Everything about a Peer Mentor

What is a Peer Mentor?

“Mentoring is a one-to-one, non-judgemental relationship in which an individual voluntarily gives time to supportand encourage another. This is typically developed at a time of transition in the mentee’s life, and lasts for a significant and sustained period of time.”

Peer mentors are people with personal experience of recovery from mental health difficulties, trained to support those they mentor (mentees) through the recovery process. The peer mentors are identified by professionals in Swansea providing mental health services and referred to the Transcend project for training and support. The Transcend coordinator then identifies a suitable match for the mentor and supports both people to get the most out of the project.

Mentoring programs, when carefully designed and well run, provide positive influences for younger people who may need a little extra attention or who don’t have a good support system available to them. For example, ayoung person who has recently lost a parent or close family member or who has experienced neglect or abuse or who simply feels lonely or uncomfortable in large group situations may especially benefit from the support, attention, and kindness of a peer mentor, along with other supports.

What are the Benefits:

While Peer Mentoring can provide valuable support for students at critical points in their student life, it offers a host of other benefits for both mentor and mentee.

Benefits of being a Mentee

• Gain practical advice, encouragement and support
• Learn from the experiences of others
• Increase your social and academic confidence
• Become more empowered to make decisions
• Develop your communication, study and personal skills
• Develop strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues
• Identify goals and establish a sense of direction
• Gain valuable insight into the next stage of your university career
• Make new friends across year groups

Benefits of being a Mentor

• Improve communication and personal skills
• Develop leadership and management qualities
• Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject(s)
• Increase your confidence and motivation
• Engage in a volunteering opportunity, valued by employers
• Enhance your CV
• Increase your circle of friends
• Gain recognition for your skills and experience
• Benefit from a sense of fulfilment and personal growth.How much time do peer mentors give?Peer mentors give at least four hours a week to their mentees, to ensure that goals can be realistically achieved.
  

How do I become a mentor with the project?

You can either make contact with us through a mental health or other support service, by asking them to complete a mentor nomination form on your behalf (the form is available to download on Transcend website). Or, you can call or e-mail the project yourself using the details below. The Project Coordinator will then get in touch with you to discuss the process with you.

How can I get the support of a Peer Mentor?

Get in touch with the project either by contacting the Project Coordinator yourself, or ask someone else to contact the Project using the referral form, available on the right of the page.

Follow the link to Transcend, SCVS  Swansea Project for more information.

http://www.scvs.org.uk/volunteeringandcitizenship/volunteering/p2652.html

5 Ways to wellbeing

 

CONNECT: Connecting with friends and families and others around us is important for enhancing wellbeing. Connecting will not only benefit you, but others too!

GIVE: People who invest time to help others rate themselves as more happy. An act of kindness, small or large can enhance wellbeing and is hugely rewarding.

LEARN: Learning can increase wellbeing and provide a sense of achievement. Discovering and learning new things is interesting and allows your self confidence to grow.

TAKE NOTICE:  Take some time to notice your surroundings, be curious, be in the moment and not the past or the future. Having this awareness can have positive effects on wellbeing.

BE ACTIVE: Exercise is beneficial for both physical health and wellbeing. Discover something you enjoy which suits your level of fitness and mobility. Try to do 30 minutes a day.

It is good to talk….

Talking can be one of the best healing therapies to healing past trauma even if it is to a stranger in a pub. It all helps as you start to learn and except what has happened that way you learn to deal which means healing and healing means RECOVERY. 

Gardens to host experts.

INTERNATIONAL mental health experts and community organisations will meet in Carmarthen Wales to share services and practices.

Mental health conference Recovery Into Practice will be held at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales Llanarthne, on Thursday June the 20 and Friday, June 21.

Minister of Health Professor Mark Drakeford will open the conference and give a keynote speech on new Wales Mental Health Measure.

Hundreds of members of the community organisations, mental health experts and family members are expected to attend.

Myths and Facts on Mental health.

MYTH; Mental health problems are very rare

FACT; Mental health problems will affect one in four people during a Life time.

 

MYTH; People aren’t discriminated against because of mental health problems.

FACT’; Nine out of ten people experience stigma and Discrimination.

 

MYTH; People with mental illness can not work.

FACT; We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health.

 

MYTH; People with A mental illness never recover.

FACT; People with A mental ilnness can and do recover.

 

MYTH; It’s best to leave people alone if they develop a mental illness.

FACT; Most people with A mental illness want to keep in touch with family and friends.

 

MYTH; I don’t know anyone with A mental illness/

FACT; Someone you know or love has experienced a mental illness.

 

MYTH; There is nothing I can do to help someone with a mental health problem.

FACT; There is A lot you can do to help.

There are many Myths about mental illness go to Time to Change Wales for more info by clicking on the link below,

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&ved=0CEIQjBAwBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timetochangewales.org.uk%2Fmyths-and-facts&ei=ABy-UfnCAsPD7Aai64DoBg&usg=AFQjCNFH7urE9CQA13BKEGPZmM6F4wd44A&bvm=bv.47883778,d.d2k

Quote of the day..

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry you must always try give back a thousand reasons to smile…….

If this song is not a cry for help then what is?

