Self Help UK Newsletter September 2024

10th Sep 2024 | Posted in : Nottinghamshire, Self Help Groups, Self Help UK News, National Campaigns, East Midlands News, Deaf Cancer Support

All the latest news from Self Help UK

Read the newsletter in full here.

Courses and Workshops

• Peer Support Workshop for Professionals

Are you a professional in mental health and social care services, or an organisational leader responsible for developing or overseeing peer support services? Join us for a half-day virtual workshop on creating safe, effective peer support services, covering planning, management, and safeguarding. Find out more and register now:
- Friday 18 September 2024, 10:00am
- Wednesday 2nd October 2024, 10:00am
- Wednesday 9th October 2024, 10:00am
- Wednesday 16th October 2024, 10:00am
- Wednesday 23rd October 2024, 10:00am

• How to start a Peer Support Group

Do you want to start your own peer support group? Not sure where to begin? Starting a peer support group can be a deeply rewarding experience, providing a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share, and support one another. This comprehensive workshop will guide you through every step of establishing and maintaining a successful peer support group. Find out more and register now:

- Thursday 12th September 2024, 10:00am
- Thursday 19th September 2024, 10:00am

Latest News and Updates

• Joint letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Self Help UK has joined National Voices and 109 further health and social care charities in writing to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, congratulating him on his appointment and outlining the burning topics the sector is keen to discuss and highlight. As a collective, National Voices and its members felt the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s assessment of the NHS as “broken” was both accurate and refreshing, as it voiced what many of the people we advocate for have felt over the last few years, as many have increasingly struggled to access the health and care they need. Read the joint letter, and find a full list of signatories, here.

• Tuesday 10th Sept: World Suicide Prevention Day

Changing the Narrative on Suicide starts with each of us. Reaching out to a family member, friend, colleague, or even a stranger can change the course of another's life. By showing that you care, you can help give someone hope. All of us can play a role, no matter how small. We may never know what action makes a difference, but we all have the ability to reach in and ask somebody how they are doing.

Start the conversation today. Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and prioritise suicide prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need.

• NTU Event Boosts Community Partnerships

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) recently hosted a successful event connecting community partners with university staff and students. Self Help UK's Macmillan Beyond Diagnosis service was among the attendees. The event focused on collaboration and understanding between the two sectors. NTU's commitment to community engagement was evident through their promotion of volunteering opportunities and their Community Engaged Learning programme. To learn more about NTU's community engagement initiatives, visit The Centre for Student and Community Engagement (CenSCE) | Nottingham Trent University.

• Life with Cancer

Are you living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis? Join Nottingham University Hospital's FREE cancer health and wellbeing event on Thursday 19th September and see what support is out there. Patients and carers are welcome. Our Macmillan Beyond Diagnosis and Deaf Cancer Support teams will both be there.
Pre-booking for the event is essential to manage numbers - to book, email or call 0115 840 2650.

• Fundraising for Deaf Cancer Support Service

We are delighted to present Comedy Night with John Smith on Saturday 23rd November, 6pm-10pm. Join us for an evening of comedy along with raffle and quizzes to help raise money for the Deaf Cancer Support service. Only £20 for a ticket to be paid upfront - please contact Veronica Stewart. Limited tickets available for this event.
John Smith is a profoundly Deaf Comedian and Actor on BSL Zone who performs in BSL. Find him on Facebook: The John Smith Show.

Join Us!

• Join our volunteer team and make a difference

No matter how much time you can give, your contribution will make a world of difference. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and circumstances. Find out more. 

• Job vacancies with Self Help UK

Looking for a fulfilling career?
Become our new PCN Cancer Care Coordinator and make a real difference in people's lives. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to grow within our supportive team. Closing date: 18th Sept 2024. Apply now.

• Trustee vacancies with Self Help UK

We are keen to expand the range of expertise and experience of our Board. As a trustee, you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of Self Help UK. Fore more details, please contact Nina Ennis, Chair of the Board nina.ennis@selfhelp.org.uk. 

For Nottingham Groups

• Can you help us understand digital exclusion challenges across Nottingham City?

We are keen to understand more and improve how we solve the problems people across Nottingham face. Digital Notts would like to talk to groups to understand the main problems, who is affected, what help there is, and future opportunities.
We would like to organise and schedule a focus group on a date that works best for you, during September and October. This could include a one-to-one session or a group discussion.
If you are interested in supporting this work or have any questions, please contact:   
Sanah Ali (Researcher at Thrive by Design) - sanah.ali7@nhs.net   
Tim Brazier (Designer at Thrive by Design) - tim.brazier@nhs.net   
Rosie Atkin (Project Manager at Digital Notts) - rosie.atkin1@nhs.net
Laura Norsworthy (Project Officer at Digital Notts) - laura.norsworthy@nhs.net

• Digital skills support sessions

A positive, supportive space for peer support group members and individuals to have help with getting online. Free WiFi and refreshments provided. Come every fortnight or just drop-in, for some 1-2-1 help. No need to book - just turn up! Ground floor, Self Help UK, 21-23 Pelham Rd, NG5 1AP.

• Notts Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Preventing suicide is everybody’s business: one in five people have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life. If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide and would like information on local support services, or just talk to someone about mental health, check out the community events at libraries across the county in September.

• Healthwatch Hot Topic: Community Pharmacy

Calling all Nottingham and Nottinghamshire residents! Have your say! Share your experience of using Community Pharmacy. Complete the survey.

• NEW: Stronger Together - Cancer Support Group

A friendly, safe space to share your experiences and connect with others. Group led by its' members. First Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm - no need to book. Contact togetherinnottingham@gmail.com for more info.

• Trauma Survivors Group - Nottingham

Talking therapies empower us in achieving a way forward, towards our own mental wellness recovery. The group connects people in similar circumstances to share experiences and listen to what others have to say. Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at Self Help UK, 21-23 Pelham Road, Nottingham NG5 1AP. Contact the group for more details.