CATALYST e-Newsletter

Black patients to gain stronger rights under new Mental Health Act

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:03:03 GMT

published: 23 December 2026

Black patients with severe mental illness are to be better protected thanks to landmark new legislation. The new Mental Health Act has received Royal Assent meaning it is now law, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

It will reform the outdated Mental Health Act of 1983, which provides the legal framework to detain and treat people in a mental health crisis who are at risk of harm to themselves or others.

Under the new act, the Government say they will tackle the 'unacceptable disparities' that have seen Black people detained at disproportionately high rates.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “For too long, thousands of vulnerable people in mental health crises have been failed by outdated laws that stripped away their dignity and voice.

“The new Mental Health Act will transform lives by putting patients back in control of their care, tackling the unacceptable disparities that have seen Black people detained at disproportionately high rates, and giving NHS staff the tools to deliver care that truly helps people recover."

Read full article >

See previous reform updates here >

Not a Catalyst 4 Change member? Join us on MemberSPACE

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:03:08 GMT

source: Catalyst/Tippa Naphtali

republished : February 2026

In May 2024 we launched our new self-service membership platform, MemberSPACE .

We encourage all members that were registered on our previous manual system to re-register on the new members platform. Although we will retain previous records, registering on MemberSPACE comes with the benefits of numerous new interactive features.

GET FREE MEMBERSHIP HERE >

You have complete control over your membership with Catalyst. Downgrade or upgrade membership at any time! Basic Membership includes addition to our e-newsletter, reduced price event entry & stalls etc, and access to limited 1-2-1 signposting.

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR HERE >

Donors are not full members, (unless registered separately as such), but do have access to certain service and events benefits, and they also support our work programmes through their donations.

Starts at just £7.50 per month, billed quarterly.

Please Note: Only the FREE membership option is currently available. This gives basic membership which includes addition to our e-newsletter, reduced price event entry and stalls etc, as well as access to limited 1-2-1 signposting.

In 2026 look out for our one-to-one 'Development Mentors' flexible paid packages specifically for Catalyst's registered members.

Catalyst's Background:

The organisation was first conceived in 2015 by founding directors Sandra Griffiths and Tippa Naphtali, and was incorporated as a Community Interest Company in June 2017.

Catalyst supports community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base.

Read more here >

Pathways to Independence: Co-production, empowerment and community

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:02:56 GMT

source: Catalyst/Maria Adebisi
published: 4 February 2026

In October 2024, Catalyst 4 Change commissioned six community organisations to deliver programmes for patients in Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust’s medium secure units that would support their journey towards independence. It has been a year since the Pathways to Independence Project , also known as Sustainable Community Initiative (SCI), began in earnest.

Last year the programme supported 143 service users towards transitioning into the community through a wide range of activities. These activities include unique offerings that have never been brought into the forensic setting before, such as employability, soft archery, yoga, podcasting & music production. These activities were delivered at medium secure care wards and at a Community Hub in Erdington for service users living in the community.

The Pathways to Independence programme has the following aims and objectives:

Supporting patients to connect with communities
Improve patient agency and wellbeing
Co-production in-patient care planning
Cultural Competency & Staff Development

As we begin our second year we reflect on our major highlights and learnings from our pilot year. The emerging themes from last year’s delivery are:

Co-production
Confidence
Empowerment
Personal Development

Above all, the Pathways to Independence programme demonstrated co-production in action by regularly bringing together Trust staff and community groups to clarify processes, strengthen communication, identify gaps, and ensure safe trauma-informed delivery. Between 2022-2023 service users were consulted so that programmes could be designed for their needs.

During delivery patients have been empowered to select from a wide range of activities. Service users have also been regularly consulted throughout the programme using tools designed by Catalyst to ensure that activities provided meet their current needs.

Patients remarked that the weekly sessions gave them ‘a sense of purpose’ and ‘achievement’. Many also commented that the community delivery partners created ‘safe’ spaces that ‘helped them speak about their feelings in song’ and ‘feel less stressed out’. Their progress in these courses have been celebrated through showcases on the ward. The next showcase will be taking place in Ardenleigh on 11 March 2026.

Rohon Webber a Clinical Inequalities lead at Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust who supervises the programmes said the following on co-production:

“My experience of working with the Pathway to Independence programme delivering co-production with our secure care service users has been a breath of fresh air. Service users that engaged in the programme have reported having a positive experience, as they were able to be themselves without being judged; felt listened to which gives them a sense of purpose and belonging.”

A more comprehensive report highlighting the impact of the programme will be produced by our independent evaluators, QBQ Research Consultancy in March 2026.

For more information about the programme, contact: maria.adebisi@catalyst4change.co.uk

State of the Nation: An evening with Akala (Birmingham)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:02:47 GMT

all credits: B:Music
published: December 2025

Step into an unflinching night of truth, history and hope with one of Britain’s most formidable voices, Akala .

A BAFTA/MOBO award winning hip-hop artist, best-selling author, historian and social entrepreneur, Akala has garnered a reputation for deftly unpacking the forces that shape modern British culture and politics.

Bringing together razor-sharp intellect, street-hardened honesty, and lyrical prowess, he will discuss the landscape at this critical inflection point — a Britain still haunted by colonial legacy, structural inequality and class divisions, but is it also a Britain capable of awakening, reimagining and real social change?

Drawing from his No.2 Sunday Times bestselling book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, his renowned musical, broadcast, academic and international cultural exchanges, Akala promises an evening of hard-hitting insights, deeply felt stories, sharp analysis and urgent calls for solidarity.

Featuring special guests – join this event for an evening for the curious, sceptical or determined mind... this event promises to be an immersive exploration of the current State of the Nation.

