Wiltshire Mind - Newsletter, You in Mind - Issue Four - Local Mental Health Charity offering Befriending, Counselling and Support Services in Wiltshire

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

TEST YOUR MIND - good luck!

What do Americans call a car park?
What is the minimum school leaving age in Britain?
How many sides have a parallelogram?
Reykjavik is the capital of which country?
What date is St Patrick's Day?
Which part of the body does a chiropodist treat?
What is anaesthetic used for?
In which year was Elizabeth II crowned?
What precious substance comes from tusks, horns and teeth of animals?
What would you do with Claret?
Which book has sold more copies than any other?
It has a quill, barbs and barbules, what is it?
Blowing, casting and floating are different ways of making what?
What is the square route of 64?
Against whom did Samson and Delilah fight?
What does a geologist do?
What word means both race track and a series of lessons?
Where is your thyroid gland?
What is soot, charcoal and diamonds made of?
What is silent acting called?
What colour is jade?
How many noughts have a million?
Which river flows through London?
Which English sailor, soldier and explorer brought tobacco to Europe from America?
Which sport has birdies, eagles and chips?

Quiz Prepared for the Trowbridge Group
Test your knowledge and find the answers towards the end of the Newsletter

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Sheila's Story

Mum tells of battle to beat baby blues

Sheila Stansfield & daughter Zoe

    Mum Sheila Stansfield has spoken about her struggle to cope with post natal depression in a bid to help others who might find themselves in a similar situation.
    Mrs Stansfield, who lives in Neston, is just starting as an agent for the children's book company Barefoot and is holding a launch party on Saturday where she will donate ten per cent of profits from sales to Wiltshire Mind.
    The 37 year old said the local mental health charity is a lifeline for people suffering from illnesses such as depression.
    She said: "People don't necessarily ask for help when they are very depressed and the support from people at Wiltshire Mind is essential."
    "When I was depressed I sometimes didn't want to speak to people and I wouldn't answer the phone to my friends or e-mail them back, so you can become isolated as a result of the illness."
    "That's why I believe proper support is so important. I'm sure that people are afraid to ask for help when they are going through something like this, or they don't necessarily realise they are depressed."

    Mrs Stansfield had suffered from bouts of depression through stress at work in the past and after the birth of her ten month old daughter Zoe, it returned.
    She said: "I am very keen to promote awareness of post natal depression and with my new role for the Barefoot Book Company I can also put some of the profits into an organisation that helps people in that situation."
    She added: "I was lucky enough to have the support of my husband Allan, but some people don't have that."
    "People going through what I went through need and rely on organisations such as Wiltshire Mind."
    Mrs Stansfield used to work for an American pharmaceutical company but, now embarking on her new business venture, feels much less stressed with life.
    She held the launch party in Neston Town Hall to which children were invited to a story telling session, craft work shops and to join in with music and dance.
    Mrs Stansfield said: "The book company was started in the 90s by some mums in Bath and the books are about bringing kids' creativity to life."
    "They bring stories from many different cultures with fantastic artwork and allow children to share in the world's diversity."
    "Barefoot Books' the author Nikki Siegen-Smith was on hand to read stories to the children."
    Mind was established more than 50 years ago to provide support to those suffering mental and emotional stress. Wiltshire Mind provides a variety of support services to people in the county.

BAREFOOT BOOKS
www.mybarefootbooks.com/sheilastansfield
If you order online from this site then you can raise funds for Wiltshire Mind. At checkout enter the EV01 code and 10% of sales will be donated to Wiltshire Mind.

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POST NATAL DEPRESSION - COLOUR IN THE DARKNESS
By Pam Norman

    Six years ago, like any mother to be, Pam Norman was looking forward to the birth of her fourth child. Her three other young children, Jenni, Phillipa and Sam were all excitedly anticipating the new arrival, along with husband Michael, the vicar of St Saviour's Church in Larkhall.
    However, at the back of Pam's mind there was a dark cloud hovering, a secret dread that she feared would rear its head again.
    Would she succumb to post natal depression with this baby as she had, albeit in a mild form with her two older daughters?
    At first her fears seemed unfounded, as the family adapted to the new arrival without too much trouble. All seemed well for the first few months, but then, as Pam started to wean her new little girl, Elizabeth, the familiar feelings of despair and hopelessness began to creep in.

