Spring Wellbeing Centres. Course Guide

Transcription

1 Spring 2016 Wellbeing Centres Course Guide

2 Welcome! Welcome to our Course Guide Spring By picking up this guide you ve taken the first step towards improving your mental health and we hope it inspires you to continue on this journey with us. If you see a course that interests you... To get started with us you need to have someone who is currently supporting you with your wellbeing (e.g. your GP, disability advisor, health trainer) complete a referral form, which is available on request. The Wellbeing Centres are open to anyone over 18 who lives in Liverpool and identifies themselves as having a mental health issue. Once referred you ll receive a welcome pack and you ll be invited to talk to one of our team. As soon as we know a bit more about you, we can work together to agree a timetable of courses that suits you. Course GuideSpring For those of you who don t know us... PSS Wellbeing Centres provide recovery focused courses and creative approaches for those experiencing mental health challenges. We aim to help you understand, gain control and move forward with new meaning and purpose in life. Last year we supported over 600 people to make positive changes to their mental wellbeing. We work from 3 bases: Liverpool City Centre, Belle Vale and Speke and you can chose which is most convenient for you to attend. Recovery can take time, so each centre provides a safe, nurturing space where you can recover at your own pace. What we offer... For Spring 2016 we re offering more courses than ever. They fall into five categories: Self-Management Creative Arts Digital Technology Physical Health Peer Support Have a good look through this guide and see which you think would suit you best. 90% of people we worked with rated our support as good / excellent Course Key: Anyone can attend Women Only After completion of an introductory course Men Only Peer Support

3 Anxiety Management Relaxation & Visualisation If anxiety is affecting our ability to live our lives in the way that we would like to, it s worth thinking about ways to help ourselves. This course helps us to identify and understand the biological causes of anxiety symptoms. We also look closely at the relationship between our thoughts and behaviours and our experience of anxiety in day to day life. We get the opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques which enable us to manage and reduce our anxiety in everyday life. This course also helps to build our ability to be resilient when faced with stressful and difficult decisions. Available for anyone experiencing anxiety. Weekly relaxation sessions are a great way to reduce tension and stress. Regular use of visualisation can improve health and help bring about a sense of well-being in mind and body. Using a variety of methods you will be guided, by an experienced facilitator, into a calm and peaceful state of body and mind. Although it is not uncommon for participants to fall asleep from time to time, most people will be awake and aware for most of the session although very relaxed. With regular practice this tranquil state of mind and body can be maintained outside of the session. Available for anyone needing relaxation. Self Management Courses Lifting Mood & Raising Self Esteem This course helps us understand what causes depression, how it affects our lives and the steps we can take to lift our mood. We also explore the close connection between depression and the way we view ourselves. When we have feelings of low self-worth and never being good enough, we can lose our motivation, the ability to enjoy life and perhaps most importantly, a sense of hope for ourselves. Through discussion and small group work we discover how to make simple changes to gain a new sense of who we can be. 4 Available for anyone experiencing low mood. I loved this course. I feel so much better in myself - I have more hope. You have opened my eyes helping me to start to breathe again and to deal with an issue I thought I would never be able to do again. Sharon on Anxiety Management WRAP - Wellness Recovery Action Plan WRAP is about becoming familiar with the well you. Looking at the daily things you do to stay well, addressing some of the situations that prevent you from staying well and discussing new ways of dealing with them. WRAP is about being open to change and new experiences in your life that will help to improve and maintain your emotional wellbeing. 5 Self Management Courses

4 Self Management Courses 6 Breathe By Annette I had so many thoughts creeping up on me and all they seem to bring is lots of anxiety take a breath Don t let the past impinge and make you cringe and feed your anxiety as it s just a part of life s rich tapestry deep breath Nutrition and exercise seem to be the key to a peaceful happy life free from anx-i-ety just breathe Who knows what s round the corner we really cannot tell so why do we imagine it will be livin hell breathe in Next time you feel peculiar and the panic starts to flow just tell yourself you re beautiful until it lets you go breathe out You should have made your million you OUGHT to be a star but life s events take over and make you who you are and breathe I ve still got all my issues my idiosyncrasies but I ve got hope, that I can cope since I learnt TO BREATHE I attended both the Anxiety Management and Mindfulness courses where the power of breathing was instilled throughout. At the end of the courses I was asked to evaluate, so to sum up my findings I wrote the poem Breathe Annette Mindfulness The mindfulness course teaches us how to become more aware of ourselves, of others and of our world. Too often these days we are rushing around without any thought to what we are doing; too often we are battling with thoughts that go around in our head, too often we are reacting badly to people and events. The Mindfulness course allows us to realise that life can be different by stepping out of our normal habits and noticing things again - afresh and anew. The course combines meditation practice with practical tasks and is suitable for anyone who has completed an introductory course at the Everyday Mindfulness Everyday Mindfulness is a weekly session for those who have already completed a mindfulness course. Each session gives the group members an opportunity to develop their understanding and practice, share their experience of mindfulness and discuss any benefits it is making to their lives. It also is a great way to get the support and suggestions from each other which will help us to maintain the practice of mindfulness. Each meeting will focus on an aspect of mindfulness or a different way of applying it in the everyday world as well as the chance to meditate together. Open to anyone who has completed the Mindfulness course at the 80% of you have experienced positive changes in your wellbeing! 7 Self Management Courses

