News

Round 3 of the Time to Change grants fund is now open

Thursday, 07 March 2013 14:55

Check out the grants section of our website for more information about the grants fund and how to apply. The deadline for submitting applications will be 2pm on Tuesday 30 April 2013. Watch new videos to find out more about social contact and what we're looking for from applications.

Eligible projects must be led by people with first-hand experience of mental health problems.

· 25% of the fund overall will be awarded to projects run by and working with people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

· 20% will go to projects that work with young people (24 years and under) working in specific regions.

If you are interested in applying for a Children and Young People grant, please check out the separate guidance on how to apply for this We've also announced which projects we funded in Round 2 today - check them out for ideas and inspiration.

Helplines Partnership brings on board ICIS : information for life

Tuesday, 05 March 2013 16:19

As a direct response from our last member conference we have looked at and taken on board your feedback to provide more information services.  It was difficult to provide this service “in house” so we have found a charity called ICIS : information for life that can help us develop services for you. 

ICIS provides a range of information services and products to enable individuals and organisations easily find help and support. They currently operate in West Sussex developing electronic directories, information portals and websites devoted to the needs of specific client groups.

 “Being part of Helplines Partnership brings exciting new opportunities for organisations, members, partners and service users.  ICIS will operate as a social enterprise delivering its well-established information services in West Sussex and developing new services elsewhere in the UK”said Liz Hall, Chief Executive of ICIS

 “We are delighted that ICIS have joined forces with us to provide a comprehensive information portal to our wider membership of helpline service providers”.  We are hoping to launch our new branding and an interim website in April 2013 said Theodore Spyrou, Chief Executive of Helplines Partnership.

Charity Staff and Volunteers Awards 2013

Tuesday, 05 March 2013 09:10

Helplines Partnership is a finalist for two awards 

Liz Felton, Chair of Helplines Partnership, has been selected as a finalist for Chair or Trustee of the Year for achieving a smooth merger between Mental Health Helplines Partnership (mhhp) and The Helplines Association (THA) to form the only helpline membership body in the UK.

‘I am absolutely delighted to be a finalist for bringing together mhhp and THA staff and trustees for the benefit of members, public enquiries and the sector’ said Liz.

Theodore Spyrou, Chief Executive of Helplines Partnership, has been selected as a finalist for Social Entrepreneur of the Year for achieving one of the fastest merger on record to secure and develop the future for THA staff, trustees, members and service users by merging with mhhp.

‘This selection reflects the commitment and achievement of staff, trustees and external contractors pulling together as a team to ensure a seemless merger for THA staff, members and service users’ said Theodore.

Helplines Partnership will launch its new branding, membership proposition and an interim website in April 2013.

These awards celebrate outstanding dedication and achievements made by charity staff and volunteers across the UK and will be presented at Westminster Hall on Thursday 7 March 2013.

RACE PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO PUT ANXIETY UK IN POLE POSITION

Thursday, 21 February 2013 15:00

Aspiring race driver Cameron Twynham and his sponsors MRE Motorsport have launched a unique partnership with Anxiety UK to help raise awareness of anxiety in young people and promote the charity’s work.

The partnership will see Cameron become an ambassador for Anxiety UK and he will feature Anxiety UK’s logo on his Team West-Tec Toyota-powered Dallara F308 in the 2013 European F3 Open Championship across Europe this season.

Despite a successful fledgling career in motor sport 17-year old Cameron has suffered from anxiety since September 2010 and underwent treatment to learn how to manage and live with the day-to-day challenges of his anxiety.

As a result Cameron and his family become far more aware of how many children and young people suffered from anxiety issues and wanted to help others facing the same dilemma. His father Julian saw the opportunity to work with a charity and utilise Cameron’s profile as a race driver to help raise awareness and approached Anxiety UK.

Nicky Lidbetter, CEO of Anxiety UK, said: “Naturally, we are delighted to be able to work with Cameron and Julian to develop this unique opportunity to raise awareness of anxiety disorders and promote our work to a wider audience. “Cameron’s story is one we can empathise with and relate to, anxiety in young people is far greater than we imagine and despite some clear symptoms many parents are often unaware of what their children are going through. “We are confident this partnership will play a major role to reach and inform a lot more people, including schools, teachers and parents about anxiety problems. “We are extremely grateful to Cameron, Julian and MRE Motorsport for their help and support in raising the profile of Anxiety UK,” Ms Lidbetter added. Julian Twynham said: “Like many parents my wife and I didn’t really understand what Cameron was dealing with at first. “Now we are far more aware of anxiety and how it is much more widespread than we realised, we’ve spoken to many others who say that’s how they feel when we describe Cameron’s symptoms. “That’s why we wanted to work with Nicky and Anxiety UK;  this is our way of giving something back to those who may be looking for somewhere to turn to.”

