News

Talkshop is for men from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, who have experienced mental distress.

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An article on the Guardian goes into detail about the review of NHS emergency services and argues that it represents a missed opportunity in creating a specific pathway to help with mental health related issues. It mentions specifically the fact that these problems are particularly damaging in inner-city areas such as those in London.

It makes some interesting points which I’m sure will resonate with some carers in Southwark. Do you think an emergency service for mental health issues would improve things, or do the emergency services already available deal with those with mental health problems in the right way?

Here is a link to the article: The Guardian

After a U-turn by ministers in a response to a petition, which has gained over 100,000 signatures, defendants accessing legal aid will still be allowed to choose their own solicitors.

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For one week each May, there is a campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, a week in which awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues is raised.

Since the first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2000, topics like loneliness, altruism, sleep, anger, fear, alcohol and friendship into the public sphere have all been promoted.

Last year’s campaign, “Doing Good Does You Good,” centred on altruism and resulted in the most successful week ever in online history, with more than 25,000 visitors to the Mental Health website, a 357% increase in the number of followers for their dedicated Facebook page, and press circulation figures exceeding 18 million.

May 13-19,2013: Physical activity and wellbeing 

The benefits of physical activity for reducing obesity and preventing chronic illness have been very well publicised, and yet only one-third of the population meet UK physical activity guidelines.

The aim of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is to change the way we view physical activity in the UK: to shift physical activity from a behaviour which we do because we ‘have to’, ‘should do’ or ‘ought to do’ for our health, to something which we do because we personally value its positive benefits to our wellbeing. 

With your support, we could boost last year’s success and raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for positive mental health among an even wider audience.

Anyone can make simple changes that have a huge impact on their mental health and wellbeing. We’ve come up with ten practical ways to take care of yourself and get the most from life.

Mental health is about the way you think and feel and your ability to deal with ups and downs. Making simple changes to how you live doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time. Anyone can follow our advice.

1. TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS:

2. EAT WELL:

There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel – for example, caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect. But food can also have a long-lasting effect on your mental health.

3. KEEP IN TOUCH:

Friends and family can make you feel included and cared for. They can offer different views from whatever’s going on inside your own head. They can help keep you active, keep you grounded and help you solve practical problems.

4. TAKE A BREAK

5. ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE

Some of us make people laugh, some are good at maths, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently. We’re all different.

6. KEEP ACTIVE

Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.

7. DRINK SENSIBLY

We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.

None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help.

9.  DO SOMETHING YOU ARE GOOD AT

The way the Government provides support to people who need help with their rent through Housing Benefit has changed. One of these changes is called the Housing Benefit Size Criteria Rules, commonly referred to as the ‘Bedroom Tax‘. The change means that social housing tenants of working age who get help towards their rent through Housing Benefit will have the amount they receive restricted if they are considered to have too many bedrooms.

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More than 320,000 of the 400,000 people living in care homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland now have dementia or severe memory problems, the Alzheimer’s Society charity estimates.

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Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that we come across at Southwark Carers, with people both looking after people with it and suffering from it themselves. It can be a minor niggle for some people but at its worst it can be very serious. The BBC has produced a helpful guide to the condition, which we’d recommend to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of it and also those looking for advice on how to live your life if you happen to suffer from it.

To view the guide, please click this link: BBC Health

After being told by charities that it could penalise those with disabilities, Ian Duncan Smith has agreed to re-examine the spare bedroom tax.

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Southwark Carers were recently offered the amazing opportunity of being amongst the first to see the view from the Shard. As Europe’s second tallest building, it makes quite the impression on the London skyline and the views promised to be spectacular, so it was definitely not something to be missed.

It was one of our most in-demand outings yet, and regrettably not everyone who wanted to come could. Hopefully another opportunity will arise for those who missed it, but for those who could come, it was a chance to see London from a vantage point of 300 metres, and remarkably for January, it was a beautifully bright, clear day.

Everyone who attended had a great experience, and we managed to take some photos of the trip which you can see below. Do keep an eye out for future events – even when they’re not as eye-catching as the Shard trip, they’re always great cultural experiences that offer you the chance to meet with other carers in a new environment.

Join us for our Southwark Carers AGM, or come down to our xmas party!