We have had great fun today in Medway running children’s wellbeing sessions to introduce them to the concept of emotions. Through the use of creativity we explored different types of emotions and how to label them, how they might feel and what they could look like. The children were able to keep their glitter jars as a reminder of what they had learnt in the session, as well as a mindful coping tool; just give them a good shake, then watch until the glitter settles in the bottom of the jar to refocus and refresh!
A glitter jar is something your child can make and then use to help them feel calmer and less confused about their feelings. When words are not easy to find for you or your child, a Glitter Jar can help you talk to each other and helps your child understand how our thoughts and feelings link together. A glitter jar works well with children aged 4-11. But it can be used for children and young people of all ages to help with other mindfulness exercises such as mindful breathing.
For details on how to create glitter jars see the guide.
“Our Schools Worker, Sarah Murphy, has been working closely with Dartford Primary School via our KCC funded project, supporting the children to create their own glitter jars. The pictures below show the final results!”
Live Well Kent and Medway Recovery and Community Inclusion Programme
Social Skills Open Session
Weekly, Saturdays, 2 hours, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm, Digital A weekly session hosted digitally on Saturday mornings. Engagement for the isolated, paving the way for individuals to join in-person services. Focusing on peer support, engagement, making connections, developing confidence, task-based activities, and social skills.
Recovery Based Activities Session
Weekly, Wednesdays, 2 hours, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm, Digital – moving to in-person in key community venues Activities sessions to promote inclusion and challenge stigma. Scheduled activities include crafts and art, physical activities such as Tai Chi. Social skills enhanced, developing confidence, recovery based activities, integrating with community, and making connections with peers.
Coping with Life Courses
Various dates and times, Digital – moving to blended; in-person and digital. Spaces limited. Coping with Life Courses help people to learn and develop coping strategies using cognitive behavioural techniques and psychoeducational methods. 1.5 hours weekly over 7 weeks and includes tasks to complete at home.
Managing Depression;
Participants develop an understanding of how the interrelationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour help to maintain depression. Enables participants to identify strategies and develop skills that will help to change this cycle
Managing Anxiety and Stress
Participants develop an understanding of what anxiety is and how it is maintained and identify cause and effects of stress. The course looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Participants learn how confidence-building, problem solving, and relaxation help to reduce anxiety and manage stress more effectively.
Participants understand how thoughts and beliefs maintain low self-esteem and undermine assertiveness. Participants learn and develop skills to change these cycles. This teaches individuals to recognise value, handle criticism, say no and avoid being taken advantage of. It introduces ideas on how to develop self-confidence and provides opportunities to practice strategies and skills with other participants to build and maintain self-confidence and assertiveness
Mindfulness Courses
Various dates, Thursdays, 10 am –12 pm Digital moving to blended; in-person and digital. Spaces Limited A 7-week introductory course in Mindfulness instruction, paying more attention to the present moment, to thoughts and feelings, and to the world around us. 1.5 hours weekly over 7 weeks.
Employment Support
(Medway Central only)Individual Placement Support, search and skills sessions weekly, support with job searching – identifying suitable opportunities, providing tools to move forward in competitive employment. Provision of appropriate benefits advice forms via ‘better off’ calculations and referrals to supporting agencies as appropriate. Regular group Preparing for Work Modules; for peer engagement and learning soft skills.
Digital Inclusion Support
We offer a Tablet Loan Scheme for those unable to join any of the above due to a lack of equipment. We also offer support with enabling basic skills to be able to engage with the above services digitally. Limited availability.
How to join. Please contact us at 01322 291380. or email LiveWellKentMedway@northkentmind.co.uk The above services are for residents 17+ from; Medway Central, Medway Peninsula, Strood, Rochester. Not linked in yet or not resident in the above areas or unsure? We can help with support information and advice.
Course Calendar
Mindfulness
May intake
June intake
August intake
October intake
December intake
February 2022 intake
Digital
Digital
In-person
In-person
In-person
In-person
Coping with Life ; Depression
August intake
February 2022 intake
In-person
In-person
Coping with Life: Managing Anxiety and Stress
June intake
December intake
Digital
In-person
Coping with Life; Improving Self-esteem,Confidence, and Assertiveness
May intake
October intake
Digital
In-person
The above require a minimum of 8 attendees and a maximum of 15.
All courses are subject to being facilitated digitally pending pandemic circumstances
The Coproduction Panel
We consult with people with lived experience to inform the development and decisions regarding all of our services. We value the feedback from people who attend or have attended our services. Email or speak us to enquire about our monthly panel and how we support representatives.
A friendly online group for young people in 6th form or their 1st year of university. This is a safe space to support each other and prepare for the challenges that come with starting university. Topics may include; challenges with COVID-19, Mindfulness skills for managing stress, creating an effective coursework structure etc. This group is peer led which means we focus on whatever you want support with (to download poster please click here).