This song,” If I die young” was My verry tierd friends favourite song I found out today and she would play it rgula through out the day, To me the song is a sign in it’s self…..   I am sick of hearing “with mental health u dont see it”   “Its not like a broken legg”   Well I tell you this The signs are clear as day and if u are unable to see it then sorry to say you unfit to even judge on mental health and for those who think here she goes again yes here I do,  A text book and a degree to say u know about meds mean nothing to those cring out because in there eyes thats not help thats just like testing on a rat…..    1 in 4 suffer  an illness so one day u could be living a nice normal life, working  with a good job,holidays every year, children and so on but one day 1 out4 of  of those who are just ignore these crys will exspireance some kind of trauma for example cancer, bang then comes the mental illness and boy you going to wish  listend or see what im shouting out about…… The sayin is curiosty killed the cat but come on igorance kills the cat lets be real about this as I have even heard ignorance keeps u saign well not for ever.. and yes I am dislexic so pleas do not bother leaving a comments out about my Gramma becouse I a trying and I have turned my life around and at least I am one that will stand for whats right no matter what any of u think… I was told people would look at me with Athorithy if my Grama was correct well it never will be cos I am dislexic and thats that BUT I have other qualities others will mnever have from my past, and I am only here to suppost the ones that suffer in silence because sorry to say there no support for the ones crying out as meds do not help all of them maybe some it just labels them.

Athority, status means nothing to me I grew up around it and I would much rather be me.

This was the song played yestertday in my friends funral.

If I die young

If I die young, bury me in satin Lay e down on a bed of roses. Sinkmein the river, at dawn send me awy witth the word of a love and a song.

Lord make a rainbow, I’ll shine on my mother she will know I am safe when she stands under my colour, ow and life ain’t always what you think iy ought to be, no ain’t even grey, but she buries her baby.

The sharp knife of a short life, well I have had just enoughh time.

A sharp knife of a short life, well I have had just enoughh time

AndIll be wearing whitge, when I come in to your kingdom, I’M as green as the ring on my cold little finger, I have never known the loving of a man but it sure felt nice when he was holding’ my hand, There a boy here in town who says he will love me forever, who wold thought forever could be seved by.

The sharp knife of a short life, well I have had just enough time.

So put on your best boys I will wear my pearls, What I never done is done.

A penny for mythoughts, oh no Ill sell them for a dollar they worth so much more after I am goner And maybe you will hear the words I been singing???

Funny when you’re dead how people start to LISTENIN ……

Gather up your tears, keep hem in your pocket, Safe them for a time when you are really going to need them……….

A sharp Knife of a short Life, well I’ve had ust enouhgh time

Posted: 18 June 2008 Representatives from Amnesty International

Posted: 18 June 2008 Representatives from Amnesty International and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes – Wales will today (18 June) hand over a petition at the Senedd to the First Minister calling for better services for the women trafficked into Wales for the sex trade. At an event hosted by Joyce Watson AM, Chair of the All Party Group on the Trafficking of Women and Children, the First Minister will accept the petition in the form of a striking portrait of woman made of hundreds of petition postcards. WI members and Amnesty supporters from across Wales signed the petition calling for the Welsh Assembly Government to provide secure accommodation and support services for some of the hundreds of women made to work as sex slaves in Wales. A report published by Amnesty International last year showed that there may be 150 women at any one time forced to work in the sex trade. Current UK government policy means tackling the traffickers and providing public services to victims is difficult, but a new Council of Europe Convention on Trafficking to be adopted in the UK means that victims in Wales will be given more support. The campaign in Wales focuses on the obligations of the Welsh Assembly Government to women found in Wales who may have suffered kidnap, rape, violence and exploitation. The Welsh Assembly Government has already put some steps in place to develop support in Wales, and those attending the event at the Senedd will hear an update on the campaign. Cathy Owens, Programme Director for Wales of Amnesty International, said: “Victims of trafficking for the sex trade have been found in all parts of Wales – not just the big cities. Many of the young women involved believe they are coming here to work in the tourist or agricultural industries, and then find themselves at the mercy of evil gangmasters who take their passports, lock them in brothels and force them to have sex with 10 men a day.” “The Assembly Government has obligations, both moral and legal, to support these women. There is already some good news to report, but this petition will demonstrate how strongly we and our supporters feel about the brutality of human trafficking.” Marylyn Haines Evans, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes – Wales, said:”Our members around Wales have rallied together to raise awareness about this awful scourge. We are outraged that women could be kept as sex slaves in Wales in our cities, our towns and our villages. This petition shows how strongly our members feel, and I hope that the Assembly Government Ministers redouble their efforts to ensure that these women can be helped to access healthcare and counselling, and we can provide them with some hope in order to help them rebuild their lives after such a traumatic experience.” Joyce Watson AM, said: “I established the All Party Group as I was appalled to hear about the brutal lives that these trafficked victims have to endure. Its shocking to think it could be happening in my street, and in our communities. We need to keep raising the issue within the Assembly and ensure that the Assembly Government delivers its obligations to these trafficked victims.” Cathy Owens, Programme Director for Wales said: “The people of Wales would be stunned if they knew the level of fear and violence that these women live with, day in and day out. These modern day slaves need our protection. “We think there may be around 150 women in Wales suffering like this, and the numbers are rising as trafficking becomes the second largest criminal industry after the drug trade. “Our members have been campaigning to ensure that the UK Government sign the Convention, and we are very pleased that now this has happened, we can expect much better treatment for the victims of trafficking.”

She was a fighter.

This girl was a fighter and never let any one down and she did not get the help she deserved for the reason the proffesionals did not understand her problems and did not see the clear signs LIKE WE COULD… God bless her and RIP You will be missed.xxxxhttp://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Mental-health-campaigner-Jordana-Thomas-dead/story-18896978-detail/story.html#axzz2SNRwoios

 

On linkedin there is now a discussion how do you know if a patients telling the truth or a lie…. My answer to that was “why waste ur time looking for lies when u can see the cries” God bless her she was a fighter but a verry verry tierd one to.

