BME Health Forum :: September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Date & Time: 29^th September 2015 10am – 1pm

Venue: Rivercourt Methodist Church (First Floor Hall), King St, Hammersmith, W6 9JT

Theme: Dementia

Agenda: Download here doc

Intoduction: This was a great event to attend to find out more about how services for people with Dementia have been planned and delivered and question the people in charge of doing so. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about how to support people with Dementia and what services are available in the NHS and the third sector including some specialist services for BME communities.

DOWNLOAD POWERPOINT SLIDES:

Wake up London - The impact of Dementia on London's BAME communities

CNHLC Dementia Awareness & Support Project

Dementia Awareness Training and Memory Assessment and Support Service, and tri-borough Dementia day and Community Services Review

Nafsika Thalassis, BME Health Forum Director, welcomed all to the meeting and introduced the first item.

Item 1:

Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster Memory Service Helen Efozia, Terezie Holmerova and Anna Sadler will present the memory service, the peer support service and community support for people with dementia in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea

Step 1 – Everyone with Memory problems will see a GP. Then depending on the outcome of the GP assessment, they could be referred to the Memory service. The GP is the gateway – very important role in the process.

Step 2 – More detailed assessment is made at the Memory service where a diagnosis is made and they also take a history of the person that takes in to account the person in terms of language – assessment needs to be done in mother tongue, culture, and who the person is as an individual.

There are still some gaps in terms of making assessments for BME communities.

Dementia advisors

Dementia advisors are the point of contact throughout the person’s journey after diagnosis. They are still relatively new and came about from a need that was established for someone to be there for the person after diagnosis.

If you are in a borough where there are no/ not many services available then the role of the Dementia advisor can be very intense.

The Dementia advisor will create a post diagnosis strategy for the person.

An important part of the Dementia advisor’s role is to build good partnerships and better cooperation with services as they need to be the resource to refer people to everything appropriate that is available – and also help develop services appropriate for BME communities:

We are looking for volunteers who speak community languages for our Befriending service
Hoping to run a Memory café in different communities – these are safe non-judgmental environments for people with Dementia and carers to come together.
Currently building promising partnerships with Mosques.
Social services and community services – to clarify people’s rights to them.
Legal and financial services – helping people have control of their future

We want to be able offer different things for people with diverse needs – NOT just one-size-fits-all.

More cooperation and communication is needed on both sides – work needs to be done both ways. Services reaching out and out what will help BME communities plus communities being more informed about Dementia services currently available.

Q&A

Question: How are you tackling the issue of the stigma of dementia diagnosis. Many people associate it with aging.

Answer: Yes – it’s about finding the right channel in each particular community. Some communities don’t want to hear about it as they feel they don’t need the info as they don’t have it. However if we find the right person who has good direct links with their community then we can work with them. Often we find out what is already happening as in events where there is a captive audience. Also, we are doing outreach – trying to link up with work that other organisations are doing. But how do we tackle stigma in general? We keep trying – one small step at a time.

Question: You speak a lot of ‘BME communities’ but we are not just one group. Within all BME communities some may have more need that others. I am encouraged to hear that you are getting in contact with faith groups. My worry is that it seems you are approaching us like 1 group. Who in fact are you talking about?

Answer: This is a good point and a problem with a term like BME that is quite overused in these types of presentations. To be more specific, in Kensington & Chelsea I see a lot of the Farsi community and in Westminster predominantly the Arabic, Bangladeshi and Somali communities.

Item 2:

Alzheimer’s Society – Hammersmith & Fulham Vanya Chaprazova, Dementia Advisor

Mine is a similar role to the previous presenters –I am a Dementia advisor but I work in Hammersmith & Fulham. We have a day care centre and also a Peer support group for Dementia sufferers and their carers.

Q&A

With regards to the previous question about which communities we mean – in the past we have specifically worked a lot with the Somali community where we have identified stigma as an issue. However our aim is to reach more communities and to book as many Dementia awareness sessions as possible.

Question: How long do you need to train to become a Dementia advisor?

Answer: It varies – in my specific case I was already working as a Dementia support worker before I took on the role – but it is around a few months.

Item 3:

Nubian Life – Andrea Lemard from Nubian Life will present the services Nubian Life offer their African Caribbean clients with Dementia

We work in Hammersmith & Fulham, across the three boroughs but also nationwide.

Our aim is to improve the dignity and health of our older people in African and Caribbean communities.

We run:

Lifestyle classes
Peer support groups
Student work placements
The Challenge

We don’t differentiate between those with dementia and those with not in terms of older people’s services.

Our values:

People – respect, recognise and value
Purpose – to meet needs
Passion

Service user is at the forefront:

Increased choice and control

We often get people at crisis point as once standard services feel they can’t handle the person they get sent to us.

We work around a 5 F framework

Foundation – We get the full history at the beginning – make sure we do not make assumptions
Faith – Respect faith
Family – Family values. We always continue the conversation with their family
Food – Familiar food is important
Fun – Everything with laughter

Why culturally specific? – person centred dementia care.

We need to embed [person centred dementia care] within all of our practices within the day care.

To make people feel as normal as possible
Everything is available in house
We always give them the choice

People need to feel that they are part of everyone else – NOT excluded

We also offer training packages

Q&A

Question: Do you agree that perhaps the future of dementia services is that there no specific services but instead generic services that can include and understand and work with dementia sufferers.

Answer: Yes

Question: How many people can you help – access your services

Answer: In day care we can have up to 15 people but we have plenty of other services available that can be accessed by more.

Item 4:

‘Wake Up London’ – David Truswell, Independent Advisor on dementia support and services from Black and minority communities

There is underlying evidence of the need to have a London wide approach to helping people with dementia in BME communities.

What does this mean?

There is a very high number of people from Black African and Caribbean communities in London who are over 65 and they have a higher risk of vascular dementia and early onset dementia.

Irish community – while it’s the oldest white ethnic community in the UK – no specifc research to be found on the impact of dementia in this community.

There is a high number of older South Asians but mainly Indian in origin as Bangladeshi and Pakistani groups are demographically younger.

There are very few studies of the impact of dementia on South Asian communities despite what is known about the stigma of mental health issues in the communities and the fact that they are at higher risk of vascular dementia due to the higher incidence of hypertension than the White UK population

What does this mean for other London communities?

No one knows much about Chinese communities – or Jewish orthodox communities or white other communities – no one is looking in to it.

In commissioning what often happens is they look at the headlines – and in this case there is a low relative age in these communities.

[Illustration drawn from power point slides – see slides at link above]

Because of lack of awareness the family member/ carer often hangs on with the dementia sufferer until they reach crisis point – then hospital admission – and then by that time it is unlikely the person will be readmitted home.

