Programme - Plymouth Mind

Programme April - July 2018

Mindplymouth @Plymouth_Mind

01752 512280 www.plymouthmind.com [email protected]

Contents Welcome ………………………………..…2 How to Register …………………………3 Counselling Service ……………………4 Courses ……………………………………..5 Listening Support Service …………..7 Workshops ………………………………..8 Peer Support Groups ….………………9 Volunteering …………………………….11 Frequently Asked Questions………12 Student Charter ……………..…………14 Find us ….....................................15

01752 512280 [email protected]

CONTENTS

Welcome to The Plymouth & District Mind Recovery College Plymouth & District Mind are a local mental health charity and we have been supporting the mental health of our community for over 30 years. Our Recovery College is a place where people can learn about recovery and wellbeing in a supportive environment. It is also a place where people can think about their hopes and aspirations and explore how to overcome the barriers that can prevent them leading the life they want to live. We are not a college in the traditional sense (there are no exams or difficult assessments!). Instead, we provide a range of services that support people to regain hope, to learn, grow, share and discuss. Our courses, workshops, support groups, counselling and listening services will provide you with the opportunities you need to support your mental health and wellbeing. Our Aim We aim to provide a warm and safe space in which to think about and practise recovery. All our recovery services are designed for people who have lived experience of mental health challenges, supporters/carers, and people who work in services. All of our courses are also co-written by people with life experience of recovery, alongside people who have clinical or health professional experience. Equality and Diversity We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who participates in the college is treated equally regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, mobility, religion, or beliefs. Learning Support We offer information and guidance about all our Recovery College services. We will also work with you to create a Learning and Development Plan (LDP) before you start any of our courses. We are dedicated to ensuring that you get the most from whatever service you access through the Recovery College.


2

WELCOME

How to register We try to make registration as easy as possible! Please follow the following steps to access all of our Recovery College services. c

1. Contact us to make an appointment to meet with one of our team “sharing

Tel: 01752 512280 Or Email: [email protected]

knowledge and

Use the one at the back of this programme. You can also download one from www.plymouthmind.com OR request one by emailing [email protected]

2. experience in this way Complete a Registration helps everyone to learn more about Form and bring toeach yourother, and themselves appointment*

3. Attend your appointment to discuss your specific needs

Your appointment will last about 1 hour during which a member of the team will listen to you and discuss the services that you can access at the Recovery College.

*If you feel you need assistance to fill in your registration form, please don’t worry, we can support you to complete the form when you attend for your appointment.

Is there a fee to pay? Our peer support groups and workshops are free to all. There is a small charge for our counselling service (£10 per counselling session) and our courses (£10 per course). This will be explained to you at your first appointment. This fee enables us to cover some of the costs of course delivery and counselling.

Are you nervous? We understand that you may be nervous about getting in touch for the first time. Our team are welcoming, friendly and very experienced. They will give you the time and space to talk about you. You can access as many of our services as you need, and in any particular order. 01752 512280 [email protected]

3

HOW TO REGISTER

Counselling Service We have a small counselling service through which we provide one to one counselling for people over the age of 18 who may be experiencing some difficulty in coping with life. Clients share any issues of concern with a counsellor whose role is to facilitate the therapy in ways which respect their values and personal resources. The objectives of each counselling relationship vary according to the individual’s needs. Issues that an individual may wish to address may include (but are not limited to); • • • •

Lack of self-confidence and assertiveness skills; Bereavement and loss; Relationship/family problems/conflict; Domestic abuse

Our Counsellors Our counsellors are qualified to, or working towards a Diploma in Counselling (Level 4). They all work within their own ethical framework of the organisation they are a member of (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP); National Counselling Society). Plymouth & District Mind are registered members of the BACP and follow Mind’s Guidelines for Good Practice. Our counsellors are empathic, non-judgemental, non-directive and respect each person’s capacity for self-determination.

Referrals Our counselling service is limited so we are currently only accepting self-referrals. Once we receive your registration form, we will be able to assess the Recovery College services than can best help support you. If a member of the team feels that you would really benefit from counselling support, then you will be asked to meet with a senior member of the team to discuss your counselling needs in more detail before being assigned to one of our counsellors.