Wednesday’s 1-2pm via ZOOM (starting 13th January 2021)
As part of our celebration of International Men’s day, we will be launching our online peer support session on the 19th October. The session will provide a safe space (via Zoom) to connect with others through conversation, mindful activities and shared interests.
ONLINE – VIA ZOOM Thursday 19th October: 6.00pm-7.30pm
Our Men’s Group offers peer support for individuals who have mental health issues. The group provides a safe space (via Zoom) to connect with others through conversation, mindful activities and shared interests.
ONLINE – VIA ZOOM Tuesday Evenings 6.00pm—7.30pm For further information, please contact: NORTH KENT MIND 01322 291380 admin@northkentmind.co.uk
Our Wellbeing
Peer Support Groups have spoken about how the weather/seasons can affect mood
and how active we are – our mental and physical health. We worked together to
compile this list of indoor activity ideas for World Mental Health Day
#DoOneThing. We hope that this inspires you to either try something new,
revisit an activity you have enjoyed before, or gives you ideas to share.
Try a new craft such as crocheting, knitting or embroidery.
Learn a new musical instrument or make use of household equipment!
Join an online drama group or choir.
Watch a film you have always
wanted to watch.
Try drawing, colouring,
watercolours, cartooning, tie-dye, join a painted rocks group on Facebook.
Bake, explore new recipes and use
seasonal fruit and vegetables, if possible.
Read anything you fancy or try
something new. Books, poetry, religious reading, spoken word or quotes.
Take nature and wildlife photos from your window or outside.
Reminisce over old photos and videos you have taken or friends and family wish to show you.
Word searches or Sudoko or learn a new card game. (available online).
Phone a friend you haven’t spoken to for ages.
Start a journal (Gratitude) or write to a penpal, or friend you haven’t spoken to for a while.
De-clutter one drawer at a time.
Listen to music and make a playlist that inspires you.
Explore free apps with calming sounds or mindfulness ideas.
Take time for you without any guilt, whatever makes you happy and relaxed.
Listen to white noise e.g. sounds of the sea, rain etc to help with sleep.
Learn a new language (Duolingo App) – could be sign language.
Do a jigsaw or play a board game / a game on an app.
Watch game/quiz shows to broaden your general knowledge.
Make models out of Lego, clay or reclaimed materials.
Do some DIY or upcycle some furniture.
Watch cute / funny animal videos on Youtube.
Feng shui your home / change furniture layout
Do some exercise e.g. yoga, resistance bands, Zoomba
Keep your hands busy, help yourself to relax with fidget spinners, rubix cubes, bubble blowing etc
Finish a project you have started.
Alter or make some new clothing.
Try out different make up or hair styles
Go on virtual tours online – some zoos, animal sanctuaries have them.
‘Flowers by W made in response to the Letterbox Craft Project’
‘Flowers by W’
By Angel
Painted Easter Eggs By Angel
by Aileen
‘Carwyn the Dragon’ by Aileen
by Lorraine
by Lorraine
by Lorraine
by Steve
‘Gremlin’ by Steve
by Val
‘This activity was completed in conjunction with our Activity group in response to the South Bank Centre’s ‘Art By Post’ project.
My ‘A Town Called Hope’ explained
by Val.
North Kent Mind was my biggest inspiration for my town, as you will see from my map and my pen picture below. My primary idea was to base on it one of those town maps you find in a Ye Olde Town Square telling you where you are and where things are and then it was my my creative licence and my ideas which just ran amok. Here’s a whistle stop tour of my town…
Tranquility Park and Zen Corner:
It’s a really big park area, with lots of trees, a lake in the with benches beside to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. There are picnic areas for people to enjoy on those on those beautiful long summer days. Zen Corner is an outdoor area where people can gather and do activities relating to mindfulness and well-being like yoga, tai-chi, meditation. Zen Corner is also enclosed within trees so that there is privacy for people to enjoy their mindful activities in peace without too much distraction from what is happening in the park. You will notice that below this there is area where there are hills to go and explore the narrow winding paths and somewhere you can take your mountain bikes to enjoy the stream that flows down from the main river.
The Weekend Arts & Crafts Fair and New Hope Community Centre:
The arts and crafts fair is a Saturday and Sunday run fair which encompasses so many things from painting for beginners right up to the experienced, rock painting, tie-dyeing, candle making to knitting and crochet. This fair only runs outdoors in the spring and summer and then reverts to being in the community centre in the autumn and winter only breaking for Easter and Christmas. The Community Centre is also used a summer creche for young kids and can also hold many social events like bingo, quiz nights and parties.
The Riding School and down south:
The area down south is again covered in greenery, woodland and has a lake. There is a riding school which has a paddock and stables with access to the woodland to have a trek with the horses and ponies.