This situation must change. We have to reach these people when it is possible for them to get help (before crisis point).

What could a london-wide solution look like?

A London wide campaign reaching out to black and minority ethnic communities to reduce stigma about dementia and provide information on how to get further information and access to services.
On-line resources targeted at black and minority ethnic communities to provide information and peer based support.
A research programme at a regional level targeting high risk communities to gain better understanding of managing the risk factors.
A regional expert advisory panel to support effective commissioning and a co-production approach to service development.
A regional commissioning strategy that invests in appropriate services to address the volume of delivery in an economically effective way across the region.

There is enough expertise around in the community – in organizations such as Nubian life for example – to be tapped into.

It is not just a moral imperative but also a financial benefit in doing this work.

David Truswell is a Dementia Friends facilitator.

Q&A

Question: Where next in terms of developing Dementia communities- and how do we bring people together in wider communities?

Answer: I agree. I am trying to convince people in the Dementia Friends group but we need to be pro-active to make this happen

Question: HIV programmes have been pan-London in the past. To get support perhaps you would need to approach Public Health England or NHS London. For example, to suggest creating leaflets in specific languages would be more effective if they were usable in any London borough.

Answer: Agreed. Also direct engagement with communities is essential. Community engagement is an expertise that exists in community groups/ organisations.

Question: Can you tell me anything about the link between diabetes and dementia?

Answer: Not much work has been done yet – it is just coming into the forefront with research.

Item 5:

CNLHC Dementia Awareness Project – Eddie Chan, Director of the Chinese National Healthy Living Centre

Background:

There is currently estimated to be around 600,000 Chinese populations in the UK.

The Chinese population in the UK is not at all homogenous – includes 56 ethnic groups who speak many different languages.

Barriers [extracted from power point slides]:

They are one of the most dispersed BME community groups.

They are often labelled as
- Quiet or passive
- Invisible
- The silent minority
- Homebound people live in isolation/loneliness
- Service providers stress that it is difficult to offer suitable services to the Chinese community because they are so unreachable Reluctant to accept help of others outside the immediate family
- Older people inclined to using traditional medicine (for certain types of ailments, e.g., eczema, acne, vitiligo, alopecia, psoriasis, freckles… at own cost)
- Undocumented migrants often have their medicines sent from China (anything from tablets for headache to stomach pain and tonics etc., because can’t access healthcare services here)

Emerging issues [extracted from power point slides]:

An ageing population – people live longer
In 2010 – 820,000 with dementia in UK
Costing £23 billion per year
1/3 of elderly people will get dementia before death
For Chinese - Long periods of working living in catering à limited social circle
Poor language skills - access to mainstream service hampered
Generation gap – loss of traditional family support
Cultural issues – misunderstanding/stigma
More than 8000 London Chinese are 65+

(In other words, roughly 2700 of these 8000 will have dementia at some point during their life time)

Problems cause [extracted from power point slides]:

Poor health due to long working hours coupled with lack of exercise
Lack of knowledge about how to access healthcare services (knowledge of rights, entitlement, eligibility, service availability)
Reluctant to admit having mental health issues (of themselves/of family members - in some cases for fear of losing employment, relationship, friendship, peer and social respects
Different dialects can be a problem when arranging interpreting help
Affect family life because of time needed from the family carer
Young children unable to speak Chinese can create communication barriers between people of young and old generations

CNHLC London Dementia Awareness and Support Project

Aims:

Removing stigma & promoting awareness Pan-London: work in partnership with local community centres

Different Chinese terms used in different countries/regions - all of which stigmatize. A more accurate translation Tui-zhi-zheng（退智症）is now adopted and publicized by the project – it means ‘deterioration of mental ability’ NOT ‘madness’ as it was previously referred to.

Partnership working – CNHLC have worked in partnership with a number of Chinese community centres, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Home instead Carer training agency and One Westminster

Defeating dementia booklet was produced inChinese with 5000 copies produced for distribution.

Tea house – monthly tea house at local centres with refreshments and talks that provide interpreters where needed (when presentations are not delivered in Chinese). Topics include brain functions, how to live with dementia, sleep management, stress management, adaptation & gadgets in the home environment, etc.

Referrals and Support

Presentation followed by a voluntary, simple, memory test conducted by (retired) psychological consultant.
Those failing the test will be referred to GP for further advice. Home visits will be made for homebound patients.
Diagnosed patients are referred to specialists.

The project is finded by City Bridge Trust but limited for 3 years. We rely on volunteers to keep a lot of the services running -

Involving volunteers/ recruit dementia friends

Offered Training for Carers & Volunteers

Project recruited a team of 12 volunteers – half of them active. Volunteers help with arranging workshops, interpreting at workshops and tea house gatherings, distributing booklets, using Mylife Software programme. (Two of the volunteers are trained dementia friends & leader project of a similar project).
Four days’ training for care workers from two community centres.
A one-day training arranged for volunteers who want to progress to become dementia friends.

Work in coming year:

Continuing the Tea House activities
Arranging home visits to homebound
Exploring the ways to recruit or train further dementia champions, and (if appropriate), assisting research institutions, e.g., Alzheimer’s Research UK in their efforts to understand more about the problems faced by the Chinese community in relation to dementia.
Organize a national conference in 2016 on dementia and Chinese.

Q&A

Question/ comment: You spoke about using interpreters – is there scope in doing Dementia Friends training with interpreter- would be good in helping with using appropriate language

Item 6:

Hammersmith & Fulham CCG – Dementia awareness training + discussion on the future of the Memory Service –Jen Goddard, Planned Care Manager

What we do

We support GPs to identify and diagnose people with dementia.

We meet GPs and nurses about how to support people diagnosed with dementia before they reach the Memory Service.

We asked them what they wanted and they requested training. We are also trying to get the admin staff to do the training.

Our dementia awareness training course content is bit more than the Dementia Friends training – more like a tier 2 training.

The intention is that the whole team in a practice has this training.

Different types of dementia have different symptoms at different stages.

Important to know it is not part of the natural aging process.

Signs and symptoms: [Illustration drawn from power point slides – see slides at link above]

Often in early stages it is the practice reception staff who first identify dementia in a patient (e.g. from people calling back repeatedly for the same info)

Risk factors:

Age
Gender - women are more likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s dementia
Genetic
Healthy lifestyle – particularly with vascular dementia

Diagnosis does not a whole person make – it is just one aspect of that person. It is imperative that we work with people as individuals.

Setting the scene

There is a huge demand on services across tr-borough (H&F, West and K&C)
Dementia Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and North West London Strategic review of Dementia

We would like you to feedback to us on what we need to do make services accessible to all. To make sure that that there is better care in the community for people and their carers.