Counselling Cost In order to meet the costs of longer term support such as counselling, we charge a small fee of £10 per counselling session. The initial assessment is free.


4

COUNSELLING SERVICE

Courses Our courses are all designed to support you to develop positive lifestyles and choices. *Please note – you must complete a registration form and make an appointment to meet with a member of staff before you can enrol on any of the courses.* If the demand is high enough for a particular course, we may add additional dates. If you are on the waiting list for a course, you will be contacted to inform you of the new dates.

Developing Self-Esteem

8 hour course over 4 sessions

This course is designed for individuals experiencing low levels of self-esteem who may not value themselves or their opinions. This course will help to increase levels of self-esteem by encouraging thought and behaviour change.

Session 1: Wednesday 16th May 1.30-3.30pm Session 2: Wednesday 23rd May 1.30-3.30pm Session 3: Wednesday 30th May 1.30-3.30pm Session 4: Wednesday 6th June 1.30-3.30pm

Cultivating Mindfulness


It is not always possible to avoid stress but we can learn to cope with its negative effects. This course will teach participants how to use mindfulness techniques such as breathing, visualisation and meditation.

Session 1: Tuesday 10th April 11-12.30pm Session 2: Friday 13th April 11-12.30pm Session 3: Tuesday 17th April 11-12.30pm Session 4: Wednesday 20th April 11-12.30pm

Coping Strategies for Stress and Anxiety


The course will include elements of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction model (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and is specifically for people with high levels of stress and anxiety.

This course will be run when there are enough people interested in attending.

Road to Recovery

4 hour course over 2 sessions COURSE 1 - Session 1: Friday 11th May 11-1pm

This course is designed to enable people with mildmoderate depression and anxiety to develop their life skills. Participants will learn to identify the link between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, as well as having the opportunity to learn and practice new strategies.


Session 2: Friday 18th May 11-1pm COURSE 2 - Session 1: Friday 6th July 11-1pm Session 2: Friday 13thJuly 11-1pm

5

COURSES

Becoming More Confident and Assertive

3 hour course over 2 sessions COURSE 1 Session 1: Wed 2nd May 11-12.30pm

Being assertive and confident can help us feel good about ourselves and make our life easier. This course will help you understand what we mean by ‘confidence and assertiveness’ and will give you the tools to develop these skills for yourself

Session 2: Wed 9th May 11-12.30pm COURSE 2 Session 1:Thur 21st June 11-12.30pm Session 2: Thursday 28th June 11-12.30pm

Conflict Resolution Are you able to handle conflict in a respectful positive way? If your answer is no – this course will enable you to handle conflict in a nonconfrontational way.

3 hour course over 1 session Monday 21st May 2018 11-2pm

Overcoming Negative Thoughts Negative thoughts hold us back. This course will give you space to identify your negative thoughts, and to learn different techniques to manage them (including Positive Self-Talk; Visualisation; Affirmations, and Emotional Freedom Technique).

3 hour course over 1 session COURSE 1: Thursday 24th May 11-2pm COURSE 2: Thursday 12th July 11-2pm

Understanding Your Anger This course is designed for people who recognise that their anger is having a negative impact on their own lives, or those around them. It will provide an opportunity for participants to begin to understand their own feelings and triggers.

12 hours course over 3 sessions Session 1: Thursday 26th April 11-2pm Session 2: Thursday 3rd May 11-3pm Session 3: Thursday 10th May 11-3pm

New Courses If you have any ideas about courses you feel would be useful, then please do let us know. We also provide opportunities for people to work alongside us in a voluntary capacity to co-produce courses and other activities. Please get in touch if you feel this is an area you are interested in.


6

COURSES

Listening Support Service Our Listening Support Service, which is staffed by trained volunteers, provides the opportunity for people to be heard and unburden any problems they may be facing. The service is confidential and people find it helpful to talk to someone impartial who is not connected to their immediate circumstances.

Who is the service for? This service is for anyone aged 18+ who is currently experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. In particular, they feel that they would really benefit from talking to someone about the issues they are facing.

What does the listener do? A listener will simply listen and talk with someone for up to 1 hour at a time, and by so doing offer that vital and very special emotional support that is often most needed by all of us. This service is not counselling – however, if the listener feels that you may benefit from longer term counselling, they will be able to advise you on how to access this.