 

 

Living proof Launch

A BOOK has been launched in Swansea aimed at combating the stigma associated with mental health problems.
Living Proof is a collection of prose, poetry and drawings by people with mental health problems. The book’s author Michelle Healy from West Cross has suffered from mental health problems and found some of the book’s content through a blog she writes about her illness. Mrs Healy said: “The book lets people know about mental health. The words are powerful and they are written by people who are ill.”

Read more: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Proof-problems-beaten/story-18855814-detail/story.html#ixzz2S90hqZnH
Follow us: @thisisswales on Twitter | thisissouthwales on Facebook

Pertitio

 

Kelly Fitzmaurice posted on Mental Health Awareness’s timeline “Autism & Mental Health Awareness ONLINE Charity Auction TONIGHT @ 6PM EST! If you’re new to outbid, they will give you $5 towards your first purchase of $5 or more! Come and have some fun while making a difference. We have over 15 items to giveaway and 50 amazing items to bid on! http://www.outbid.com/auctions/13246-doodlebug-charity-auction

Sign pertition.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/uk-governement-awareness-support-research-and-education-of-postnatal-depression

Pwwp journey

https://vimeo.com/63120543

Our journey why we wanted to take on the challange of beating stigma and discrimination.  To watch the video the password is timetochange

People wprking with people pwwp time to change book launchBook launch “living proof”

https://www.facebook.com/events/539283146105445/?ref=22

Pwwp film journey with Michelle Healy and Jordana Thomas

https://vimeo.com/63120543

People working with people projects journey from why where and to

Free Easter hunt and children’s activities……

https://www.facebook.com/events/443442082388968/?ref=22

http://www.causes.com/actions/1712275-care-of-the-elderly-without-bias?

http://www.causes.com/actions/1712275-care-of-the-elderly-without-bias?recruiter_id=174045933&utm_campaign=invite&utm_medium=wall&utm_source=fb

Free Family Fun Day!

Living proof

Living proof being launched on April 26 th 2013!

Abolish use of formal psychiatric diagnosed system like ICD, DCM by signing the petition!!

Please click on the link to sign Thank you…….

 

http://www.change.org/petitions/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-abolish-use-of-formal-psychiatric-diagnostic-systems-like-icd-dsm?fb_action_ids=383862755037266&fb_action_types=change-org%3Arecruit&fb_ref=__gjINIQnlKV&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22383862755037266%22%3A10150817762374789%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22383862755037266%22%3A%22change-org%3Arecruit%22%7D&action_ref_map

Help call for sex traffic victims

Campaigners want more help for women forced into the sex trade Up to 150 women may be forced to be working as sex slaves in Wales at any one time, according to Amnesty International. The charity said the women may have suffered suffered kidnap, rape, and violence as well as exploitation. It is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to provide secure accommodation and support for women forced into the sex industry. First Minister Rhodri Morgan is to meet a delegation at the Senedd later. He will accept a petition signed by Amnesty supporters and members of Welsh Women’s Institutes. The campaign focuses on the obligations of the assembly government to women found to be forced into the sex industry. The human rights charity said a new Council of Europe convention on trafficking to be adopted in the UK means that victims in Wales will be given more support.    I was appalled to hear about the brutal lives that these trafficked victims have to endure – It’s shocking to think it could be happening in my street, and in our communities  Joyce Watson, AM The delegation is to learn what steps the assembly government has taken. Cathy Owens, programme director for Wales of Amnesty International, said human trafficking was becoming the second largest criminal industry after the drug trade. She said: “Victims of trafficking for the sex trade have been found in all parts of Wales – not just the big cities. “Many of the young women involved believe they are coming here to work in the tourist or agricultural industries, and then find themselves at the mercy of evil gangmasters who take their passports, lock them in brothels and force them to have sex with 10 men a day. ‘Traumatic experience’ “The assembly government has obligations, both moral and legal, to support these women. “There is already some good news to report, but this petition will demonstrate how strongly we and our supporters feel about the brutality of human trafficking.” The event is hosted by Joyce Watson, chair of the all-party group on the trafficking of women and children. She said: “I was appalled to hear about the brutal lives that these trafficked victims have to endure. It’s shocking to think it could be happening in my street, and in our communities.”   « PWWP Drop in sessions around Swansea !   FEB9 EDIT Sign petition to stop human trafficking!! BY PEOPLE WORKING WITH PEOPLE MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS SUPPORT NETWORK ON FEBRUARY 9, 2013               Rate This   There is 27 million people under the age of3  being abused against their will or if not against their will by having no choice….. This is Mental health problems in its self…      https://www.assemblywales.org/epetition-list-of-signatories.htm?pet_id=846#.URBNWEZxflc.facebook  Marylyn Haines Evans, chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes – Wales, said: “We are outraged that women could be kept as sex slaves in Wales in our cities, our towns and our villages. “This petition shows how strongly our members feel, and I hope that assembly government ministers redouble their efforts to ensure that these women can be helped to access healthcare and counselling, and we can provide them with some hope in order to help them rebuild their lives after such a traumatic experience.”

Sign petition to stop human trafficking!!

There is 27 million people under the age of3  being abused against their will or if not against their will by having no choice….. This is Mental health problems in its self…   

 

https://www.assemblywales.org/epetition-list-of-signatories.htm?pet_id=846#.URBNWEZxflc.facebook 

PWWP Drop in sessions around Swansea !

