The second annual Advocacy Awareness Week (28 October to 1 November) in 2019 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the power and impact that advocacy has on people’s lives. It also gives us time to explore and communicate some of the pressing issues facing the future of advocacy in helping people’s voices be heard.
Share your story or follow the conversation online by using the hashtags; #HearMyVoice #AdvocacyAwarenessWeek #AAW19

Author: Graham
Posted on: 29th October 2019

We were delighted to attend the recent Mind Matters event at The Great Barn in Titchfield, hosted by Charlotte from Havant.
The spoken word event saw local writers produce mental health related stories, which were then read and performed by local actors. A huge thank you to Charlotte and everyone involved in the event, that included live music from Les Kasooz d’Amour, food and a raffle.
The event took place on the evening of Thursday 3rd October and revolved around nineteen short stories written by local authors and members of the local community with direct or indirect experience of mental health issues. The stories covered a range of themes, including the isolation of old age, depression, loneliness, memory loss, psychosis, autism and Pica. They were written in various styles from comic, to the poetic and memoir.
Thank you to Titchfield Festival Theatre, who donated use of the Great Barn for the event. In total the evening raised over £500 for HEH Mind.

Author: Graham
Posted on: 24th October 2019

We are delighted to be attending Fratton Park on Saturday 15th February 2020, as part of the partnership between National Mind and the English Football League.
We will be there to talk about the local support available and to fundraise for our free to access services. If you would like to support us on the day as a Football Fundraiser please contact [email protected]

Author: Graham
Posted on: 21st October 2019

Over the last two weeks we have visited groups, workplaces, retail stores, community spaces and events as part of our #WorldMentalHealthDay activities. Thank you to everyone that has visited our stands, taken a leaflet, noted down the website, followed our social media, or just said hi.
We are delighted to be part of the changing culture around mental health and hope that following this week more of our community feel able to talk about their mental health (struggles and/ or successes) and to access support.
Thank you to all the venues that hosted us during the last two weeks.

Author: Graham
Posted on: 18th October 2019

On Sunday 6th October Ashley completed the Isle of Wight Marathon spending 5 hours running through Porchfield, Ningwood and Bouldnor before finally arriving back at Cowes. Ashley has also raised over £350 for HEH Mind. An amazing effort, thank you Ashley.

Author: Graham
Posted on: 16th October 2019

We are delighted to have been voted the Four London Road charity of the year for 2020. 

Thank you to everyone that voted for HEH Mind and to Four London Road for nominating us. We look forward to collaborating in 2020 to raise awareness of our local service and the support available. 

By donating/ fundraising Four London Road and their patrons will be supporting HEH Mind to continue delivering free to access services. You can see more information about how we use your fundraising here

Find out more about the Four London Road Restaurant on their website

Author: Graham
Posted on: 15th October 2019

As we prepare for World Suicide Prevention Day (on 10^th September 2019), we at HEH Mind are saddened to read the report published by the Office of National Statistics which identifies there has been an increase in the number of deaths caused by suicide.

The ONS report states there has been an 11.8% increase in deaths by suicide in the UK (686 individual deaths) from 2017 to 2018. This is the first time in five years there has been a recorded increase in the suicide rate. In Hampshire on average someone takes their own life approximately every 3 days.

It is little known that for each 1 recorded suicide, 25 people make an attempt to take their own life. This means that it is likely 7 people each day in Hampshire make and attempt to take their own life.  

Every single death by suicide is a tragedy, and something we actively try to prevent. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, in the last year our community has been affected by suicide.

While there is no simple solution, it is important to say suicide is preventable, and people can recover from the thoughts, feelings and emotions they may be having. 

Julie Parker, CEO of Havant and East Hants Mind has taken the opportunity of world suicide prevention day to publically renew the commitment of all at Havant and East Hants Mind to continue challenging the culture around mental health, changing how our communities talk about mental health illnesses and deliver the much needed wellbeing support for those in our local communities.”

Mike Lock, Community Development lead at HEH Mind explained “Suicide prevention is part of our training courses, awareness activities, community engagement and our ethos at Havant and East Hants Mind. Our Ambassadors Project highlights this; where our training focuses on starting conversations about wellbeing, regardless of someone displaying signs of poor mental health. Ambassadors are trained and recruited to support their communities, be that in the workplace, a sports club, education or a wider community setting. Through them we hope to change the culture around mental health and show at certain times it is ok, and important, to ask someone ‘are you thinking of harming yourself?’ This could allow someone to open up, it could start a ‘real’ conversation, lead to signposting and potentially saving a life.”

As a recovery service HEH Mind supports people –some who may previously have had suicidal thoughts, to manage their illness, symptoms and to access support. We know from their feedback how valuable they have found developing wellbeing tools and behaviours as part of our workshops, groups and training.

If you would like to find out more about our services, whether it is for yourself or someone you know, please visit easthantsmind.org or call 02392 481886.

Havant and East Hants Mind is a recovery service, if you are in crisis please contact your GP, the emergency services on 999 and/ or Samaritans on 116 123 or www.samaritans.org.

Havant and East Hants Mind hopes that with more people talking about mental health (illnesses, wellbeing, and support), we will see these figures reduce next year as we work towards zero suicides (as outlined by the Zero Suicide Alliance). 

Author: StuAdmin
Posted on: 6th September 2019

Havant and East Hampshire Mind is delighted to collaborate with Messy4Mind founder Tom Mills.

“Our collaboration means we are able to offer supporters the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for HEH Mind by taking part in the Messy4Mind challenge.” Mike Lock, Community Development Officer, HEH Mind.

Find out more about fundraising for HEH Mind, including our other activities/ events, resources and support by visiting our website or contacting [email protected] 

Find out more about Messy4Mind

Author: Graham
Posted on: 10th June 2019

A huge thank you to everyone that attended Emma’s Gin Festival on Saturday 8th June. It was great to see you all enjoying the evening and the lovely atmosphere at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

Your donations make a real difference in peoples’ lives. Thank you.

 

 

We would also like to say a massive thank you to Emma for all the fundraising efforts, events, planning, donation collecting and for the future events she has planned. 

Author: Graham
Posted on: 8th June 2019

We are delighted to round off #VolunteersWeek by mentioning one of our amazing volunteers, who recently received the 2nd place certificate for ‘Unsung Hero’ at the Havant Volunteer Awards.

Bruce helps in many ways at HEH Mind and we are very pleased to see him recognised by Havant Borough Council. Bruce is a volunteer that goes above and beyond, and never asks for or expects thanks/ recognition.
Many local charities, including ourselves, rely on people like Bruce to keep us positive, motivated and smiling. A huge thank you and well done to Bruce.

Find out more about the Awards

Author: Graham
Posted on: 5th June 2019