Pam Norman

"I had suffered from a mild form of post natal depression with Jenni and Pippa which tended to exhibit itself as miserableness. I didn't really mention it to anybody and tried to get on with things" says Pam.

    In fact when she mentioned her feelings to her health visitor after Jenni's birth. It was suggested that she get pregnant again to counteract the dark feelings.
    "After Pippa was born, I started to get panic attacks, so I knew that something was wrong".
    After her son's birth, the symptoms did not recur, but Pam had a sense that the predilection to suffer post natal depression had not left her.
    "I really was keeping my fingers crossed that I would not have it again after Elizabeth, but about four months, I began to feel very tearful, overwhelmed and my appetite just went down to zero. I knew then that it was back with a vengeance."
    Pam says she tried to 'resist' the onset of these feelings and that her husband was hugely sympathetic, but sure enough, before long there was no avoiding the realisation that she was indeed again a victim of post natal depression.
    "I started having suicidal thoughts and remember one particularly bad time when I was walking to the doctors and had to literally cling to a lamp post to stop myself from hurling myself into the path of traffic that was a real wake up call for me."
    Fortunately, Pam's doctor was quick to react to her severe symptoms and prescribed medication to help her get back on track.
    "The first lot of pills didn't work, which meant I had a bad week or two, but the second batch, Lustral, were very effective. I began to get some kind of control back into my life and continued to take them for 18 months."
    Finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel for Pam; the medication, coupled with her own Christian faith, helped the mother of four move slowly towards a more 'normal' state of mind.
    "Part of the problem for me in particular was the faith aspect. As a vicar's wife. I felt particularly guilty that I was having these dark, suicidal thoughts, and it was then that I really realised how dangerous depression can be."

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POST NATAL DEPRESSION - COLOUR IN THE DARKNESS
By Pam Norman - Cont'd...

    As she began her slow recovery, Pam thought it was time she put her experience to practical use and started to write down a collection of helpful phrases which prompted her to feel more positive on difficult days.
    "I would lend this Tupperware box full of phrases to friends also going through tough times and they would come back afterwards saying you really must put these phrases into a book and get it published."
    Pam took them up on this idea and approached several mainstream publishers who didn't take the idea any further.
    Undeterred, Pam had faith in her own idea to such an extent that she decided to publish a book herself, under her own imprint, Comfort Books, and set about the uphill task straight away.
    Colour in the Darkness: Helpful hints for people who are feeling down is the result, a little book that can fit into a handbag (or nappy bag) filled to the brim with down to earth, non-threatening phrases designed to help those suffering from post natal and other forms of depression.
    "I wanted to blow the lid on depression and stop making it the kind of condition that people were afraid to talk about or admit to. I'm no expert, but my experience has told me that the phrases included in the book really can offer comfort to those in distress."
    After spending 18 months on medication, Pam realised that one day, after spending the afternoon playing with her children in a snowy Larkhall garden that she was actually smiling.

    "I had to pinch myself - I was really happy for the first time in ages."
     Now she says she has 'so much to be thankful for' - a burgeoning writing and publishing business and a part-time career as a nurse, a job she returned to after 15 years of making a home and looking after the children with Michael.
    "One of the best things I can recommend to those who feel up to it is to consider getting a little job, even just one day a week. It's made all the difference to me."
    The delivery of the new book provoked much excitement in the Norman household, as the youngest, Elizabeth, ripped open the boxes containing the little books.
    "Elizabeth said to me as she turned page after page, 'I'm the first person to read the whole book,' and that made me feel so proud that I'd come out the other side of such a distressing time."
    There was a big launch party for family and friends who helped Pam complete the book at St Saviour's Church and another two books are already in the pipeline to add to Comfort Books' backlist.
    "If the first one is a success, I'll get on with the other two straight away. It's so satisfying seeing the finished product. I've been leaving copies at train stations and other places, in the hope that if somebody is in a really desperate state, my book may not be able to provide all the answers, but it will at least give them a lifeline of hope that there is always light after darkness."