5 Ear Acupuncture Time Out for Women Self Management Courses 8 Ear acupuncture can be a very effective method for helping with: anxiety, depression, low mood, restlessness, sleep problems, hormonal changes, panic attacks, physical pain and relaxation. Lynn is a qualified therapist with years of experience, feel free to come along and try it out for yourself. Open to anyone. I am normally terrified of needles but Lynn made me feel so relaxed. Since having the treatment I have noticed I am getting a better nights sleep so I feel more able to deal with my work situation. Lucy on Acupuncture A safe supportive environment just for women, to talk and discover or re-discover activities that help us relax and feel more positive in our daily lives. When life takes over, often the first thing to go is time for ourselves. This group is about re-discovering some joy and fun in life, grown up discussion, gentle movement to music and treating ourselves. We d love you to come and join us. Open to any woman who has attended an introductory course at the 70% of you are now enjoying your life more! 9 Self Management Courses

6 Peer Led Art & Craft This group is informal, fun and suitable for beginners as well as more experienced artists. It provides a sympathetic, non-judgemental space where people can share their thoughts and feelings while learning a new skill. Get Crafty The arts and crafts group is a place where we can come together to create pieces of art work and to experiment with our creativity. The use of different materials and colours allows us to explore new ways of expressing ourselves and it helps us to discover new passions and hidden talents. We all have artistic potential in us and the arts and crafts group gives us the space to unlock this potential and to develop and grow as creative individuals. Creative Arts 10 The wellbeing centres are a place I can go to, even when I am having a bad day. When I arrive I know there will be such kind and helpful staff and a host of people who understand me. On joining the art group I wanted to create a picture to portray how I was feeling, so I painted this peacock as it was full of pretty bright colour, which to me symbolises hope for the future and a feeling of belonging Corrine All the groups on this page require no previous experience and are open to anyone who has completed an introductory course at the 11 Creative Arts

7 Turning The Page Many of us enjoy reading or listening to stories but we often can t seem to find the time. The reading group is a place where we can relax and listen to short stories and poems being read aloud and where we can share our thoughts and feelings about the literature in a safe and welcoming environment. It gives us an opportunity to explore new ideas and to have interesting discussions, and it allows us to connect with literature and with each other. The group does not require any reading skills as there is no pressure to read aloud unless, of course, you wish to do so. Songwriting for Beginners Creative Arts 12 90% of you would recommend us to family & friends This course is delivered in partnership with Liverpool Adult Learning and is led by musician Ged Sugrue. Ged will introduce participants to the basics of songwriting and techniques you can use to create your own songs. Come along with or without a musical instrument and try something new. Making Music with GarageBand GarageBand is a whole music creation studio which contains all you need to create complete musical pieces even if you don t play an instrument. It contains virtual drummers as well as loops, samples and software instruments from which you can build your own songs. Come along with your gadget, phone tablet or laptop.