New Hope Ecology Park and Wind and Solar farm:
The use of renewable energy and solar power is important as we need to drive down our Carbon footprint. So when my mind is swirling round and I don’t know what to do I can take a tram ride down to the Ecology Park and watch the wind turbines go round and round as they gather up energy to source my town.
Middletown Hope
So in the heartlands of ‘A Town Called Hope’ lies so many lovely things like a mini housing estate that has solar panels so that each house gets an even share of renewable energy. There’s the New Hope All Saints church for those who love attending regular church on Sundays and also a nearby medical centre for any emergencies.
The Town Market Square
The town market square clock is the distinguishing feature here as there is an arch way that leads into the cobbled market square where there is a small mix of shops like a butchers, bakers, a craft shop, a small café and restaurant as well as a few other shops selling homemade things like preserves, candles and little ornaments. In the middle of the town square is a fountain. To the west of the town market square lies a rotunda where there is sometimes live music going on and during every weekend in December there is a lovely band that play Christmas carols to entertain shoppers and provide a real festive feel. In the summer the rotunda hosts events later into the evening to enjoy the longer hours of daylight and warmth.
The Multi Faith Centre
The Multi-faith centre is situated to the north of the Town Market Square and is two adjoining buildings. To ensure total equality and respect to all of the major faiths that are represented in this building everyone is all on the same floor. To the rear of the MFC there is a small lake and trees providing a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere to anyone needing a moment of total peace and quiet contemplation.
The Cinema and office blocks
New Hope Cinema is a 12-screen multiplex with a variety of films being shown and is always a hive of activity when it comes to movie premieres. The office blocks nearby are the main source of jobs in this town called Hope.
New Hope Mall
New Hope Mall contains at least 30 major retailers under one roof and is near the Silver Link tram drop-off point so there’s no need for cars and traffic jams getting in and out of the complex.
New Hope Tavern
Last but certainly no means least is the New Hope Tavern situated in the heart of the town and is a lovely sized pub with a real welcoming and homely feel to it. It serves some gorgeous food which caters for everyone with a seasonal menu, and on Sundays, customers can enjoy a good old Sunday roast. It has plenty of outside seating for when the weather is lovely and usually in summer there is a barbecue going on every fortnight.
New Hope Water Taxi
The New Hope Water Taxi offers a relaxing and ideal way to see some of the sights of the town and is best enjoyed on lovely warm days. Each water taxi can seat up to a maximum of 5 people and charge £5 per adult and £2.50 per child (with an adult) for an hour’s ride going from east to west (and vice versa).
Silver Link Trams
The Silver Link Tram service is the ideal way to travel around A Town Called Hope it has many drop-off points, is disabled friendly as it’s front three carriages are more roomier and accessible for people with impairments. It is a great way to enjoy the town and also being green and reducing pollution at the same time.
By Steve
‘My cat Muffin’ by Steve
‘Wallace & Gromit’ by Steve
‘Snorky the dragon’ by Steve
‘Chunky the dragon’ by Steve
By Marjorie
‘Step by step art dragon’ by Marjorie
By Nick
‘Dragon drawing inspired by a step by step how to draw activity’ by Nick
By Nicole
‘Dragon’ by Nicole
By Val
‘Fire Dragon’ by Val
‘Rhiannon’ by Val
By Ben
‘Frozen’ drawing inspired by the Peer Support Group Disney theme. By Ben
Sketch drawn in the park By Ben
By Jonathan
‘Lexi’ By Jonathan
‘Bosco’ By Jonathan
By Ria
Silhouettes on canvas – acrylic paint By Ria
Silhouettes on canvas – acrylic paint By Ria
Silhouettes on canvas – acrylic paint By Ria
By Benjamin
By Benjamin
By Benjamin
by Dave
by Val
By Angel
‘Tuten-cat-moon’ inspired by Peer Support Group ‘Animals’ theme by Angel
By Olivia
Autumn Wreath by Olivia
by Julie
Halloween Pumpkin by Julie
Halloween Pumpkin by Julie
By Angel
‘In response to an ‘Art By Post’ activity that we talked about in the Peer Support Activity Group, I replaced words with pictures to represent my interests and favourite past-times.’ Angel
By Valentina
‘I enjoyed taking time to think about the things I love following conversation in the Peer Support group about this ‘Art By Post’ Activity’. – Valentina
Gallery
'Wallace & Gromit' by Steve
'Snorky the dragon' by Steve
'Dragon drawing inspired by a step by step how to draw activity' by Nick
With the staff of the ‘NHS in Mind’ Slee Parrish, an experienced Senior NHS Nurse and qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, together with Alex James, a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher, have put together a set of free resources for members of staff to access and use to help them look after their mental health and well-being.
We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. These will be set only if you accept
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