A support network to pin point people suffering with a mental health illness to pin point them in the right direction for the right support.

People working with people book launch!

 

People working with people (pwwp)’s creative writing book launch. This is where we will be launching our mental health awareness book of creative writing and creative drawings, entitled ‘living proof’. Please come along and show your support and get your free copy! There will be refreshments served and speakers delivering some of their own creative poetry which is very powerful and very educating to those well people that do not understand what it is like to live with a mental illness.   On the 26 April 2013   6 pm till 8 pm

Free family fun day and Easter Egg hunt!

Saturday, March 23, 2013.

11:00am until 4:00pm in UTC.

Free family fun day event and Easter egg hunt including bouncy castle.
Hosted and Fun and Games from the Radio Tircoed Friday Feeling Breakfast Show Presenters Lee King and Jess G,
He’s the voice of entertainment with for face for radio and she is the bubbly engergetic Queen of R’n’B and Dance.
They will be on hand to play fun and games with all the little and even Big kids, make the day run smoothly and just make sure you have a good time.

Maeve is a 16 year old pop and R’n’B Singer/songwriter from Swansea. She performs songs from Rihanna,Jessie J,Nicki Minaj and many more or todays biggest star Maeve has touredall over the Uk performing in some big venues and infront of large crowds. Maeve is currented to make the day livley fun and energetic with her dance set.

Elle
Elle will take you on a musical journey from pop to country and all the brilliant crossover hit

Swansea Museum

Victoria Road, SA1 1SN Swansea, United Kingdom

View Map · Get Directions.

Self help group!!!

hi my name is david parry i running a self help group in south wales call www.lightermind.co.uk  i am trying to end the stigma around all kinds of mental health illness  by doing a sponsor walk from liverpool to pyle . i have got ptsd myself so i know what it is like to live with a mental health illness .i will be doing the charity walk by myself , .  sean smith @seansmithassoc have  sponsor me and offering £1000 pounds and  jobbud and cvbud have offering me whatever clothes and walking boots and shoes that i need for my sponsor walk   , these are the place that i will be past through start from the hard days night hotel liverpool next chester next cefn-mawr next welshpool next newtown next llandrindod next llangammarch wells next pen-y-cae next britton ferry then end in pyle south wales . my charity sponsor number is mind.org.co.uk 219830   /  David Parry – Press Release. > > > Light at the End of the Tunnel > > David Parry as a child suffered terrible mental and physical abuse from his father, furthermore witnessing his mother receive similar horrific abuse. Having never found the courage to talk to anyone during these dark times nor seek help, David suffered in silence. In 2010 his daily life was crushing him and he was crying out for help although feeling his pleas were mute. Fortunately his beloved wife came to his rescue and drove him to A&E where he finally found help and was referred to the correct organisations and mental health team who have been a rock in his recovery, supporting him on the long and winding journey to turning his life around, helping him become a more positive person and finally see light at the end of the Tunnel. > > Not only is David Parry a different person today with the nurture and care provided to him, his latest venture is to make another arduous journey; walking from liverpool to pyle in south wales to raise money for mind.org.uk > > Already he has received a pledge of£1000.00 and supply of footwear and clothing from Sean Smith, leading entrepreneur and ex-life partner of Gareth Thomas Welsh Rugby Captain and Big Brother contestant, whose latest venture JobBud is the biggest Job Site in Wales. When asked about the sponsorship Sean Smith commented “David is an inspirational person, who, like myself, has had major challenges to overcome and is a shining light to those who are in dire need of help. Raising awareness for PTSD and Mental Health and helping people is a worthy cause and I hope everyone helps David achieve his goal” Mr Smith suffered horrific abuse 5 years ago in South Africa after being wrongly imprisoned, managing to flee the country with the alleged help of the UK government. > > If you would like to pledge money to David’s cause, you can do so by visiting his site > > http://www.lightermind.co.uk You will also be able to follow his progress there. The walk is to start on the > > 25/03/2013 mind.org.uk charity number is 219830

No panic attack today!

 

 

 

 

I haven’t had a panic attack today

However, it’s early and they never go away.

When they come, they make you feel like you’re about to expire

Nothing really to worry about,

It’s just your heartbeat gets a little higher!

They can come whenever they want

Most embarrassing when I’m in front

Of the supermarket queue

And I just want to run away

But I’m too scared to move,

feet stuck like glue

The adrenaline kicks in and it’s fight or flight

Aching arms, fast breathes

Dizziness

Then all the other symptoms start

like constantly checking your heart!

The thumping chest

Isn’t the best

As it frightens the life out you

adds to the panic, it’s true!

Why they happen you may enquire?

They say its Anxiety, Depression and Stress,

No more, no more less

I never knew I had it until it happened

And now my life has been truly saddened

However, with calming thoughts like

“Don’t worry you’re not going to die”

Or “your heart hasn’t stopped, it’s just a lie”

And then plenty of deep breaths

It all helps you find sense

Of the problems inside

One day I’ll be free from this madness

And there’ll be no more Anxiety,

Depression and Stress

As I stand tall and proud

And join in with the crowd!

 

By David j Williams.

Making Mental Health Positive

 

“Do you know if you’ve battled depression for a long time, when you have a “good” day do you feel really grateful for it cos that’s because that’s how I feel today :-)… “

A poem by a follower!!

