Open for Hope

So apparently only 6% of care leavers go to University I wonder what the stats were when I went in 2002?? We need to surround children in care with positive role models as soon as possible so they can be encouraged to access and have equal opportunities @ChildrensComm

A huge thank you to volunteers from @VodafoneUK who recently spent a day with us improving a play area at our Central Family Hub. It's made a real difference and will allow the children to enjoy the area much more. Find out more about the work at facebook.com/westberkshire

“Have you tried going for a walk?” On days I can’t get out of bed and can’t see any way forward, going for a walk is not the most helpful thing to say! Read Becky's things not to say to someone with a mental health problem: bit.ly/2LWkJow

When I share my mental health struggles I am never sure if anyone will listen. I often think sharing doesnt make any difference. Receiving encouraging feedback shows me I need to share and continue to share because it can meke a difference to someone suffering in silence.

An annual charge for the garden waste collection service will be introduced from Monday 3rd September, it was announced at this evening’s Executive meeting. More details about the scheme and how residents can sign up will be published next week.

The Independent Review of the Mental Health Act is organising three workshops during the summer to gain the views, experiences and expertise of service users, carers and professionals with direct experience of the Mental Health Act > bit.ly/2LU44i6 #ActForMentalHealth

Compassion helps us listen, really listen and truly connect with someone even in their darkest moments. Courage to stay there with them can then earn us the right to find a window into their pain - just big enough to share one tiny ray of hope #SuicidePrevention

Fantastic to hear that the Blue Badge system will be extended to those with hidden disabilities including those living with mental illness

Sir David Attenborough knows a thing or two about the natural world, and last week he sat down to speak to us about the relationship between mental health and nature. Our information on nature and mental health has more details > mind.org.uk/nature

Thanks to Neil Dewdney for developing a training course to support adults with Learning Disabilities @WestBerkshire he kept us engaged on a very hot day.

Which? warns of Costa Coffee Whatsapp scam which.co.uk/news/2018/07/d…

Need on-the-go breathing exercises, distraction techniques and positive affirmations? Pick up one of our Calm Keys from our shop: anxietyuk.org.uk/products/anxie…

Sharp rise in under-19s being treated by NHS mental health services:-theguardian.com/society/2018/j… @BrightBerks2017 @NHSEngland @BerksWestCCG @BHFT @WestBerksPH @PHE_uk @8bellsforMH @openforhope @heads_together @HealthwatchE

As uncomfortable #football and #EngCro truth. Domestic Violence and the #WorldCup are closely linked, with reported incidents up by 26% if England plays, 38% if England loses and 11% the next day, win or lose. Think first. ow.ly/YVeJ30kUrmm #EnglandCroatia #WorldCup2018

Robert was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 19 and spent ten years on medication that kept him depressed but functioning. After a suicide attempt his medication was changed and he went on a journey to find the right mix of medication > bit.ly/2zpE10k

This is great to have your support on #MentalHealthMatters thank you twitter.com/mattrodda/stat…

Congrats to our Senior Art Psychotherapist Janice Lobban who's been awarded a Churchill Medallion for her international research into art therapy for veterans with #PTSD. An amazing project which changes lives. 👉bit.ly/2IIiLCA

If you or a relative are sectioned at Prospect Park, speak to one of our Independent Mental Health Advocates - it's a free service you're entitled to bit.ly/2MBRJPu (Number 60 in our countdown of #70PatientPowerActions for #rdguk people ahead of #NHS70 celebrations)

#TheMoreYouIgnoreMe is about how mental illness affects a family, how hard it can be & how people get through it, told with humour & warmth. I advised on symptoms, side-effects & stigma. twitter.com/TMYIMFilm/stat…