Website: 15/10/15

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1 The Mental Health Empowerment Team Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council 16 Temple Street Wolverhampton WV2 4AN Telephone: Website: 15/10/

2 Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council exists to support the development and sustainability of an effective voluntary and community sector, promoting the principle and practice of voluntary and community activity, in order to facilitate the development of diverse, strong communities and to enhance quality of life within the City of Wolverhampton. The Mental Health Empowerment team is part of Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council We support people with mental health issues in Wolverhampton in setting up and running their own peer support and self-help groups, and having a say in City-wide Mental Health Services. We are part of WVSC because we share its aim to strengthen communities and community groups in Wolverhampton, and improve quality of life for the most vulnerable people in our society. WVSC Mission and Objectives Working to maintain and develop a thriving and diverse Voluntary and Community Sector To work with groups and organisations, enabling them to provide high quality support and services. To support groups of people to influence the decision making processes that matter to them. To promote and champion Wolverhampton s Voluntary and Community Sector locally, regionally and nationally. To develop opportunities for people to engage in volunteering. 2 27

3 Are you a volunteer with a Mental Health Self-Support Group in Wolverhampton? Then you will be interested in attending meetings for the Mental Health Self-Support Network. The Network Aims are: To enable groups to share information & news To support the sharing of experiences of running a group To give a place to share problems and identify possible solutions To give a place to support each other To support new groups and new volunteers To develop links between groups To promote self-support groups and to form links with other organisations To identify the training needs of group volunteers We hope this will bring about: Improved awareness of groups for services users and professionals Increased membership of groups Easier access to sources of support Increased resources and also opportunities to pool resources Increased knowledge and skills amongst group volunteers Supporting User Led Mental Health Self Support Groups We support new and existing user led groups, these could be for example a mental health action group; a self support group; a user run drop-in; a social group or a peer advocacy group, or it could be something like a running group aimed at improving mental health through physical activity. The groups are run by and for their members. They might invite others in to assist but the membership retains control over what happens and how. For more information please contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 26 3

4 How do people benefit from being involved in Self Support Groups? People benefit in many ways, these include: Mutual Support An opportunity to talk to other people who have been there An opportunity to give as well as receive help Swapping and learning new ways to deal with problems Sharing information about local provision Gaining inspiration from others Taking an active role in health and recovery Reduction in isolation An increase in social opportunities/ social circle The development of new skills A feeling of being more in control of their own recovery. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence. Are you interested in influencing and improving mental health services within Wolverhampton? Positive Action for Mental Health (PAMH) is an independent project in Wolverhampton working to support mental health service users to have a positive influence on mental health services delivered in the city. Positive Action for Mental Health (PAMH) are looking for new steering group members: Have you experienced a mental health issue? Do you have experience of using mental health services in Wolverhampton in the past three years (this includes those who have used GP services)? Are you able to commit to attending the monthly meetings that are held on a Tuesday? Do you feel you will be able to represent other service users views? Are you able to commit to an equal opportunities and confidentiality agreement? Can you work as part of a team? And are you interested in learning and developing new skills? If you are interested in volunteering for the PAMH steering group - call or

5 What do you need to think about to set up a group? The Women s Group at ACCI ACCI provide a confidential and safe space for women with mental health issues and/or learning disabilities to share their experiences, offer support to each other, learn new skills and have fun. Is there another group already available? How would you get other people involved? What would be your group s purpose and who do you want to reach? Where would you meet? How often? How would you run? how would you share responsibility? Legally: what would be needed? Where would you get the money? How would you show you are spending it properly? How would you develop ground rules to help keep it a safe space? How will you publicise it? ACCI also provide a Men s Support Group and a Support Group for Carers. For further information please contact them on contact them on How will you protect your own mental health? What support will you need when the group is up and running? If you are interested in setting up a mental health self support group please contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 24 5