Also, if people do have to go to hospital to reduce the length of their stay and make discharge safe and smooth

And in compliance with the Care Act 2014 – make sure that health and social care is integrated.

Discussion points:

What would a good service look like from dementia diagnosis through to ongoing support after diagnosis?
What is missing currently from dementia services from diagnosis onwards?
How can services work better together to improve the service user/carer experience?

Any other comments/questions/thoughts

Comments:

One of the big things is trust and relationships – so having diagnosis being made in a centre where trust is already established.
I would like to say we need outreach work in the communities from people from these communities. Perhaps we could first identify the top 4/5 groups and train up people from these specific groups.
Use co-production for more intelligent use of services. Some people from minority communities need support to enter into intervention services.

Comment from speaker: We do need to be using what is already out there – to take into consideration and make use of that.

Stigma is one of the biggest things to overcome. Some communities did not want someone from their own community to support them/ intervene.

Comment from speaker: Yes, one service does not fit all.

On our own programme (CNHLC Dementia awareness project) in order to reduce stigma we found information and education to be fundamental.

Suggestion: What do people think of a ‘Dementia resource centre/ hub’?

Transcriptions from flipcharts around tables:

What would a good service look like (from dementia diagnosis through to ongoing support after diagnosis)? – Look at British Psychological Society - this work has already been done. Need to think about what is different in your boroughs, especially BAME communities
Build diverse community networks
Advise how health messages could be more effectively – people living with dementia
Train culturally sensitive advisors
Provide specific dementia info
Link to certain conditions e.g diabetes and learning difficulties
Provide a local directory of dementia services
Ensure communities have input into service design
Making funding available for small projects
Think about presentation of info given (e.g. leaflet design)
Regular MOT meetings in the community on quarterly basis (GPs, dementia advisors, religious leaders and community)
Ensure training for GPs
Random health checks/ screening
Educating all ages on first signs of dementia

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» Young Westminster Foundation June Newsletter (2024)

Please see the latest newsletter from Young Westminster Foundation with several training, job and funding opportunities including: WCC's Community Priorities grant funding (for Individuals and Organisations); Youth voice & engagement coordinator Vacancy at YWF; Level Up Your Work Forum (1st July, 12 - 2); Harrow Road Soup Kitch Windrush Celebration Day, 23rd June, 12 - 6pm.

» Kensington & Chelsea Fraud Newsletter (May 2024)

The K&C Fraud newsletter contains information and figures of fraud cases in the borough including useful information about how to protect yourself against fraud crimes.

» The Eve Appeal Cancer Screening Awareness Week press release - 17.06.24

New research reveals a lack of understanding about cervical screening and why some don’t attend. A new survey (YouGov) commissioned by the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal has revealed a lack of understanding about what a cervical screening test is for and a range of barriers to attending a screening appointment when offered it.

» Funding: Communities Priorities Programme for WCC is now open!

The Community Priorities Programme is a grants programme funded by the council and coordinated by our Communities Department. It aims to strengthen communities in the borough, specifically in areas of highest deprivation: Queens Park, Bayswater, Westbourne, Church Street, Harrow Road, Maida Vale, Little Venice, Abbey Road, Lancaster Gate, Pimlico North and South, Vincent Square, and St James’s ward. Applicants can apply for funding between £2,000 and £30,000.

» Help us design better hospital letters

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust are looking for 5 people to take part in a group evaluation and design session on 1st December, 10-12pm at Hammersmith Hospital or Online. You must be over 18 and have had a Cardiology appointment at Hammersmith, St Marys or Charing Cross Hospital in the past 6 months.

» Westminster Prevent Newsletter Vol. 3

Westminster City Council's third edition Prevent newsletter is here keeping you informed about the latest happenings around the Prevent Strategy and their work. Information enclosed includes: Workshops and projects offered for 2024/2025; Recent Prevent news including the government’s updated extremism definition and the establishment of the standards and compliance unit to oversee Prevent. Proscribed groups in the UK, including the proscription of Hizb ut-Tahrir; The most recent Prevent statistics from 2022-2023; Updates from our Community Safety & Specialist Services at the Council, including the introduction of our newest advisory group and the appointment of the latest new staff member, the Community Resilience Officer; Resources and information on Hate Crime; and Awareness events.

» Disability Equality & Coproduction Training Course

Action on Disability and Trust for London proudly present 'Disability Equality & Coproduction Training Course'. Open to all Disabled People residing, working, volunteering, or studying in H&F, this course is designed to empower and equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive impactful change within their communities. Furthermore, attendance is completely free of charge, with participants receiving remuneration (£20 per session) as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions.

» Pimlico Toy Library service and information (2024)

Please see up to date information about the Pimlico Toy Library! Services available to members include: Drop-in stay, play & toy-loan sessions for 0-4’s all year; Parental support and expertise; Song time and table top games led by Toy Librarian; New toys to explore,1000 toys to loan 50p or 1.00 per week; Special events and outings; Meet families from a range of backgrounds and cultures.

» FREE Group Coaching for Community Leaders from Think Well (June 13th, 20th and 4th July)

Leadership Coach and Founder of Between Humans, Laura Love-Petschl will bring together community leaders in an innovative three-part online group coaching programme, free of charge, to: Facilitate personal and professional growth and development of leaders; Create opportunities to initiate authentic connections with other participating leaders; Turn thinking into action by linking ‘Thinking Well’ with practical steps for change within organisations and communities.

» Largest expansion in National Lottery funding in three decades

At The National Lottery Community Fund, we believe social connections and community activities are at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society. That’s why we support amazing community-led projects, and why we’re looking to make a bigger difference in the years ahead by listening and responding to communities and focusing on supporting bolder change.

» Women only coffee mornings at Flashpoint SW10 on Fridays

Come and join a feel good women only coffee morning on Friday mornings at Flashpoint, Blantyre street, SW10 at 10am. Enjoy and afrobeats dance workout and a light healthy breakfast.

» EVENT: Cervical Cancer Awareness session - 25th May, 8.30pm

The Sudanese Nubian Association - UK and Ahfad Support Group - UK invite you to join our online workshop on identifying the signs of cervical cancer on Saturday 25th May from 8.30pm - 10pm. This event will be online via zoom.

» CB Plus financial services to Charities

CB Plus provide an accountancy, payroll and independent examination servicem at a much cheaper cost than a commercial rate. It's specifically for VCS organisations so advice is specialised. We can do one-off services or complete accounts services. Services include: Bookkeeping and financial systems; Payroll services; and financial planning.

» SAEB Safeguarding Ambassadors Video and Survey

Please see SAEB new Say No to Abuse video ‘If it just doesn’t feel right, tell someone’ presented by SAEB Safeguarding Ambassadors. After viewing the video, if you haven’t already can you please complete this short survey to support the distribution of this video across the wider partnership. We would also like to draw your attention to our Say No to Abuse digital and printable Safeguarding booklet.

