons: the work is challenging and rewarding: supporting folk under stress, passing on practical coping strategies, helping with difficult behaviour, motivating people to overcome anxiety or social inhibition. Support is mutual as it helps everyone involved think through what are often shared difficulties, with others in a similar situation. Peer-led activities are often popular as they are provided by and for people with experience of using services. It provides a chance for those who use MSM to set up activities of particular interest to them. Ongoing support, training, supervision, and recognition will be provided for Peer Support Volunteers to enable folk get the most from the experience - whether road to employment, with CV, references etc., or as an end in itself e.g. to build self confidence and esteem, &/or help better manage one's own mental health concerns.
“There is the opportunity to give as well as receive support,
which can help you to feel better about yourself.”
To find our more contact: Leanne, Operational Lead
tel: (01543) 462907 or email: leanne.midstaffsmind@gmail.com
* * * * *
Our Success Stories
This time we wanted to include views of individuals that access MSM. We are proud of the work of our volunteers and staff, but are equally proud of the work these folk do on a daily basis striving to be active members of our community and to find / maintain mental wellness.
All our service users have a voice, deserve to be heard, and hope to be understood. They fight a daily battle for mental and emotional stability, and to fulfil their lives to the best of their ability. The following are quotes from individuals who use our services, and the question put to them was...
“What does Mid Staffs Mind mean to you; what has it done for you?”
“Enter a stranger. Leave a friend”.
“If this place wasn’t open there would be a lot more people in St. Georges [psychiatric hospital].”
“I would feel lost if Mind wasn’t here. I have made friends and the staff is great.”
“Nice to be around people in similar situations.”
“As a victim of abuse Mind has given me a safe space.”
“I come to Cannock Mind to keep my illness on a stable level.”
“Mind had helped me make new friends and socialize. It has helped me to build my self-confidence and self-esteem. If Mind was not there for me I would probably be in [hospital] receiving treatment.
All in all Mind has helped”.
“The music group and band [has helped me], with singing and learning songs. I love to sing songs at home and it keeps me happy. It what keeps my mind going. People can’t see the illness in my head”
With a mental illness to manage and abusive home life one service user writes:
“What Mind means to me is a lifeline. There is always someone to help me to realize what my [spouse] is doing is wrong, as I can’t always understand right from wrong. When I say a lifeline that’s exactly what it is. Mind has kept me from hospital and suicide”.
If you would like to share your success story or get a thought or two included in upcoming newsletters, please get in touch via the newsletter email address, or write it down on one of those old-fangled bits of paper and drop it in to a member of staff who will forward it to the editor.
* * * * *
Message from the Editor
My message this edition is simply this, THANK YOU! To everyone who has been working so hard to make this organization great. Though it seems everything has changed, I feel privileged to be a part of a group of people who are truly dedicated to the future of Mid Staffs Mind. It is a battle, and there's a lot of thinking and a lot of doing still to be done - but I think it is all extremely worthwhile. The future, in my opinion, seems promising.
yours truly, Julie D.
* * * * *
email: newsletter.midstaffsmind@gmail.com
Hi everybody, & welcome to the Mid Staffs Mind Board of Trustees blog
Well, it's been a busy, trying year so far, for everyone involved with Mid Staffs Mind.
We lost out on a significant contract; we lost most of our staff; we lost our core funding. We also lost our staid sense of entitlement, our dull stability, and our lack of urgency. 'Shutting up shop' was an option seriously considered. However, we didn't lose our hope, nor our faith in our small, local communities of support.
We know the 'family' of Mid Staffs Mind offers something quite unique among the support organisations in the various localities in which we are based - real care and concern. Not for 'clients', 'service users', or patients, but care and concern for, and between, friends.
Mid Staffs Mind began some 25 years ago, with a group of like-minded people sitting around a kitchen table and identifying the lack of 'true care' in the community: services can be found, treatment is to be had, but heartfelt concern and a willingness to 'be there' for folk was, and is, 'thin on the ground'. Those people helped develop our local, responsive charitable group that sought, and seeks still, to fill those gaps.
As an organisation, there are many things we may hope to achieve - activities to be funded, projects to set up, targets to achieve - but our real mission is simplicity itself... to care about, and for, people in our local communities who experience the limitation, pain, and stigma that are twinned with mental health concerns and mental illness.
The Board of Trustees, Members, Service Users, Volunteers, Staff, and Friends of Mid Staffs Mind are currently engaged in a task critical for this organisation - to keep it simple, and continue to care. We have no master-plan nor special strategy; we're not striving to keep a 'third sector business' afloat; it's not about status or influence. Our central hope is small but perfectly formed - we're good at caring, we mean it, and we want to carry on doing it... to that end, we will do what we have to to stay around...
... and this blog is one way to keep us visible, in touch with our communities, and able to be influenced by you folk in'em.
We lost out on a significant contract; we lost most of our staff; we lost our core funding. We also lost our staid sense of entitlement, our dull stability, and our lack of urgency. 'Shutting up shop' was an option seriously considered. However, we didn't lose our hope, nor our faith in our small, local communities of support.
We know the 'family' of Mid Staffs Mind offers something quite unique among the support organisations in the various localities in which we are based - real care and concern. Not for 'clients', 'service users', or patients, but care and concern for, and between, friends.
Mid Staffs Mind began some 25 years ago, with a group of like-minded people sitting around a kitchen table and identifying the lack of 'true care' in the community: services can be found, treatment is to be had, but heartfelt concern and a willingness to 'be there' for folk was, and is, 'thin on the ground'. Those people helped develop our local, responsive charitable group that sought, and seeks still, to fill those gaps.
As an organisation, there are many things we may hope to achieve - activities to be funded, projects to set up, targets to achieve - but our real mission is simplicity itself... to care about, and for, people in our local communities who experience the limitation, pain, and stigma that are twinned with mental health concerns and mental illness.
The Board of Trustees, Members, Service Users, Volunteers, Staff, and Friends of Mid Staffs Mind are currently engaged in a task critical for this organisation - to keep it simple, and continue to care. We have no master-plan nor special strategy; we're not striving to keep a 'third sector business' afloat; it's not about status or influence. Our central hope is small but perfectly formed - we're good at caring, we mean it, and we want to carry on doing it... to that end, we will do what we have to to stay around...
... and this blog is one way to keep us visible, in touch with our communities, and able to be influenced by you folk in'em.
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