CALM Your MIND Bike Ride 2019

On May 12th 2019, Steve, Darren  & Simon set off on a journey to cycle 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

The reason behind this epic challenge is to raise money and awareness for us here at Mind in Somerset. Steve, Darren and Simon are particularly passionate about the support Mind in Somerset offer through their Somerset Suicide Bereavement support project.

This work is vitally important as, sadly, 79% of men that die between 18 and 40 years of age will do so from suicide. On average this is 84 men in the UK a week.

Steve, Darren & Simon would like to thank all friends, family and businesses that have shown them and their family support. One particular person they would like to thank is Michael Stewart who will be driving the support vehicle and providing much needed supplies along the way. Michael’s company has chosen Mind in Somerset as their charity for 2018/19 and they will be matching any money raised pound for pound.

To support the lads on this epic journey please visit their donation page and check their Facebook page for updates.

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 20th May 2019

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SSBSS Surgeries Coming Soon

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 20th April 2019

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Stress & Anxiety Management Workshops

This free workshop aims to develop knowledge and understanding around the topics of stress, anxiety, mental health and general wellbeing. Practical tools and helpful coping strategies are explored within the workshop that can be applied and used in your everyday life.

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Author: Ayesha Kirton
Posted on: 16th April 2019

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Springtime and the risk of suicide

By Chris Rugg

 

You may wonder why I feel so strongly about suicide, that I need to publish a blog about every year.  The answer is quite simple; I am a suicide survivor.  Almost fifty-two years ago, which was a lifetime ago for me; I tried to take my own life and failed.  I can still remember what brought me to the point where I no longer wanted to live, and how I felt when I learned that I had failed, which I can assure you was not euphoric.  In fact, I felt worse than I did before I tried to take my own life; I felt I was an abject failure, because I could not destroy the one thing over which I thought I had total control, and ownership.  I do not know how I got through those feelings, but have never been more grateful and thankful that I did; those words do not seem powerful enough to express how gratified I feel that I failed.  I have lived, and am living a good and mostly happy life; I have met some wonderful people, and made some fantastic friends.  I would have missed all of this if my suicide attempt had been successful. 

It is early April, and we at Mind in Somerset have already taken more crisis calls, and calls about suicide than we normally do in any other season of the year.  People who are having suicidal thoughts or seriously thinking of taking their lives, or suffering a mental health crisis make these calls, and occasionally, by some who are actually in the process of taking their life.  We also have had calls from people who are concerned that a loved one, friend or associate may be considering suicide, and they are not sure what to do.

Contrary to popular belief, suicide-rates rise in spring and early summer (April, May and June) in the Northern Hemisphere, and not winter, as many believe.  There are many reasons for this, far too many to list here; but three of the reasons given are;

• the increase in daylight hours, where days can seem to stretch on forever with no end in sight
• the increase in social interaction compared to the relative voluntary seclusion experienced in winter
• and the fact that the majority of the population tend to feel more optimistic and act more optimistically in springtime, for those going through a mental health crisis this highlights how ‘different’ they feel

What are the signs that someone is feeling suicidal?

• they complain of feelings of hopelessness
• have episodes of sudden rage and anger
• act recklessly and engage in risky activities with an apparent lack of concern about the consequences
• talk about feeling trapped, such as saying they can’t see any way out of their current situation
• Self-harm – including misusing drugs or alcohol, or using more than they usually do.  Although it should be noted that some people use self-harming as a coping mechanism, and they do not intend to take their lives.  If you or someone you know self-harms please contact, or get them to contact Harmless, a national charity for those who self-harm
• become increasingly withdrawn from friends, family and society in general
• appear anxious and agitated
• are unable to sleep or they sleep all the time
• have sudden mood swings – a sudden lift in mood after a period of depression could indicate they have made the decision to attempt suicide
• talk and act in a way that suggests their life has no sense of purpose
• giving away their possessions
• lose interest in most things, including their appearance
• put their affairs in order, such as sorting out possessions or making a will

What can I do to help?

One of the best things you can do if you think someone may be feeling suicidal is to encourage them to talk about their feelings and to listen to what they say.

Talking about someone’s problems is not always easy and it may be tempting to try to provide a solution.  However, often the most important thing you can do to help; is to listen to what they have to say.

If there is an immediate danger, call an ambulance and make sure, that they are not left on their own.

Do not judge

It is also important not to make judgements about how a person is thinking and behaving.  You may feel that certain aspects of their thinking and behaviour are making their problems worse.  For example, they may be drinking too much alcohol, or have stopped socialising.

However, pointing this out will not be particularly helpful to them.  Reassurance, respect and support can help someone during these difficult periods.

Ask questions

Asking questions can be a useful way of letting a person remain in control while allowing them to talk about how they are feeling.  Try not to influence what the person says, but give them the opportunity to talk honestly and openly.

