Welcome
Swindon Mind’s Newsletter
Edition 10 Spring 2010

Back To Latest Newsletter

BLANKETS ARE WARMLY RECEIVED BY WILTS FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE This colourful scene took place in December.  It was the occasion when some warm woolly blankets, made over a period of weeks by the Mind knitting group, were handed over to Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.  Representing the service was Graham Weller, Partnership and Community Engagement Manager.  In a letter he says:  'I hope you all had a happy Christmas, and 2010 is all you would like it to be.  The blankets were passed on to the homeless and drug project, who were very grateful and made good use of them over the Christmas period.  You can rest assured they are keeping somebody warm right now.  Many thanks for your kindness.'

MINDFUL DISCUSSIONS    The Swindon Mindful Employer Network is holding its 2010 conference in April.  Called Promoting Healthier Businesses, the aim is to demonstrate to employers how looking after the wellbeing of their staff is likely to lead to a dramatic improvement in productivity and performance. NHS Swindon's acting chief executive, Heather Mitchell, said:  'It has been proven that building positive attitudes and cultures, and having an understanding of mental health issues at work, can impact on business performance.  Employers need to ensure that there is a workplace culture that supports people in reaching their full potential.' Jonathan Naess, director of Stand To Reason, a UK charity which promotes positive attitudes to mental health issues, pointed out that one in six employees in Britain are suffering some kind of mental illness.  He said 'This is blighting the lives of many individuals and hurting families and communities at the same time.' David Latham from Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire, said:  'The key to success can be a positive attitude to mental health issues in the workplace, which promotes staff loyalty and commitment - much in need in a recessionary environment.'                                                                    (From the Swindon Advertiser, March 25th 2010)

CHRISTMAS 2009 - CELEBRATIONS AT MIND Words and pictures by Leanne Drew The Mind Christmas Disco was held on 10th December 2009.  It started at 7.30pm and went on till 10.00pm.  It was at the Moose Hall on Eastcott Road, Old Town.  We had a good turn out.  We had all sorts of music playing including party songs and a few Christmas favourites.  Plenty of people took to the dance floor and by the end of the evening the dance floor was full. We had a nice buffet about 9-ish, the food is my favourite time! We had a little raffle and several people won prizes.  We had a lovely evening and took loads of photos. (Shame there isn't room for more! - Ed) The Mind Christmas Dinner was held on 15th December at the Toby Carvery.  We met at Mind first then got the 24 bus I believe to Asda, and then it took us about five minutes to walk to the Toby Carvery. We had a fair few people attend, as can be seen from the photo. The dinner (a roast) was delicious and very filling, and we could have ice-cream for afters.  I enjoyed myself and everyone else seemed to have a nice time too.

A LETTER TO MIND STAFF FROM JOHN BRODERICK Dear Elaine and Staff I want to say a big thank you to all of you firstly for the Christmas dinner.  Everybody really enjoyed themselves, the food and service was first class. Also I want to say big thanks to Brian who took me, Pat and Jean Matthews; it was nice of him to do that. I wish you health in 2010, you all deserve it, and you do a good job. I heard from you that you would like a letter to tell what I think of Mind.  I have learned a lot since going to Mind, I enjoy every minute.  I meet friends instead of feeling sorry for myself. From your friend John Broderick

WOMEN'S GROUP OUTINGS By Hayley Goodenough Mind is a charity place which involves people who suffer mental health problems the chance to help others with the same problems.  It's a place to make friends and join groups and go on rambles and nice trips out.  (For those of you who didn't know.) The Women's Group has lots of outings, and here is news of two of them. Some of us went to see a pantomime of Peter Pan at the Arts Centre.  It was really good. The lights on stage were pretty, the costumes were brilliantly made.  I particularly liked the way people from behind the settings changed the back picture border on each chapter, like reading a book. The story was fun and entertaining with lots of the audience, mainly children, laughing.  Also fake sleet fell from a machine equipped high up on the ceiling. It was partly musical with the actors singing with melody toned voices, some funny, some sad.  All the audience got up and clapped, like they told us to, shouting 'The crocodile's behind you!' and the cast returned back 'No it's not there!' The make up on the little dancers and backing ones looked gorgeous.  We all cheered at the end as they came to the front bowing and curtseying. It was a really good evening out.