By David J Williams
Rising out of the dustbins and muck
A dishevelled old man
Who has run out of luck.
His urine soaked clothes
Are in need of a change
He doesn’t care, which is not so strange
Begging in the markets
Looking for money
People pass by
They think it’s funny
Not having much money
But it’s not is it?
He was once a proud man till he turned to the drink
He did it every day,
He never stopped to think
About the harm it would do
But he had to drink
To forget all that life had put him through
How grand he had been before
Awarded a medal for bravery
In some long forgotten war
But that was sold, and he grew old
Drinking away his agony
Everyday
How had he become like this?
He had a wife and two strong kids
But decay was there when he was young
So they taught him to march and gave him a gun
And told him to go out and kill someone.
Now he is alone awaiting his death
The time has come to breathe his last breath
But no one will notice his certain demise
For no one will open up their own eyes
To see him fade away.

Creative drawing by Joe Dodd

Creative writers!!!

Any creative writers out there that would like to be published in raising mental health awareness please submit to creativewriting.pwwp2@hotmail.com

Free Family fun day and Easter egg hunt!

Free entry to a free family fun day and Easter egg hunt Hosted and Fun and Games, bouncy castle from the Radio Tircoed Friday Feeling Breakfast Show Presenters Lee King and Jess G, 
He’s the voice of entertainment with for face for radio and she is the bubbly engergetic Queen of R’n’B and Dance.
They will be on hand to play fun and games with all the little and even Big kids, make the day run smoothly and just make sure you have a good time.

Maeve
Maeve is a 16 year old pop and R’n’B Singer/songwriter from Swansea. She performs songs from Rihanna,Jessie J,Nicki Minaj and many more or todays biggest star Maeve has touredall over the Uk performing in some big venues and infront of large crowds. Maeve is currented to make the day livley fun and energetic with her dance set.

Swansea Museum 23 March 2013
Victoria Road, SA1 1SN Swansea, United Kingdom
View Map · Get Directions

A poem by a follower who cares????

Who Cares?

I sit here. Staring blankly at nothing.

So many thoughts running through my mind.

It hurts, it burns.

Hatred flares through me like raging fire.

It doesn’t stop, it never will stop.

I hate all this, I hate myself.

I feel sick. I feel tired.

I reach my palms out and beg for help.

I wished there was someone who could understand.

I was wrong, so so wrong.

I went to someone whom I trusted.

I tried to tell him my pain, I prayed that he would understand.

But he just threw more daggers against my heart.

Not only didn’t he understand but he saw me mad.

He kept telling me how ungrateful I was.

That there were many people whom were more unprivileged than I was.

What do you know? Have you been through the pain I have?

You say you know that everyone has a story.

But you chose to deepen my wound with your words.

Maybe you didn’t mean it, or maybe you did.

Depression isn’t something that I would choose to keep.

It isn’t fun to feel frustrated and hopeless everyday.

Depression is like acid.

Slowly eating you up inside every single day.

I feel so bad. I don’t know how to stop the pain.

I pull out my blade and give myself a swift cut across the shoulder.

Blood oozes out. I smile at it without flinching a bit.

I feel numb. I feel good.

Cutting is my only escape.

Countless scars everywhere. Who cares?

I give up on hope.

I give up trying to get help.

I surrender myself to depression.

For only depression would accept me for who I am.

Not like everyone else.

 

A poem by a follower! No hope!!!!!

No Hope

Palms on my face

I feel like waste

I can’t taste

Can I be erased?

My world is crashing

Darkness won’t stop slashing

The pain is smashing

Nothing ever stops lashing

Tired of crying

Frustrated of sighing

Given up trying

Why can’t I be dying?

Stumbling down the slope

Without holding any rope

I can’t see hope

How am I suppose to cope?

 

I found this on the suicide project web site!

Who cares?

January 21st, 2013 by Amaya324

I sit here. Staring blankly at nothing.

So many thoughts running through my mind.

It hurts, it burns.

Hatred flares through me like raging fire.

It doesn’t stop, it never will stop.

I hate all this, I hate myself.

 

I feel sick. I feel tired.

I reach my palms out and beg for help.

I wished there was someone who could understand.

I was wrong, so so wrong.

I went to someone whom I trusted.

I tried to tell him my pain, I prayed that he would understand.

But he just threw more daggers against my heart.

Not only didn’t he understand but he saw me mad.

He kept telling me how ungrateful I was.

That there were many people whom were more unprivileged than I was.

What do you know? Have you been through the pain I have?

You say you know that everyone has a story.

But you chose to deepen my wound with your words.

Maybe you didn’t mean it, or maybe you did.

 

Depression isn’t something that I would choose to keep.

It isn’t fun to feel frustrated and hopeless everyday.

Depression is like acid.

Slowly eating you up inside every single day.

I feel so bad. I don’t know how to stop the pain.

I pull out my blade and give myself a swift cut across the shoulder.

Blood oozes out. I smile at it without flinching a bit.

I feel numb. I feel good.

Cutting is my only escape.

Countless scars everywhere. Who cares?

 

I give up on hope.

I give up trying to get help.

I surrender myself to depression.

For only depression would accept me for who I am.

Not like everyone else.

A creative drawing by fine line pen!

A gift from god.

Family fun day and Easter hunt coming soon!

People working with people are pleased to invite you all to another free family funday. This time you can expect a special guest (Easter bunny) as well as a bouncy castle and meet and greet with out resident pet as therapy dog, jack! All free and all welcome. Lets continue to beat the stigma and discrimination of mental illnesses, but the fun way! Hope to see you all there — with Michelle Healy.