» Age UK leaflet of Westminster services (May 2024)

Please see the current services leaflet for Age UK Westminster including details about: Information and Advice service; Complex needs Information and Advice and Advocacuy service, Wellbeing and Connections post discharge service, Activities, Lunch clubs, and Face to face and telephone befriending services.

» Adult Education classes at Nova

Improve your English, learn computer skills, and boost your job chances. Nova offer TESOL (English as a second language) and Digital skill courses. In particular,they have two new digital courses starting this week: Basic Digital Skills (Mondy and Friday 10:30-12:30 at North Kensington Library) and Business Admin (13:00-15:00 at Nova), with a very experienced and professional ICT tutor.

» EVENT: Invitation to Trauma in Black Bodies Launch - 17th May

Nubianlife would like to invite you to the launch of Trauma in Black Bodies on 17th May 2024, we will be exhibiting the art work of Cornelius Browne, from his ADUMAADAN Collection . The launch will be followed by monthly art therapy workshops on the last Friday of each month.

» Westminster BAME service user support group

The Muslim Lived Experience Network- Women's Peer Support Group - Would you like to join a confidential, non-judgemental and uplifting space for sisters with lived experience of mental health-related distress? Join our online Fortnightly sessions* delivered by NHS qualified Lived Experieience Practitioners.

» Volunteer at the Listening Place

The Listening Place is an award winning charity supporting those who feel suicidal.  It's simple - a welcoming place to go; a person who cares; an opportunity to be heard. We rely on our wonderful Listening Volunteers to provide this vital service. If you are warm, empathetic and resilient, if you want to help others, if you can listen without judgment, and if you have the time to commit to a regular, fortnightly 4-hour shift at our site in Hammersmith - we would love to hear from you. 

» Safeguarding Adults Awareness Training for 2024

This half day workshop, delivered via MS Teams is designed for all staff and volunteers who are in contact with adults at risk and work in the Bi-Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. The course is aimed at those who have not previously attended safeguarding training and need basic safeguarding adults’ awareness.

» Mosaic Community Trust's current services and activities (01.05.24)

Please see the following leaflets with information about Mosaic Community Trust's current activities and services including their Mother's Support Network group every Tuesday at the Portman centre, Connected Communities Social Hub at Penfold Community hub, and Holistic Patient Wellness group every tuesday at Penfold Community hub. Activities in these groups include social circle, massage, gentle exercise, nutritional advice, befriending and more.

» Morrisons Foundation Grants - Making a difference in Local Communities

Based in Bradford, the supermarket chain Morrisons established the Morrisons Foundation in 2015 to support local good causes across Great Britain. Nearly 10 years later, the Foundation welcomes applications from registered charities in England, Scotland and Wales. Grants of up to £10,000 (previously the maximum grant was £25,000) are available for specific projects that help to improve people’s lives.

» Waterloo Community Counselling Low Cost and Multi-Ethnic Counselling Service (MECS)

Waterloo Community Counselling's Low-Cost Counselling services offer long-term talking therapy at reduced fees. We reach adults from diverse backgrounds who have experienced loss, trauma and abuse, and are struggling with anxiety, depression and other difficulties. Our unique Multi-Ethnic Counselling Service (MECS) provides free mother-tongue counselling to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who have survived exile, torture, human trafficking and modern slavery in 34 languages.

» Free Birth Education Classes with Neighbourhood Doulas 2024

Neighbourhood Douals in partnership with RBKC Early Years programmes and Kensington & Chelsea Foundation would like to share information about our free antenatal birth preparation classes face to face at Holmfield House Childrens Centre, 4-6 Golborne Road, W10 5PE, and online via Zoom starting on 17th April 2024 - December 11th 2024, Every Wednesday (10.30 -12.30).

» Resources for patients waiting for an appointment or surgery at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust recently published a set of resources for patients waiting for an appointment or surgery at the hospital. On the Imperial College website, there are now pages on: Waiting for an appointment, surgery or treatment; Staying well while you wait; and Frequently asked questions.

» Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme

The NHS Path to Remission Programme is a free 12-month programme designed to provide you with all the tools you need to help you lose weight, control your blood sugar, reduce your medication and potentially put your diabetes in remission. In North West London the programme is currently being provided by Counterweight.

» Supporting people with different needs to access London Ambulances Services

It is recognised that in many cases a number of callers to emergency services may not have English as their first language. In such instances, a third party language translation service may be used to assist the EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) in taking the details of the call (at the point of the 999 or 111 call) . [This is done by conferencing in the interpreter once the language required is confirmed].

» NHS prostate cancer awareness animated films

Please take a look at the following 10 short animated films aimed at promoting awareness about prostate cancer. These animated films were made by Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Hospital Foundation Trust in partnership with Year 2 University of London Art Students at the London College of Communications in Elephant and Castle.

» In - Deep New Activity Starting Free Drama Sessios for children with SEND

In - Deep is begining a new activity after Easter. We are starting free drama sessions for children and young people with SEND aged 3 - 18 in age appropriate groups building on our very popular arts based holiday workshops. This will begin Tuesday 23rd April at Francis Holland School for Girls, 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1 near Sloane Sq tube.

» Join the McPin Young People’s Advisory Group (apply by 22.03.24)

McPin are looking for 5 young people (age 14 - 21) to join the McPin Young People’s Advisory Group. You will join a project to design a tool for young people’s therapy preferences, and will also be a member of the McPin Young People’s Advisory Group.

» Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK. This programme provides a low calorie, total diet replacement treatment for people who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight: the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme.

» Olmec - Diversify London Programme

Diversify London ia programme that aims to provide VSOs across London with board ready candidates from Black, racialised or minoritised communities who have completed Olmec's Black on Board programme. Black on board is a programme Olmec have been running since 2008 that provides individuals with the skills to gain governance positions to address the lack of diversity on boards and in senior management.

» EVENT - ACAA Protest for Women's Rights in Afghanistan - 08.03.2024

On the 8th of March at 10 AM, International Women's Day, ACAA will be holding a demonstration in Parliament Square. It has been nearly three years since women and girls have been denied education in Afghanistan, among other human rights violations. This cannot last any longer, for these conditions affect not only women, but the whole population. Therefore, this demonstration is to represent how pressing the issue is.

» Staying well while you wait (for a hospital procedure) Information/ support webpage

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust have recently updated their Staying Well while you wait webpage. This has some very useful info and tips of things you can do to help you stay well and prepare for your procedure. These include stopping smoking, exercising regularly, drinking less alcohol and eating a healthy diet.

