Mental Health blogs

Talking Mental Health Newsletter

16 April 2024
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IMHN Wellbeing Yoga Event

31 October 2024
IMHN group all looking at the camera smiling.

We recently held our latest Wellbeing Event at Boxhill Village Hall, Surrey on Thursday 19th September. We had 6 members attend which included our IMHN Chair David Muir and Vice Chair Jacob Adams as well as Immy Markwick and IMHN Coordinator Guy Hill. It was an opportunity to catch up and have a chat over […]

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World Mental Health Day – Q&A with the IMHN Vice-Chair, Jacob Adams

10 October 2024
To the right of the banner is an Image of Jacob looking into the distance with a river and street of people behind him. To the left is an orange background with a wavy white line and a white box with the words 'World Mental Health Day - Q&A with the IMHN Vice-Chair, Jacob Adams'.

For World Mental Health Day Jacob Adams tells us about what drew him to become Vice-Chair of the IMHN and more about his role. Where did you hear about the IMHN and how did you get involved? The IMHN was one of several groups I joined when I took a career break due to my […]

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Monitoring Supported Living and Community Connection mental health services

5 August 2024
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Surrey County Council would like your help to monitor our Supported Living and Community Connection mental health services. Surrey County Council meet regularly with the different service providers that we commission to deliver mental health services in the community. These meetings are to follow up on how providers are achieving the outcomes of the service […]

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Forest bathing taster session at Newlands Corner

2 July 2024
Coalition and IMHN members in the forest at Newlands Corner

Ever heard of forest bathing? If it’s conjuring up thoughts of bathing suits, then think again!  Our Coalition members and Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) members were invited to take part in a forest bathing taster session at the very beautiful Newlands Corner.  This was arranged as part of the growing together project we are […]

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Mental Health Awareness Week – Moments for Movement

14 May 2024
Katy guiding Coalition member Jonathan, on a Get More Active walk and wheel through a forest.

Katy, our Physical Activity Navigator, looks at the benefits of moving more for our mental health and gives some tips on how to get started with physical activity. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness week is Moments for Movement. Why? Because we know that being physically active is great for our mental health, […]

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Community Mental Health Transformation Programme: IMHN Co-production and Community Engagement

28 March 2024
Banner with a semi-circle of people icons holding hands in different shades of orange. On the banner is the following text: Community Mental Health Transformation Programme. IMHN Co-production and Community Engagement.

The Community Mental Health Transformation Programme asked Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to employ three staff members with mental health lived experience to help them develop community-based mental health support in Surrey and North East Hampshire. Project in numbers What did the project focus on? Who did it focus on? The adult population (aged 18 […]

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Meeting with the Chair of Surrey County Council

19 December 2023
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The Coalition’s Chief Executive Officer, Nikki met with Saj Hussain, Chair of Surrey County Council. I had the pleasure of meeting with Saj Hussain, Chair of Surrey County Council. The Chair of the council presides over meetings of the County Council and acts as the principal spokesman for the Council on civic and ceremonial occasions. […]

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World Mental Health Day – making a difference to the future of mental health services

10 October 2023
Green banner with three photos in circle shapes. Photo one is of a focus group, photo two is of two men speaking and photo three is of a woman speaking to a group

David’s trip to Virginia Water for the SILC Waterside Walk

18 August 2023
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Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training

31 July 2023
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Pathways to Change – final update

10 July 2023
Banner with a blue background and the project title 'Pathways to Change' in a bold font. Also on the banner is a graphic of a purple megaphone and two graphics of multi colour people that are touching hands in a semi-circle

At the end of May, Salem and Immy held a focus group for South-Asian residents based around Guildford. This was held at The Coalition’s and SMEF’s headquarters in Astolat. Alex conducted interviews online. Participants highlighted the importance of seeing a professional from a similar background: “I’m blessed with a good one [psychiatrist]. She’s Asian too […]

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Making Every Contact Count

7 July 2023
Two people at a table holding cups of tea

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about using everyday conversations to help people make changes to improve their physical and mental wellbeing by signposting to local services. Rather than telling people what to do, Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about recognising opportunities to talk to people about their wellbeing using the skills of asking and […]

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In and Out updates

6 July 2023
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On Thursday 22 June, Alex and Immy presented the In and Out report findings to Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP)’s Governors at Dorking Halls. The Governors are local people with an interest in mental health services in Surrey and North-East Hampshire and hold SABP’s Board of Directors to account for the Trust’s performance. Future public […]

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Pathways to Change – The Gurkha Cup

9 June 2023
Banner with a bright green background and the project title 'Pathways to Change' in a bold font. Also on the banner is a graphic of a purple megaphone and two graphics of multi colour people that are touching hands in a semi-circle

On Sunday, 28 May 2023 researchers from the Pathways to Change project went to The Gurkha Cup in Aldershot. It is one of the biggest events for Nepalese communities in the UK, celebrating Nepalese culture, promoting integration with wider local communities, and supporting businesses and the local economy. The major highlight of The Gurkha Cup […]

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Compassion in Crisis Updates