Book tickets here >

West Midlands Fundraising Conference 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:02:33 GMT

source: Chartered Institute of Fundraising West Midlands

published: December 2025

Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) West Midlands are delighted to bring a one-day event full of inspirational speakers and thought-provoking seminars, plus plenty of opportunities to network and learn from your peers. The event takes place on 12 March 2026 at The Birmingham Conferences and Events Centre (BCEC).

There will be sessions for all kinds of fundraisers, from director-level to those taking their first steps in our vibrant and diverse sector. There'll be contributions from people who inspire support across income streams for a wide variety of different causes.

A full agenda to include details about the speaker sessions will be published in due course. CIOF-WM three tracks will focus on the following themes: Inspiration, Innovation, and Implementation.

If you register for this event you agree to abide by the declaration and CIOF-WM's Code of Behaviour for Training and Events.

If you have any questions or require any further information, contact CIOF-WM at westmidlands@ciof.org.uk

Book a place below

Catalyst Black Thrive Assembly, 2025 - Celebrating its 10th Anniversary

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:21:58 GMT

source: Sandra Griffiths

published : 8 November 2025

In October Catalyst 4 Change celebrated a dual anniversary – its 10th year of driving change and its 5th as a Black Thrive partner in Birmingham. This wasn't just an event; it was a powerful assembly brimming with inspiration and hope, drawing an audience from Catalyst’s diverse partners and stakeholders: statutory and voluntary sectors, faith communities, businesses, service users and carers.

The gathering highlighted Catalyst’s unwavering journey in confronting and dismantling mental health inequalities and co-developing culturally appropriate community services within African and Caribbean communities across the West Midlands.

Directors Tippa Naphtali, Beverley Stephens, and Sandra Griffiths shared that the organisation was born from the anger and pain of losing Tippa’s cousin, Mikey Powell , who died after being detained and restrained in West Midlands Police custody following a severe psychotic episode. This lived experience and its devastating consequences was the driving force behind Catalyst’s mission; ensuring access to the right care, at the right time, and in the right place.

The assembly featured a lineup of powerful speakers who underscored the urgent need for systemic change.

Professor Patrick Vernon, Community Ambassador for the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (BSol ICB), delivered a compelling keynote address on the critical importance of Black systems leadership. His words offered a deeply reflective yet forward-looking roadmap for achieving equity, justice, and structural transformation within the health system.

Dr. Jacqui Dyer, NHS England National Mental Health Equality Adviser, provided vital insights into the NHS England's groundbreaking Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF). She emphasised its role as a mandatory anti-racism initiative, set to revolutionize mental health provision across all providers. Jacqui is also a Founder and Director of the Black Thrive Programme and shared its vision to tackle systemic inequalities impacting the mental health and wellbeing of Black communities.

Alethea Fuller, Deputy Chief Executive of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's Office, detailed ambitious efforts to improve policing for Black communities. Her vision outlined a commitment to building an anti-racist police service, one that earns the trust of the Black community through transparency and action. Alethea was at the forefront of the development of the Mental Health Street Triage Initiative in 2013, a groundbreaking and hugely successful initiative.

Patrick Nyarumbu, Deputy CEO at Birmingham Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, reaffirmed his organisation's steadfast commitment to being an anti-racist organisation and shared a number of programmes and partnership to illustrate that commitment. The Trust have embedded anti-racism training and trauma-informed care in mandatory programmes, Invested in Race Equality Leadership and Governance Structures, aligned with the Trust’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy

Beverley Stephens, Catalyst Director and PCREF Lead, highlighted Catalyst’s Black Thrive initiative in Birmingham, which engaged over 200 African and Caribbean service users and carers. Insights from these dialogues are being used to collaborate directly with BSMHFT to advance the Patient Carers Race Equality Framework.

The Knowledge Exchange Sessions were a unique opportunity for Catalyst to:

Champion partnership initiatives like the Pathway to Independence Programme, which has facilitated community organisations and Mental Health Trusts to collaboratively support service users' reintegration into the community.
Promote its Community Development programmes that aims to reinstate and develop community led services such as the LEx Leaders Development Programme, and to provide a dedicated mental health & wellbeing centre, and much needed supported housing scheme
Encourage greater collaboration between the business sector and Black voluntary sector to address the mental health support needs of Black communities
Explore the importance of Black communities determining their research priorities

From networking opportunities to peer learning and a renewed sense of unity, the atmosphere was electric, enhanced by the dynamic hosting of Nathan Dennis and music supplied by DJ Ezekiel Marley. The grand finale, a moving performance by the Sweet Sensations Choir, perfectly capped off Catalyst’s 10th anniversary.

Ash Field, Programmes and Partnership Manager for Thriving Futures, encapsulated the sentiment, calling the assembly; "nothing less than uplifting and was really powerful."

Saida Chowdury, Poet and Mental Health Advocate, said; “I was honoured to be invited to hear how Catalyst is working to ensure better outcomes for African and Caribbean people.”

As Catalyst 4 Change charts its course for the next decade, its dedication remains unwavering.

The organisation stands firm in its mission to tackle mental health racial inequalities and supporting the development of community run and culturally appropriate services, ensuring that Black Communities not only survive but truly thrive.

To all the visionary speakers, dedicated facilitators, invaluable partners, engaged attendees, our dynamic host, entertaining DJ, soulful Choir and dedicated Catalyst team - A big thank you for making this inspiring event a resounding success.

A full report of the Catalyst’s Assembly will be published in early 2026.