Open ended questions such as “Where did that happen?” and “How did that feel?” will encourage them to talk, it is best to avoid statements that could possibly end the conversation, such as “I know how you feel” and “Try not to worry about it”.

If you suspect someone may be at risk of suicide, it is important to ask him or her directly about suicidal thoughts.  Do not avoid using the word ‘suicide’.  It is important to ask the question without dread, and without expressing a negative judgment.  The question must be direct and to the point.  For example, you could ask:

• “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or
• “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Remember; if you feel that someone may be about to take their life, you MUST call an ambulance.  It is far better to save a life by taking action, than it is to lose a life through hesitation, or taking no action.

After the crisis has passed and the person is safe, get help and support for yourself, this very important because talking to someone who is suicidal will be emotionally and physically exhausting.  You will need to voice your feelings to someone you trust.  

Useful Numbers:

Samaritans: 116 123    24 hrs National

Mindline: 01823 276 892   8pm till 11pm – Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sunday Somerset

Mindline Trans+ 0300 330 5468   Mondays and Fridays from 8pm to midnight National

Mindline South Devon and Torbay 0300 330 5464    8pm till 11pm – Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun

LGBT+ helpline 0300 330 0630               10am-10pm every day National

If you have any questions please ring Mind in Somerset   01823 334 906 10am – 4pm Mon-Fri

 

Chris Rugg aka Wurzelmeone

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 15th April 2019

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Time To Change Champion Induction Sessions in Wells & Taunton

 

Could you be a Time to Change Champion?

Would you like to help change how people think and act about mental health in your community?

 

Time to Change Somerset is a part of a growing social movement that is changing how we all think and act about mental health. Even today, far too many people are made to feel ashamed or isolated because they have a mental health problem. Time To Change Somerset aims to change that and to end mental health discrimination.

 

The training is available in both Taunton & Wells to enable people to become Champions for the Somerset Time to Change hub, which is a network of local organisations and individuals committed to ending negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems.

 

With the right support we believe that people can recover from a mental health issues and experience equality of opportunity in all areas of life. Encouraging people to open up to mental health – to talk and to listen – is the first step.

 

Time to Change Champions are people with lived experience of mental health problems and are vital campaigners for the movement as they have links to communities, come from a diverse range of backgrounds with various levels of previous experiences and skills.

 

If you are interested in joining the social movement to change how we think and act about mental health Issues and becoming a Time to Change Champion, sign up for one of the training sessions in Somerset:

 

• 1 May 10:00am-12:00pm – Heads Up, Upper Breach Wells, BA5 3QG

Book on Eventbright at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-to-change-somerset-champion-induction-session-tickets-60140433656

• 1 May 2:00pm- 4:00pm – Albemarle Centre, Albemarle Road, Taunton, TA1 1BA

Book on Eventbright at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-to-change-somerset-champion-induction-session-tickets-60139733562

 

For more information, speak to Marc on:

(01823) 334 906

[email protected]

 

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 9th April 2019

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Mind in Somerset on BBC Radio Somerset

Mind in Somerset made a return to the airwaves this week when C.O.O Andy and Community Fundraising Manager David spoke about the work we do to support good mental health across the county and beyond and how you can help support us.

Listen again by watching our YouTube video below. 

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 17th March 2019

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Entry for our Driving Challenge is now open!

Sign up and join us for the Driving Challenge and Family Fun Day at Henstridge Airfield on 6 July 2019 to raise money for Mind in Somerset.  

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Author: Ayesha Kirton
Posted on: 1st March 2019

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Dragon Boat Race May 19

The Spring May Bank holiday in 2018 saw the return of South Somerset Mind to the Dragon Boat Race at Sherborne Castle Country Fair! An almighty team of staff and volunteers kindly agreed to row for us in aid of raising funds for the charity.

In May 2019 we have entered again – if you are interested in joining the team to paddle for Mind in Somerset then please do contact us. Please also sponsor us. 

Author: Alexander Priest
Posted on: 11th October 2018

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Partnership with English Football League

We are very excited that National Mind and the EFL have announced a 2 year partnership to promote and raise awareness of mental health. At Mind in Somerset, we are working closely with our own local football heroes, Yeovil Town Football Club and also Exeter City AFC , to raise awareness locally through a variety of fundraising activities.

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Author: Alexander Priest
Posted on: 11th October 2018

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Recruiting for Vanessa Gardening Project

South Somerset Mind are looking for a self-employed supporter for the Vanessa gardening Project for 2.5 hours per week @ £13 per hour with travel costs at .45p a mile. This is a lone working role which will be required to deliver gardening based sessions to individuals with mild to moderate mental health difficulties at our allotment of an evening or weekend, the day is negotiable.

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Author: Admin
Posted on: 22nd August 2018

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