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  Beating stigma … the fun way

   

Drop in session starting next week in the Swansea area!

Pwwp are now taking bookings for mental health drop-in appointments. If you or anyone you know feel like you are suffering from a mental health issue and don’t know where to turn then we are here to support and guide you in the right direction. Please contact 01792 426273 or inbox myself or michelle healy for any further information or to make a booking. Please note that at this early stage we will be working from a swansea base but hope to branch out in the near future.

we can not deny!!

There is love that came for us,

He broke my shame

And yes he loves us,

Thinks for us and we can  not deny.

So let your name be lifted higher,

We are stronger sin is broken.

Yes we are stronger.

Sin is broken,

Yes we are loved.

 

 

 

 

.

Trust in who you are!!

Kneeling on this battle ground.

Trust in who you are.

Its always about him,

We are nothing without him,

We limit his power

If we trust in self not him.

He wants the glory and rightly so.

 

Drop in sessions in Swansea area

PWWP new drop in session leaflet.

Battle ground

knealing on this battle ground

seeing how much you have done,

You are the fire in our eyes,

Walking through valleys the shadow,

 But holding on to light.

But we are waiting,

Our hearts will trust

Trust in who we are.

The hope in our hearts

The faith in our hearts.

you keep us alive with the fire.

Give us the strength,

 To hold on  throught the day.

 you are the flame in our eyes,

 You keep our dreams alive.

Yes God keeps the fire burning.

Drop in sessions!!

Drop in sessions for people with mental health problems, deppression, lonleness or just need to talk to someone that understands how they are feeling will now be held at Brynhyffred libary, Morriston libary and city temple community center in Swansea. We are hoping to expand to Cariff and Bridgend will know in a couple of days. Appointmants contact 01792 426273 and leave your name and number and we will be in touch as soon as possable. We are all qulified Peer mentors and been in that black hole where you can feel all alone and isolated but we have made a full recovery with strong support talking helps Thank you.

A creative drawring by a follower!!

A poem by a follower

 

The tree was tall and strong and shivered in the autumn breeze.
Soon it would stand against the winter freeze.

Like many years before it stood on the hill alone.
Watching the other trees in the forest dance until there leaves were gone.

By Timothy.

Apoem by a follower!!

I’m an Island.

I’m an Island, bordered by water- ( like tears)
No one to hold my hand, soothe me, take away my fears.
I support lots of life, provide, even care.
Yet when i need help, there’s nobody there.
I’m out on my own, i sit on my beach.
Myself is my home, i’m so out of reach

By David Wood

A poem by a follower!

I’m all inside, i’m trapped ( in me.)
I’ve got to hide. No one must see.
Like a fossil in rock i’m deeply hidden
No key for the lock. Entry forbidden.
If i could force myself out – set myself free
There is no doubt I’d hate what i see.
There is no reason for me to escape
I’ve ejected the disc, re-wound the tape.
Why press play? there is no cause
I’ve got to stay – remain on pause.
Like a bone in an arm I’m hidden from view
Safe from all harm. No one can see through.
I’ve left here before and felt many things
I’ve now locked the door, cast off my wings.
I’ll stay in here, never again to roam
I’ll shed no more tears – this is my home
 By David wood.

A poem by a followere!

Hello there,

 

I saw a link saying that you were interested in poetry related to mental health issues. I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and I wrote this poem as an exploration of my illness and my feelings around my social behaviours, relationships and appearances as well as the stigma that appears to surround them (the Siren is, of course, a metaphor). It goes like this:

 

A Siren’s Lament

 

If only we could steal a moment, hide a hyphen,

Whisper lullabies of fluid passion and empty lust as

Tears on the slick petals of a thorn’d rose;

Blood on a wedding dress: something borrowed and something black.

Repent and repeat, my love, repent and repeat…

Waves crash deceit in the grieving eyes of

A Spinster.

By sarah.

We are powerfull and creative!!

We are powerful and creative

There is life in us.

We can run and surrenda

We can pray or yes we can pray.

We will learn all togeter

With a fire that can not be tamed,

Glory to your name.

This is the hunger in me

Through weakness and pain,

I rejoys  and declair.

I will remain and I will rejoys,

Glory to your name.

I will bring joy,

I will bring change.

I have a reason to see.

Glory to your name.

 

 

I am stronger!

 You are higher lifted up

My soul sings to the land.

 You lifted higher 

And the soul sings  out.

There is love that came for us

It is A gift and it has come for us.

Through a storm

and through the fire.

jesus crist loves me.

I am stronger.

No begining no end

can’t you see and safe it all.

You are stronger you are stronger

as jesus loves us so.

 

 

 

 

What I have learnt!!!!

“I have learned that life may not always be easy, but it’s always worth living.”

A powerfull influence to me!

My Father is a man like no other,

He gave me life, 

Hurtured me, shouted at me,

Kissed me, but most of all loved me.

 

There are not enought words

I can say to describe how important he is to me,

And what a powerfull influence he continues to be.

I love you Dad.

Happy Christmas to you all!

Merry Christmas to you all and I hopeit is a good one!!

Life is a lot of work!

Life is a lot of work. What is it that gives us the strength to continue when we are tired and burned out? Sometimes an inspirational idea can help us renew ourselves and be filled with strength to fulfill our life’s purpose. Inspiration comes in many forms. However, the root of all inspiration is the idea that our lives are meaningful. Inspiration is knowing that what I do matters deeply to the universe. When you have the feeling that your actions are meaningful, you will become filled with strength and vigor to fulfill your life’s purpose.