A BIG THANK YOU

Trowbridge House organised a sponsored walk from Staverton Marina to Bradford on Avon, back packs were ready and off they went. Sally met them in Bradford on Avon and bought them all a well deserved drink after they had tucked into a pub lunch.
Tim McConnell a new member to the House raised £52.00 which will certainly be put to good use. Thank you Tim.

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JEWELLERY MAD

Jewellery picture

Trowbridge House Service Users prepared some remarkable jewellery for our open day. However, now they are hooked and it is almost weekly they work hard to adorn any individual who appreciates the home made personal efforts for something different, in fact unique.

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WORK EXPERIENCE by Owen Rye

Owen & Ryan

In July, I spent two enjoyable days with Wiltshire Mind at their headquarters in Trowbridge as work experience to support my A-level Psychology course at Hardenhuish School sixth form in Chippenham.

I wasn't really sure what to expect, and found myself quite nervous as I rode over to Trowbridge on the train. But my anxieties were put to rest as I found not a sterile clinic building but a simple converted house with friendly and extremely helpful staff. After being introduced to those both downstairs in the lounge and upstairs in the office, I settled down to a cup of tea and a biscuit, awaiting the arrival of the service users. Then they arrived, one by one, throughout the day settling in just as I did in the very homely environment. I joined in some topical discussions and other activities such as a yoga class and even helping to build a large mummy-like figure with plaster of paris in the

garden proving a very eventful day and giving me an entirely different perspective on therapeutic methods for tackling problems such as depression.

I arrived on the second day far more relaxed and ready for the insightful day ahead. I spent most of it in the upstairs of the house, which is converted into an office, doing clerical work, browsing Mind's informative leaflets and discussing many things with Jo-Hanna. I was quite astounded at all the work that is carried out behind the scenes to help Mind to maintain its standards.

In all, I felt that my work experience not only gave me an insight into life in a workplace, but it opened my eyes into the breadth of applied psychology, which helps me in many ways. For instance, for our A-level Psychology coursework, my friend Ryan and I conducted a survey of over 200 people aged from 18 - 55 in Chippenham High Street throughout August. I found that my experience at Wiltshire Mind greatly aided my understanding of what we found, being able to see it from various perspectives. My coursework partner Ryan observed that "the findings of our study appear to support a particular psychology theory known as the sociobiological theory of attraction, but I understand that more research needs to be conducted in order to be sure." Either way, I think that both Owen and I have gained a great deal from this experience as it has broadened our understanding of practical psychology.

Owen Rye
Work Experience with Wiltshire Mind
July 2006

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POEMS WITH YOU IN MIND

"UNTITLED"

Do you know who I am?
Do you know if I am fine?
How do you know?
What can you tell?
Am I what I seem?
How would you know?
I could be your friend
I could be your neighbour
You can't see inside
You don't know what I hide
I don't wear a sign
I am a person like you
I have feelings too
I hurt just like you
I mean you no harm only myself
Yes I have mental health issues
Don't judge what you see
You really don't know me
You could be me one day
Walking this path
How do you know
What's waiting for you?
So remember I am me
And not to be feared
I am a human being like you

A wonderful piece by Zena
Service User at Trowbridge House
Prepared for Trowbridge House open day

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MY LIFE IN MIND - A New Beginning

Why did I become a counsellor?

My life has taken me on a rollercoaster of life's emotions, suffering childhood trauma (abuse), family issues, eating disorder (bulimia), depression, alcohol issues.

My early life, living with supportive parents, doing the best they could was "good enough". Outside my family life, things were so different. My relationship with my mother was strained and chatting to her over personal issues just didn't happen.

I was sexually assaulted by a stranger, aged 8, but never told anyone until my 16th year, when I told a close friend about it, this then opened a catalyst of emotions that would follow me all my life.

My young adult life revolved around trying to get attention from anyone, in anyway. Rebellious to the end. In my 20s I also used alcohol again using external influences to gain self esteem and control of my life, well so I thought. The reality of it was my life was in extreme chaos.

