Thursday 21 March 2024

Check out this survey opportunity

 We would like to hear your views on mental health research in Ireland. As members of the National Mental Health Research Expert Group, we are developing a new Mental Health Research Strategy. It will be a key part of the implementation of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone. Sharing the Vision aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population.

 

High quality research is critical to promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery in mental health. It generates new knowledge, informs service planning, practice, and policy decisions, and helps us to address challenges and issues of public interest in the field of mental health. Crucially, it helps us to find out what works, where, and for whom, so that we can improve mental health supports and services across Ireland.

 

We want to ensure that the new National Mental Health Research Strategy incorporates the voices and views of all stakeholders in Ireland, enabling us to more effectively design, plan, conduct, and disseminate mental health research that make a real difference in people's lives. We are emailing you because you are a key stakeholder in mental health research and services in Ireland, and we really value your perspective. Please take the time to complete the survey, so you can have your say on the National Mental Health Research Strategy.

 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MentalHealthResearchSurvey/

 

The survey has 10 questions and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The deadline for the survey is April 12th at 12pm.

 



Happy World Poetry Day Everyone!

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/poetry 


Check out these tips for better sleep

Sleep Hygiene by Gateway Project on Scribd

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Check out this month's schedule

Full Month of March 24 by Gateway Project on Scribd

3 Job vacancies with ARCHES Recovery College

In response to the increased engagement ARCHES have experienced in their programme, ARCHES Recovery College has been awarded additional funding for 3 new Lived Experience jobs.

 

  • A full time Interim Peer Educator post (1 year; 37 hours per week)

This role involves the planning, organising, and coordination of our courses, talks, peer support, and social events, administration, helping to supervise our team of Recovery Education Facilitators, coordinating the coproduction of our courses, and cofacilitation of our programme.

 

  • 2 X part time Recovery Education Facilitator posts (2 years; 18.5 hours per week).

The second involves coproduction, cofacilitation, and being involved in recovery initiatives.

 

To be eligible to apply for the positions, people need to have lived experience of mental health difficulties themselves or lived experience of being a member of a family impacted by poor mental health. Candidates also need to have experience of group facilitation or similar engagement processes.

 

Closing date for applications 2nd April 2024 at 12 midday. Shortlisting will be carried out based on the information received in your CV and letter of application. For informal enquiries, please contact me (Donal O’Keeffe, Recovery Coordinator and ARCHES Recovery College Manager) at donal@mentalhealthireland.ie or on 087 656 7785.

 

Download the full Job Description from the Mental Health Ireland website:

 https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/mental-health-ireland-jobs/


Check out these opportunities from the Recovery Village

                                     ENCIRCLES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

Encircles is a new family focused support group where  family  members can talk openly about mental health challenges in a relaxed informal supportive group setting to discuss issues and concerns as they arise.

Encircles is hosted by a mental health professional and a parent of a person with lived experience,

in a safe compassionate, confidential and caring environment.

Support Groups Take Place At The Recovery Village Beside Newcastle Hospital Eircode; A63KO61

The First Wednesday Each Month At 7.30pm

 

Contact Ellen Phone, Text 087 2531445 Or Email recoveryvillage.wicklow@hse.ie


Groups continuing AND STARTING @the Village

***** = booking now / starting soon *****


CONNECTIONS CAFÉ on MONDAYs and THURSDAYs @2pm -3.30[peer led environment]

WALKS IN NATURE WEEKLY on THURSDAYS leaves from the Recovery Village via minibus @12, [please arrive by 11.30]. Destination decided by the group; within a 30 min drive, 1 hour walk and return for café @2pm

 

ENCIRCLES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP meeting monthly first Wednesday @7.30 PM in Haven                 [ however April date is the 17th as I am away on the first Wednesday]

Flyer attached


BLOSSOM & BLOOM horticultural group [LIMIT OF 8 SPACES] starts April 17th @2pm  In The Willow room

 

YOGA with TERESA                [room size limits spaces to 8] restarts April 17th@10am   In The Haven

YOGA with JOANNE               [room size limits spaces to 8] restarts April 16th @2pm  In The Haven

 

*****ART GROUP*****             starting March 21st [Thursday] in WILLOW@2pm  Flyer attached.


*****DISCUSSION GROUP***** with John covering a broad range of subjects regarding mental wellness and personal care this group includes discussion and relaxation work.  It  takes place on Tuesdays @2pm in The Willow room.Started March 5th


*****GUIDED MEDITATION with Dearbhail  in WILLOW*****

STARTING THURSDAY APRIL 18TH@11

BOOKINGS DIRECTLY TO ME PLEASE; FLYER ATTACHED.


*****MOSAICS with MARK MEAKIN*****

STARTING APRIL 12th@10.30 in WILLOW. A wonderful opportunity to learn to work with Mosaics creating your personal pieces to keep. Colourful, creative, fun learning activity.