Assembly PowerPoint Presentations:

See the event gallery here >

See 'Catalyst 4 Change: 2025 marks 10 years into the journey' here >

Black Thrive secures £5 million from The National Lottery to scale systemic change

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:20:52 GMT

source : Black Thrive Global

first published : 1 October 2025

We are proud to share that Black Thrive Global has been awarded £5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver our new five-year programme: Thriving Futures – Scaling Systems Change.

This milestone represents both recognition of our community-led work and a critical opportunity to build on lessons learned. Scaling Systems Change will tackle the root causes of inequalities that Black communities face in relation to mental health, scaling what we have tested and learned locally in Lambeth, Haringey, and Birmingham to achieve UK-wide impact through Black Thrive Global, with the ambition to extend our work into Wales and Scotland.

We see this funding as far more than a grant. It is a powerful acknowledgment of the importance of lived expertise, a commitment to anti-racism, and community-driven innovation. It gives us the opportunity to deliver on the vision that communities have been building with us for years, strengthening infrastructure, embedding systemic change, and demonstrating that Black-led organisations are essential drivers of local and national transformation.

What Scaling Systems Change will do

Through collaboration with statutory bodies, researchers, funders, local leaders, and, most importantly, our communities, the programme will:

Challenge systemic racism and redesign structures that disproportionately disadvantage Black communities.
Elevate community voice and co-create solutions grounded in lived experience.
Invest in sustainable models that improve mental health, education, employment, and wellbeing.

The first year of Scaling Systems Change will be deliberately designed to consolidate learning and shape long-term impact. While £5 million is significant, it is not limitless, and we remain focused on ensuring the investment is used with care, intention, and accountability.

Voices from across the Collective

Souci Frissa, CEO of Black Thrive Global, said:

“Scaling Systems Change is about transformation at every level. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can build on what we’ve learned with our communities and create lasting change.”

Lilian Latinwo-Olajide, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Systems Change, added:

“This funding allows us to accelerate collaboration across localities and UK-wide—ensuring that systemic racism is actively challenged and sustainable change is achieved. At the same time, we see this as part of a wider call to reimagine how Black-led organisations are resourced and valued across the UK.”

Damilola Bamidele, Head of Programme Delivery, Black Thrive Lambeth, added:

“We extend our sincere thanks to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting Scaling Systems Change. Their commitment enables us to embed a robust foundation for UK-wide systemic reform, rooted in community voice, leadership development and evidence-based practice. This support helps us advance anti-racism frameworks, empower Black communities and foster long-term partnerships that drive meaningful and lasting change across public systems.”

Lynette Charles, Black Thrive Haringey Lead, said:

“In Haringey, we have a history of community activism, and we’ve seen that systems change only happens when communities are at the centre, leading from the front. Thriving Futures – Scaling Systems Change means we can build on this progress and take our learning to a national level.”

Sandra Griffiths, Black Thrive Birmingham Lead, said:

“Birmingham has a powerful legacy of community-led innovation and grassroots activism. This programme enables us to strengthen our local efforts and amplify our voice within a national movement committed to dismantling systemic racism. Together, we’re not just dreaming of change—we’re making it visible, lasting, and rooted in the communities we serve.”.

Read the original article here >

National Lottery Fund announces grant for the Meet & Eat Programme

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:18:09 GMT

source: Clive Coley
published: 26 October 2025

We are incredibly delighted to announce that the Mentoring, Advocacy and Support Hub (MASH) Meet & Eat programme has been awarded a grant of £19,987 from The National Lottery Community Fund , through its Supporting Communities Programme .

This funding will be instrumental in supporting our critical and ongoing work with African and Caribbean men and women in Birmingham and Solihull who have lived experience of mental health.

The MASH Meet & Eat sessions, which previously ran from 2017 to 2019, were extremely popular, but had to be discontinued due to a lack of funding resources. These sessions provide low cost but impactful social engagement through a social meal. We are excited to bring these informal sessions back to help reduce isolation. Participants will also be signposted to relevant support networks, and an opportunity to have a social meal in a relaxed atmosphere with friends and support staff .

See the flyer here

The Lottery Funding will also support the broader MASH Programme by covering sessional staffing costs, and various events over the next two years. This includes offering specific support to participants towards the meal cost, and travel expenses for those facing financial hardship barriers

About The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)

The NLCF distributes over £600m annually across the UK United Kingdom. The Community Fund award money is raised by Lottery players to fund and support initiatives that help communities thrive, with a focus on community projects that connect people, foster growth, growth and build a better future.

The NLCF specifically supports individuals facing, poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination. By 2030 the NLCF aims to share over £4billion to create stronger, fairer communities across the UK. You can learn more by visiting the NLCF website here. Visit the NLCF website here >

The MASH Plan

MASH has an ambitious development plan, and several new initiatives will be rolled out over the next 2+ years. We are actively seeking funding to re-start the MASH services as outlined in our community development programme. This includes leadership development, easy access to culturally appropriate community services, a social value model and various social activities.

The MASH social activities connect people together through our Meet & Eat sessions and others which offers structured activities in the form, of guests’ and motivational speakers.

We plan to run the Meet & Eat sessions monthly which will be supported by a dedicated project worker at each session. See full details here >

What can you do?

Further information will be provided shortly about the MASH Meet & Eat sessions, including details about how you can get involved and support this initiative.

For more information, please contact Clive Coley (Projects & Development Manager)

Mobile: 07599 295 265 or Voice Messages: 0844 884 3133.

Email: clive.coley@catalyst4change.org.uk

NMPMFF Therapy Care Initiative launches in 2026

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:16:11 GMT

all credits: The NMPMFF
published: 25 October 2025

The new National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Therapy Care Initiative Pilot is set to be launched in January 2026 . See flyer here

In June 2025 Catalyst 4 Change were pleased to announce that The National Lottery Community Fund ( Awards for All ) awarded the NMPMFF £19,984 in grant funding to further the commitments from their Development Plans .