How many sessions does the listener offer? Our experience tells us that people find it really beneficial to access the listening service once or twice. For many people, they find that having the space and time to be listened to is sufficient for their needs. For others, it may become more apparent to them that they would benefit from some longer term support and counselling. The listener is there to support you to make those choices.

Is there a cost? There is no cost, the service is completely free to access. Please contact us to make an appointment to meet with a listener.


7

LISTENING SUPPORT SERVICE

Workshops Our workshops offer the opportunity to take part and learn more about ways to manage mental wellbeing. The workshops, like the courses are open to carers/supporters also. All our workshops are FREE to access. Workshops are scheduled to run once there are enough people interested in attending – they usually run for 1 or 2 hours.

Getting into Volunteering Find out more about the skills you need when volunteering and the types of opportunities that people can access.

Co-production - what does it mean? Would you like to get involved in helping us to develop and design new services to meet local needs? This workshop will introduce you to the concept of co-production.

Understanding and Managing Insomnia Find out about insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns alongside information on how to manage insomnia.

Drawing your Breath This workshop combines mindfulness and art as a coping strategy for stress. Participants have the opportunity to join our mindfulness courses if they wish to find out more.

Finding the Words It isn't always easy to find the words when you visit your GP about your mental health. This short workshop will help you access the support that best meets your needs.

Green Fingers Find out more about the positive benefits of horticulture for mental health and wellbeing. This workshop is delivered in our garden.

Surviving and Thriving at Work Learn about ways in which you can stay mentally well at work and ways in which you can avoid those workplace triggers that make you unwell.


8

WORKSHOPS

Peer Support Groups All of our groups are facilitated by members of staff and assisted by trained volunteers. These groups offer the opportunity to talk to others who know what you are going through in a safe and supportive environment. *Please call reception on 01752 512280 if you wish to attend a group.* All our support groups are FREE to access.

Bipolar Support Open to all individuals with experience of Bipolar Affective Disorder, either through personal experience or as a partner, friend, or carer.

Every 2nd Thursday 11-12.30pm

Hearing Voices Support The group offers an opportunity for people to discuss how they can live with their hearing voices experiences, in a way that gives them control over their lives.

Every 2nd Friday 2-3.30pm

Mums Connect This group brings together Mums with pre-walking babies and is focused on maternal wellbeing.

Weekly on a Tuesday 10.30-12pm

Mindfulness Practice Group Friendly, welcoming group for anyone interested in mindfulness as a practical technique for living a calmer, more focused and positive life.


Every 2nd Friday 1.30-3pm

9

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

OCD Support Group This group provides an opportunity to meet and share their experiences and understanding of OCD.

1st Wednesday of every month 3-5pm

Men’s Group The aim of the group is to show men they can share, support, and explore their personal challenges confidentially in a non-judgmental way.

Every 2nd Friday 2-3.30pm

Women’s Craft Group This group helps women to explore their creativity, learn new skills and meet new people. No previous creative experience needed!

Every 2nd Thursday 2-3.30pm

Depression Support This group supports people to develop ways of coping with their depression through shared experiences.

Once a month on a Wednesday 1.30-3.30pm

Snap the City This group uses photography as a way of managing emotional and mental wellbeing. Run by volunteers from Plymouth College of Art.

Weekly on a Tuesday 2-4pm

Bridge the Gap This group supports people who would benefit a mixture of activity based sessions (such as gardening, painting) and the traditional ‘tea and talk’ group.

Weekly on a Wednesday 10-11.30am

Shared Reading Group Reading short stories and poems together is a great way to get to know new people, and helps us connect with a better understanding of ourselves and others.

Every second Tuesday 11-12.30pm

e-Stress 10 01752 512280 [email protected]

10

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

Volunteering Volunteering can be an important part of recovery – by boosting confidence, by offering a valued role within the Mind community, and by opening up possibilities for the future. Volunteers bring varied skills, experiences and ideas to our organisation and help to enhance and benefit the support we can provide to the people who access our services. As a volunteer, you can engage in a variety of activities from supporting Recovery College activities to working on fundraising activities. If you would like to share or improve your skills through volunteering with us, please get in touch. Please be aware we can only offer a volunteering role for those 18 and over.


