16 October 2014

Schizophrenia: not a death sentence

Daniel's story provides a fascinating, first-person account of a young man's psychotic breakdown, & his positive road of recovery. Not everyone has such an encapsulated experience, but this guy presents great insights & advice. I strongly urge you to read this excellent narrative. 

14 October 2014

Premier League take a shot at Young Person mental health support

Check out this BBC article on getting to grips with Young People's issues; but also click on the link to If U Care Share Foundation … Daniel O'Hare was 19 when, without warning, he took his own life. No history of mental health problems, no sense of intent. A popular, well known, social young fellow: football, work, friends, socialising, close family relationships… a devastated family, no closer to understanding Daniel's actions.

Brother's Matthew & Ben, cousin Sarah (then, 10, 5, & 13 years), wanting to do something positive to prevent similar events & help bereaved families, started 'If U Care Share' as a lasting memory of Daniel. They designed a wristband to encourage young people to SHARE problems instead of burying them within.

Raising almost £50,000, the kids donated the money to north east Young Person's projects via The Samaritans. Now the If U Care Share Foundation is a registered charity with 3 clear aims… Prevention, Intervention, & Support of those bereaved by suicide.

Suicide is the second most common cause of death of young men, after accident; it claims more young lives than cancer.

08 October 2014

Still a national scandal?

The personal tales of 15 Guardian readers give an insight into the sorry state of formal mental health care in modern Britain.

On a more upbeat note, have you heard of the Men's Shed movement? No? Me neither.

Started in Australia 8 years ago, & now over here, it's a communal woodworking project aiming to support older guys who have experienced difficulties with mental health, loss of employment, retirement, & social isolation… There are now over 100 Sheds in the UK, with a project opening each week. So, check out a very interesting article & take a peek at UK Men's Sheds Association website . I'd love to see something like that somewhere like this!

03 October 2014

MSM Rural Peer Support Group

We are very pleased to announce MSM is opening a peer support group at Colwich & Little Haywood Village Hall starting Thursday 23rd October. Initially, the group will run from 11am until 2.00pm, offering support, information, & signposting both to those experiencing mental health difficulties & to carers.

Rural living can generate additional challenges to those already having to contend with psychological & emotional distress - social isolation, reduced opportunity, shame & stigma - & we aim to reflect this as the group develops. As a peer support group, development & ownership rests in the hands of those who attend, so who is to know where they will take this project? But, to get going we intend to have a fun, inclusive range of activities underpinning each week's get together; from create & bake, through relaxation & mindfulness training, to BiteSize Wellbeing Workshops. 

For further information or to express interest in attending, the group has an active email address midstaffsmind.ruralgroup@gmail.com or contact MSM on 01543 896876

Colwich & Little Haywood Village Hall
Chilwell Avenue
Little Haywood
Staffs
ST18 0QZ

Bus: Arriva 825 (Stafford - Rugeley - Lichfield & return), every half hour, bus stop opposite Hall at St Michaels & All Angels Church.

Car parking is plentiful.