Wellbeans Mingle and Jingle December 3rd 2016

Cabot Circus, Saturday December 3rd

I was a volunteer at an event to speak to the public about mental health to raise awareness, and reduce stigma and discrimination. Wellbeans Mingle and Jingle December 3rd 10am-4pm. This was run by Bristol Anti Stigma Alliance,  this fun day had a magician, 2 face painters, and free hugs

We recorded 372 conversations! The magician was great and the face painting was a hit as always! Sue's "Free Hug" board went a storm and we engaged with some really lovely people. We also gave out sweets, and other goodies, and information about our campaigns, and about mental and physical health services and groups.

 Liz and Sue

left to right Dave, Sue, Liz, Me, and Mary at front

Second Step London trip- Homelessness

I'm a peer mentor who travelled with Second Step to London. Places we visited that day were; Homeless Link http://www.homeless.org.uk/, The Passage http://passage.org.uk/ and Providence Row http://www.providencerow.org.uk/ (the last two places being Homelessness Resource Centres).

The aim of the visit was to learn from others about how they have used the Psychological Informed Environment (PIE) model to improve situations for people who are homeless. The PIE approach is to help ensure decisions and environment are suitable for the people who use them. Second Step staff and volunteers are being trained in this approach.

I like the attitude of these providers who involve people so much in the services they provide. We need services to remember that homeless people are not a problem. That the problem is homelessness itself, and everything that causes it and worsens it. I saw this in action in these places.

Second Step - Welcome to the first Newsletter of 2017! http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7f4ec07e293d1a9729cf10c9b&id=6d7e30b834&e=cb27c1dc81

Spotlight on - Volunteer Services Steering Group. - UP Project Goes Travelling! United Peer Project

Welcome to Second Step News - the newsletter for staff, volunteers and people who use our services - http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=7f4ec07e293d1a9729cf10c9b&id=0c96f99522&e=a4b664e76b