News
November 2011
Strategic planning
The trustees held a strategy planning day, structured and delivered by two external facilitators. Designed to help us 'chart the way forward' it was a really useful and productive session. We now have some further work to do to ensure that our resources, both financial and time, are directed to achieving the maximum impact. We are grateful to Paul and Ann for giving of their time and expertise.
October 2011
World Mental Health Day
We are working with Southern Health Foundation NHS Trust on the project to include spirituality in mental health recovery. On World Mental Health Day we were delighted to contribute to the Tree of Life Café held in the Abbey. Having coffee and croissants in the Nave whilst listening to live music was definitely a different way to spend a Monday morning!
Local employer meeting
Triangulate's latest employer meeting focused on the topic of fit notes', the replacement for the long-established sick note. We were lucky enough to have two speakers, Dr Greg Warner, from Nightingale Surgery and Charlotte Solway, Human Resources Manager from Southern Health Foundation NHS Trust. Greg and Charlotte explained how recovery from some health conditions can be quicker if the individual is able to return to work with some basic support from their employer. The next employer meeting will be held on 27 th February 2012 in the Town Hall.
Some funds!
At the employer meeting, Councillor Mike Curtis presented us with a cheque for £1734.30, a third of the proceeds raised during his mayoral year when Triangulate was one of his nominated charities. This is the first direct funding we've received and it will go a long way to delivering support for employers and individuals over the next couple of years.
Diocese of Winchester signs up to Mindful Employer
June 2011
At the June meeting of Diocesan Synod, Romsey Deanery's motion on mental health was presented, discussed, proposed and successfully voted through. The Romsey team of Tim Sledge, Peter Speck and Bridget Brook originally took the motion from the Abbey to the Romsey Deanery Synod last June where it was adopted and passed through to Diocesan Synod.
After discussion time a series of questions were tabled and responded to before the motion was put to the vote. Passed by a large majority of the members this means that over the next couple of years the Diocese will work to develop and promote positive mental health practices. And as an initial step Winchester Diocese has now become the first Diocese in the country to sign the Mindful Employer charter sending a message out nationally of this commitment.
We are excited about the opportunities for continuing our support for this work into the future across the parish, deanery and diocese. If you want to know more please contact Tim, Peter or Bridget.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives
June 2011
An information day for everyone was held in Romsey Town Hall focusing on how mental health can be affected by all sorts of things such as work, family, long term health conditions and caring. Advice was available from local organisations on diet, exercise, friends, support and sources of information. The event was jointly organised by Triangulate and Carers Together and opened by the Mayor of Romsey, Cllr John Burgess
Cllr John Burgess, Mayor of Romsey; Anne Meader, Carers Together; and Bridget Brook, Triangulate
Reception at Centre for Mental Health
June 2011
Dr Bob Grove, Joint Chief Executive of the Centre for Mental Health, retired from his post in June 2011. Bridget and Matt Brook attended the retirement reception and thanked Bob for his encouragement in the setting up of Triangulate and for his ongoing commitment and support of our work.
Matt Brook and Bridget Brook, Triangulate and Dr Bob Grove, Centre for Mental Health
Abbey recitals result in cheque for Mind
February 2011
Bridget Brook, Trustee of Triangulate, attended the launch of the 2011 Music in Romsey programme at which a cheque for the work of Mind was presented. This donation comes from the 2011 lunchtime series of recitals which take place in the Abbey throughout the summer months, the total being shared between the work of Mind, George's Trust and the Abbey. Triangulate and George's Trust were chosen in memory of the two choirmen, Peter Brook and George O'Brien who both died within months of each other in 2008.
Local Employer Network learns about Equality Act
February 2011
The second of Triangulate's Local Employer Network meetings focused on the Equality Act 2010. We were delighted to welcome Susanne Holiday from Footner & Ewing Solicitors who gave information on what changes have been brought in and how these might impact on employers. We are grateful to Susanne and also to Peter McVean of Footner & Ewing Solicitors for their support.
Abbey service highlights dementia
February 2011
The Abbey's annual service to raise awareness of mental health issues this year focused on dementia. Lawrie McMenemy, known by many as a former Southampton and Northern Ireland football manager, attended in his role as a champion of the Alzheimer's Society.