» EVENT: Safe and Healthy Ageing in a Changing Climate - 15.03.24

A Special event on Friday 15th March 2024 - Safe and Healthy Ageing in a Changing Climate. The purpose of this event is to disseminate crucial information aimed at assisting older adults in maintaining their safety and well-being amidst shifting weather patterns and environmental conditions. There will be nformation stalls to help you gain knowledge and understanding of services. There will be a number of guest speakers from Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster councils.

» Digital Inclusion and NHS online services information

Please see a collection of resources to support patients in using NHS App and Patchs tool. You will also find some useful manuals and information leaflets about ordering repeat prescriptions, using PKB (Patients Know Best) website and other useful digital inclusion and NHS online services support.

» London Catalyst Grants

Grants are available for registered charities in London which are working with an experienced health agency or community partner to improve the health and wellbeing of people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and/or those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Grants of between £3,000 and £15,000 are available to fund projects, usually for one year. The average award is around £8,000.

» The Clear Path project

The Clear Path project is a local initiative that aims to help people who are facing mental health challenges in Hammersmith and Fulham. The project provides a range of services, such as counselling, supporting with housing application, support with GP application, talking therapy, and workshops, to help the well-being and recovery of our clients.

» Health Equity Programme - NHS North West London

NHS North West London's health equity programme is working with partners and the communities of North West London to make real change in terms of improving inequalities in health and care. We know that some people in our communities in NW London are dying earlier than they should, with a range of factors including poverty, poor-quality housing, low-paid or unstable jobs impacting people’s physical and mental health. The health equity programme focusses on putting people at the heart of what we do – reducing inequalities, improving people’s health outcomes, and reducing the differences in healthy life expectancy.

» Suicide Prevention and mental Health promotion 2nd workshop on Arts therapy

You are cordially invited to join us on Friday the 19th of January from 11 am to 2 pm for the Arts Therapy workshop at Church Street Library. This is our second Community Learning event around Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion.

» Women’s group at Turning Point Drug & Alcohol Wellbeing service

At our women’s group we provide a safe space where female clients can connect to reduce isolation and improve their overall wellbeing. We provide a mixture of activities that can support the ladies to build further on their self- esteem and self- confidence.

» Kensington & Chelsea Fraud Newsletter (December 2023)

The K&C Fraud newsletter contains information and figures of fraud cases in the borough including useful information about how to protect yourself against fraud crimes.

» New lung cancer screening roll out to detect cancer sooner (June 2023)

A national targeted lung cancer screening programme designed to catch cancer sooner or prevent it altogether has been announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Each year the programme - which will cost £270 million annually once fully implemented - is expected to detect cancer in as many as 9,000 people, deliver almost one million scans and provide treatment earlier.

» Kensington & Chelsea Fraud Newsletter (November 2023)

The K&C Fraud newsletter contains information and figures of fraud cases in the borough including useful information about how to protect yourself against fraud crimes.

» Say No to Abuse Leaflets: Supporting people to ‘stay safe’ in the Bi-borough (added 20.12.23)

These leaflets have been co-produced by our Safeguarding Ambassadors and include a variety of our video resources to help support everyone to understand a range of safeguarding topics, as well as information on what happens after you report a safeguarding concern.

» Virtual peer support group for Black & Brown grievers

Black and Brown Good Grief is a peer to peer support meeting and safe space for black and brown grievers. Black and Brown Good Grief allows a person to grieve acknowledging the nuances of their heritage and culture while still being a person grieving someone. Black and Brown Good Grief was started by black and brown attendees and continues to be run and hosted this way..

» London Inspire Programme

The London Inspire programme is a ground-breaking programme developed to raise awareness and promote targeted health interventions aimed at reducing the staggering health inequalities faced by black people in London. Inspire was developed to foster partnership and collaboration opportunities for voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver health interventions, while also amplifying the voice of the Black community to create whole systems change.

» Cost of Living Support - Directory of Services December

Please see the latest update to the Cost of Living Directory of Services for December for RBKC residents.

» Free after school programmes at Grand Junction

Grand Junction are hosting several free after school programmes for children and young people - these are: Junction Juniors - drama workshop for age 7-11; Young Actors - acting and drama workshops for age 11-17; and Green Kids Club - a weekly workshop learning about environmentalism, nature and making art.

» Endometriosis leaflets in multiple languages

Endometriosis UK have newly translated support and symptoms leaflets. These leaflets are now available in Punjabi Shahmukhi, Punjabi Gurmukhi, Urdu, Polish, Scottish Gaelic, Cantonese, and Mandarin Chinese. The symptoms leaflet shares the main endometriosis symptoms, what endometriosis is and how Endometriosis UK provides support.

» Jubilee Sports Centre - book a space!

There is still availability to book space at the new improved Jubilee Community Sports Centre with priority being given to those clubs and organisations that are looking to provide opportunities to support the local community. The address of the venue is: Lancefield Street, London, W10 4NW

» 'Stay with Us' Suicide Prevention Campaign Launch - info and resources

For those who were unable to attend the Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster 'Stay with Us' Suicide Prevention Campaign Launch please see the collated essential information and resources we have put together.

» Young Westminster Foundation November Newsletter (2023)

Please see the latest newsletter from Young Westminster Foundation including funding news: HELPING HANDS COMMUNITY FUND NOW OPEN and WESTMINSTER BRIGHTER FUTURES FUND; also YWF YOUTH WORKER FORUM WINTER EVENT on 6th November and YOUNG WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION JOB VACANCY as HELPING HANDS PROGRAMME OFFICER.

» North West London Health Equity Summit info share from the day

On Tuesday 24 October 2023, more than 200 people from across NW London gathered in St Pauls, Hammersmith for the first health equity summit for the area. One year on from the launch of the region’s inequality strategy, it was a chance to reflect on what had been achieved and discuss the challenges ahead. You can now see all the presentation and details of the day updated to the NHS NWL website.

» Workshops to improve breast screening information - 30th Nov or 12th Dec

Do you want to help improve breast cancer screening information and invitations? We are looking for 6 people to join two different workshops. We encourage people from underserved populations including but not limited to ethnic minority groups e.g., Asian, Black African or Caribbean, Arab, Mixed ethnicity and those from a disadvantaged background to apply.

» National Lottery Awards for All is changing! (posted 15.11.2023)

National Lottery Awards For All, is changing! You will now be able to: Apply for funding between £300 and £20,000 to support your project, an increase from the previous £10,000 per year; Get your project funded for up to two years rather than one. These changes mean that we have doubled the amount you can apply for and how long we’ll fund your project.