One of the NMPMFF's plans for the future includes Bereavement & Counselling Hubs, ensuring that families affected by custody deaths and killings can get quick, easy and free or subsidised access to mental health, wellbeing and bereavement support in their local area .

The pilot initiative
Part of the recent Lottery grant will support the NMPMFF Therapy Care Initiative Pilot, a 1-year programme that will identify up to 10 recently bereaved UK families that require therapeutic support.

Other Lottery funded work
The recent grant awarded also included some modest staff costs, and a significant allocation for two events in 2026. One will be similar to the May 2023 Families Matter, Caring Matters fun day in Manchester, and the other similar to the November 2023 40.20.1 celebration and campaigner awards held in Birmingham.

Some key advisories:

Applicants will need to have been assisted to access the Therapy Care Initiative's support by one of NMPMFF's Assessment Partners or a recognised community agency or enterprise that supports affected families.

Assessment Partners or a recognised community agency or enterprise will refer families to the NMPMFF engagement team.

Applicants can be from any region within the UK, but if they are not already a registered family with the NMPMFF they would need to do so before applying for support.

The NMPMFF will contribute a fixed amount of £300 towards the agreed therapeutic sessions or a course of support required by the applicants.

Payments would be made directly to the service provider chosen by the family with advice from our partners.

Participating families would also be eligible for an award from the NMPMFF Holiday Fund of £100.00 towards a respite or holiday break.

How participants will be selected!

Referrals will be considered (provided all conditions are met) on a first-come basis, and final decisions made by Tiphany Springer (Engagement & Support Co-ordinator) and Tippa Naphtali (Development & Programmes Manager).

View the leaflet here >

Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:12:52 GMT

all credits: Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs
published: 25 October 2025

The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs (BSMHWH) is a service delivered in partnership by Birmingham Mind and Creative Support. The service supports adults over the age of 18, under secondary mental health services in Birmingham or Solihull, on GP SMI list or having long term/severe mental health problems.

Through a tiered model of support, BSMHWH offer a combination of Structured Recovery Courses & Therapeutic Activities. This is complimented by 1-to-1 support planning and personalised goal setting, to assist you on your mental health recovery journey. In addition to this, BSMHWH offers a range of social opportunities which aim to increase peer support and build social networks.

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs are delivered in partnership by Birmingham Mind and Creative Support, leading providers of mental health support both locally and nationally. The aim of our service is to empower each person to build the mental health resources, life skills & community networks they need to achieve and maintain their mental health long-term.

BSMHWH works closely with Employment Services, Recovery Colleges, FTB, CMHTs, GPs and other agencies to ensure that individuals can access the right support that enables them to thrive.

The Hubs are located in Birmingham, Northfield, Handsworth, Erdington, Yardley, North Solihull and Shirley. They are open to all Birmingham and Solihull residents who are either: under secondary care, on the SMI register and those with a long term mental health condition (over 12 months).

See the full timetable here .

Eligibility

The service is available and free of charge for adults over the age of 18, under secondary mental health services in Birmingham or Solihull, on GP Serious Mental Illness Register (SMI register) or those experiencing long term/severe mental health difficulties.

How to access the service

To access the Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub service you must first complete a referral form.

You can complete an online form or download a Word version and email it to mhwh@birminghammind.org once complete. Alternatively you can call your nearest Hub and speak to one of our Recovery Navigators for more information.

Visit the website: Click here

Read about the Mental Health Text Support Service: Click here

Check & Connect: Disabled people's right to health checks

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:10:21 GMT

source : Midland Mencap

first published : October 2025

If you are 14 or older and have a learning disability, you can have a free health check at your doctor’s GP surgery every year. This is called an Annual Health Check.

It is your chance to talk about your health, ask questions, and make a plan to help you stay well.

What happens at your health check?

A nurse, doctor or another health professional will:

Listen to you and/or your carer about how you are feeling
Check things like your weight, heart rate, and blood pressure
Talk about your mental health and how you are coping
Review your medications and vaccinations
Help you make a plan to keep healthy

The Annual Health Check can help spot problems early, before you feel unwell. It also helps make sure you get the right care and support.

REMEMBER: This is for people with a learning disability – not a learning difficulty like dyslexia or ADHD. You can ask your GP to check if you are on the Learning Disability Register so you get invited every year.

Read the full details here >

Catalyst 4 Change: 2025 marks 10 years into the journey

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:53:42 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change

published : 11 August 2025

In 2025 Catalyst 4 Change will be proudly marking 10 years since its inception. The organisation was first conceived in 2015 by founding directors Tippa Naphtali and Sandra Griffiths, and was formally incorporated as a Community Interest Company on 19 June 2017. Its formation drew inspiration from the lived experience of Mikey Powell's story .

Catalyst supports community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base. We do this by providing learning seminars, networking/collaboration opportunities, capacity building, incubation support, representation, research support and access to a professional services directory.

See our article on the Birmingham Black Thrive Community Assembly 2025

Click here >

Catalyst has a powerful social mission to strengthen the capacity and networks of voluntary, social enterprise, grassroots, service user led, statutory organisations and businesses to ensure that they provide the right care, at the right time and in the right place to African and Caribbean people with mental health support needs and their carers living in the West Midlands.