Triangulate tackles Mayor's Quiz
January 2011
A team of Triangulate trustees took part in the Mayor's Quiz in the Crosfield Hall. A very enjoyable evening was had by all (we didn't win but did manage a respectable score!) Proceeds from the Quiz go to the Mayor's Charities of which Triangulate is one of this year's beneficiaries.
Local Employer Network launched
October 2010
Triangulate launched a Local Employer Network (LEN) meeting forum in Romsey. Attended by Richard Frost from Mindful Employer, delegates include the Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Curtis and representatives from the first three Romsey businesses to sign up to the Mindful Employer charter. Richard explained how these networks are for employers and by employers. Triangulate will facilitate the meeting and plan to hold them three times a year.
Impact on Depression
September 2010
Triangulate organised an Impact on Depression training session for 26 employers from across the south-east. The session, funded by the Centre for Mental Health, was held in Southampton. Impact on Depression was set up by the Centre for Mental Health in 2010 to enable managers and staff to understand, identify and support people at work experiencing common mental health problems. Based on the Australian beyondblue National Workplace Programme, it gives people the knowledge and skills needed to act early and signpost colleagues to professional support and guidance. The session included information on Mindful Employer and all delegates were given a Triangulate employer pack.
August 2010
Mental health in the news
We are pleased that wider coverage is being given to mental illness in the media as shown by articles such as the following which was recently in The Guardian.
July 2010
Useful contacts
We have drawn together a list of contact numbers and email addresses which we've distributed to businesses around Romsey. If you'd like a printed version of this leaflet, email us at info@triangulate.org.uk.
Download Useful Contacts for Mental Health (PDF)
Support for local businesses
Our event at The White Horse attracted a number of employers from the town and representatives from agencies associated with mental health work in the region.
Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Curtis, showed his support for our work by spending the evening at the event.
Michael Peace, of A H Cheaters, is one of the first employers in the town to have signed up to the Mindful Employer charter and he was available to talk about the benefits of the scheme.
We'd like to thank The White Horse for their support in providing us with the venue for this event.
Photo shows: Cllr Mike Curtis, Mayor; Mary Greggains, Made Marion; Preb. Peter Speck, Triangulate; Michael Peace, A H Cheater
May 2010
Mindful Employer
AH Cheater, funeral directors in Romsey, have become signatories to the Mindful Employer Charter for employers who are positive about mental health. Michael Peace of AH Cheater says as an employer I want to show our employees that talking about having mental illness will not count against them in their job. We want to challenge the stigma associated with mental illness by setting up positive practices in the workplace. This has to be good for both employer and employee'.
May 2010
Mayor Making
Triangulate is delighted to have been chosen by Cllr Mike Curtis, Town Mayor, as one of his charities for the coming year. At the Mayor Making ceremony on 18 May, we were invited to give a 3 minute introduction to who we are and what we hope to do. This was a really good opportunity to tell people about what we hope to achieve and why it is so important, not just for those that suffer and their families but also for employers and the business community, too.
We look forward to attending the Civic Service in June and the Mayor's Picnic in July.
Chamber of Commerce
We have received great support from Romsey Chamber of Commerce. Ruth Gower-Smith, President, writes a regular column in the Advertiser and has used this to tell everyone about Triangulate on several occasions. We have now joined the Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working with them over the coming year.
Sharing our development
During April and May we have spoken to three groups.
We attended the Community Network lunch in Southern Test Valley. The lunches aim to bring together staff and volunteers from health and social care, district councils, housing, community groups, education and other agencies, to share information and promote ways to improve services in the community.
The Carers' Café meet in Woodley Hall, Romsey and we went along to talk about Triangulate and the work we are involved with. Bridget Brook talked about the background to the group being set up and Nick Virgo talked about the role of carers, telling everyone about the support group which has been set up for carers of people with mental health issues.
Later in the month Bridget Brook and Ian Cox went to the Home Group and shared some of the background to the work we are doing. Ian explained how the company he works for had become a Mindful Employer and the benefits this can bring for both employer and employee.