» Public steering group opportunity - STATIN project (apply by 24.11.2023)

As part of a study looking at developing an intervention to support patients who have been prescribed statins, we are looking for public partners to join our team who are prescribed statins or who have been prescribed statins in the past and are currently living in London. Even if (or especially if) you do not take your statins as prescribed, we would still be interested in hearing from you.

» Mentoring Programme for Young People With MH Needs

Are you a young person from a minority background experiencing mental health challenges? Or do you know, or work, with someone who is? Our free e-mentoring programme is here to help! Unlock your potential and achieve your educational and employment dreams with our free 12-week e-mentoring programme.

» Age UK K&C & Age UK Westminster Digital Inclusion Project (added 03.11.2023)

The Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster (KCW) Social Isolation pilot supports and enhances existing Older Adult Mental Health services provided by CNWL by providing targeted outreach support to vulnerable elderly people including those living alone who are known to be more likely to experience social isolation.

» Exciting New Group for the Spanish & Portuguese Community!

Come and join us every Friday from 10am - 12pm at Stockwell Partk Community Centre. In this space we will talk about our health, wellbeing, benefits, access to local services, how to obtain individual help, while also having the chance to make new friends!

» Community Living Well service

Community Living Well is an emotional wellbeing support service for anyone aged 16 and over, and who is registered with a GP in Kensington, Chelsea, Queen’s Park or Paddington. We can help to support your mental health and wellbeing.

» Support and Guidance During Current Events in Israel and Palestine

We are aware that ongoing, shocking events in Israel and Palestine have led to heightened tensions and emotional distress within our communities and want to remind you that Westminster’s Prevent team are available should you require our assistance; we are able to provide support and guidance for anyone who may be impacted by the current situation. If you or someone you know is feeling distressed or overwhelmed due to the recent events, there are resources and support available to help you navigate through these difficult times.

» Vacancies at Thrive Tribe - Healthier You (NDPP) (apply by 09.10.2023)

Thrive Tribe have been selected to deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) in London and now we have lots of opportunities to join our team! We have vacancies for Health Coaches, Senior Health Coaches, and Healthier You Partnerships Managers.

» Build your own Community Website in 7 weeks

This training from Superhighways will bring together a small group of people from 8 to 10 micro charities and community organisations to build their own website, using the free community website builder Voice Online Communities. The training will run weekly online, 10am to 12pm weekly, starting Wednesday 25 October 2023.

» Mosaic Community Trust's current services and activities (29.10.23)

Mosaic Community Trust's Mothers Support Network offers a range of activities in the form of Drop in sessions, workshops run by professionals, opportunities to voice concerns, free therapeutic massage and more. Mosaic also run a community wellbeing hub at the Portman centre and Connected communities social hub which is for women living in Church street area only.

» Free Funding bid support

NEW OFFER OF FREE SUPPORT – fundraising strategy and bid writing help available now! Concentrated help from one of a panel of external fundraisers whose direct skills and expertise will be offered to Westminster VCS organisations (including CICs) for free.

» Pressures on our emergency services in this hot weather

Our A&Es are extremely busy with waits of up to 11 hours. We are seeing many health issues related to the current warm weather – please do share the link below which gives advice on looking after yourself in warm weather, especially if you have asthma or hayfever. It also provides information on where to go if you need help so we can keep A&E for life threatening emergencies. The leaflet is also available in a number of different languages.

» Bi Borough VCS Health and Wellbeing Strategy

This Strategy has been developed over a period of months through a collaborative process with the voluntary and community sector and colleagues from across the statutory sector/NHS. It presents a number of case studies from the VCS that illustrate its main goals and offers a set of clear recommended actions.

» WCC Grant Funding opportunities information page

Please see the Westminster City Council landing page for all upcoming council grant funding opportunities for the VCS.

» Safeguarding training for BME groups

This course has been developed to provide attendees with an awareness of what adult safeguarding is as set out under the provisions of the Care Act 2014 and support staff to identify signs and indicators of abuse and neglect and to understand the referral pathway to raise a safeguarding concern.

» What's in the Community resource page

What's in the Community Resource page collects information / flyers about services and activities and support resources available in or to RBKC residents divided in sections such as Massages/ Acupuncture, Food, Warm hubs, Cost of living support, Debt, benefits, and housing advice, Education and training, and much more.

» New Dementia Adviser for Westminster

We are pleased to introduce you to the new Dementia Adviser for Westminster, Skia Fentiman. She will be offering advice and support for those living with dementia in Westminster and also coordinates events such as the free Memory Cafes. The next one is coming up on 30th November.

» EMBARRASSED by Steve McQueen - A short film

Here is Steve McQueen's EMBARRASSED - a short film created to help raise awareness of prostate cancer within the black community and featuring Idris Elba CBE, Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE, Michael Ward, and Morgan Freeman.. The message is that if you are a black man aged over 45 you should ask your GP for a PSA test. Prostate cancer is generally easy to treat (without chemotherapy) and survivable if caught reasonably early.

» Report of Joint Committee on Human Rights: Black people, racism, and human rights

Please download and see the House of Commons/ House of Lords Joint Committee on Human Rights report: Black people, racism, and human rights - including formal minutes relating to the report.

» Free online contraception - 16+

Residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council can now access free contraception online. All you need to do is register on the website, you will directed to the contraception page where you will find all methods available these include; Emergency Hormonal Contraception, Progesterone only pill and the Combined only pill.

» Kooth - FREE online support for young people

Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.

» Mother's Support Group

Westminster Befriend a Family runs a Mother’s Support Group at Derry Hall on the Church Street Estate, between 10am and 12pm every Wednesday. It’s a place for mums and mums to be to meet up, have a (free!) cup of tea or coffee and enjoy some cake and a chat.

» March 2019 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Hammersmith & Fulham CCG's Financial Recovery Plans - request for feedback; Westminster and RBKC Councils' Dementia Strategy - request for local community input; Iraqi Association presentation; World Foods Carbs and Cals book (specifically targeted at BAME communities) Update from Diabetes Transformation team.

» December 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Request for feedback on NHS 111 service; Information about Latent TB and raising awareness; request for feedback on Primary and Urgent Care services in H&F; Volunteer Centre K&C - working with BME organisations

» ADKC Disability Connect project

The Disability Connect project is for socially isolated disabled people (with a physical, sensory or hidden impairment) who need or would like some encouragement and support to get out and about doing activities of interest to them.

» September 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Health Help Now App, GP Extended Hours, FAWA (French African Welfare Association), Central London Youth Development Trust cooking Sessions with children, Mosaic Community Trust programmes with Local Women in Church Street

» Sexual Health London - Free Home STI Testing Kit

Sexual Health London have commissioned an online sexual health testing website. It provides sexual health testing via post kit - very useful for young people and vulnerable groups.