2 June 2023
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Pathways to Change updates

23 May 2023
Salem presenting at an event

Richer Minds Podcast: In & Out – life on a mental health ward and inspiring change

27 April 2023
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This podcast contains sensitive material, please read the YouTube description for more information. Kirsty our Trainee Peer Researcher features on the Richer Minds Podcast to talk about the In and Out Project. You can find out more about the In and Out Project via the following link: In and Out Project full report – Surrey Coalition […]

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How the Alliance’s priorities were decided for 2023

27 April 2023
Group of people in a meeting brainstorming ideas

Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance decided its priority for 2023 through a series of workshops. Firstly, the Advisory Forum held a virtual workshop in December 2022 with attendees representing Independent Mental Health Network, Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum, Mary Frances Trust, Oakleaf, Catalyst, Surrey and Borders Partnership, Active Prospectus, and Age UK. The workshop was to […]

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Experience of Accessing Health and Wellbeing Services in Surrey & NE Hants Survey

21 April 2023
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Nikki and Salem visited Muslim Women’s Group in Surrey to run a mental health workshop

28 March 2023
Two women talking and smiling

When a women says ‘this group is my oxygen’, you really quickly get a picture of how important it is. Nikki and Salem visited Muslim Women’s Group in Surrey to run a mental health workshop. We wanted to hear about their views on mental health and the mental health services in Surrey. The group was […]

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Introduction to the Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance and Advisory Forum

7 March 2023
Two women chatting

The Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance exists to improve mental health support and services for people in Surrey. Organisations have come together to work with each other and people with lived experience. Partnership working increases capacity and capability whilst reducing rivalry between service providers. This enables Surrey to focus more on what our residents need […]

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Pathways to Change

24 February 2023
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (The Coalition) are currently working on a research project looking at the experiences of South-Asian adults within mental health services in Surrey and North-East Hampshire. The project is titled ‘Pathways to Change’ and began at the end of 2022. It specifically focusses on whether […]

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In and Out Project full report

23 February 2023
A man looking out of a window

The In and Out Project looked at admissions to and discharge from mental health hospitals. Please find below the full report from the research project. We are looking for Surrey-based adults (18+) with experience of admission to, and discharge from mental health hospital to develop recommendations from the In andOut Project’s findings. Please contact us if […]

Read In and Out Project full report

Compassion in Crisis research project animation

23 January 2023
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Compassion in Crisis (CIC) is a research project, which explores and documents experiences of crisis which may or may not have led to an unplanned admission to mental health hospital or specialist units. It focuses on the experiences of autistic individuals and/or individuals with learning disabilities. This animation explains the aims and process of the […]

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Compassion in Crisis

22 December 2022
Four icons: an icon of a hand and heart, a superhero icon, a knot and three arrows in a circle.

In collaboration with Surrey Heartlands, Surrey County Council & Systems Safety Compassion in Crisis (CIC) is a research project, which explores and documents experiences of crisis which may or may not have led to an unplanned admission to mental health hospital or specialist units. It focuses on the experiences of autistic individuals and/or individuals with […]

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In and Out Project executive summary

9 December 2022
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There are two versions of the In and Out Project executive summary below, firstly the plain text version and secondly the PDF presentation. The full report will be available soon and uploaded to our website. In and Out: People with lived experience, carer & professional perspectives on avoiding admission to mental health hospitals, and how […]

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In and Out Project update

9 December 2022
Woman looking at her reflection in a window

In and Out: People with lived experience, carer and professional perspectives on avoiding admission to mental health hospitals, and how discharges could be safely made more quickly  In Spring 2022, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (The Coalition) was asked to undertake a research project to better understand:  Data Collection  The In and Out Surveys ran […]

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In and Out Project animation

9 December 2022
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Animation about the aims, research process and findings from the In and Out Project. The In and Out Project looked at admissions to and discharge from mental health hospitals. The full report will be available soon and uploaded to our website.

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Pop up events

15 November 2022
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Our research team at Surrey Coalition of Disabled People are currently working on a project looking at admissions to and discharges from mental health hospitals. If you would like to find out a bit more about the project and a bit more about the research team, please check out our other blog posts and our […]

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Meet Dawn Benson, Research Project Supervisor

15 November 2022
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Kirsty catches up with Dr Dawn Benson who is supervising the research project.

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Kirsty tells us about our current mental health research project

15 November 2022
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My name is Kirsty Smith, I am a Trainee Peer Researcher from Surrey Coalition of Disabled People. We are currently working on a research project looking at admissions to and discharge from mental health hospitals.

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Surrey Coalition of Disabled People chair the Surrey Inclusive Activity Network (SIAN).

22 September 2022
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SIAN is an open forum including representatives from Active Surrey, Sport and Activity Development Officers from Surrey Borough Councils, Leisure Operators for the Local authorities, activity providers, not-for-profit organisations and experts by experience.

Read Surrey Coalition of Disabled People chair the Surrey Inclusive Activity Network (SIAN).