Mental health at work being a Mindful Employer
On 13 April, Triangulate ran their first event for local employers to discuss issues around mental health. Held in the Town Hall it attracted attendees from a range of businesses in the town and farther afield. The audience of 40 including the Town Mayor, Cllr John Ray, the Town Mayor Elect, Cllr Mike Curtis and Sandra Gidley, Lib-Dem Parliamentary Candidate were welcomed to the event by Chamber of Commerce President, Ruth Gower-Smith. Other organisations attending the employer event included representatives from Solent Mind, JobcentrePlus and the NHS Foundation Trust.
Richard Frost from Mindful Employer led the evening. Most attendees had not previously heard of this initiative and were interested to hear from Richard what support there is for employers. Ian Cox spoke about signing the company he works for up to Mindful Employer and why he feels it is an important step both for the company and the employees. Following the presentations attendees were able to have more discussions on issues they are facing in their workplaces. These were wide-ranging and led to lively comment and feedback.
Left to right: Cllr Mike Curtis, Bridget Brook, Sandra Gidley, Cllr John Ray
Ruth Gower-Smith and Richard Frost (Mindful Employer)
This event was supported by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and funded by Big Lottery Funding.
(Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health is now the Centre for Mental Health)
April 2010
He ran again!
Matt Brook ran the Virgin London Marathon for the third consecutive year, finishing in 4 hours and 5 minutes. As at mid-May he has raised the amazing amount of £3300 (including gift aid) to support the work of Mind, the leading mental health charity. Many thanks to everyone and if you still want to sponsor him please go to www.justgiving.com/mattbrookmarathon
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February 2010
Fund-raising efforts praised at St James Palace
Matt Brook, David Hewett and Bridget Brook were invited to a royal reception at St James' Palace in recognition of their fund-raising and support for Mind, the leading mental health charity.
The reception celebrated 40 years of royal patronage by HRH Princess Alexandra and more than 60 years of Mind campaigning for good mental health for all. Mind's president Lord Bragg gave an inspiring speech on Mind's work tackling the stigma and taboo of mental health.
Matt, David and Bridget were able to speak with HRH Princess Alexandra about their fund-raising and the setting up of the charity Triangulate in Romsey to promote awareness of mental health issues in the workplace.
November 2009
Abbey Womens' Group talk
Bridget gave a talk on the setting up of Triangulate to the St Swithun's and Romsey Abbey Womens' Group lots of questions were asked by the audience of almost 50.
July 2009
beyondblue training at JobcentrePlus
A beyondblue training session at JobcentrePlus was set up by Paulene who is a manager in the Southampton office. Over 20 managers from across the south-east region came together for a 3 hour training session (resourced and funded by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health). Paulene, Bridget and Meghann were also at the session. Everyone present participated fully in the excellent session with very positive feedback. Lots of actions were drawn up to explore for spreading the message across the region.
For more details contact Helen Lockett at SCMH on 020 7827 8397 or email helen.lockett@scmh.org.uk
May 2009
Mind Annual Awards
We were invited to attend the Mind Annual Awards, held at the Institute of Architecture in London in May. Presentations were made by Lord Melvyn Bragg, President of Mind. The Mind Champion of the Year award was given to Alistair Campbell in recognition of his outstanding contribution to increasing understanding of mental health.
Bridget, Matt, Nick, Meghann and David at the Mind awards
April 2009
Marathon effort raises over £13,000 for Mind
Our sincere thanks go to everyone who supported Matt Brook and David Hewett in their marathon effort in April and for all the support you gave along the way. The money has now all been collected and we are delighted to report that £10,898 was raised to support the work of Mind, one of the leading mental health charities. Once gift aid is added the total comes to a staggering £13,200.
We are overwhelmed with the response from so many people friends, colleagues and so many people who believe this is a cause worth running for to every one of you thank you very much.
The day itself was quite amazing with thousands lining the route. The weather was warmer than the runners would have liked and with David's knee still playing up, the decision was made to set a fastwalking pace and so fast was it that the finishing line was reached in 4 hrs and 54 mins!
David and Matt proudly display their Marathon medals!
Other news in brief:
We gave our first talk to the Men's Group of Romsey Abbey (RAMS) after the presentation there was time for questions and discussion
Dick and Bridget have both attended Promoting Healthy Workplace sessions run by Mind (one in Andover and one in London) see whether your local Mind branch do the same.