» Kooth.com Free online support and wellbeing 365 days per year

Kooth.com is a professional mental health and wellbeing service, commissioned to Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster FREE to use for 11-19 year olds.

» June 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Creating a new dietary resource for BAME communities with Diabetes and H&F Outcomes Framework, Update on the equalities framework & GP Extended Hours

» March 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Integrated Care - My Care My Way and Engagement work done around Integrated Care Outcomes Framework

» December 2017 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Tackling Obesity in BME communities

» September 2017 Quarterly Meetings Notes

Theme: Improving the Health and Wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in Hammersmith & Fulham

» Professional Interpreters: Language is Everything

A supplier of professional interpreters – face-to-face, by telephone and written translations. We offer 136 different languages and dialects for face-to-face assignments in London and more by telephone. We have an office in North Westminster and are already supplying to Local Authority frontline teams, NHS Trusts and national third sector organisations working within the Tri-borough meaning that our interpreters know the area and are already on the ground, daily.

» June 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Habits and Addictions in BME communities

» The Alcohol Service

Change, grow, live is a social care and health charity that works with individuals who want to change negative patterns of behaviour and achieve positive and life-affirming goals.

» March 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME:Getting involved in improving services

» December 2016 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: Migration, Homelessness and Mental Health

» July 20th Diabetes Open Meeting Notes

THEME: Diabetes and Black Minority Ethnic Communities

» May 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Domestic Abuse among BME Communities. This meeting explored the issue of Domestic Abuse from many different angles such as the barriers around housing, the particular difficulties for people with no recourse to public funds and the psychological issues for young people who have been exploited...

» March 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Stigma. This meeting's theme was about stigma and how it contributes to inequalities and stops people accessing services. We heard presentations discussing stigma in many different contexts from mental health and sexual health to the stigma surrounding disabilities, gender transitioning and dying.

» Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby Programme

Pregnancy is a time of hope but can also bring challenges and strains. Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby is a new programme from a local charity, especially for expectant mums and dads living in Westminster. Our dedicated team will work with you and your family so you can bring an end to hurtful behavior...

» December 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Young People's Health & Wellbeing. This was a great meeting to attend to hear about projects in the voluntary sector and ask our NHS commissioners and providers some searching questions. Presentations included: Westminster Mind, Spectra, Al Badja and the Westminster council...

» The Talking Talk Shop at The Dalgarno Trust, Wednesdays 11am - 12.30pm

The Talking Talk Shop is now open at The Dalgarno Trust on Wednesdays from 11am - 12.30pm. We work with people from all backgrounds with varying disabilities, who are on waiting list or finished counselling but wish to continue talking in a confidential, relaxed and safe environment...

» September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: DEMENTIA - This was a great event to attend to find out more about how services for people with Dementia have been planned and delivered and question the people in charge of doing so. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about how to support people with Dementia and what services are available in the NHS and the third sector including some specialist services for BME communities.

» SMART Projects Stop Smoking Service

SMART Projects is launching a Stop Smoking Service, funded by the Kensington & Chelsea Social Council and in partnership with the Kick-it Stop Smoking Service. SMART will be providing Stop smoking advice on a one to one basis and workshops for people who would like to find out more...

» Al-Aman (DVIP) Arabic Speaking service

DVIP’s Al-aman service has continued to receive funding from London Councils to support women from Arabic speaking communities who have been affected by gender based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour based violence...

» Different Voices’ Directory of Services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea

A directory of services was produced by the Different Voices Group at The Advocacy Project. It is a user involvement group that focuses on improving inpatient services and tackling the stigma attached to mental health. All the recommendations in the booklet are based on the service users’ own experiences of having used those services...

» Royal Trinity Hospice launches new dementia service in Kensington and Chelsea

Royal Trinity Hospice has launched a new service to support people with dementia and their carers living in Kensington and Chelsea, tackling recognised inequalities in access to palliative and end of life care.Funded by West London CCG, Trinity’s specialist Community Dementia Nurse will support people...

» Conversational English for beginners (for over 50s)

Brush up on your spoken, written and grammatical English to become a more confident speaker! For people aged 50 and over. TUESDAYs - 10.00am – 12.00pm. £3.00 per class @ New Horizons, Guinness Trust Estate, Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2PF...

» Healthier Homes Project

The Healthier Homes Project is a Public Health funded project to assist in reducing hospital admissions, GP visits and winter deaths caused by residents living in homes that are too cold, damp or are in dangerous conditions that put their health at risk.The project works as a referral service...

» ANGELOU Referrals

Angelou is a partnership of 9 organisations offering a shared service across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster supporting women and girls who are experiencing violence and abuse.

» June 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: SUPPORTING PEOPLE APPROACHING THE END OF THEIR LIVES. This meeting was about how to best support people who are approaching the end of their lives. Public health are conducting a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) about end of life care and would like to hear from you about how you feel services work currently and any gaps that there might be...

» March 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH & WELLBEING

» Services

» Activities/Courses

» December 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WHOLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATED CARE

» September 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: FGM

» New Young Women's Domestic Violence project for Arabic speakers

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan's Women's Centre have a new project for young women of Arabic backgrounds who have or are experiencing domestic violence. The service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old who live in London...

» June 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: MENTAL WELLBEING

» Counselling Services for female survivors of domestic and sexual abuse (Westminster and K&C)

Please be aware of the free Therapeutic Services provided by Solace Women’s Aid in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. These include:1to1 counselling for female survivors of domestic violence age 14 + (Ascent). 1to1 counselling for female survivors of sexual violence including child sexual abuse (aged 14+)...

» New Domestic Abuse service for Arabic speaking Women

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre has recently been successful in securing funding for a new project to support young, vulnerable women of Arabic speaking backgrounds who are or have experienced domestic abuse. Our service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old...

» Kick-It FREE Stop Smoking Support service for local communities

The Free Stop Smoking Support sessions include specialist behavioural support by certified Stop Smoking Practitioners, which will improve the client’s motivation as well as help building up capacities and strategies to stay smoke-free...

» Westminster Connect - Peer support group

The peer support is for people aged 18 to 60 who have a physical disability, hearing or sight impairments and those with long term health conditions. Westminster Connect also co-ordinates peer support for Deaf people...

» April 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Unscheduled care - the utilisation of A and E and Urgent care services by BME communities

» Housing and resettlement, Welfare benefits and debt advice (Westminster)

The Bayswater Families Centre, in conjunction with CAB, Homestart and Z2K are holding Drop-in Advice sessions covering: Housing Advice and Assistance; Resettlement Advice and Assistance; Welfare benefits Advice and Assistance; Debt Advice and Assistance...

» Zumba at Portobello Green Fitness Club

Fridays 2 - 3pm, Portobello Green Fitness Club. Price £2.10. It's fun, It's fitness, It's ZUMBA!...

