News Archive November 2019
Universal Credit Advice Project
Mind in Croydon is now offering an advice service aimed around supporting Croydon residents with Universal Credit claims. Started in October 2019, the service offers advice and support from the point of claim up to and including the Work Capability Assessment.
From one-off advice to ongoing support from the team, our Welfare Rights service is here to support with your Universal Credit Claim.
Through collaboration between National Mind and local Mind organisations, this project aims to achieve the following dual objectives:
- To support people with mental health problems to navigate the Universal Credit system, to ensure they can access the income they’re entitled to; and
- To gather data and insight to inform and strengthen Mind’s national campaigning efforts to make the benefits system work for those it services.
How to access support?
Referrals or advice can be sought by leaving a message at 020 8763 2037, or by emailing universalcredit@mindincroydon.org.uk.
Please note that we do not operate a drop in service for this project.
Author: Cat Ayres
Posted on: 25th November 2019
Choir Concert
On Wednesday 18th December the Songsations are holding “A Songsational Seasonal Surprise”.
Join them for a Christmas sing-a-long and a mince pie and help raise money for Cruse Croydon and Mind in Croydon.
This will be held at St John The Divine Church Hall, Upper Selsdon Road, CR2 8DD and starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £8/£5 concession (cash only) and under 16’s go free with a paying adult.
Visit songsations.net for more info.
Author: Cat Ayres
Posted on: 18th November 2019
Carers Rights Day
We are hosting a Carers Rights Day with the theme of “Dealing with Professionals”.
There will be information, stalls and presentations from St Christopher’s, Mind in Croydon’s Advocacy on carers rights when their loved ones are in hospital and Mind in Croydon’s Counselling Service on Assertiveness for Carers and how to have your views heard.
For more information contact Carers Support on 020 8688 1210 or carers.support@mindincroydon.org.uk.
Based at Fairfield House, 10 Altyre Road, East Croydon, CR0 5LA
Author: Cat Ayres
Posted on: 13th November 2019
PPF Donates Computers to Mind in Croydon
On 31st October there was an official unveiling of the new computer room at Fairfield House. The room will give members access to first rate IT which will help them in so many ways from improving their skills and confidence on-line to being able to deal with on-line benefit claims. The room has been made possible by the donation of 30 computers from the Pension Protection Fund as part of their on-going support for Mind in Croydon. As well as the computer room at Fairfield House, staff at Mind in Croydon received upgrades to their office machines. Chair of Mind in Croydon, John Pestell, said, “It was a great pleasure to see PPF at Fairfield House once again helping Mind in Croydon. Their generosity know no bounds and we are so pleased with the gift of computers which allows us to offer our clients the very latest in technology. That said PPF do so much for us above and beyond this gift and that it is greatly appreciated by all at Mind in Croydon. Thank you.”
Simon Liste, Chief Technology Officer at the PPF said: “It was truly amazing and so rewarding to see the happiness and excitement of those that use the Mind Hub, when the computer room was unveiled. It makes us proud and honoured, as an organisation to be able to help Mind in Croydon in their journey and purpose”
Author: Cat Ayres
Posted on: 7th November 2019
Advocacy Steering Group Volunteers Required
Have you used Mind in Croydon’s Advocacy Service, or any mental health advocacy service?
- Would you like to volunteer your time to participate in a steering group that will;
- Monitor project activities against plans?
- Review project processes and procedures
- Provide vital feedback for the team from a service user perspective
- Would you be willing to attend at least 4 formal meetings a year?
Mind in Croydon’s Advocacy Service is looking for volunteers to participate in a new steering group. If you would like to express your interest in this role we would like to hear from you.
Please contact advocacy@mindincroydon.org.uk with the subject ‘Steering group’ or call 0208 763 6730 and ask to speak with the manager about this opportunity no later than 15th January 2020
Author: Cat Ayres
Posted on: 5th November 2019
Mental Health Directory
Search for information on mental health services in the Croydon area Find out more
Elefriends
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Find out more
Information Line
Mind in Croydon operate a confidential mental health telephone information line: Please telephone our freephone number 020 8668 2210 Find out more
Latest Updates
Follow Mind in Croydon on your favourite social network
Reminder regarding our Addiscombe Charity Shop
Due to the government guidelines our charity shop in Addiscombe currently remains closed.
We recently had a complaint regarding items left on the pavement outside the shop. Please do not leave donations outside the door as we will not be taking them during this time.
We look forward to receiving them once the shop reopens.
In the meantime, if you would like to make a financial donation you can do so by visiting www.mindincroydon.org.uk/fundraising/donate/
Friday 22nd Food Parcels
Today our Hub team and the Croydon Fire Services made another successful food parcel delivery to our existing clients.
"Thank you for arranging for me to receive a food present today. Such a lovely gesture in these difficult times. I have to report that the bread was delicious and was superb for bacon sandwiches at lunchtime … everything was great."
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and at Mind in Croydon we’ve been looking at what kindness means to us, our families and friends.
We have put this together in a short video found at: youtu.be/HVTs_JeOPJw
Community Advocacy Still Operating
Our community mental health advocacy service is still operating and available to Croydon residents during the Covid-19 pandemic, please contact the team to discuss concerns with your care and treatment.
For more information see the poster attached.
You can contact the team on 0208 763 6730 or email advocacy@mindincroydon.org.uk.
As part of our Carers project funded by Croydon Council we are pleased to launch one of our carers Workshop presentations on the theme of ‘Understanding Stress for Carers’ on YouTube (youtu.be/zN-XEB78B5c).
Caring for someone during lockdown can be especially hard and our services remain open for you to access remotely.
Carers Counselling - www.mindincroydon.org.uk/how-we-can-help/carers-services/carers-counselling/
Carers Support - www.mindincroydon.org.uk/how-we-can-help/carers-services/carers-support/
Carers Groups - www.mindincroydon.org.uk/how-we-can-help/carers-services/carers-groups/
We will look towards posting more presentations on line so please view the news stream on our website: www.mindincroydon.org.uk for updates or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/MindinCroydon), Instagram ()https://www.instagram.com/mindincroydon or our WordPress Blog (mindincroydon.wordpress.com/).
Accreditations & Awards