Batling Mental illness.

The local paper evening post.

Colours will turn bright!

Something was done

I don;t think it was right

To staeal my mind

Like theif in the night.

The  terror that visted,
The phantom of pain.

By day dissappering

To return by night again.

Cold hands that touch,

And strangle my heart,

That causes my soul

To be torn appart.

The sensation of feare,

The anger of hurt

unlike being muddy,

Can’ wash of the dirt.

All you can do,

Is try understand

And reach out to grasp

An outstrectched hand.

Colours will turn bright,

You just got to

Claw your way back.

The last year has been the best year ever!

 It is one year today since I started out this support network and I can honestly say it has been one of my best years ever,  I have achieved everything I planed to and more and even have goals in place for next year.  I had a Mental break down in Febuary 2010 and was diagnosed with paranoia phsychosis which lead to me being put in to hospital for 28 days but I was discharged within 13 days as being in that hospital made me see sence that I was going to turn my life around and everyone was wrong about my illness and I could make a full recovery as I new in my self I was and am cababel of anything with the right support and the right kind of people around me.

 So since that break down I have not just battled my mental health and got back in to  normal life I have turned my life around compleetly,  My plan was so support people throught this blog as there was nothing when I was ill and I had no voice I realised I did not like who I was and where I was at that time of my life.  Then I desided I enjoyed working with and about mental health as I understood it and could spot it in others so I got intouch with an unique organisation called Transcend to train to be a peer Mentor for other ill people which I am still involved with to this day and love it very much,  I know I am making a big difference to my Mentee life and I have gained a true friend and we have real fun like normal people,

 I have gained 5 national certificates through Transend SCVS and plan to do the councling course next and what ever I can when I can. Then in July I was selectet to go to Cardiff castle as we had won volunteer of the year in Wales which pushed me to go for the leadership project campaign with Time to change wales to beat stigma and in September I and my team was successfull in the bid for funnding to beat stigma, we were 1 of the first projects in Britain which was a masive acheivement that I am very proud of.

I called the organization people wprking with people (PWWP)  and the PWWP launch was on the 15 December which was one big success with 200 people turning up to a free family fun day we even got in our local paper and on our local radio station which was fantastic. Our next fun day event is in March along with a living proof book that will be published and launched at the end of March.

The latest good news I received yesterday was that PWWP had been put forward to TTCW for them to analize our project which I am really looking forward to as I see it as a challange I am confident in doing. 

So now we come to the end of 2012 and approch 2013 with open arms. In my eyes  A mental illness does not mean you will be ill for ever u can take it and use it as a gift or you can just take it as a illness and never recover it all down to the induvidual.

Thanks for following my road to recovery Michelle Healy.

Time to Change

Time to Change

Can you spare 5 minutes to help us with a short survey  for our next campaign in 2013? The results will form part of wider research exploring the difference in conversations around physical health problems compared to talking about mental health problems. Thanks very much! The research will focus on those living in England (as that’s where Time to Change is based), so the survey is only open to people based in England – though we know that our supporters are from around the world!

Time to Change 2013 campaign survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com

Mental Health Peer Mentoring Project Report Released

12 October 2011

The Mental Health Foundation has released a report on its ‘Brighter Futures’ project to support mental health in later life. The report highlights the benefits to both mentor and mentee of the project as well as noting the reduction in mental health problems for those involved.

The Brighter Futures project worked with older volunteers to deliver a peer mentoring service for isolated older people aimed at improving their wellbeing and quality of life through enhancing their social networks and enabling meaningful community engagement.

Some conclusions raised in the report include:

• Having a peer every step of the way was one of the most valuable aspects of the project – peers were seen to act as positive role models and motivated them to take risks and try new things.

• Many participants were able to move on from the project within a short timescale, however there were other participants that needed longer term support.

• Some participants considered becoming volunteers themselves and felt that once they had regained their confidence, they too could ‘give something back’.

• The mentor role was highly valued by volunteers who felt that they were contributing to society and taking on a new identity which helped to support them through difficult life transitions such as retirement.

The recommendations from the report included:

• Services should be developed that focus on the needs of those most isolated within our communities.

• Develop service models that provide support built on peer relationships, is goal orientated and solution focused and flexible enough to engage with people in their own homes.

• Older people that require longer term support to remain socially connected should have access to home based services that are not time-limited such as befriending.

• Greater opportunities should be developed to enable older people to ‘give something back’ and contribute positively to their communities. Volunteering opportunities should be developed that take account of the importance of having a socially valued role and should aim to enable older people to create new positive identities for themselves following retirement.

The full report can be downloaded below and for more information please visit the Mental Health Foundation website.

Further info:

• www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/training-and-development/cu…
• MHF Brighter_Futures_Report.pdf

PWWP Launch

A dad and his son visiting Santa.

PWWP Launch

A little boy all exited to see Santa.

PWWP Launch

All the families gathering around their children playing.

PWWP Launch!

Me and Santa taking a pose for the camera enjoying the day.

PWWP Launch!

All the people that was willing to give us feed back of how much they actually new about Mental Health.

PWWP Launch

Me and my Mentee taking a break.

PWWP Launch

Humie helping out fave painting good job..

PWWP Launch!

Children enjoying the arts and craft activity.

PWWP Launch!

Jack the dog who is regiseterd as a pet as therapy dog to help ill people recover.

PWWP launch!

Children enjoying the free bouncy castle.