I went from relationship to relationship looking for something in others that I felt was missing with me. Abusive partners were tolerated, as any attention was better than none. My control of my life began to spiral and I found comfort in food, bingeing and using the control of food as a power tool to empower me.

Bulimia took full control of me, controlling my very existence. It was with me every waking moment of my life.

Depression also dogged my life, reactive depression with me, and my mood fluctuating between high and low states, often many times within one day.

During my early 30's I decided to take more control of my life. I had managed to get a job abroad, thinking going to a new country would help my issues, I now know my issues would have followed me.

A brief encounter with a close friend left me pregnant, a shock to the system in all aspects of the word. The pregnancy was challenging and at that time I stopped the anti-depressants I was taking, I survived the pregnancy, and was given the best present I could ever receive, a beautiful daughter Elisha.

My delivery was difficult and several weeks later I was still recovering from it. My depression returned with gusto, and I was eventually given a C.P.N. that was brilliant. She encouraged me to get out and about, setting up a meeting for myself and Elisha to attend a baby group, the aim to support new mums at a baby clinic. This was a great start to my new life, listening to other people in the same situation was reassuring and therapeutic.

I asked to go on a skills course and found myself hooked. Four years later I had attained my diploma at degree level in counselling. During my training I experienced over 40 hours of personal counselling which helped me extremely in my personal life. My training in counselling had introduced me to different organisations, Swindon drug and alcohol service and Wiltshire Mind. Wiltshire Mind then offered me paid work, and my life in Wiltshire Mind began.

My job was as a Counselling Assessor/ Counsellor and I assist Zoe Short in her work. My job is very rewarding, I love my work and have found a niche in life which supports me, helps me in my everyday life and is also therapeutic. I look forward to my future life with Wiltshire Mind and thank everyone I work with for the opportunity to be part of something good.

A success story By Christine Smith

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Nutrition Solutions for Mental Health

Every thought and feeling we have can alter, and is altered by, the chemistry of our body. The correct functioning of that chemistry is largely determined by what we put in our mouths. This is true for all forms of mental health problems from depression, bi-polar to psychotic disorders including schizophrenia.

Nutritional strategies for mental health disorders begin by assessing and then addressing five main areas: blood sugar imbalance; biochemical imbalances; food intolerances; nutritional deficiencies; and toxic excess.

Nutritional therapy works well alongside other complementary and allopathic therapies and can provide a solid foundation for these treatments to work upon.

Blood Sugar Imbalance

Sugar, in the form of glucose, is the most important nutrient for mental health because it is the fuel for the brain and nervous system. It is important to have an even supply of sugar circulating in the blood stream in order to maintain a good level of mental energy. If there is an imbalance in the amount of sugar in the blood, then people can experience irritability, poor concentration, insomnia, depression, emotional highs and lows, panic attacks and forgetfulness.

The body converts the foods we eat to sugar to give the brain and body energy. Ideally, the body wants us to break down food slowly so that there is a constant supply of energy throughout the day. This makes sure that we can concentrate and stay alert. There are some foods that are excellent at providing a steady supply of energy. These include wholemeal pasta, brown basmati rice, vegetables and granary bread. On the other hand there are foods such as biscuits, cakes and sweets that break down in the body very quickly.

Although the latter foods may supply a sudden surge of energy, this is usually followed by a sudden drop in energy. Many people feel drowsy mid morning and mid afternoon and then reach for a chocolate bar or some tea and biscuits. However, this merely supplies temporary relief and the whole vicious cycle starts over again.

It's best to avoid sugar, sweets, biscuits, cakes as well as coffee, tea and soft drinks. Instead, eat whole grains and vegetables, plus lots of fruit and drink plenty of water. In practical terms, this might mean starting the day with a bowl of cereal with semi skimmed milk plus an apple or pear. Throughout the day eat small frequent meals that contain some protein like meat, fish, eggs, cheese, tofu, lentils or fresh nuts.

Have half a sandwich or a piece of fruit instead of a cake or biscuit. Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and soft drinks (including diet drinks). Drink water, herbal teas and diluted fruit juices (with no added sugar).

Biochemical Imbalances

There has been much research into the role nutrition plays in helping to address the biochemical imbalances that may underlie mental and emotional problems.