An outing to the Blunsdon Arms and Dobbie's Garden Centre Paula and Suzanna were our workers who arranged to take us out to two places.  There were about five other women besides myself. The weather wasn't all that great.  We went for our meal first.  When we got out of the car I could see how well presented and inviting the restaurant/bar was. On the menu there was some lovely food.  We all chose a half price meal, £4.25 each. We stayed for an hour, had a laugh and a gossip, the women all had a nice lunch out.  We left feeling satisfied and full to the brim. Next stop was Dobbie's Garden Centre. It was my first time there, and as I walked in to the big store I could see huge bears and reindeers, animated with slow striding movements in different postures. I walked around and was amazed at how Christmassy the place looked, snow trees, ice, lots of little presents. We spent two hours there, buying presents and looking round, and we all enjoyed it.

Art Group Report By Leanne Drew Art class is going well, and you can see many examples of our work around the Mind building. Back in the autumn we had a nice walk in Lawn Woods and took some photographs. p Many of us then used them to do our own woods painting;  For Christmas we made our own wrapping paper, with large paper, acrylic paint and using stencils, which was fun.  Some of us also made paper chains. We recently had a session where we drew portraits of Ann, and these can currently be seen in the Mind building.  And we are currently enjoying an Aboriginal workshop; this has been fun, but can drive you a bit dotty - those who do the art will know what I mean! I really enjoy doing the art class; Carol is always coming up with new and challenging projects that are both fun and therapeutic.  I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who is considering it.  We have a friendly group and a helpful teacher.  Thanks Carol.  I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Ann a speedy recover and let her know that we are all missing her in the Art Class.  We miss our trolley dolly!

Can God Help? By Jonjo Higgins I have been troubled by stress related illnesses since I was a child.  My adult life has been a story of in and out of hospital with physical and mental illness. The past few years have been made easier by my contact with people of the Baha'i faith.  Prayer and meditation helps me a lot. The Baha'i faith was founded by Baha'u'lah in Persia 160 years ago.  We believe in oneness of mankind and oneness of religion.  All people are leaves of one tree; drops of one ocean. I give you a simple prayer known to Baha'i people all over the world. Is there any remover of difficulties save God?  Say:  Praised be God!  He is God!  All are his servants, and all abide by His bidding! There is an active group of Bahais in Swindon, based at the Health Hydro in Milton Road.  Their phone number is (01793) 537454. If you wish to find out more have a look at the local web site.  www.swindon‑bahais.org

THE TRANQUILLITY ZONE "Close the door, for just a while, and seek the peace within. Shut out the world and all its noise, and let the silence in. Lose your ears for just a while until you only hear, That still, small voice that whispers All is well, for your are here." The Tranquillity Zone started as a community service project in 1998 and is based at the Health Hydro in Swindon.  Tranquillity Zones provide a relaxing environment created with flowers, candles and soft furnishings, a programme of words and music and, above all, a special atmosphere where people can reflect and relax.  The Tranquillity Zone is described as "an oasis of calm and well-being for the body, mind and soul" and is a place where guests can enjoy a few tranquil moments in a specially prepared setting. Tranquillity Zones have been set up at Swindon Borough Council, in local businesses, the local hospital and various other charity organisations.  In the first 4 years approximately 3,500 people have attended the Tranquillity Zones.  The zones are public, and you can just turn up without reserving.  Sessions are free, and last about 40 minutes.  Tea and coffee will be served.