A link to the photo of PWWP Family fund day!

A link to the photo of PWWP Family fund day!

Photo of the successful turn up, just under 200 people turned up to the free family fun day of PWWP launch at Swansea Grand theater on the 15 December.

Free family fun day pic!

A dad with his little girl visiting Santa at the PWWP launch.

PWWP Team

Just before the family fun day started.

PWWP Launch!

All the team who made the family fun day work

Battling mental health!

Friends help others after battling own mental ill health

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

South Wales Evening Post

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WATCHING Michelle Healy enjoy putting up Christmas decorations with her spirited little lad Jaidon, it is hard to believe that when he was born she suffered such severe post natal depression she had to be sectioned and hospitalised for two weeks.

The little family is on an even keel now but after becoming a victim of crime, coping with a bad relationship and struggling to get the kind of support from the authorities she felt she needed, the new mum fell into a spiral of mental decline, ending up on anti-psychotic drugs.

With her little boy now 3, Michelle, from West Cross, is back on form and she is mentoring others with mental health issues.

And she and a friend are determined to have a long-term impact, by setting up a new support group, People Helping People.

She says getting out there and lending a hand to others has given her new-found focus.

“So many things were happening in my life at the time I became ill.

“I was the victim of fraud and someone hacked my phone.

“I was having problems with a relationship and there was the baby to look after.

“I gave up my job as a hairdresser to have the baby and I really missed work.”

It all got too much and Michelle was hit by post natal depression and psychosis.

“I was in Cefn Coed for 13 days — I slept for five days — I think that was the main problem for me. I really needed to sleep.”

Now in good shape, Michelle says that when the mental health problems hit her she was surprised at the level of ignorance that prevailed about such conditions.

In fact research by mental health group Time To Change Wales reveals that one in seven people believe those with a mental illness can never fully recover.

Michelle is keen to challenge misconceptions like that one, so she volunteers with a project called Transcend as a mentor for others in distress.

“Twice a week I meet up with someone who needs help — it could be someone who doesn’t want to leave the house but who needs to go out to the dentist.

“I will go with them, or we will just go out for a coffee or for something to eat. We are friends.

“It helps them that I have been there and I know what it is like.”

She has set up a new scheme too, People Helping People, with a fellow volunteer Jordana Thomas.

Jordana, 26, has also suffered depression and she says she hopes the scheme will help lessen some of the stigma of mental health problems.

“I suffered with depression for at least six years and I was hospitalised last year.

“I am surprised it is still such a taboo subject and in the long-term I hope People Helping People can help to reduce that so it is treated like any physical illness.”

While Jordana says she has been lucky in the amount of support she has enjoyed from friends and family she has found the idea of returning to the working world tough.

“You do find out who your friends are, and I have lost some but gained others who have been through similar things.

“While I can’t say I lost my job because of the depression I have been at that point where the thought of going back after a long time away has been too much, so it has affected my working life.

“But like Michelle I am mentoring others with Transcend and I that makes me think about how I have dealt with things in the past and how I could have done things differently, so it has been good for me.”

People Working With People launches on Saturday with a family fun day at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, an advisory service, and later the publication of a book of people’s stories.

Time to Change Wales is backing Michelle and Jordana’s project and their programme manager Cath Lindley says: “It is great to see People Working With People challenging the stigma around mental illness in such a fun way.

“One in four of us will experience mental health problems so stigma is something that affects families, workplaces and communities across Wales.

“This is the first of a number of community projects that will be funded by Time to Change Wales over the coming months and we’re really excited that it is happening in Swansea.”

Michelle is hoping that People Helping People will be able to lead people back to more stable lives, as she is making inroads into a settled life with her lad.

“My mum looked after Jaidon when I was ill and he is back with me now, so he has been a bit unsettled.

“We are trying to get back to normal now.

“It isn’t easy but we will get that bond back.

“And keeping busy helps me a lot.

“I go on the running machine and I do the mentoring.

“It helps me feel like I am something again.

“When I was ill I just felt ignored. I felt like nothing.”

A poem by a follower!!

ELATION

there is joy and peace
and an endless sense of release
as a desire for celebration
in our own inner elation

no more condemning
from a world thats lost and uncaring
our minds are now tranquil
we feel more ballanced and still

to take a moment in time
so our feelings begin to rise
a clean euphoric phase
no longer in a foggy daze

we see a clear image
of ourselves relaxed and fulfilled
the elation of self belief
as we walk in the world with no fear

I CAN ICANT

i battle the voices  i can icant
the endless dance inside my mind
i fear the news, absorbing like a sponge
the multi media, and polititians rant

the tireless battle against inner torment
the vocal echoes of past problems
how frail and fragile the mind can be

society says we are such a drain
yet our worries and frets have made us this way
some say “get on with it”  and “dont complain”
though sleep releases the troubled day

the inner screams will dissipate
as peace and love will conquer self hate
to overcome our fractured past
believe you can, say no to i cant

by richard lawson

Free family fun day eveny!

Here’s the link to the event I created: https://www.facebook.com/events/391681164240849/

It’s a public event so anyone can invite people there’s a button on the top right of the page

Creative writing submit before the end of April 2012!

We are in the middle off putting a book together to raise awareness towards Mental Health, so if there is anyone out there that feel they can creative write or do any kind of creativity please submit befor end of April 2012 and you’r work will be published Thank you.
Michelle HealY PEOPLE WORKING WITH PEOPLE. (pwwp) You can find us on face book.

creativewriting.pwwp@hotmail.com