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Fundraising
01.03.2008
A BIG Thank you to Dave Taylor and Linda Halls for raising £2200 for Mind. Dave cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats and Linda, who was celebrating a certain birthday, asked that instead of personal gifts, donations should be made to Mind.
This donation was made in memory of their late father who had in the past received support from Mind. The money raised will be used support a group dealing with depression.
Another BIG Thank you goes to Vicky Bickerstaffe who ran in the ASICS British 10k London run during July. Vicky's efforts raised almost £200 for Mind. The money raised will be used to support the activities of Herts Mind Network.
Herts Mind Network is always looking for funds and if you are planning an event and would like to support us please call us on: 08444 77 22 12
Sadly one of our supporters, Janet Allen, passed away earlier this year. At the families request donations were made to Herts Mind Network rather than send flowers. As a result over £900 was donated in Janets memory, these donations will be used to support our education and leisure groups.
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Herts Mind Network Launch Day
01.03.2008
We are not our illness. We are simply individuals who sometimes have bad days. So concluded a psychologists talk at the launch of Herts Mind Network last Thursday, reminding us of the need to respect mental health service users as valuable members of society.
The event at The Radlett Centre was held in celebration of the merger of four local Mind branches in Dacorum (Hemel Hempstead), South East Herts (Ware), South West Herts (Watford) and East Hertsmere (Borehamwood/ Potters Bar). Two hundred guests were invited to view an art and creative writing exhibition, before watching a programme of inspiring talks and performances by service users.
Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, sang the inclusive Com.unity Choir of abled and disabled singers, highlighting the vital role Herts Mind Network plays in supporting people with mental distress and creating a social community in which people can help each other.
The five speakers spoke candidly of their own experiences of depression, addiction, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, self-harm, schizophrenia, and the role of the carer. All of us, at some stage of our life, enter the dark cave of pain, fear and loss, but it is within this darkness that the light of wisdom shines, leading us to greater self-knowledge, strength and compassion. The role of creativity, spirituality and physical health in the recovery journey was emphasised, with the extensive range of groups run by Herts Mind Network being cited as instrumental to the recovery of their service users.
Volunteering for the organisation with a view to getting back into work was also highlighted, with all the speakers reflecting on how important being able to contribute to society has been to their recovery.
Trestle Theatre created two performances involving service users reciting poetry they had written in Herts Mind Network creative writing groups, and a moving re-enactment of one woman's experience of domestic violence. When one of the speakers referred to the half a million calls a year received by the police from victims, it became clear how important this aspect of the charity's role is in supporting these women.
The therapeutic effect of music was also acknowledged, with lively performances by Herts Mind Network's music group and Over-65s line-dancing group. The latter followed a talk about the vulnerability of the elderly to mental distress owing to deteriorating health, isolation and lack of community support. The drop-in meeting places run by Herts Mind Network provide a much needed source of social stimulation and support to the elderly, enabling them to mix with a broad age range of fellow service users.
The launch was given an uplifting finale with the Com.unity Choir's performance of Something Inside So Strong, with the line brothers and sisters, when they insist we're not good enough, we know we're good enough seeming particularly poignant. All the service users involved in the event deserved to feel justifiably proud of the courage and talent they demonstrated. They were certainly good enough in the eyes of the audience, who left feeling both moved and inspired by the day. As one service provider remarked, It has reminded me why I do my job and why I must strive harder to make sure that Herts Mind Network and its service users get all the support they need.
With the launch of Herts Mind Network, more individuals across the County suffering from mental distress will be able to access its diverse range of services. For more information, please call 08444 772212, email info@hertsmindnetwork.org or visit the website at www.hertsmindnetwork.org.
Swing Group - Saturday 7th June 10.00 - 12.00 p.m. at 139 Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead
05.06.2008
Swing is a group of people who are affected by Bipolar Disorder. We have come together to give each other mutual support in an informal, friendly and personal way. All of our experiences and contributions are unique and valuable. Our first meeting will be on Saturday 7th June starting at 10.00 a.m. and thereafter on the first Saturday of every month. For more information, please contact the office on 08444 772212.
Back to Work
10th July 2008
A new ten week course in Hemel Hempstead, starting week commencing 29th September, date and time to be confirmed. There will be a £10.00 per person administration charge for this course. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Digital Photography Course - Borehamwood
10th July 2008
A new five week course in Digital Photography in Borehamwood, Aberford Hall. This will be starting in November, a date and time to be confirmed. Learners will need to have basic IT skills. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Digital Photography Course
10th July 2008
A new ten week Digital Photography Course in Hemel Hempstead, starting in September - date and time to be confirmed. There will be a £10.00 administration charge per person for this course. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Women's Coffee Morning
10th July 2008
Women's Coffee Morning from 10.00 - 12.00, starting September 2008 at 139 Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead. There will also be the opportunity to have a short 1:1 appointment for those women requiring this. For further information, or to book a place, please contact 08444 772212.
Over 50's Line Dancing
10th July 2008
A new over 50's Line Dancing group, starting in the Hemel Hempstead area on Tuesday morning's in October at a venue to be confirmed. No partners needed, just comfy shoes. For more information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Floral Designs Course
10th July 2008
A new ten week course starting Tuesday 30th September 2008 in Hemel Hempstead, from 10.00 - 12.00 noon. There will be a charge for this course to cover the cost of the flowers of between £30-£40 per person for the ten week course. A certificate of achievement will be presented on successful completion of the course. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Healthy Cooking & Fast and Healthy Foods course
22nd July 2008
A new seven week course starting Friday 3rd October 2008 from 1.00 - 4.00 pm in Hemel Hempstead. There will be an administration charge of £10.00 per person for the course and you will be asked to provide the ingredients for inexpensive meal recipes, which you will make and take home with you. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Confidence Building Course
23rd June 2008
A five week Confidence Building course, starting on Monday 30th June from 2.45 - 4.45 p.m. at 139 Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead. For further information, or to book a place, please call 08444 772212.
Saturday Meeting Place Events in Hemel Hempstead
2nd July 2008
Saturday Monthly Meeting Place Events
26th July - Grove Farm Ivinghoe - Pick your own Fruit and Veg. Meet at LBR 12.15 p.m.
30th August - Kite Flying and Walk at Dunstable Downs. Meet at LBR at 12.15 p.m.
27th September - Walk in Ashridge Forest - Meet at LBR 12.15 p.m.
25th October - Chinese Buffet Lunch - Meet at The Dragon Garden at 12.30 p.m.
29th November - Tring Garden Centre - Meet at LBR at 12.15 p.m.
27th December - St. Albans Park - Meet at LBR at 12.15 p.m.
There will be a small charge of £1.00 per person for the Mini-Bus. Please book your seat in advance.
(LBR = 139 Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts)
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