Poetry for Positivity – Free Course

We are please to announce another Poetry for Positivity course starting on Thursday 11th April at 2pm. The lovely Sam will be taking the 6 week course which will be from 2-4pm at the Uttlesford Community Hub, Great Dunmow.

There is no entry level requirement, it is a case of coming along and letting Sam guide you. So if you would like to take this limited opportunity contact Sam directly on [email protected]

This is an example of the work the produced in Harlow:

A poem written by a member of the Poetry for Positivity Programme. The group were given a line from Brendan Kennelly’s poem, ‘Begin’ which read, ‘Every beginning is a Promise.’ Using this line they were given the opportunity to attempt an acrostic poem (Where the suggested word or line is written vertically down the left-hand side of the page and each line begins with the letters in that order).

Every day, awaken with renewed
Vigor and valor,
Energized by the rising sun to
Right the wrongs of society, and may we all
Yearn to be

Better human beings one day at a time.
Envision a world without injustice, our numbers
Growing one by one, larger,
Into a movement that takes not only self-interests, but
National interests to heart.
Nurture a desire for justice
Into our children that they may strive to ignore the
Negativity the world throws at us,
Generate in them an

Interest to see and be aware of the
Social injustices that exist

And express your love for them, hug them as you stare at the rising sun.

Protect them as they grow, for one day, they may well
Revive in their peers the need to strenuously
Object to government controls over our
Minds and self-being.
Instill belief in a new a
Social justice system which
Empowers the needy and overlooked in society.

C J Nash 08/02/19

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 12th March 2019

Big Lotto Community Fund Success

We are delighted to announce that our Let’s Get Digital bid with the Big Lotto Community Fund was successful. With out I.T systems being over 10 years old it has certainly restricted our ability to work efficiently. With the team feeling frustrated by poor equipment and not having the funds we turned to IT4Charity.

IT4Charity have been succesfully providing funding solutions to the voluntary sector in the South East for over a decade. We are based in Eastbourne on the South Coast and our customer base covers Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and London.

Together we developed a bid and have been successful in securing £10, 000 worth of I.T equipment and support for a year. This has been well received by all the team and has enabled us to be more effective in our roles. No longer waiting for the whirling thing to load! Can you imagine the pain.

So a huge thanks to Big Lotto Community Fund for enabling us to achieve a happier workforce, and more streamlined approach. 

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 12th March 2019

Mad Hatters Tea Party

Art students from Harlow college used their exhibition day as an opportunity to host a tea party in aid of us. This was no ordinary tea party with a wonderful Alice in Wonderland theme. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party showed great skill and imagination. 

A huge thanks goes out to all who we involved and our volunteers for attending on the day, showing real support. Raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma is a key aim of ours. When the community get involved it makes us very proud. (more…)

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 12th March 2019

400m Knockout Endurance Race

We are delighted to see awareness raising in the community for mental ill health. Flitch Green runners held a 400m Knockout Endurance race to do just that. Evidence show that exercise is as good for treating mild to moderate depression as some medications. 

One of the 5 ways to wellbeing is Be Active and no matter what level that is, it is shown to improve our over all wellbeing. So what better way to raise awareness than though a community event such as this. (more…)

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 12th March 2019

Recruiting self-employed therapists

We have an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic, self-motivated, passionate individuals to join our Counselling Service as self-employed therapists. Successful candidates will be providing counselling to our clients and families who are affected by mental ill health, this can be face to face or over the phone. 

We are particularly looking for BACP accredited therapists who hold a qualification in the following areas:

•  IPT
• CFD
• Couples
• Psychosexual

Therapist must have over 400 hours of experience and provide a recent DBS check.

Therapists will be working in one of our venues within Harlow and Epping area, anytime that suits them flexibly between 8am and 9pm Monday to Saturday, all agreed prior to commencement. Paid on an hourly rate for session, with a payment for sessions not attended. 

Be part of our expanding counselling service. Contact [email protected] for more details.

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 6th February 2019

Revised opening hours

We have revised our Dunmow opening hours going forward and are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9.15am to 5.15pm 01371 876641

Tuesday and Thursday – 9.15am to 6.30pm 01371 876641

Saturday – 9.15am – 2pm 01279 421308 

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 6th February 2019

Charity Abseil – Harlow

We are looking for some daredevils who are also keen to fundraise for their local mental health charity. Harlow Tye Rotary are hosting the 22nd annual Harlow water tower abseil and we’d love you to get involved.

The event is on the 4th and 5th of May, so you have choices! The entry fee is £35 goes to Harlow Tye Rotary Club and any fundraising would be directly for Mind in West Essex. If you would like to be our abseil hero then contact Jenny at [email protected].

To find out more you can download the information poster here.

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 5th February 2019

Free Poetry for Positivity Course

Monday 4th February – 11th March, 10am -12pm
At: The wellbeing Centre, Bush Fair, Harlow

We are excited to be offering a free, six week course which will guide participants through various writing exercises, using a range of poetic techniques, exploring the therapeutic uses of creative writing.

The course will be led by an experienced facilitator and is suitable for all levels and abilities. By engaging with the writing exercises you will broaden your knowledge of creative writing techniques and, ultimately, widen your personal boundaries of expression.

For further information or to secure a place on this course please contact Sam Pearson by email at: [email protected]
Or by phone on: 07920814232

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 8th January 2019

Befrienders Needed

Christmas Spirit and beyond…

It’s at this time of year that we really notice those that are alone and lonely. You can help reduce this. 

We are recruiting volunteer befrienders to support and encourage individuals who are feeling isolated in this way. It may be the case that someone has stopped doing something they love, lost confidence and you can help them rekindle that passion.

Volunteering is something that is good for the soul, you are able to help someone in need, whilst gaining a sense of gratitude and purpose. We ask for a minimum of 1 hour a week, full training will be provided and you will have access to a network of befrienders.

To find out more about the role visit our Befriender section here.

Author: Sarah Huggett
Posted on: 12th December 2018

Fundraise while you shop

Many online retailers are now supporting local and national charities simple by shopping with them. When you do your Christmas shopping choose Mind in West Essex to be your charity of choice. 

Shop with Amazon Smile: 

• Amazon donates 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping fees) of eligible purchases to the charitable organisation of your choice.
• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
• Support your charitable organisation by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.co.uk

Author: StuAdmin
Posted on: 4th December 2018