6 SOCIAL STEAM ENGINE Community Association Every Friday 1.00 pm pm We are in the Aldersley area. We offer friendship, fun, games, mutual support and refreshments. For more details contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or Social 1.00 per session 6 Group We believe our communities already have the skills, resources and resilience to deliver the low level social care interventions that local people require without needing to resort to external providers. Events and activities are set up and tailored to meet needs of clients We are a peer support/ self-help group based in Wolverhampton. We promote wellbeing through befriending. Our activities are about learning together. We do this through art, science, engineering, IT, multimedia, social media and social enterprise. We tailor our sessions according to activity requested. We have capacity to develop activities to meet the needs of adults with mental health needs, physical/sensory/learning disabilities. Gender specific and age specific activities can also be arranged. We do 1:1 work, groups and remote support through social media and instant messaging platforms. Contact Details: Hiran 23

7 Autism Spectrum Support Group SAATH is a user-led self-help group to support and empower South Asian women recovering from mental ill health, such as depression. They aim to help women to improve on their social skills, build positive friendships and help them develop self-esteem through organising activities around self-care, and education. The group meet each Wednesday from am 1.00 pm at Brickkiln Community Centre, Cherry Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0QW. For more information contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 22 This is a support group based in Wolverhampton for people aged 18+ who have Autism and Asperger s Syndrome. Carers are also welcome. The group gives an opportunity for adults with autism to meet in a friendly, supportive environment to share experiences and information, take part in activities and hopefully feel more a part of the community. Group meetings involve arranged speakers, group discussion and occasional activities out in the community. The group is open to suggestions for activities from group members. The group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 10.30am 12.30pm We are looking for at The Old School 73 Dudley Road Wolverhampton WV2 3BY Contact: Amanda Williams Tel: volunteers to help support this group Or 7

8 The Avion Tuesday Club The aim of The Avion Tuesday Club is for people to meet socially in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We are open to all mental health service users and ex-service users. Our age range is from is from 18 to 80 We meet on Tuesdays between am & 3.30 pm. What s on offer: Poetry Reading. Board Games and Games with Cards. We have the occasional quiz and bingo, or play bowls in the garden Topical Discussions Tea, Coffee, Juices and biscuits are available Or just come along and have a chat We meet at: St Andrews Church Whitmore Reans Newhampton Road Wolverhampton 8 (We meet through the back entrance, in St Andrews Close, Opposite Whitmore Reans Health Centre) PRESS THE BELL ON THE RIGHT-HAND DOOR Within the South Asian community these are specific barriers around mental health associated with negative perceptions and stigma about mental health issues generally, a lack of understanding of the range of mental health conditions and a lack of awareness of the support services available. These barriers prevent some vulnerable people from accessing mental health services. Rama is a user led self help support group that provides culturally sensitive support to Asian men who are experiencing problems around mental health. Current and ex-service users meet every 2 weeks for social and leisure time. The support group offers a range of opportunities and activities including: Talking Befriending Discussing their respective mental health issues and experiences Developing social networks Promoting self esteem and self confidence Advocacy and advice Leisure activities The group offers a safe environment that provides physical and mental well being and helps the men to achieve their goals, realise their potential and reduce their social isolation in an environment where they can enjoy themselves. The group also campaigns for changes to mental health services that make a real differences and which reflect the needs of the South Asian male services users. These include: Developing a greater awareness and knowledge of mental health and its consequences within the local South Asian community. Ensuring that mainstream mental health services are more responsive to the needs of South Asian mental health service users and carers. Enabling South Asian service users and carers to be more empowered to influence planning and service delivery around mental health Please contact: Arun Bector

9 Prem Vadhoau is a mental health self support group for Asian women. The women gain advice and support from discussing their own experiences as a group. This gives the women the opportunity to give as well as receive help. All of this enables the women to feel more in control of their lives and to not feel isolated. The women also greatly enjoy the opportunity to spend time together and to celebrate special days together. The group encourages the women in a healthy life style. The group meet every Tuesday 10.30am 1.00pm at Brickkiln Community Centre, Cherry Street, Wolverhampton, For more information contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or Are you a past or present mental health service user? Are you interested in playing music in a relaxed environment? If so, our Music Group is for you! For further information please contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on

10 Ekta Sangat Ladies Group The Phoenix Social Group We meet on Mondays between pm and 3.00 pm at the Wednesfield Residents and Tenants Community Centre, Okemont Drive - at the base of Wodensfield Tower. The aim of the Phoenix Social Group is to meet socially in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We are open to all mental health service users and ex-service users. Tea coffee and biscuits are available at a small cost Group activities include pool We have occasional outings Or just come along and socialise You can just drop in For more information contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 10 19