Jean tells us about how she’s been getting more active

20 September 2022
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Coalition member, Jean, shared her experiences of the Get More Active Project with us at The Big Coalition Catch Up on Friday. If you missed it, or would just like to read it again, here are her answers to our questions. Q: How active were you before COVID? A: Quite active, mainly walking Q: How […]

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Summer Edition of Coalition News 2024

21 June 2024
Banner with two photos. Photo one is of the bottom of a tree surrounded by grass with flowers and the sun beaming down. Photo two is of a man sat on a bench looking at a digital tablet with a blue sky in the background.

Audio version of the Summer Edition is below: Plain text version of the Summer Edition is below: Easy Read version is available below:

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Talking Mental Health Newsletter

16 April 2024
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Coalition News Spring 2024

12 March 2024
Banner with an image of daffodils and a woman looking at a digital tablet device. In the centre is a white banner with the following text: Spring Edition of Coalition News 2024.

Audio version of the Spring Edition is below: Plain text version of the Spring Edition is below: For an Easy Read version, please see below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please allow around 14 seconds before […]

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Winter Edition of Coalition News 2023

28 November 2023
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Winter edition of Coalition News Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. Audio version is available below: Plain text version is available below: Easy Read version is available below:

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Summer edition of Coalition News 2023

23 May 2023
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Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. Audio version of the Summer Edition is below: Easy Read version of the Summer Edition is below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please […]

Read Summer edition of Coalition News 2023

Weekly Updates

28 March 2023
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Here you’ll find our most recent Weekly Updates. These updates keep you up to date with what’s going on in The Coalition as well as other news and events that we think may be useful for you. Please click on the relevant link to read the update: Loading… Audio version of the weekly update 23rd […]

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Winter Edition of Coalition News 2022

23 March 2023
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Winter edition of Coalition News Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. This edition is available in audio format, via the website, phone and Alexa. Audio version is available below: Audio version of the Cost of Living Supplement Easy Read version Other ways to access this edition of Coalition […]

Read Winter Edition of Coalition News 2022

Spring edition of Coalition News 2023

23 March 2023
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Audio version of the Spring Edition is below: Plain text version of the Spring Edition is below: For an Easy Read version, please see below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition New To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please allow around 14 seconds before […]

Read Spring edition of Coalition News 2023

Autumn 2022 Coalition News

21 October 2022
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Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. This edition is available in audio format, via the website, phone and Alexa. Audio version is available below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – […]

Read Autumn 2022 Coalition News

Summer Edition of Coalition News 2024

21 June 2024
Banner with two photos. Photo one is of the bottom of a tree surrounded by grass with flowers and the sun beaming down. Photo two is of a man sat on a bench looking at a digital tablet with a blue sky in the background.

Audio version of the Summer Edition is below: Plain text version of the Summer Edition is below: Easy Read version is available below:

Read Summer Edition of Coalition News 2024

Talking Mental Health Newsletter

16 April 2024
Two paper speech bubbles on a pink background

Coalition News Spring 2024

12 March 2024
Banner with an image of daffodils and a woman looking at a digital tablet device. In the centre is a white banner with the following text: Spring Edition of Coalition News 2024.

Audio version of the Spring Edition is below: Plain text version of the Spring Edition is below: For an Easy Read version, please see below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please allow around 14 seconds before […]

Read Coalition News Spring 2024

Winter Edition of Coalition News 2023

28 November 2023
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Winter edition of Coalition News Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. Audio version is available below: Plain text version is available below: Easy Read version is available below:

Read Winter Edition of Coalition News 2023

Summer edition of Coalition News 2023

23 May 2023
Person using a digital tablet with a stylus

Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. Audio version of the Summer Edition is below: Easy Read version of the Summer Edition is below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please […]

Read Summer edition of Coalition News 2023

Weekly Updates

28 March 2023
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Here you’ll find our most recent Weekly Updates. These updates keep you up to date with what’s going on in The Coalition as well as other news and events that we think may be useful for you. Please click on the relevant link to read the update: Loading… Audio version of the weekly update 23rd […]

Read Weekly Updates

Winter Edition of Coalition News 2022

23 March 2023
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Winter edition of Coalition News Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. This edition is available in audio format, via the website, phone and Alexa. Audio version is available below: Audio version of the Cost of Living Supplement Easy Read version Other ways to access this edition of Coalition […]

Read Winter Edition of Coalition News 2022

Spring edition of Coalition News 2023

23 March 2023
Latest News Image

Audio version of the Spring Edition is below: Plain text version of the Spring Edition is below: For an Easy Read version, please see below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition New To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – please allow around 14 seconds before […]

Read Spring edition of Coalition News 2023

Autumn 2022 Coalition News

21 October 2022
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Below is the latest edition of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People newsletter. This edition is available in audio format, via the website, phone and Alexa. Audio version is available below: Other ways to access this edition of Coalition News To listen using your phone (not using the internet) Telephone number: 01483 694 099 – […]

Read Autumn 2022 Coalition News
Simple acts of kindness that can transform somebody's day to day life
- Tech to Community Connect member
I've not been out for ages; it was really lovely to get out.
- Get More Active Get Together attendee