» IKWRO - Self Confidence Support Group for Women

Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is registered charity that provides confidential support, advice and advocacy and outreach to women and girls of Middle Eastern origin. We work to help women and girls who are facing gender based violence...

» November 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: URGENT CARE – ‘IS THE NHS MEETING THE NEEDS OF BME COMMUNITIES?’

» September 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: 'HAVE YOUR SAY ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES AND THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE'

» K&C Mind HARP Group (Hoarding, Acquiring Recovery Planning)

The HARP Support Group is a new, monthly, facilitated self-help programme, for people who are motivated to develop strategies and actions to manage and modify compulsive hoarding behaviour...

» British Red Cross Refugees and Befriending Project

The British Red Cross runs four 'Refugees and Befriending Projects' (R'n'B) for young unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers aged 14-21. Our peer-led befriending projects are facilitated by peer-befrienders and adult volunteers...

» December 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING OUR MENTAL WELLBEING

» September 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING NHS COMMUNITY SERVICES – KEEPING PEOPLE OUT OF HOSPITAL

» June 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

» July 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

» Free Days Out for Carers in Kensington and Chelsea

We also offer free training courses, complimentary therapies, other free events, talks and social meet-ups - booking essential...

» March 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» June 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» September 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» December 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» March 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

Date & Time: 7th March 12, 10am – 1pm, Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU, Theme: Men’s Health & Wellbeing

» March 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Women’s Health & Wellbeing Date: 6th March 2013 Venue: Lighthouse West Lodon

» Domestic abuse and Sexual violence Information about Helpline services in your area

Please see below some information about domestic and sexual violence helplines that are funded by London Councils and available in your area...

» Psychological Therapies in languages other than English

Please note that all NHS psychological therapy services are obliged to provide an interpreter for people who are not fluent English speakers. This includes counselling services offered by GP practices as well as IAPT or other mental health services offered by CNWL or CLCH...

» Personalisation Project at the Chinese Mental Health Association

The Befriending Service at the Chinese Mental Health Association is running a pilot Personalisation project for ethnic Chinese sufferers of mental health. Personalisation is about giving people with needs, choice and control over their care, with support and resources provided by their local authority...

» Get Active! - Affordable activities for all abilities and ages at the Beethoven Centre

See details below for affordable activities for all abilities and ages available at the Beethoven Centre...

» North London Rape Crisis Service

North London Rape Crisis offers free, confidential counselling, advocacy and holistic therapies to women aged 14 and over who live, work or study in Islington, Camden, Westminster, Barnet, Enfield, Kensington and Chelsea and Haringey...

» Helpline for Maternity Services

The maternity helpline provides direct access to clinical support and advice to women and their families, irrespective of whether you are a patient of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a visitor to the area or simply require information and support.

» Women's Wellbeing, Patient Empowerment and Mental Health & Wellbeing projects at Mosaic Community Trust

The Mosaic Community Trust’s Women’s Well-Being Project seeks to empower women who are socially disadvantaged. The Patient Empowerment and Engagement project aims to raise awareness in the local community on the availability and effective use primary care health services...

» Fit-for-Life - Free 8 week weight loss programme

This FREE eight week group behaviour change programme is designed to help the patients to lose weight, get fitter and make more informed choices about your diet and lifestyle...

» Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) - Westminster service

STRESSED, ANXIOUS, DEPRESSED? If you are finding it difficult to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, we can offer quick and easy access to help and support...

» HELP Counselling - low cost short & long term counselling service

Based in Portobello Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, HELP Counselling Centre provides short & long-term counselling based on an affordable, sliding scale for people who need support in negotiating a crisis as well as for those who wish to consider their life patterns and choices...

» FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Service

West London African Women's service - Community support and information...

» LIVING WELL - Wellbeing services

Living Well offers a wide range of high-quality health related services aimed at providing people with the skills they need to get the most out of life. Services include HIV service, Youth service and Community support service...

» Healthier Life for You blog

Healthier LIfe 4 You is a community organisation not for profit with charitable aims. We aim to promote Health and Wellbeing to local people in the community (Families, Children & Young people). As well as running Health workshops, we use Dance, Art & Craft and Leisure activities to enable service users to achieve emotional and Physical wellbeing...

» South Westminster Centre for Health

Provides community and specialist dental services, district nursing, nutrition and dietetics, diabetes and podiatry (foot health) services, Speech and language therapy for children...

» Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service at ADVANCE

ADVANCE is a specialist domestic violence crisis intervention service. We support women who are assessed as being high or very high risk of continued domestic and sexual abuse and those at risk of being killed...

» NHS videos aimed at newly arrived migrants in various languages

Here are a series of short films on how to use the NHS aimed at newly arrived migrants produced by the Black Health Agency. The film is available in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi/Dari, French, Kurdish, Mandarin, Polish, Somali, Sylheti and Urdu...

» GO4mental health

A website/ directory for mental health service users in Westminster...

» Deaf Hope Services

Deaf Hope is a new specialist domestic abuse service for Deaf women and children, and the first service of its kind in the UK. We have been established around 18 months and our current funding is...

» Counselling Directory - search for a counsellor or psychotherapist near you

Counselling Directory was set up as a free, confidential service to encourage those in distress to seek help. Visitors can read about different areas of distress, view useful articles written by counsellors and refine their...

» Help for your Family with Home-Start (Westminster)

We support ANY family in Westminster who needs us, providing there is at least 1 child under 5. Rich or poor, settled or transient.Our trained volunteers help to give encouragement and support to change the pattern of troubled lives...

» Westminster Wellbeing - Free NHS service promoting Health and Wellbeing

Westminster Wellbeing is a free NHS service promoting health and wellbeing within communities and organisations in Westminster. We provide a range of services which include training and workshops for community organisations...

» Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

» Maternity Action Advice Line

Maternity Action’s Advice Line offers free confidential telephone support. We will listen to you and try to understand all the issues you are facing. We will then provide you with information that is relevant to you and your situation...

» Breathe Easy Support Group

DO YOU LIVE IN PIMLICO AND SUFFER FROM A BREATHING PROBLEM? BREATHE EASY PADDINGTON is your Westminster patient support group, for anyone affected by a lung condition. We offer mutual support, information...

» Healthworks

HEALTHWORKS√ offers a range of services to help the residents of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and surrounding boroughs

» Rape Crisis London

Rape Crisis London has four centres that offer help, information and support to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence of any kind, at any time of their lives...

» Substance misuse services - NEW three borough service

Turning Point and Blenheim have been commissioned to provide the new substance misuse service in Westminser, RBKC, and Hammersmith & Fulham. This service is named the Recovery & Wellbeing network and will transform the way that drug and alcohol services are provided locally...