In addition to featuring the Anxiety UK logo on his car plans are being developed for Cameron to visit local schools to speak of his experiences of anxiety, develop top tips for teachers and parents and also help raise funds for Anxiety UK. “I’m delighted that I’m able to something to help others realise what they are facing but also reassure them that you can manage your anxiety and still achieve your goals in life,” said Cameron. “Working with Anxiety UK is a great way of helping spread that message.”

STOP PRESS – In his first F3 race at the Paul Ricard Winter Series on Saturday 16th February 2013 Cameron came a very credible third place to finish on the podium on his debut for Team West-Tec, only 24 hours before his first ever driving lesson! In only his first year of single-seater racing, Cameron competed in both the 2012 InterSteps Championship and Formula Renault BARC Winter Series as the youngest driver, achieving 4th and 6th Driver Championship positions respectively. He achieved a total of seven podiums and 24 top ten finishes and came 2nd in both Rookie classes.

He has recently been invited to attend the inaugural McLaren Performance Academy for aspiring young drivers, which will assist them in the development of their skills in order to help them reach their full potential within motorsport.
Fore more info visit http://www.camerontwynham.com/home and http://www.mremotorsport.co.uk/index.html
Contact Dave Smithson | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > | 0794 7599 491 | www.anxietyuk.org.uk<http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk>

Anxiety UK is a user-led charity with more than forty years’ experience in supporting those living with anxiety. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Anxiety UK works to relieve and support those living with these conditions by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including fast access to reduced cost 1:1 therapy services. The Anxiety UK helpline alone receives over 16,000 calls a year from people suffering from phobias and anxiety disorders.

The charity provides support to people with any anxiety condition, or specific phobia such as fear of spiders, blushing, vomiting, being alone, public speaking, heights - in fact, any fear that stops people from living their lives to the full.

Join us on Twitter: www.anxietyuk.org.uk/twitter<http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/twitter>
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Anxiety-UK-official/<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anxiety-UK-official/159459797431438?fref=ts>
Anxiety UK supports individuals affected by anxiety disorders, their carers/family and friends through the provision of a wide range of services and information.

For details of Anxiety UK's services and/or information on the "Friends of Anxiety UK" scheme - please call 08444 775 774 or visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk<http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk>

Beat encourages people with eating disorders to reach out to others

Wednesday, 20 February 2013 08:12

Eating disorder charity Beat is encouraging people with eating disorders to express their concerns to others close to them and seek help before they reach the hospitalisation stage.

Beat made this call as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013 (11-17 February) and its aim to flag up that the illnesses – including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and compulsive overeating – are far more common than most people think. Everybody Knows Somebody is its campaign theme.

Eating disorders affect 1.6 million people in the UK. They also have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and up to 20% of those affected may die prematurely. Yet misunderstanding and stigma still remains – eating disorders are often considered to be a ‘young girl’s disease’ when they can affect anyone at any stage in life and up to 20% are male.

Beat is encouraging people to reach out to others – whether they’re a partner, work colleague, best friend, brother or sister – to express their concerns and seek help.

“Even though I was angry at the time, I can thank my best friend for having the courage to approach me and make me take that first step, she probably saved my life,” said 25-year-old Becky.

Beat’s chief executive, Susan Ringwood, said: “This serious mental illness is affecting someone you know right now – in your street, school, workplace, even in your own home. If you are the least bit worried about a friend, partner or family member take the initiative, tell them you are concerned, and encourage them to go to their doctor. The sooner someone gets the help they need, the more likely they are to make a full recovery.”

'What I really needed was to talk to someone'

Tuesday, 19 February 2013 16:39

SAMH’s suicide prevention television adverts are back on STV this week driving home the message that two people dying a day by suicide is Two Too Many.  Not talking is one of the biggest causes of death in Scotland, but we can change this by encouraging open discussions about suicide and how we are feeling. Sharon Maxwell, a SAMH service user, shares her experience of suicide and how SAMH has supported her.

After a challenging childhood Sharon lost her Mum to suicide in 2007 and has since attempted to take her own life several times. Three years ago Sharon came to SAMH. “When I finally asked for help, they listened. If I hadn’t asked for help I wouldn’t still be here today. What I really needed was to talk to someone, but I was so withdrawn that I couldn’t speak out, and I thought suicide was the only way out.”

Sharon now knows how to recognise when she is feeling down and to ask for help. “There are people to help and talk to 24/7 and while I have my privacy, I also feel secure knowing people are supporting me. Anyone who is suffering as I did can get help – don’t suffer on your own. Just make the first contact and tell them you need help because you’re not coping well. Don’t give up on yourself.”