Neurotransmitter imbalances

One key area to investigate is neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are the brains chemical messengers and the key ones include: serotonin, noradrenalin and histamine. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and is considered the "happy" neurotransmitter. Noradrenalin is involved in energy production and influences feelings of drive and motivation. Histamine regulates mood, appetite, sleep and thought. It plays a role in immune function and is known to cause swelling and sneezing in response to allergies.

Researchers have established that these brain chemicals should be within a specific range and if the levels are too high or too low can affect mental health.

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Nutrition Solutions for Mental Health...cont'd

Blood tests can now measure the platelet levels of these neurotransmitters and nutrition intervention can help balance these brain chemicals producing remarkable improvement in mental health symptoms for many people.

Pyroluria

The work on pyroluria was pioneered by Dr Abram Hoffer and Dr Carl Pfeiffer in the 1960s. This genetic predisposition is marked by an excessive loss of kryptopyrroles via the urine. These chemicals carry zinc and vitamin B6 out of the body. Zinc and vitamin B6 are two key nutrients in this situation. By restoring adequate levels of these nutrients, the mental and emotional symptoms may be alleviated. A specific urine test is used to measure the urine level of kryptopyrroles.

To explore these factors further, you would need to consult a nutritionist familiar with this area.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances have been linked to brain inflammation, irritability, fear, depression, aggression and psychosis.

Any food may by suspect, but usually intolerances are formed to frequently eaten and favourite foods.

It has been shown that milk, wheat, gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, oats), eggs, beef, sugar and chocolate are the most common causes of mental symptoms for many people.

There are various methods to test for intolerances. One of the best ways to see if a particular food contributing to symptoms is to eliminate that food from the diet completely for 28 days. A nutritionist, can help to identify the most likely culprits and identify tasty and nutritious alternatives. At the end of the exclusion period, reintroduction of the food, using the pulse test method and observation of any changes in symptoms, may determine whether the food is a problem.

If during the elimination period, there is a dramatic improvement in symptoms, use care when reintroducing as reaction to the food may be severe.

Nutritional Deficiencies

The role nutrients play in mental health is well supported by research. The brain is primarily made of fat and we need to eat good sources of fat such as oily fish and fresh seeds. The brain also requires protein in the form of fish, lean meat and beans to create neurotransmitters which are the brain's chemical messengers.

In addition, complex carbohydrates and B vitamins are essential to provide energy. Minerals, especially zinc and magnesium are vital for helping the whole brain function properly. Twenty-first century living provides food that tends to be lower in nutrients, coupled with food and an environment which is higher in chemicals and pollutants thereby depleting the body of nutrients. Therefore, in addition to a good diet, it may be useful to take a comprehensive supplement programme of key nutrients.

Toxic Excess

High levels of toxic metals including copper, lead, mercury and aluminium, can build up in the body and may contribute to mental and emotional symptoms. These metals may enter the body through a variety of environmental and food sources including personal hygiene products, amalgam fillings, copper water pipes, flaking lead-based paint and occupational exposure.

The best way to determine whether toxic elements are a factor is through a simple hair mineral analysis. Excesses can be addressed through a specific supplementation and detoxification regime.

General Eating Tips and General Supplementation tips follow.

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Nutrition Solutions for Mental Health...Cont'd

General Eating Tips

Have three pieces of fruit a day
Drink 6 glasses of water every day
Eat a fresh salad or vegetables with at least one meal a day
Have salmon, mackerel, tuna or sardines three times a week
Avoid eating lots of fatty foods such as chips, ice cream, cheese and fatty meats
Avoid processed foods as much as possible - these tend to be devoid of nutrients
Choose whole grain over refined foods

General Supplementation Tips

High strength multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, C and B vitamins
High strength multimineral containing 300mg calcium, 200mg magnesium, 15mg zinc, 100mcg chromium and 10 mg manganese
Consider a fish oil or linseed oil capsule to provide essential fats
An additional 500mg of vitamin C may also help

Caution should be exercised when supplementing B vitamins as some may make symptoms worse

How Well Did you do?

