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Though we've had our fair share of snowy days this March, we've still been rejuvenated by the sunlight and the first signs of spring as new flowers blossom. A time of new beginnings and growth, our teams continue to work hard to bring the people of Calderdale quality mental health support.
We've also been very busy - from new forum meetings to International Women's Day celebrations, this month has been a whopper!
Read all about it... (and don't forget to fill in our census!)
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The Big Healthy Minds' Census |
We've extended the deadline to complete the Healthy Minds Census, so please don't forget to fill it out! The survey help us understand who we support, what difference it makes and what people think of Healthy Minds as an organisation. It also provides important evidence to help us obtain funding and improve what we do. If you take part in any Healthy Minds groups, workshops or activities - please complete our Census before Saturday, 1st April . |
Join the next Healthy Minds Forum! |
The Healthy Minds Forum is a shared space to discuss issues that matter to you in mental health, to listen, collaborate, and look at what we can do to improve the wellbeing of our communities together. Join us for our next meeting where we will explore topics raised by participants at our first Forum event in February.Wednesday 29 March, 12.30 - 2.30pmAt: Halifax Industrial Museum, Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG To join the Forum group and book onto an event, please complete this form (you can register here to receive future updates even if you can't make this next event): https://forms.office.com/e/HGsLhnP4AR |
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Sharing our Voices through Embroidery |
Some women from our team had the pleasure of attending a free workshop by textile artist Hayley Mills-Styles as part of a community arts programme running alongside a theatre and opera piece by Stitched Up Theatre. The opera, The Unravelling Fantasies of Miss H, was inspired by the life and work of Mary Frances Heaton who spent many years in Yorkshire asylums. She was committed after speaking out against a member of the community, and found the strength to tell her story through embroidered samplers. During the embroidery workshop, we were encouraged to explore what it means to be a woman today through our creations. The pieces were then turned into a "Women of Halifax" banner displayed at the Halifax performance of the opera. We thoroughly enjoyed this unique experience, learning about Mary's story and expressing our own stories through our pieces. |
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On our latest radio show on Pheonix FM, we interviewed Maxine from the Women's Centre for our International Women's Day edition. The show was especially dedicated to women, womanhood and this year's IWD theme, #EmbraceEquity. |
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Maxine talked with us about the work they do at the Women's Centre, the difference it makes to women's lives,
and how the community can contribute to their great work.
The Women's Centre provides holistic support for women in need, such as counselling, advocacy, development and financial support to help rebuild their lives. They also encourage women to embrace creative ways to improve mental health and resilience through peer-led projects like allotments and art groups.
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Women face many forms of abuse, controlling behaviour and financial control, as well as other traumas. Having a women's only safe space is vital to ensuring women have the foundations they need to heal and grow. Listen to our latest show below, and make sure you tune in to the next one! |
If you are interested in getting involved in our radio show, please get in touch! Maybe you have a topic you'd like to be discussed on the show, you might know someone who could be a good guest, or you may want to come on the show yourself... just pop Georgia an email: [email protected] |
International Women's Day Celebrations |
In addition to our radio show, we also celebrated International Women's Day this month by coming together to celebrate the incredible, strong and inspiring women on our team. We also imagined what true equity could look like, in line with this year's theme. Here's what Community Healthy & Wellbeing worker Sally had to say: "True equity would mean that science and medicine finally take seriously the difference between men's and women's bodies, and proper research is carried out on the alarming number of chronic health conditions which disproportionally affect women, such as lupus, M.S. and M.E. All women need access to quality personalised menopause support, so we have a better chance of being more productive in our middle years, and our needs are better supported at work and at home." Hear, hear! |
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Creations from Arts & Crafts for Wellbeing |
Our Arts & Crafts group is a light-hearted space for people to make connections through hands-on, themed sessions. Have a look at the latest creations below! You don’t need to be arty to join in, just an interest in creating your own work in a relaxed group. Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. If you'd like to join, contact Sasha - [email protected] |
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At our first session this month, we created beautiful masks. Our second session was Easter-themed! We decorated Easter eggs, constructed cards, and enjoyed wonderful conversation.
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| Accessible Calderdale Conference |
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Staff member Ian attended the Accessible Calderdale Conference at Shay Stadium recently and found out about the vital work local organisations are doing to help make the valley more accessible for all.
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| Healthy Minds @ Older Persons' Fair |
The Lower Valley Community Health and Wellbeing Team attended the 6th Annual Older Persons' Advice and Information Fair at Central Methodist Church in Brighouse. At this extremely well-attended event, our team joined over 60 other exhibitors giving advice and information to the over 55 age group, their families, friends and carers. |
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We are pleased to welcome our new Link Project Worker, Simon Wainman!
