As Healthy Living Co-ordinator at the London Irish Centre I have drawn up the following plan of action
- Training staff of Irish organisations in mental health issues
- Training as a Mental Health First Aider, so that I can provide information & training to Irish organisations
- Providing therapy and courses for clients within the London Irish Centre
- Preparing a campaign to demystify mental health
Training
for staff of Irish organisations
This training has been tailor made in conjunction with Voluntary Action Camden to address a wide range of mental health issues. This training will be provided on Wednesday 6 and 20th May (two morning sessions). This training is open to staff from other Irish organisations, please email Nell to reserve a place.
Bringing
training out to Irish organisations
As Healthy Living Co-ordinator, I have successfully applied for this very intensive but reportedly, very good, Mental Health First Aid trainer course. The plan is that I will then go to other organisations and train staff on a range of mental health issues.
Therapy
based in the London Irish Centre
Following a discussion with clients on the 19th February, it became clear that one of the barriers to accessing mental health services, is that people thought they would only be offered tablets by their GP. There was a clear desire for other alternatives, such as speaking to someone. So, we have agreed with the Camden NHS that we will host the new Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). We expect to start this service by June 2009. The worker will be able to provide talking therapy, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and assist the client become more self reliant.
Other
courses in the London Irish Centre
We are currently running a very enjoyable New Beginnings Course in conjunction with the Expert Patients Programme. This well attended course runs for 7 weeks and covers confidence building, problem solving, anxiety and depression management and a whole lot more. See www.expertpatients.co.uk for more details.
Remember we run a whole range of other courses all of which contribute to good mental health, from gardening, allotment, computers, literacy, exercise and cooking classes and soon singing and walking groups.
Campaign
to demystify mental health
Following the example of the time-to-change campaign, I call on everyone who knows of an Irish celebrity who has endured poor mental health. The idea is to involve Irish celebrities in a poster campaign to raise the issue of what it means to have poor mental health in your life, how you can still be successful in life, and that you are not alone in such experiences. Spread the word.
Finally, one question, do you expect to be in good physical health all your life? So, what's different about mental health?
Irish Healthy Living Project Co-ordinator
London Irish Centre
50-52 Camden Sq, NW1 9XB
health@irishcentre.org
020-7916 2222
