Live It Well summary published

A summary of the final version of the Live It Well strategy for improving the mental health and mental wellbeing of people in Kent and Medway has been published, and you can read or download it here.

Calling all organisations and Community groups!

A chance for you to promote how you help people with their mental wellbeing.

Signpost Me! Promoting mental wellbeing in Maidstone

Sunday 5 December, 11am-3pm
Hazlitt Arts Centre
Earl Street
Maidstone ME14 1PL

Signpost Me events help people find out what is available in their neighbourhood to help them with their mental wellbeing. The emphasis is on interactive and fun activities and exhibitions linked to five wellbeing zones to mirror the five ways to wellbeing.

To learn more, contact Jo, Katie or Venetia at Signpost Kent on 01622 688003

See the flyer here.

How health walks transform lives

An article in The Guardian discusses the benefits of "health walks." Groups were established by professionals and are now self-supporting. Walkers are convinced that, in addition to the obvious physical benefits, their morale and mental health is lifted.

Maidstone Mind website launched

See the new Maidstone Mind website to learn about the services they offer, which include

• an open access drop in service for anyone over 18 years living in the area experiencing emotional and mental health issues

• self help groups for anxiety/depression, OCD, and DIY

• social activity groups including a ladies group

 In partnership with other agencies, free counselling is offered to those over 50 years living in the Borough Of Maidstone.

Regulator says it will drive improvements for mental health patients

The Care Quality Commission today (27 October) highlighted areas of poor practice in mental health services for patients who are subject to the Mental Health Act, and pledged to use its regulatory powers to lever improvement.

Publishing its first annual report on the use of the Act, CQC said its findings raised important concerns about how some care providers, in both the NHS and private sector, were adhering to the principles of the Act and its Code of Practice.

The commission identified three priority areas where services needed to do much better:

• involving patients in decisions about their care and treatment;
• assessing and recording patients’ consent to treatment;
• minimising restrictions on patients and avoiding ‘blanket’ security measures.

Read the full press release or download the full report.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing

You are warmly invited to an evening of discussion and social networking in a confidential and respectful space. The aim of this event is to engage transgender people further in helping to improve key areas such as access to support and information, getting help with substance misuse concerns and enabling  staff to deliver better services through improved awareness and training.

Refreshments and a buffet meal will be provided on arrival.

Please come along and get involved – your views matter!

Monday 13th December 2010 5.45pm – 8.30pm  at

Music for Change
Chaucer Technology School
Spring Lane
Canterbury, CT1 1SU.
www.musicforchange.org

To register: contact Deana Cook
To discuss: please call Sheree Bell 07949 037 347

See the flyer here.