The two poems on this page are by Sarah Donohue, a member of the writing group, who is currently studying for her English GCSE.  Both rather dark poems were written as part of a theme we have going where we re‑wrote or re‑interpreted favourite poems and rhymes. The first is based on AA Milne's famous poem 'They're Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace', the second on WH Davies' poem 'Leisure'. A Bear Is For Life We went to London, Christopher, Alice and I Alighting the bus by the London Eye Then to guards changing - I wonder why? Being held by my paw- Oh!  the sights that we saw! Of St Paul's I was so in awe. Christopher Robin soon got coy Embarrassed about me!  A toy! So packed in his bag I played I spy. We visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace Where Christopher Robin and Alice Saw fancy dressed men and a Royal Princess. Said Alice;  "I will marry a prince one day." Much to Christopher Robin's dismay. But he laughed and said, "Don't be silly!" We headed out of the town on the inter city - Where Alice exclaimed, "It seems a pity, But Chris you are rather dull and not so pretty." Continuing she delcared, "And I too will marry - That very dashing prince called Harry. I am so sorry but I hope you will be happy." So, we sit now, Christopher and me Munching tea-cake and supping tea, Remembering years ago, that day, in the city. What Of This Life What of this life, so full of tears With time to stand and face the fears. Time to hide inside our heads And stare at pills beside our beds. We fight dark thought within our guts Visions of death.  Oh God, it hurts! No wish to see the slim daylight As in our heads it's always night. Pain and suffering at every turn My skin, just watch it burn. Time to wait now for my call To please release me from this hell A poor life this is, full of tears Wishing my early end of years.

DOWNER MINER a song by Andrew Barber When you show me the day, I remember the night. I see the shadow When you see the light. I bring up the last When you tell me the first. You show me the best And I point out the worst. I'm a downer miner And every silver lining has a cloud. You give me the ointment, I give you the fly. You love to live, I'm just waiting to die. You tell me the value, I think of the cost. You're proud of the found, I'm bemoaning the lost. I'm a downer miner I know the good times pass. I'm a downer miner And I've never seen a half-full glass. When your pedal's to the metal I'm the foot on the brakes. I notice butchers' apostrophes And grammatical mistakes. I go and read a book When you party on, dude. I'm the beta blocker for your heart, The hoover for your mood. I'm a downer miner I let the good times pass. I'm a downer miner And I've never seen a half-full glass. If I haven't got a problem I can find one somewhere. If I haven't got it on the ground I'll pluck it from the air. If I can't find one at all That's not a problem, senor. I'll grow it in a Petri dish And throw it on the floor. I'm a downer miner I make the good times pass. I'm a downer miner And I've never seen a half-full glass. I'm a downer miner And every silver lining has a cloud

PHIL BUTT'S BENCH Phil was a popular member of Mind who died last year aged only 50. He was a great character who had had an eventful life, and had all sorts of stories which he would tell us in the Writing Group. He was also a regular volunteer at the Toothill Community Café, and his friends and colleagues there collected a total of £313 to spend on a bench which has recently been installed at the Café.  The bench is also to commemorate another Café volunteer, Tony Scott.

Mission Accomplished? One flew over the cuckoo's nest, Another flew into the Lodge of Oak. Knights and angels shared a jest: Lorazepam laughter, Risperidone jokes. Out with the cuckoos, lobotomists thrive. Down in the Lodge, there are tablets instead: Give the impression of being alive, Except when you're really emotionally dead. Happily everything turned out all right, Especially when I had Mind get involved. A couple of helpers had noticed my plight: Lorazepam left, and my case was resolved. So if you are getting no help from your doc You may find your Mind-ers will catch what you chase. Offend them you may do, but judge you they'll not: Unusual, these angels with smiles on their face. By Andrew Barber (Look carefully at the initial letters of each line of the poem - what do you see?)

STRESSLINE HELPS TAKE THE STRAIN NHS Wiltshire has launched a helpline for people struggling with stress.  Trained health advisers can talk through problems between 8am and 10pm.  The number is 01300 1233000.  Calls are charged at the same rate as national calls to an 01 or 02 number. Alison Knowles of NHS Wiltshire said:  'Many people find it difficult to know where to turn when faced with problems. 'This can lead to common but disabling mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 'If you are worried, don't wait.  Call the Stressline where trained advisers will provide a listening ear as well as helping you find the best way forward.' The helpline is part of an expansion of help for people in Wiltshire with common mental health problems.  NHS Wiltshire has already invested £410,000 of extra funding in counsellors to work in GP surgeries. Swindon Advertiser, January 7th 2010

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER ARE ALWAYS WELCOME We are always looking out for new material, especially from members. We need news about activities within the groups, about meetings and events, articles, stories, poems, jokes, puzzles, recipes; things that make you laugh, and things that make you cross! Digital photos are very welcome too. Please give items to someone in the office, or put them in the Newsletter folder on the notice board in the kitchen, or email them to the editor, jillryanbrowne@aol.com

~ Working towards better mental health for everyone ~