Since the organisation was conceived in 2015, we have spoken with numerous and varied faith-based organisations, statutory and voluntary sector organisations, grassroot organisations, black people with lived experience of mental health problems and their carers to create a better understanding of the current mental health experiences of African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands. See our 2018 update on progress here >

Here are just some of our key projects and developments:

Black Thrive comes to Birmingham: new chapter for Catalyst 4 Change (October 2021)

In 2020, Black Thrive Global received a significant grant from The National Lottery Fund to expand into Birmingham, Lambeth and Haringey, London.

Black Thrive will be working closely with partners in Birmingham to:

Dismantle systemic inequalities facing Black communities through solutions led by and embedded in Black communities
Develop and deliver community led research to better inform policy
Invest in Black leadership by supporting Black people in leadership roles and investing in future generations of Black leaders

Catalyst launched the LEx Leaders Development Programme (April 2021)

In April 2021 we announced our first major initiative, the LEx Leaders Development Programme, which was made possible with two-year funding from the National Lottery's Leaders with Lived Experience 2020. The national programme was developed to support lived experience (LEx) leaders and their organisations to be central to recovery and renewal efforts as we moved through and beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic crisis.

The development programme initiative also developed the LEx Leaders Living Toolkit

www.catalyst4change.org.uk/leaders-living-toolkits

Catalyst launched West Midlands-wide Support-Connect helpline (December 2020)

Catalyst 4 Change (in partnership with four West Midlands African & Caribbean mental health service providers), launched the SUPPORT-CONNECT helpline service on 21 December 2020. This new regional initiative was funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund), and also by The Heart of England Community Foundation.

The initiative also developed the Support-Connect DIY Support database

www.catalyst4change.org.uk/revamped-catalyst-support-connect-database-and-appeal-for-data

Podcast series: Covid Conversations, Black Perspective (September 2020)

The Red Earth Collective in collaboration with Catalyst, produced a radio advertising campaign and a series of podcasts and interviews to support the wellbeing of African and Caribbean communities around the impacts of Covid-19.

See more about current Catalyst services (Advocates for Change, MASH Meet & Eat, Community Led Research, Pathways to Independence etc) and developments here - www.catalyst4change.org.uk/our-services

Here are just some of our key events:

Catalyst 4 Change - 1st Black Thrive Community Assembly (May 2022)

On the 14 May 2022 more than 100 Black community members, community organisations and allies gathered for the launch of Catalyst 4 Change’s Black Thrive Birmingham programme.

Looking Back : Moving Forward – National Family Fund event report (September 2021)

This event took place on 10 September marking the 18th anniversary of the death of Mikey Powell in West Midlands police custody, and celebrated 6 years of the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund.

Tackling Mental Health Conference (December 2017)

This major Birmingham conference made its mark as a rallying cry for Black communities to play a much greater part in determining their own wellbeing and to push for improvement, was made at this cross-sector mental health conference.

Others included those below and more;

National Family Fund Caring Matters event (May 2023)
African & Caribbean Mental Health Community: CaFI Study (March 2020)
Seni’s Law: The Mental Health Use of Force Act seminar (July 2019)

See more events listed here - www.catalyst4change.org.uk/events-learning

Here are just some of our key landmarks:

Announcement of Catalyst regional community development outreach (October 2023)
Catalyst commissioned for consultation on the Patient Carers Race Equalities Framework (July 2021)
Catalyst involvement in the SYNERGI National Pledge (August 2020)
Catalyst 4 Change: Making an impact update (December 2018)
Catalyst supports MASH short and long term development plans (April 2017)

Stay with the journey of Catalyst as we move into another decade of development, where we'll be continuing to shape better and more appropriate mental health and wellbeing services and interventions for African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands.

What you can do?

Join our e-Newsletter and keep up-to-date - Register here >
Become a Catalyst member - Register here >
Shop & support Catalyst - Read more >

New 24/7 mental health text service for Birmingham and Solihull

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:08:23 GMT

source : Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust

originally published : 4 August 2025

Text ‘Space’ to 85258 for Free, Confidential Support Anytime .

A new, round-the-clock mental health text service is now available to people living in Birmingham and Solihull, offering free and confidential support at the touch of a button. Download the flyer

Launched today, the all-age service is a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Shout, the UK’s first 24/7 text messaging support service, powered by the charity Mental Health Innovations.

Anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, or other mental health challenges can text ‘Space’ to 85258 to connect with a trained mental health professional – anytime, anywhere.

The service is designed to be discreet and accessible, particularly for those who may not feel ready to speak on the phone or in person.

In addition to providing in-the-moment support, texters can be signposted to a range of local mental wellbeing and mental health services, including Talking Therapies, Crisis Cafés, and NHS 111 Option 2 .

This new digital service aims to support and reduce pressure on services by offering an alternative route to support - especially for those waiting for further help or seeking early intervention.

Roísìn Fallon-Williams, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Building on the range of services that are currently available, this localised approach offers a truly accessible first step for people who may not yet feel ready or able to talk face-to-face or over the phone."

Read the full details here >

National Lottery Fund announces grant for the Memorial Family Fund

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:30:01 GMT

all credits: The NMPMFF
published: 22 July 2025

We are pleased to announce that The National Lottery Community Fund , through its 'Supporting Each Other Through Grief and Bereavement' programme, has awarded £19,984.00 in grant funding to the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) to further the commitments from their Development Plans in 2025/26 .

The NMPMFF (developed in 2015) is the first permanent national resource of its kind specifically for those that are affected by deaths in custody and makes small grants available for families and their campaign groups across the United Kingdom to provide practical domestic assistance, to further the work of their own campaigns or to assist them in engaging in a range of other local, regional or national campaigns, events and initiatives.

The Lottery funding will be used to support NMPMFF sessional staffing costs, organising two national family support events over 12 months, and to offer personalised therapeutic interventions for families members before they enter crisis - this includes specific support for children, especially those who have lost one or more of their parents or carers .