11

VOLUNTEERING

Frequently Asked Questions If you have any questions about the Recovery College, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you. Below we have answered some of the most often asked questions. If we haven’t answered your enquiry, then give us a call on 01752 512280

Will information about me be shared with others? No, any information you give us is strictly confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act. We place great importance on maintaining people’s confidentiality. The only time that confidential information may be shared is if we feel that your safety or another person’s safety is at risk. In this unlikely event, we would discuss the need to take action with you personally.

How many other people will be in the course/workshop/groups with me? The average number of people on each course or workshop is likely to be 12-15. Our aim is to keep these small and friendly. The number in the peer support groups can vary from 5-10.

How accessible is the building? We have a stair lift from the ground floor to the room where we hold our courses. All other rooms on the ground floor are fully accessible.

I’m not good with reading or writing. Can I still access the Recovery College? Absolutely. We design all our courses and workshops to be as accessible as possible. We can also support you to access courses that will help you with your levels of reading and writing.

How much does it cost? The workshops and groups are free. There is a small charge for the courses and counselling which will be explained to you at your first appointment.

Will I get lunch or refreshments? No – we don’t provide lunch but you will be able to purchase a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink from our snack bar in reception.

Are there any age restrictions? Anyone over 18 can access the Recovery College services.


12

FAQS

Do I need to attend every session in a course? We understand that there will be genuine reasons why, on some occasions, people will find it difficult to attend sessions they have committed to. In order to be considered as having completed a course, we will expect you to have attended the majority of sessions. Our team will talk through with you any difficulties you may be having in attending but we cannot guarantee to keep offering places on courses to people who repeatedly fail to attend the majority of the sessions.

How many course, workshops and groups can I sign up for? There is no limit, but we do advise that you don’t sign up for more than you can realistically attend.

What happens when I finish with my course, workshop, counselling, listening? That is up to you! You can take a break or sign up for something new. We are happy to talk you through the other opportunities available to you in the Recovery College.

Who will I be learning with? People just like you! Our services are facilitated by staff and volunteers with a deep understanding of emotional and mental health related issues. We keep the numbers small so that we can offer the most effective level of support to everyone.

Where can I park my car? There is a parking restriction on the surrounding roads between 10-11am, so we make sure that all of our activities run from 11am onwards. We do have a driveway but this is normally full with staff cars. If you need disabled parking, then please do let us know in advance and we will try to make a space available on our driveway. Please note, this may not always be possible.


13

FAQS

Student Charter To enable you to fulfil your aspirations and potential, you need to know what you can expect from the Recovery College and what it expects from you. This charter aims to do this and will be reviewed and updated every year. We will:

You should:

➢ Promote hope, opportunity and new skills; ➢ Provide you with a warm and professional welcome; ➢ Provide support for your specific needs; ➢ Deal with enquiries in an efficient manner; ➢ Provide information, guidance and advice on all services; ➢ Provide an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment; ➢ Ensure high quality of services; ➢ Provide access to appropriate resources and equipment; ➢ Give you the opportunity to express your views and be involved in the development of the Recovery College.

➢ Be an active participant in your own learning; ➢ Ask us about anything you are not sure about; ➢ Respect and treat others with courtesy and consideration; ➢ Take personal responsibility for promoting a safe and secure environment; ➢ Inform us of anything that may affect your ability to attend and engage; ➢ Inform the Recovery College of any changes in your personal details; ➢ Provide the Recovery College with feedback about your experiences of our services and the impact that these have had on your life.

Our student charter has been co-developed with users of our services. Please do let us know if there is anything you feel we should also include in our student charter.


14

STUDENT CHARTER

Find Us The Recovery College is located in 8 Woodside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8QE. We are open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. To Mutley

We really value the support of our community in helping us to reach as many people in need as possible. If you would like to support what we do by fundraising for us, please get in touch for more details. Tel: 01752 512280 Email: [email protected] Web: www.plymouthmind.com mindplymouth

@Plymouth_Mind

We would like to acknowledge support from:


15

FIND US