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
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Mind Policy and campaigns – Zoom meeting with Justin Tomlinson (the Minister for Disabled People)
“Ahead of the anticipated Government Green Paper & National Strategy for Disabled People we had the opportunity to meet virtually in an event hosted by National Mind with the Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson.
We outlined the challenges that Mind in Croydon’s clients experience with the benefits system and how Covid-19 has made navigating the system even harder for many people with mental health issues. People with lived experience of mental health also took part and gave real life examples of how the benefits system creates sometimes insurmountable barriers for them.
Our work is influencing the development of what we hope will be a better benefits system that works for and with people experiencing mental ill health.”
Tom Goddard, Welfare Benefits Advice Service Manager
World Mental Health Day – Mental Health For All
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘mental health for all’.
One of our carers sent in a poem which we would like to share with you.
The poem can be read on our news page at www.mindincroydon.org.uk/news/
Creating conversations in Croydon – The untold stories of loss
Mind in Croydon are pleased to be taking part in ‘Creating conversations in Croydon – The untold stories of loss’ event on World Mental Health Day 10.10.20 @ 2pm. Emma Turner, our Head of Service Delivery will be contributing to these important discussions.
www.facebook.com/mayorofcroydon
This year Advocacy Awareness Week takes place on 26th – 30th October.
Mind in Croydon’s advocacy service supported over 100 people from May to September this year in ensuring that their rights were met and their voices heard.
This shows how important advocacy remains during a time when many vulnerable people are subject to detention under the Mental Health Act and whilst there remains the risk of Covid-19 people who have a statutory right to access independent mental health advocacy are able to continue to do so.
#AAW20 #HearMyVoice #PowerofPartnership
www.ndti.org.uk/advocacy-awareness-week/aaw19/
Light a Candle for World Suicide Prevention Day 2020
Join us on Thursday 10th Sep, World Suicide Prevention Day, and light a candle near a window at 8pm to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one and for the survivors of suicide.
If you want to find out more about our Suicide Prevention project, and how you can help those in need, check out our website: swlondon.nhs.uk/ourwork/suicide-prevention/
Suicide Prevention - South West London Health and Care Partnership
swlondon.nhs.uk
Suicide is preventable. We can all do something to help a person that is feeling suicidal, whether it be a family member, friend, or stranger. Simply just starting a conversation with someone could save a life. The 10th September marks World Suicide Prevention Day and we want to encourage you ... Re...
Mind in Croydon’s Employment Support Service remains open to new referrals and we continue to provide support during the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. Visit http://ow.ly/eyAV30qMxAgfor more information #Croydon
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