About The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)

The NLCF distributes over £600m a year to communities across the United Kingdom. The Community Fund award money is raised by Lottery players to fund great ideas that help communities to thrive. Visit the NLCF website here >

The NMPMFF 5-Year Plan

The NMPMFF has ambitious development plans for the future.

Many new initiatives will be rolled out over the next 3+ years, with support also provided by 4WardEverUK , Catalyst 4 Change CIC , Migrant Media and others.

What can you do?

Can you help with the Memorial Family Funds’ aspirations? If you have skills, experience, knowledge, resources or connections that can help, please contact them here .

It's back in business - MASH Meet & Eat sessions to be announced

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:15:02 GMT

source: Catalyst/Tippa Naphtali

published: 4 August 2025

We are pleased to announce that the long-awaited MASH Meet & Eat sessions are back.

The sessions were so popular until they were discontinued in early 2019 due to a lack of funding resources. The very first eat-out had taken place in November 2017 .

We have secured discounted prices for buffet meals with a number of restaurants across Birmingham.

The sessions will be open to anyone with lived experience of mental health issues, their carers, friends, and support staff from a wide range of organisations and agencies. See the flyer here

So, what is Meet & Eat?

It is simply about enjoying relaxed evenings with good food and company (helping to alleviate isolation and loneliness) , while sampling fine multicultural cuisine from around Birmingham, Sandwell and, eventually, the wider Black Country.

The sessions will be open to anyone with lived experience of mental health issues, their carers, friends and support staff from all sorts of agencies.

Tippa Naphtali said; "We're simply taking a thing that we all do in everyday life, tweaking it and injecting a little resource, to ensure that those who do not often enjoy socialising in this way, can do so in an affordable and safe space, with familiar people around them."

How to book

If you are interested in attending the sessions, you will find booking details frequently updated here: www.mashhub.org.uk/eatingout

Numbers at each session will be limited. This will be stated on the booking form.

Meal charge is between £9.00 - £11.50 per head.

Meet & Eat Hardship Fund

For attendees experiencing severe financial difficulties, the Hardship Fund will cover the meal cost and contribute to local travel costs.

If you need assistance contact: Clive Coley (Projects & Development Manager)

E: clive.coley@catalyst4change.org.uk, M: 07599 295 265

Mental health patients with nowhere to go costs NHS £71m

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:21 GMT

source : The Guardian

originally published : 11 February 2025

A lack of supported housing was the biggest reason for delayed discharges from mental health hospitals in England last year, costing the NHS about £71m, according to a report.

Analysis from the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that in 2023-24 there were 109,029 days of delayed discharge because mental health patients were waiting for supported housing, and the number of people stuck in hospital as a result of housing-related issues had more than tripled since 2021.

In September 2024, waiting for supported housing was the single biggest reason mental health patients, fit for discharge, were unable to leave, accounting for 17% of all delays. This lack led to a strain on NHS capacity and a rise in patients being sent out of area for hospital admission, the report found.

Rhys Moore, director of public impact at the NHF, said: “Not only are tens of thousands of people, who deserve the opportunity to live a healthy, happy and independent life, being failed, but the shortage of these homes is increasing pressure on public services, increasing homelessness, and costing the NHS and ultimately the taxpayer more in the long run.”

There are about half a million supported homes across England, but numbers are falling, and an NHF survey found that one in three (32%) supported housing providers in England have had to close schemes in the past year owing to financial pressures.

Chris Hampson, chief executive of Look Ahead, which provides specialist supported accommodation in London and the south-east, said the industry was facing a “perfect storm.

“Never in our 50-year history have we known challenges like it. We and others are having to withdraw from contracts and close services where we have been left with no alternative but to run them at a loss,” he said. “In the last few years, it has got ridiculously tough – you’ve got inflation, recruitment costs, local government budget cuts.

Read the full article >

Mental health Lampard Inquiry chair vows to 'seek out' truth

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:09:52 GMT

source: BBC News
published: 28 April 2025

The chair of England's first public inquiry into mental health deaths vowed to "seek out the truth" - despite difficulties getting documents from the NHS.

The first key evidence sessions in the Lampard Inquiry - examining more than 2,000 deaths at NHS inpatient units in Essex between 2000 and 2023 - have begun in London.

Baroness Lampard said although the hearing was "breaking new ground" , 21 legal notices had been issued to NHS organisations to force them to submit evidence.

"We will seek out the truth," she said, adding she would not hesitate to use her legal powers "to the fullest extent necessary to compel the production of evidence where it's not provided".

Baroness Lampard said the inquiry was of "national significance" as it focussed on "the big critical concerns about what went wrong over almost a quarter of a century".

Counsel to the inquiry, Nicholas Griffin KC, said: "We have been unimpressed with a significant number of requests for deadline extensions... and the number of occasions where providers have not given the material expressly asked for."

He said there were problems with the condition of paper records, "missing documents" and providers, including private ones, sending information late.

Mr Griffin said it was a criminal offence to suppress, conceal, alter, or destroy relevant evidence and said providers should be properly resourced to respond to the inquiry.

He said the inquiry should not be delayed because of it.

Read the full article here >

22 April 2025

Lampard Inquiry: terms of reference

10 April 2025

What is the Lampard Inquiry and what could it change?

9 September 2024

Report from the Better Together 'Power of Us' Conference

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:07:48 GMT

source: Catalyst/Amal Anaam

published: May 2025

As a member of the Catalyst 4 Change team involved in organising the BVSC led 'The Power of Us' conference, held on 9 April 2025 at Birmingham City Football Club, Amal Anaam (Catalyst's Research & Evaluation Lead) had the privilege of witnessing the energy, passion and insights that emerge when communities, researchers and organisations collaborate to drive change. The event reminded us that inclusive research should be rooted in the voices of those it seeks to represent.