SAMH has already trained two-thirds of its 700 staff in suicide intervention skills, and in the last year alone our workers carried out 207 interventions, helping people to stay safe when they are feeling suicidal.

You can help us support more people with experiences like Sharon’s. To donate £3 each month, text ‘Talk’ to 70007. You can skip a month as often as you like or cancel at any time. For more information visit www.samh.org.uk/suicide

Discriminatory mental health laws scrapped

Monday, 18 February 2013 11:12

Mental health organisations have welcomed new legislation that scraps outdated laws that discriminate against people with mental health problems. Read more

Anxiety UK gives mixed welcome to Mental Health Bill

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 13:35

Anxiety UK has given a mixed welcome to the third reading of the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill in the House of Lords today (Monday February 11^th, 2013).

The leading anxiety disorders charity in the UK say the Mental Health Bill will make significant strides in dealing with the stigma and discrimination that anxiety and mental health sufferers continue to face on a daily basis.

But Anxiety UK say the bill is being undermined by the government’s own policy making and cites the recent consultation on the Blue Badge parking scheme by the Department of Transport (DoT) as an example.

Nicky Lidbetter, Anxiety UK CEO, said: “The third reading of the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill is a major hurdle in the fight for equality for anxiety and mental health sufferers and the elimination of discriminatory practices.

“But it is disappointing to see that such a positive step forward that had total cross party support is failing to be matched by policy making that treats those same sufferers equally.

“Only last month the DoT rejected calls to include in the Blue Badge scheme those diagnosed with a mental health condition, intellectual or cognitive impairment but who are able to walk.

“As a result thousands of Blue Badge parking permit holders who suffer from an anxiety or mental health disorder are set to lose out when the government introduces new eligibility criteria this year as part of its welfare reforms.

“We can only hope that with the passing of this bill the government will recognise that it is time they had a more joined up approach to policy and law making and started to practice what it is preaching.”

Dave Smithson | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 0794 7599 491 | www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Interim statement of collaboration between Public Health England and NICE

Monday, 11 February 2013 16:12

Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence have produced an agreement on five areas of collaboration between the two organisations.

Helplines strive to reduce suicides across the UK

Friday, 08 February 2013 12:39

Statistics reveal that the number of suicides rose “significantly” in 2011, some 6,045, an increase of 437 since 2010.  The government has pledged £1.5m towards research into suicide prevention among high-risk groups and announced a new suicide prevention strategy aimed at cutting suicide rates and supporting families affected by suicide.

“Seventy-five per cent  of suicides in the UK are male and CALM is the only suicide prevention helpline for men.  We've found that our gender-specific approach is effective in reaching men of all ages. Since CALM was launched in 2006 we estimate that we have taken over 70,000 calls to our free, anonymous and confidential helpline, now open 7 nights a week”. Niamh Brophy, Supporter Care Officer at CALM.

 “Helplines Partnership has encouraged helpline consultation on the government’s suicide prevention strategy which refers to ‘No Health Without Mental Health’ in which we featured under our previous name Mental Health Helplines Partnership.  We strongly endorse the work of all our members and encourage people to find appropriate support by searching for helpline services at www.helplines.org.uk” said Theodore Spyrou, Chief Executive at Helplines Partnership.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Helplines Partnership is the organisation being formed from the merger of the Mental Health Helplines Partnership (mhhp) and The Helplines Association (THA). We represent the helplines sector across the UK and internationally, supporting helplines to provide the best quality of service to their users.

An umbrella charity with over 400 members, Helplines Partnership is the only membership body for helplines of all sizes and all client groups. Members provide support via any non face to face channel, (such as telephone, e-mail, SMS, social networking and instant messaging) and handle 50 million contacts a year. Their turnover is £5 billion annually.

Our focus is on delivering a quality experience for helpline users by providing services to help our members raise the standard of the services they provide. We continually seek to expand our reputation for excellence and innovation while increasing awareness and understanding of the work of helplines.

THA and mhhp have many years experience of underpinning helpline service improvements and the recent merger has enabled us to harness the best from both organisations while creating operational and service delivery efficiencies.

We provide a wealth of support to members and the wider sector including:

•              Training courses and City & Guilds accredited qualifications for front-line helpline workers, managers and supervisors

•              Consultancy on a range of helpline issues including strategy, telephony, start-ups and policy

•              Quality Standards to define and accredit best practice in helpline work

•              Telephony system offering advanced call handling at no capital cost for the member

•              Confidential numbers that are free to call from mobiles, in partnership with the major mobile operators

Our ambition is to empower people by achieving excellence in helpline provision, increase recognition of helplines and their value and ensure sustainability for the sector.