Learning from Experience 2 - How are we doing?

This event is for service users and carers and is a follow up to the actions that the Kent & Medway Partnership Trust have put into place since the National Patient Survey of last year.

Tuesday 15 March, 10:30am - 3:30pm

Upstairs lounge, The Salvation Army
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Lunch is provided. Registration is required, so for more information see the flyer here or call Maria Duran on 01227 812034.

Wanted - service user representatives in Dover and Deal

Speakup CIC (formerly the East Kent User Forum) have places for service users who would like to to learn to speak up about issues close to their hearts in the mental health system, and represent service users at key meetings such as the Locality Planning and Monitoring Groups and the Joint Commissioning Board.

You will be introduced to the role gradually and will have the opportunity to shadow a worker before you take on the role to see if you like it first. Your travel and lunch expenses will be met and you will gain skills in speaking up in groups and other relevant meetings.

If you are interested in this role there are a number of openings in Dover, Deal and Ashford. Maggie Gallant or Amanda Godley at Speakup CIC would like to hear from you on 01843 230 726.

Personal Development Fund - up to £500 for service users & carers!

A reminder about the Personal Development Fund, which is intended to promote the personal development of individuals living right across Kent whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by severe or persistent mental ill health.

The fund has been able to pay for things like conferences and training courses, travel and accommodation for such events, art materials, Reiki training, laptops, printers and so on.

A panel of service users, carers and voluntary organisations meet every three months to decide on awards. For more information, see this flyer. To apply, download an application form in either Word or PDF format.

The scheme is funded by Kent County Council and administered by Sevenoaks Area Mind.

Your feedback on community mental health in Kent and Medway

Medway PCT, who lead the development of mental health services across Kent and Medway, are asking for your help in looking at how these services can be improved. They would like to ask service users and carers six simple questions about the services they are using - including what works, what doesn't work, and what are the key factors that make a good service.

This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard!

The survey can be completed very simply online here, or alternatively you can download the survey in Word or PDF format to complete and return by post or email.

Please make sure your voice is heard by Friday 18 March!

No Health without Mental Health

The government have published "No health without mental health - A cross-government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages." A news item on the Live It Well website gives details of where you can read this, and a sample of responses from relevant organisations.

Informal mental health drop in centre, one of Dovers hidden gems!

If you are lonely, isolated, and in need of a friendly face and listening ear, this is your local community mental health and wellbeing resource offering informal social support and signposting to other relevant agencies. Relax in the comfort of a home from home where there is always a listening ear and a variety of things going on. Folk meet here to buddy up and join swimming, watersports, walking groups and general day to day task support, or just to have a nice cuppa and a natter. You can be referred by anyone helping you, or you can just turn up and refer yourself!

Dover Resource House (Ashen Tree House)
Ashen Tree Lane
Dover CT16 1QL

Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00am-2.00pm
Monday and Thursday evenings 6.30-9.30pm
Saturday 1.00-7.00pm

A taster of some of the things that you can access here..

Acorns (Re-Think) Service User coffee morning.
Mondays at 10.30am

Shaw Trust Job Club
Wednesdays 10.00am-1.00pm with Keith Jones.
Pop in for advice or to make an appointment for any issue regarding remaining in work, returning to work or support and advice for getting in to work.

Womens Group  Fridays 2.00-3.30pm
The local community equivalent of 'Loose Women'...time to relax, chat, make friends and share your worries. It's just the best end to the week!

Drab & Dress Transgender Peer Support Group.
A social meet on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Tuesday of every month 7.00-11.00pm. Come in drab (guy mode) or come dressed, or dress on site. This is a friendly and welcoming peer group that welcomes any trans person-crossdressers, Tv, MtF, FtM,TS pre/post op- and their partners. It is run by trans people for trans people, and has active links with the NHS Trust in terms of providing services for trans folk via the new emerging Kent Trans Forum. Contact via email or call 07518 419392

For any questions, more information, or to book a room, contact the centre manager Heather Gooch via email or on 01304 225037