One of the most impactful moments was the plenary session led by Beverly Stephens from Catalyst 4 Change and Sarah Hamed from Black Thrive Global. They reminded us that inclusive research is not about tokenism or involving communities as an afterthought. It is about listening to communities who are often frustrated by how they are incorporated into research processes- as subjects rather than co-creators.

Their discussion highlighted the importance of dismantling barriers that have historically silenced underrepresented voices and the need for research frameworks that honour lived experience. The solutions to many of our most pressing challenges lie within these communities. By shifting from ‘researching about’ to ‘researching with’, we can create more meaningful outcomes.

A particularly powerful moment was the community research panel, recruited and trained by BVSC. These researchers worked on their own projects and showcased their outputs through posters, sparking discussions throughout the day. This exemplifies what research should be: fed and led by the needs and interests of the community.

The day also included a range of panels and workshops, such as sessions from BVSC Research, Flourish Community Health Collaborative and the Community Connexions team at BCHC. Contributions from the University of Warwick, West Midlands Combined Authority, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NIHR infrastructure teams enriched the discussions.

Topics ranged from cultural understanding and crime prevention to regional growth and removing barriers to participation. The message was clear: research is evolving. As stated by Sophie Wilson, Director of BVSC Research: “It’s being driven from the ground up by those with lived experience, working alongside academics and systems partners in true collaboration."

One key takeaway is the need to move beyond discussing problems. While identifying challenges is important, we must start answering the 'so what' questions that communities bring to the table. What does this mean for them? How will it result in tangible change? How can we ensure their voices are not just heard but acted upon?

Future workshops and conferences must prioritise actionable outcomes. This means not just understanding issues but co-developing solutions. We must create spaces where communities feel empowered to lead discussions and where their insights are not only valued but implemented.

The Power of Us conference was a step forward, but it is only one step in a much larger journey. As we plan for future events, the hope is that we continue to challenge ourselves to think critically about inclusion and equity. Let us not just talk about change but commit to enacting it together.

If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, please reach out to Amal Anaam (Research & Evaluation Lead) amal.anaam@catalyst4change.org.uk

The Advocates for Change Programme: a partnership approach

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:05:43 GMT

source: Catalyst/Beverley Stephens

published: May 2025

Over the past 12 months, we have had over 200 conversations with Black carers, patients and users of mental health services about the things that matter to them when receiving culturally appropriate advocacy services, primarily for those who are from African and Caribbean descent.

We set about understanding more around:

In-patient mental health advocacy and discharge support
Community outreach support needs
Lived experience peer support models
Collective Advocacy and co-production groups
Carers networks and information sessions

For the duration of the programme, alongside our partnership with PohWER Advocacy Service and Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF) achieved a better overall understanding about the range of issues relating to unmet cultural needs and discrimination within mental health settings and in formal community mental health services after hospital discharge.

SACMHF is a valued organisation dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of African and Caribbean communities. Established in 1994, SACMHF provides culturally responsive services, ensuring that individuals receive care tailored to their specific needs and experiences. SACMHF offers practical, emotional, and social support, helping individuals navigate challenges such as isolation, stigma, and access to appropriate care.

PohWER was set up in 1996 by service users who got tired of others making assumptions about their capabilities and views, and wanted equal access to information and a voice of their own. The charity provides information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. Their team provided leadership around the programme management as well as working within Birmingham and Solihull mental health hospital settings to provide advocacy advice to inpatients and feeding back to the care teams and managers about patient concerns and additional needs

During the year we know that we raised awareness of people’s mental health advocacy rights through our ‘Know Your Rights’ webinars, collective engagement sessions, fostered new community partnerships, strengthened community voices about culturally appropriate support/care, and cemented recommendations that Catalyst 4 Change will take forward for action with statutory service leaders.

The programme allowed service users, patients and carers concerns to be heard, spell out service issues experienced, and explore practical solutions that can be shared with mental health hospitals and community teams in such a way that services, can be redesigned.

So, what’s next? Now that the programme finished at the end of March, we will consolidate our learning alongside our community partners involved in the programme and maintain some of the significant and impactful aspects of the projects activity and keep listening to the voice of patients, carers and service users who are at the forefront of our mission to see African and Caribbean people receive care at the right time, right place and by the right people!

We invite you to look out for more information during the year about our ‘Know Your Rights’ conversation webinars and other community events where you can get involved in the follow-up of this work.

If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, please contact Beverley Stephens (Temporary PCREF Lead) beverley.stephens@catalyst4change.org.uk

Latest update on the Pathways to Independence programme

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:04:20 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change
published: May 2025

Catalyst 4 Change is proud to serve as the lead and accountable organisation for the Pathways to Independence project. Funded by Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and delivered in partnership with a range of community-led organisations, this initiative forms part of the Sustainable Community Initiative (SCI). Its aim is to provide culturally appropriate, inclusive, and empowering support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

We are pleased to share that delivery partners are now actively delivering sessions within secure care units across Birmingham. These units provide care and support for individuals with a range of mental health challenges, including those preparing to transition into community living. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with one service user saying, “I look forward to it every week. It’s the best part of my week.”

Current programmes include music production, podcasting, employability and job readiness, and a variety of sports activities. These sessions are delivered in a way that reflects the cultural identity and lived experiences of service users. Ensuring the support is meaningful, relevant, and grounded in community needs.