Simon previously worked with young people, helping them with substance misuse and mental health by offering one-to-one support, group support, and physical activities. He is currently in his final year of studies to become a person-centred counsellor, with expectations to be qualified by January 2024.
His hobbies include: walking (recently hiked Tour De Mont Blanc), listening to music (Dj'd for 10 years in London), cooking, and eating!
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Let’s all say goodbye and massive good luck to our fabulous Suzanne who is leaving us for pastures new.
She joined the Healthy Minds team in November 2019 as a project worker for our evening Safespace provision before sliding over to our new pilot service, Link, in July 2021 She helped with the structure and set up before Link ‘went live’ in Sept 2021. Since then she has supported countless participants to make positive changes in supporting their own mental health and wellbeing.
Suzanne has been our Healthy Minds social butterfly and has organised lots of events to help maintain full wider team cohesion and Link team focus. We will miss her (and her IT skills!) and wish her well in her new pilot post with CMBC.
Good luck and Go Well Suzanne – The Link team x
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Easter Activities at Time Out |
Easter holidays are fast approaching! We are excited to announce our programme of activities for this April. From acting to exploding bath bombs, there is plenty in store, finishing off with a musical Christmas party! BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. Individual booking links below for: Word Hunt Outwards Bounds
Any questions? Get in touch with us: 📞 01422 345154
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Fundraising and Donations |
Let's go, #TeamHealthyMinds! |
Virtual London Marathon – here they come! We have our #TeamHealthyMinds ... and they are raring to go. Dean, Stuart and Dan did it last year and are back for more. Johnathan is giving it a go and looking forward to the challenge. And the rest are all from To The Max Fitness gym in Hebden Bridge! Max, Joss, Sean, Tommy, Emma and Emily are taking on the challenge with fitness coaches, clients, friends and family joining them on their route. We are over the moon with our dream team! AND NOW THE FUNDRAISING BEGINS... Please support the team and donate to support our work. |
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1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems during their lives: in Calderdale, that represents around 50,000 people and the vast majority – around 90% - will never access specialist NHS mental health services.
You can ensure Healthy Minds is there to help by setting up a regular donation.Monthly donations, no matter the size, make a huge difference! |
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities |
Mental Health Awareness Week |
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We've been busy behind the scenes preparing for an exciting line-up of events for Mental Health Awareness Week this year, all connected to the theme of 'Anxiety.'
We are working to put plans in place with the team at Piece Hall that you won't want to miss. We'll let you know how you can get involved over the coming weeks, so watch this space!
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| Volunteers for our Pye Nest Allotment |
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Passionate about the positive impact fresh air and growing plants can have on our mental health?
Want to be part of regenerating our wonderful site at Pye Nest? Or would you like to support others to connect with nature, plants and each other?
Join our wonderful team of volunteers today!
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| Todmorden Drop-In Volunteers |
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We are currently looking for volunteers to
support the smooth running of our fabulous
mental health Drop-in at Roomfield Church in
Todmorden on Wednesdays.
The Drop-In is a place to connect with others,
have a good natter and a bite to eat.
Volunteers must have personal experience of
mental health issues and be a good listener.
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Healthy Minds has been working in collaboration with Rethink Mental Illness to tackle mental health inequalities in Calderdale and to shine a spotlight on the organisations which work with those who do not usually access services. We awarded grants to various organisations across Calderdale to support their work and good practice.
Each month, we'll be highlighting one of the recipients of these Spotlight Development Grants. |
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This month, we got in touch with Accessible Calderdale to learn more about the organisation and how they're improving inclusion and wellbeing for people with disabilities and access needs across the borough.
Visits Unlimited launched the Accessible Calderdale Project in February 2019 after working in Hebden Bridge and setting up the Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum.
For too long, disabled people and family carers have felt ignored and not listened to. For many during the pandemic, they reported feeling invisible and forgotten.
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The systems that are there to support us are far too complicated and broken. Many disabled people and families are struggling financially, coping with increased stress and talking about their trauma and isolation.
This is not something we can ignore. We need to get it right for everyone, for our community and for society. This is about being human and being compassionate and setting an example. It is safe to say that accessibility benefits all members of society including disabled people. Improving accessibility brings about increased quality of life; creates more independence and better social integration. It also leads to better health and can result in cost savings in a number of areas.
The Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum (ACDAF) is crucial to making a difference and improving accessibility and inclusion.
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