 

Decisions on Dates times and funding underway for the following

  

1.Cross Fit training THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN WICKLOW TOWN; IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

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2 SOUNDING WELL;with Diana  this will take place Thursday at 10 in The Haven room

‘Sounding Well’ – music and sound for wellbeing

 

Although you may not think so, we are all musical!  From the rhythm of our heartbeat to the tone of our voice, elements of music are with us in every aspect of life.

Whether or not you play an instrument or sing out loud you’ve probably found yourself tapping along to a catchy rhythm, or maybe you hum to the car radio or sing in the shower? 

 

These sessions will give you the chance to explore music and sounds in different ways, including playing musical instruments as well as listening.  No previous experience is required!  Week by week you will develop an understanding of how you respond to different types of music and sound and how you can use these to help you in various ways.  For example, certain sounds, musical activities or musical styles may help you feel grounded and safe, others relaxed, others energised. 

 

We will have the opportunity to share what helps (and doesn’t help) us with others in the group, supporting one another to each understand our own unique needs better and to develop tools for creativity and resilience.  Every participant will come away with their own musical ‘toolkit’ - a set of resources you can draw on to help you day-to-day.

AWAITING FUNDING THEREFORE CANNOT TAKE BOOKINGS YET;JUST EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

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3.MINDFUL MOVEMENT with Gina  in WILLOW MINDFUL MOVEMENT.

 

This Mindful Movement practice will be open to all, accommodations will be made in an effort to make it as accessible as possible it will be a chair based practice incorporating gentle mindful movements, breath practices, somatic practices and meditation lasting one hour per week for a 6 week block.

These practices will promote body mind connection which will hopefully bring the participant into the present moment, helping to balance their nervous system, relieve tension in their body and make space for stillness, focus and clarity of mind.

The intention for the class is that participants will pick up tools they can use daily to help regulate their nervous system and improve their wellbeing. It will offer an opportunity to connect with their bodies in a meaningful way.

 

A general structure that each class will consist of:

 

Welcome and settling in.

Run through of what to expect, encourage listening to body, no right or wrong way and be creative.

Using senses to become aware of the space we are in, then awareness turned

inward, body and breath.

5 point check in: mind, body, breath, emotions and energy.

Simple breath practice

Somatic body practice

Movement practice

Somatic practice

Breath practice

Meditation

Closing practice

AWAITING FUNDING THEREFORE ONLY ACCEPTED EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AT THE MOMENT

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Check out this Mindfulness opportunity at the Willow Room

 

Check out these art classes at the Recovery Village Newcastle

Art Class Flyer by Gateway Project on Scribd

Check out this Green Ribbon Ball event

Green Ribbon Ball Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

Wednesday 6 March 2024

Check out this 12 week course starting soon.

FET Ready 2024 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Need some support with your smartphone?

Smartphone and Digital Devices by Gateway Project on Scribd

Want to learn how to speak Irish? Maybe just a few words?

Irish for Beginners 2024 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Mindfulness for Beginners course!

Mindfulness for Beginners Garland House by Gateway Project on Scribd

Check out this local history class!

Local History the Haven Classes by Gateway Project on Scribd

Experience history at Warrenmount

History Talk Warrenmount by Gateway Project on Scribd

Check out this fab drama opportunity

Watersedge Drama Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

As we enter spring time, many of us consider getting more active and healthy.

Click the link below to learn some tips on how to implement healthy changes

https://www.hollandandbarrett.ie/the-health-hub/healthy-habits/ 

World bipolar day is happening at this end of this month (30h of March).

To learn more about this day, click on the link below

https://www.worldbipolarday.org/ 

Mental Health Poetry. Female poets, for the week that is in it!

 





Wild Geese 
By Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting — over and over announcing your place in the family of things. 






Hope is the thing with feathers 

By Emily Dickinson 

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.


Still I Rise

By Maya Angelou


You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

 

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

 

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

 

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

 

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

 

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

 

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

 

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

 

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.



The referendum on March 8th is concerned with family and care.

Your vote is very personal and it is completely up to you as to how you choose to vote. 

For more information about the amendment proposals click the link below.

https://www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWPFIDtEHAN8olOlxQ3A1Earjeh5qVpwP6YXZU3GI2BZM4TDpXsLYxhoCDWYQAvD_BwE

Women's Day is Friday March 8th this year.

This week is a great opportunity to celebrate the women in your life, debate feminism and do some good self care. Click the link below to find some tips on Mental Health for Women.

https://www.spectrum.life/wellbeing/international-womens-day-womens-mental-health/

Check out this Trauma Summit Happening in Belfast this summer

You are invited to join the international trauma community for the upcoming Trauma Summit 2024 live in Belfast on 17th & 18th June, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, where delegates can join us in-person or virtually.