Quiz answers

1. Parking lot     2. 16     3.4     4. Iceland     5. 17th March     6. feet     7. deaden pain     8. 1952     9. Ivory
10. Drink it it is a wine     11. The Bible     12. feather     13. Glass     14. 8     15. Philistines
16. Studies rocks in the earth's crust     17. A course of lessons     18. Neck     19. Carbon     20. Mime
21. Green     22. 6     23. The Thames     24. Sir Walter Raleigh     25. Golf

"Worry doesn't drain tomorrow of its tension
It drains today of its strength" - (Anon)

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PROFILE: Alison Wheeler
Job Broker for Wiltshire and the West of England

Alison joined Work-in-Progress with a wealth of experience, having previously worked on contract for Bath Job Centre and for the Employment Lead Development Program (ELDP). These roles gave her a thorough knowledge of the employment market especially the benefit system including JSA and Incapacity Benefit.

The job role splits Alison's time between the office in Bristol, visiting clients and holding workshops at her local Job Centres.

Alison holds regular workshops at Bath Job Centre, Wiltshire Mind in Trowbridge and the Care Network in Radstock. Alison says if clients want to contact her directly she is also happy to meet them at a venue of their choice like a local café.

Alison offers the full portfolio of Work-in-Progress services including helping with application forms, CV's, Job Searches, advice on benefit rules and regulations.

When asked Alison says that she loves her job and finds it very rewarding especially seeing clients get into work successfully. She says it gives her a "feel good factor" that is hard to beat.

Recently Alison has been involved with local projects including "Job broker provider network meetings" and Salisbury Job Centre open days, where she has been promoting the Work-in-Progress portfolio of services.

Alison says she is looking forward to new projects in the future including Progress to Work and developing partnerships further with Wiltshire Mind (Trowbridge), the Shaw Trust and the Care Network in Radstock.

In her spare time Alison enjoys spending time with her family and loves outdoor activities including water sports and horse riding.

Alison would like to hear from any IBPA's, DEA's and organisations in her area who would like to set up links within Wiltshire. She can be contacted through the Bristol office on 0117 973 4315.

Alison Wheeler

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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
10th October 2006

Wiltshire Mind opened Trowbridge House to join in with World Mental Health Day. The day was a wonderful success and the House was buzzing with service users, visitors and staff.

One of our service users, Zena, baked an enormous cake and Monica (Manager of Trowbridge House), prepared a wonderful spread for all to enjoy. Zena spent her evening writing a poem for the day and this is included within the newsletter for you to read.

We had many exhibits prepared by service users and our staff and each piece became a real talking point and encouraged everyone to join together and appreciate all the hard work that had been prepared or made available for the open day.

Everyone found this an amazing experience with team work being the main reward. All attendees had a chance to look around the House and get a feel for Trowbridge House drop in information and support centre. It was a great opportunity to visit the offices and see all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes as well as the group services at Wiltshire Mind.

A wonderful day and well worth the effort by our services users and staff. Below is a picture of one of the exhibits and one of Sheila Stansfield presenting a cheque to Daran on the day.

Many thanks to you all!

Exhibit

Daran & Sheila

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Wiltshire Mind Recommends Cora Gallagher as
"Volunteer of the Year"

"We offer support in North, West Wiltshire and Kennet to those over 18 who experience mental and emotional distress. Some of our services are offered throughout the area and others are specifically tailored to the needs of our clients.

The services we offer include campaigning and educating, information and advice, counselling, therapy groups, drop in and information centres and befriending.

Cora joined us as a work placement approximately 6 years ago. Cora, a busy mother of three girls obviously spent the majority of her time looking after the needs of her family. We persuaded Cora to be a Trustee and she is now not only a valued Trustee but our Company Secretary also. From the beginning she has always given up a morning of her time as regular as clockwork offering her invaluable reliability and strength of character.

Cora has no transport of her own and relies on public transport to visit each week without fail this she believes is just one of her contributions towards a greener planet. We have recently relocated the head office to Trowbridge and although it makes her trip more difficult it will not deter the good work she volunteers to Wiltshire Mind.