8 PSS Wellbeing Centres: City Centre The Umbrella Centre, 111 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TF Telephone: Fax: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Relaxation Hour* 10.30am A weekly guided relaxation, visualisation or meditation to help calm the mind and body. Social Group 10.30am pm Peer led support for men and women experiencing anxiety and depression. Everyday Mindfulness* 2pm - 4pm Lifting Mood and Raising Self Esteem 1pm - 4pm A 7 week course. Songwriting for Beginners pm In partnership with Liverpool Lifting Mood & Raising Self Esteem* 10am - 1pm A 7 week course. Turning The Page* 10.30am - 12pm Making Music With Garageband 2pm - 4pm Interested in making music on your I phone Ipad of MacBook This group is for you. WRAP* 2pm pm Create your own Wellness Recovery and Action Plan. MUST 10.15am pm A self help group for men experiencing stress related illness. The Craft Garden 1.30pm - 3pm Help us to create a beautiful tranquil space Relaxation Hour* 2pm-13pm A weekly guided relaxation, visualisation or meditation to help calm the mind and body Digital Champions 1.30pm pm One-to-one sessions to help you access the digital world Be Yourself 1.30pm pm LGBTI peer support for those who are questioning their gender/sexuality Women s Peer Support Group 11am pm To support each other through the highs and lows of everyday life Anxiety Management 9.30am pm A 7 week course. Quiet Space 1.30pm pm A volunteer led group for those experiencing hearing voices. Affiliated with the Hearing Voices Network Anxiety Management 1.30pm-3.30pm Outreach support for those living in Liverpool 8 Walk and Talk* 11am pm A monthly walk taking gentle exercise in good company Brolly Good Show 2pm - 4pm Creating pop up performances that challenge mental health stigma Culture Vultures Days & Times Vary A monthly group that visit cultural sites acrossour wonderful city *These groups are subject to LCC fairer charging PSS Wellbeing Centres: Belle Vale & Speke The Leeson Parklands, Conleach Road, Speke L24 0TY Telephone: The Avenue Lee Valley Millennium Centre, Childwall Valley Road, L25 2PR Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Relaxation Leeson 11am pm Relaxation Hour* 10.30am am Anxiety Management* 1pm - 4pm 7 Week Course Belly Leeson 2pm-4pm 6 Week Course Wellbeing for Leeson 2pm - 4pm 9 week course Relaxation Hour* 11am pm Leeson 10am pm 8 week course. Peer Support Group Open Space 1.30pm pm Peer Support Art & Leeson 1.30pm pm *These groups are subject to LCC fairer charging Anxiety Management* 10am - 1pm 7 week course. The Leeson 10.30am-12.30pm 4 week course Computers for Beginners 1.30pm pm 8 week course Local Leeson 1.30pm-3.30pm Walk & Leeson 2pm pm (Monthly) Time out for Leeson 2pm pm 4 week course Mindfulness* 10.00am - 1pm 8 week course. Anxiety Leeson 10pm - 1pm 7 week course. Peer Support Art & Craft 2pm - 4pm Ear Acupuncture Leeson 1pm pm (monthly) The Green Afternoon (times vary) Get Crafty* 10.30am pm Turning The Page* 1.30apm pm Peer Support Leeson 2pm - 4pm Peer led support for people experiencing anxiety and depression. Culture Vultures Days & Times Vary A monthly group that visit cultural sites across our wonderful city

9 The group popped up in our midst with an energy, drive and humour that caught your attention and made you catch your breath. Audience member Time to Change event, Feb 2015 As part of Brolly Good Show I write and perform pop up theatre and sketches which include poetry and songs. We are a great group of people who work together without putting too much pressure on each other. We are at the stage of producing more sketches for World Mental Health Day in October - I m really looking forward to it! Stephen The writing and performing has boosted my confidence no end. It gives me a focus and a purpose. I would never have imagined being able to get up and do a live performance! Phil Brolly Good Show Brolly Good Show is an opportunity for people with an interest in drama to be part of performances which challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. The group have performed in a variety of venues across the city in support of world mental health day and Time to Talk / Change campaigns. Performances are user-led, in that they are written and performed by the group, no drama experience is necessary, just a willingness to think outside the box! Culture Vultures This is a peer supported group for anyone interested in exploring all the wonderful cultural activities available in our great city. This involves monthly visits to art galleries, theatres, events and various other places of interest. All culture vultures welcome! Creative Arts 16 Photo by Marc Fraser 88% of you are happy with the support you get, rating it as 8-10 Excellent 17 Creative Arts

10 Digital Champion Appointments If you are struggling to get the most out of your phone or laptop, our digital champions are here to help. Just book a 1-1 session and they will try to help with a variety of issues, from taking a photograph, buying stuff on ebay to keeping safe online. Just ask! Computers for Beginners Learn to use a computer in a small relaxed group with a dedicated and trained teacher. No experience is required. You will be taught all the basics from switching them on to using them for things like searching the internet, shopping and security and setting up and using an account to keep in touch with people. It s all up to you how far you go. There is no pressure in the group and people learn at their own pace. You are not expected to remember everything at once. We want to create a group where it feels fun and easy to learn. UpBeatBlog.me Come along and help us to create a blog to keep all informed of current courses and activities at the three centres. We are also looking for people to review courses and blog about their experience of the service. All contributions welcome. All welcome, no computer skills necessary just a willingness to work as part of a team! Digital Skills 18 Promoting positive health & well-being Well Pool is a collaborative online resource that focuses on what keeps people well in Liverpool. It provides a space where people can contribute information. Stories, pictures or films about places or activities in Liverpool which promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Visit us online at Follow us on Open to anyone who has completed an introductory course at the 19 Digital Skills