You will hear from world renowned speakers, explore the latest insights and interventions into trauma resolution and recovery.

The Trauma Summit 2024 aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, practitioners, and organisations dedicated to alleviating the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.

We look forward to welcoming 40+ speakers all to Belfast in-person - see list of speakers:  Trauma Summit Speakers 2024 – Action Trauma, 1000+ in-person delegates and 1500+ virtual delegates.  All delegates will have 6 months online access, post event.

Together we will explore:

·         EMDR

·         Neurofeedback

·         Compassionate Inquiry

·         Epigenetics

·         Polyvagal Theory

·         And much more

Key highlights of the conference include:

  1. Interactive Workshops: Offering practical insights and tools that can be immediately implemented into your work.
  2. Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Influential speakers will share their expertise and personal experiences.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded organisations and professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact.
  4. Cutting-edge Research: Discover the latest research and evidence-based approaches.
  5. Resources and Exhibitions: Explore a wide range of resources, materials, and support services from exhibitors dedicated to trauma-informed practices.

Attending this conference will equip you with the knowledge and resources to create a compassionate and resilient learning environment.

Individual tickets can be purchased online www.actiontrauma.com/traumasummit. If you require an invoice for 4+ tickets, please contact me directly.

Limited exhibition and conference brochure advertising remaining Exhibitors – Action Trauma.

To arrange a chat to discuss options in more detail and the work of Action Trauma Network, please feel free to contact me.

Let's come together to create a brighter and more supportive future. Join us at the Trauma Summit 2024 and be a part of this transformative journey.



 

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Check out this amazing opportunity from ARCHES


You are cordially invited to ‘ARCHES Recovery College website launch: The future for Lived Experience in our community’ taking place in Studio, DLR lexicon, Dun Laoghaire, 1.30pm to 4.10pm on Friday 22nd March.

 

Arches have a packed programme of activities, talks, and discussions for the afternoon. The event’s theme is ‘Our hopes for our future as a community’ now that they are launching their beautiful new website. They want to celebrate all that they have achieved to date, as a community of people who use and provide mental health services, and to reflect on their aspirations for the future.

 

The Keynote Speaker for the afternoon is Emeritus Professor Ann Sheridan. Ann, from her many years of working as a psychiatric nurse and educator, has witnessed profound changes in the mental health system. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for service user and supporter involvement and tirelessly campaigned to challenge psychiatric stigma. Arches are confident that Ann’s talk on the past and future of ‘Recovery’ will be thought provoking and inspiring.

 

Arches must limit the capacity of this event to 120 people due to the venue size. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, please RSVP to this invitation ASAP by responding to this email to book a place.

 

You can also RSVP on their website using this link: https://www.archesrecovery.ie/course/arches-recovery-college-website-launch-in-studio-dlr-lexicon-dun-laoghaire/. Places can also be booked by phoning Arches Admin Support (Matthew) on 087 342 9922. Please note that this invitation extends to your friends, family, supporters, and colleagues; however everyone must book a place in order to attend the event. As places are limited, please only register if you are confident you can attend on the day.

 

To get to the venue, enter the DLR Lexicon through the ground floor and turn right. Walk through the Ink Café and Studio is at the back through a door on your right. This is the DLR Lexicon Eircode: A96 H283.

 

See below the programme for the afternoon:

 

1.30pm ‘Tea coffee and pastries with opportunity to engage in creative activity with ARCHES Recovery Education Facilitators’.

 

2pm ‘Welcome address’ from Martina Queally (Regional Executive Officer HSE Dublin and South East).

 

2.10pm ‘Overview of the ARCHES Recovery College website and how it works’ from Dr Donal O’Keeffe (Recovery Coordinator).

 

2.20pm ‘Recovery: Reflecting on our past to imagine our future’ from Prof Ann Sheridan (Emeritus Professor in Mental Health and Mental Health Ireland Board Member).

 

2.50pm Break.

 

3pm ‘How the HSE National Counselling Service can support mental health recovery’ from Deirdre Condon (Counsellor/Therapist) and Alan Mc Donnell (Senior Counsellor/Therapist).

 

3.30pm Panel Discussion: ‘The role of lived experience employment in mental health recovery and improving services’.

 

Panel chair: Fiona McKernan (HSE Engagement and Recovery Programme Manager for Recovery Education).

 

Panel members:

 

Ciaran Cobbe (Peer Support Worker),

Ciara Glynn (Peer Support Worker and Mental Health Reform Board Member),

Isabelle Gauthier (ARCHES Recovery Education Facilitator),

Lisa Richardson (ARCHES Recovery Education Facilitator), and

Dr Donal O’Keeffe (Recovery Coordinator).

 

End 4.10pm.

 

Threshold Training have some fantastic opportunities this Spring!

 

Threshold Training Network Events Calendar-March2024 by Gateway Project on Scribd

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