Cora possesses a wonderful nature and livens up our office environment with her wicked bouts of humour. All who meet Cora are enamoured with her kind, witty, caring and generous nature and Wiltshire Mind would not be the same without such a valued individual."

Cora working from Trowbridge House
"How on earth do you turn this thing on!"

Above is an article prepared and submitted to show our thoughts
about one of our Trustees and clearly indicates her commitment to Mind and
how we appreciate Cora.

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OUR SUMMER TRIP TO WELLS

What a Success!

We organised our summer trip to Wells several months ago and it was a major success.

A picnic was prepared by all, with "the bring a plate" idea, this included many home made tasty items and a chance for us to savour each others delicious recipes.

The weather was kind and Wells was beautiful.

We would all like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Earl of Kerry for his generous donation which enabled service users, trustees and staff to organise such a wonderful day trip.

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A POEM ABOUT THE CANAL

The canal is long and narrow, it goes for miles and miles
There are lots of old stone bridges, paths and even styles
Hedges line the footpaths, trees grow from the banks
Ducks and swans greet you, fed with bread they show their thanks
With feathers really showing the cygnets take their chance
And the drakes and moorhens dart about doing their little dance
The painted boats chug and splutter, brightly on the water
With planted pots on their roofs instead of bricks and mortar
Chugging sounds and puffs of smoke and lock gates for the keeper
Barges steering up and down, with wood burners for their heater
Cyclists in the summer, walkers in the spring
Fishing along the banks, the robin and blackbird sing

In memory of Paul's Father who sadly passed away

A New Start - University here I come!

I found out about the local Mind groups after my Mum saw a poster in the window of the newspaper office in Melksham. My Mum came along with me the first time I attended the group. I wouldn't have gone if I hadn't had that support as I wasn't really sure what the meetings were going to be like. I was feeling scared and totally lacking in trust.

In the beginning I didn't really give the group a chance. I was still feeling vulnerable, confused and angry as I had only just left hospital. To be honest I initially spent my time there being very confrontational as I was trying to work out who the other users were and what the staff were really like. Eventually as I became more confident I began to listen to what people had to say, only then did the group begin to prove useful.

The continuity of the meetings every week and the fact that I could come along and tell everyone what had happened that week was good. I could let off steam or just have a laugh and no one judged me. Attending the group helped to build up my confidence again and helped to make me feel comfortable among people.

Things are going better now. I have always wanted to go to college to study and then go onto university. People were sceptical of me wanting to do this, but those in my Mind group were really encouraging. They kept telling me I could do it. When I was waiting to hear if I had been accepted, people at Mind kept me on the right track.

One day I was really angry about not hearing and after my usual meeting in Melksham I cycled to Trowbridge to chat to the people at 'Trowbridge House'. I was encouraged to keep fighting for what I wanted and eventually I heard I had been accepted and would start college on September 5th. I was really excited about starting.

No matter how bad it feels inside your head, it is never that bad. There are people out there who want to listen and help. Even if you just want to talk about the price of tomatoes people at Mind will listen! I know that given time I would have eventually got better, but Mind helped me to get there quicker.

Barry Williams, 25 years old

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Dates For Your Diary

IMPORTANT DATES TO BE ADDED TO YOUR DIARY

8th - 22nd December 2006

18th December 2006

21st December 2006

Operation Santa Claus

Staff Christmas dinner & dance

Christmas Meal and Raffle

Our Values

Informed - People with experience of mental distress drive all we do.

Diversity - We respect everyone's experience and ensure inclusion is at the heart of our work.

Partnership - We are committed to working with our networks and all who will help us achieve our mission.

Integrity - Our independence ensures our integrity, we are never compromised.

Determined - We never give up challenging discrimination and campaigning for better mental health.

CONTACT US AT Wiltshire Mind 01225 775770

To join one of our Social Support Groups in Chippenham, Corsham,
Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury & Wootton Bassett.

our Therapy Groups in West Wilts, Melksham & Calne.

To use our Counselling Services

To use our Befriending Services

To volunteer to help

Simply for ADVICE & INFORMATION on any aspect of mental distress.

Wiltshire Mind is the most far ranging mental health charity in Wiltshire and is supported
by the Department of Adult and Community Services and Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

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