11 Wellbeing for Life Over the course of nine weeks we look at how simple changes to our diets and levels of activity can bring great benefits. But wellbeing is about the whole person, so we also look at how we can improve our sleep, how we can maintain a good level of mental health and the best way to go about making small, simple changes to improve our wellbeing for life. Walk and Talk Everyone is welcome to join us for walks to a variety of destinations around the Merseyside area. The walks will take place monthly and as well as helping you to feel fitter, will give you an opportunity to get to know your local area in friendly company. Wear comfy shoes, bring a snack and a drink and off we go! Belly Dancing for Beginners One of the oldest forms of dance; Belly Dance is a great way to stay in shape no matter what your dance experience. It promotes balance, posture, strength, coordination and confidence as well as being a fun and highly expressive art form. Come and join in the fun! 85% of you reported a positive change in your overall life Healthy Lifestyles Healthy Lifestyles

12 The Craft Garden Help us to create a tranquil and beautiful space in our city centre courtyard garden. We will be creating garden art and crafts, using mosaics, recycled metal and wood. We will then be planting shrubs and flowers to give us a really colourful display throughout the seasons. Being in the outdoors is a great way for improving mental, physical, and social wellbeing as well as looking after the natural environment Open to anyone who has completed an introductory course at the Local History Come along and enjoy a fascinating insight into the local history of the Liverpool communities, buildings and characters. Learn about all folklore and stories that have been handed down over generations and share any tales from your own memories. This course is run through the Adult Learning Association and is a wonderful way to socialise with other people interested in local history. The Green Team The Leeson Centre has a lovely established garden. The gardening group meets to keep the garden looking fantastic but also as a social group having a chat and a cup of tea together. Gardening is not only great exercise but provides lots of mindful tasks and being in touch with nature, helping our mental health. Gardening by Brenda... Gardening is very therapeutic. It s manual but it s not heavy work. We can show people how to do it so they can take that idea away. It takes your mind off everything else. While you re out there you re getting the fresh air and it brings people together to talk about different things. Everybody supports one another. Healthy Lifestyles Healthy Lifestyles

13 Social Group MUST Peer Support Self-help Groups 24 Sometimes when experiencing mental ill-health we can become isolated and lose contact with old friends. This group offers a social opportunity recognising that it can be easier to socialise in a supportive environment. The social group is a peer support group whose members aim to connect with each other through understanding, because they have been there and shared similar experiences. Quiet Space Have you experienced hearing voices? Whether positive or negative experiences, all are welcome! Quiet Space is a user led support group for people who hear voices, see visions or have similar unusual experiences. It s an opportunity to meet and support each other. Affiliated with The Hearing Voices Network. MUST is a self-help group for men who have experienced a stress related illness. We recognise that men can sometimes find it hard to open up and express their feelings. MUST is a group of men from all walks of like who offer each other support and friendship. In addition to weekly group sessions its members are also invited on regular days out and social activities. Women s Group 75% of you said that our service has helped you make your own decisions Various social factors can put women at greater risk of mental ill-health than men, such as gender norms and caring responsibilities. We believe that often women s readiness to talk about their feelings can help to protect their mental health. The women s group meets weekly to support each other, with the highs and lows of everyday life. Be Yourself A wellbeing support group for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender and for those who are questioning their gender/sexuality. We offer peer support in a safe and confidential setting. The group operates an open drop in basis and is available to anyone who has completed an introductory course at the 25 Peer Support Self-help Groups

14 Kindred Minds is a user-led organisation that provides various activities everything from social events to drumming workshops. We raise funds by applying for small grants and by holding craft sales, coffee mornings and BBQ s. We are always looking for more volunteers so to find out more you can contact us via our facebook: Kindred-Minds-Merseyside or telephone one of the PSS Wellbeing Centres for more information. Photo by Marc Fraser Meet the Team... Our team is made up of 8 staff, 4 sessional workers and 12 volunteer peer supporters with lived experience of mental health. Between the 24 of us we have a wide range of experience and expertise including: teaching, lived experience of mental health, counselling, creative arts, social work, complimentary therapies and I.T. The Wellbeing Centres have provided self- management and recovery courses to the people of Liverpool for over 20 years. During this time, we have had the privilege of witnessing the everyday success stories of the people we support. It s these stories that motivate the whole team to work with such belief, positivity and passion. In order to provide a broader range of services we work in partnership with lots of local organisations including: Hearing Voice Network, Kindred Minds, Liverpool Adult Learning, The Bluecoat Display Centre, PSS Health Trainers, Citizens Advice Bureau, The Kaleidoscope Project, The Comedy Trust, Liverpool Community Health and Liverpool Mental Health Consortium. 27 Our Services

15 For further information... call City Centre: Belle Vale: Speke: visit twitter Copyright 2016 PSS (UK). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (214077). A charity registered in England and Wales (224469) and in Scotland (SC038925)