11 The People s Group We are a friendly group of people who meet as a self-support Group at St. Chad s and St. Mark s Church and Community Centre - the corner of Owen Road and Lime St. in Penn Fields. We meet on Thursdays 10.00am 1.00pm Don t stay lonely in the house drop-in for a tea or coffee and a chat. We also have activities chosen by the members. Our hearing voices group is a diverse social group for people who have heard voices in the past or at present. We aim to promote mental well-being. We are a welcoming and inclusive group. We also welcome sympathetic people interested in voice hearers experience. To find out more attend the group 2:00pm pm every Thursday - it is held at: ACCI 217 Newhampton Road East Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 4BA It is held in the Blue Room and is open to all voice hearers - you are welcome to bring a friend/worker for support. Come and have fun at our voice hearers group. For more information contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 18 If you want to talk to somebody about the group please contact Amanda at the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 11

12 HEAR-OUR-VOICE NISSA WOMEN S SUPPORT GROUP MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT Hear-Our-Voice is a Mental Health Action Group which aims to enable people to speak and be heard by working together to bring about improvements to mental health services. Ensuring people are better informed and consulted about Local and National developments, policy and research Promoting choices and exploring alternative coping strategies in a safe supportive environment To achieve our objectives we facilitate the following activities: Monthly Forum Meetings on usually the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am 1.00pm, chat and topic, workshops & events, educational visits, day trips, communication of our message, training sessions, quarterly magazine which includes: news, issues, information, advice, poetry For more information please hear-our-voice@hotmail.co.uk or contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on Community Service based at: Dunstall Hill Community Centre Dunstall Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV6 ONH NISSA Women s Support Group is an organisation helping to improve the Health and Wellbeing of women who suffer from various mental illnesses and health conditions. The project runs drop-in sessions for women their aims are to improve the health and life-style of women and to prevent illness (both mental and physical) through support to manage mental health, general health, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing. Helping you to improve your life. As well as supporting you to access social, leisure and community activities; as well as developing confidence and to help you gain control over your life. The service currently operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 pm 3:00 pm at Dunstall Hill Community Centre, Dunstall Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV6 ONH. For further information please contact Nudrat Quazi on:

13 Mind Out LGBT Mental Health Self-Support Group This group provides the following benefits: An opportunity to talk to people who have been there. An opportunity to support each other and to give as well as receive help. Swapping and learning new ways to deal with problems. Gaining inspiration from others. An opportunity to take an active role in your own health, well-being and recovery. An increase in opportunities for friendship and socialising. The Group meets on the 1 st and 3 rd Wednesday of each month at 2.00pm 4.00pm LGBT Network Wolverhampton, Network House, School Street. WV1 4LJ Phone or info@lgbtwolverhampton.org.uk for more information. 16 Humjoli is a self-support group for Asian women over 50 years old who suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Humjoli meets every Wednesday between 12.30pm-3.00pm. The women gain advice and support from discussing their experiences amongst themselves. The women have the opportunity to form friendships with others who share their issues and concerns. This leads to greater emotional support and a sense of belonging, which in turn leads to people staying emotionally and psychologically healthier. Humjoli meets at : Dunstall Community Centre Dunstall Avenue Whitmore Reans Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 0HN For more information contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or 13

14 The Low Hill Group A well-being group aimed at getting people together. Come along to meet new friends and have a cuppa and a chat. Don t sit at home and be lonely, just drop in on a Tuesday afternoon and ask for Steve. We meet on Tuesday between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the Good Shepherd Centre, Second Avenue, Low Hill. For more information please contact the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or The Mental Health Travel and Social Group This is a voluntarily run group to promote confidence and wellbeing amongst group members. The group meet on a weekly basis and visit towns and cities across the West Midlands and beyond. We meet every Wednesday at am at: Wolverhampton Community & Wellbeing Hub Epic Cafe Lichfield Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1EA Or contact Amanda Williams for details at the Mental Health Empowerment Team on or