We are also proud to announce the opening of the Pathways to Independence Community Hub in North Birmingham. This space offers group activities and one-to-one support for those transitioning into independent living, providing a vital link between secure services and community-based recovery.

Activities range from creative arts and life skills workshops to personal coaching and practical support with housing, health, and wellbeing.

This culturally-informed, community-based approach is central to helping service users build resilience, develop confidence, and reconnect with their communities in a safe and supportive environment.

Stay tuned for further updates as we expand the programme and continue to build a network of empowerment, opportunity, and hope.

For more information about our Pathway to Independence programme please contact: Alicia Douglas (Programmes & Partnership Manager) alicia.douglas@catalyst4change.org.uk

NCVO: The Road Ahead Report 2025, shifting expectation

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:02:44 GMT

source: NCVO
published: 17 April 2025

The UK charity sector stands at a crossroads in 2025, facing an evolving landscape shaped by economic pressures, policy changes, and shifting public expectations.

There are over 168,000 registered charities in the UK, together contributing billions to the economy and providing essential services. While funding constraints and political, economic, environmental and legal complexities present ongoing challenges, a wealth of opportunities still exist for innovation, digital transformation, and enhanced community engagement.

The Road Ahead’ is our annual assessment of the changing landscape for NCVO members and voluntary sector organisations.

In this year's report, delivered in partnership with Zurich, we explore the key risks, opportunities, and strategic opportunities for charities and voluntary organisations in the year ahead. Together, we offer actionable insights and practical guidance to help organisations navigate an uncertain future.

Our aim is to equip charity leaders with the information and strategies needed to sustain and grow their impact in the coming year, and beyond.

A message from NCVO

"The voluntary sector continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of unprecedented challenges. As we step further into 2025, charities and voluntary organisations remain at the forefront of tackling some of the most pressing social issues, from poverty and inequality to climate action and community cohesion.

"Yet, we know that the road ahead will not be easy. Economic uncertainty, difficult funding landscapes, and evolving political priorities require us to rethink how we operate, collaborate, and advocate for change."

See the full article here >

Download the report here >

Small Charity Week 2025:

New match funding campaign to boost small charities

To mark Small Charity Week 2025, NCVO is partnering with Big Give and Global’s Make Some Noise to launch a match funding campaign that will provide crucial financial support to small charities.

Read more here >

Keep an eye on the Small Charity Week website and follow Small Charity Week on Instagram for updates.

Catalyst's new membership portal, MemberSPACE

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:45:51 GMT

source: Catalyst/Tippa Naphtali

published : 11 June 2024

In May 2024 we launched our brand new self-service membership platform, MemberSPACE .

We encourage all existing members to re-register on the new platform. Although we will retain previous records, registering on MemberSPACE comes with the benefits of numerous new interactive features.

GET FREE MEMBERSHIP HERE >

BECOME A DONOR HERE >

Donors are not full members, (unless registered separately), but do have access to certain service & events benefits and they also support our work programmes through their donations.

Starts at just £7.50 per month, billed quarterly.

Please Note: Only the FREE membership option is currently available. This gives basic membership which includes addition to our e-newsletter, reduced price event entry & stalls etc, and access to limited 1-2-1 signposting.

Catalyst's Background:

The organisation was first conceived in 2016 by founding directors Sandra Griffiths and Tippa Naphtali, and was incorporated as a Community Interest Company in June 2017.

Catalyst supports community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base.

Read more here >

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:00:26 GMT

all credits: Mental Health Foundation
last updated: January 2025

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 12 to 18 May 2025.

The theme for 2025 is 'Community'.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.

The Foundations says;

"We want to use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

"Find out why we chose the theme 'Community', and why community is important for our mental health."

See related blog post >

The Mental Health Foundation will be providing expert information and guidance on how community supports good mental health, providing ideas for how to cultivate mentally healthy communities, sharing inspiring stories from communities across the UK, and encouraging people and organisations to get involved with activities and events.

See original article +expression of interest here >

The role of Black-led organisations in supporting Black mental health

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:03:25 GMT

source: Taylor & Francis
published: 9 January 2025

The objective of this Black emancipatory action research project was to explore the role of Black-led community organisations in supporting Black mental health and wellbeing in the UK.

The framework application involved adequately compensating community organisations for their consultancy role; having ‘research conversations’ rather than interviewing participants; and focusing outputs on community benefit. Eight individual and group research conversations took place with nine Black directors, employees and volunteers working with Black-led community organisations, aged between 19 and 62, living in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse conversations.

Conclusions

Black-led organisations play multiple roles in supporting individual and collective mental health, crucial for mediating the effects of racism and mitigating ethnic inequalities.

To our knowledge, this is the first study to both illuminate the critical role of community organisations in promoting Black mental health in the UK and to prioritise participant, and community, benefit throughout the research process.

Black mental health inequalities

In the United Kingdom (UK), people from Black communities have a higher prevalence of mental health conditions including depression, panic disorder and psychosis .

Higher rates of schizophrenia are found in Black Caribbean and African communities compared with South Asian, Chinese and white communities (Hunt et al. 2021).

Despite worse mental health outcomes, evidence suggests that Black people are less likely to report or seek help for mental health conditions and when they do, are less likely to have their mental health conditions detected by health care professionals.

Black communities report experiencing racist mistreatment by mental health services. This leads to expectation of racist treatment, discourages early access, and leads to the perpetuation of mental health inequalities .

Read full article here >

Update on the Pathways to Independence programme

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:03:18 GMT

source: Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths
published: February 2025

Pathway to Independence is a collaborative programme designed to support individuals transitioning from secure care into independent community life. The programme provides a structured, inclusive, and transformative approach, equipping service users with essential life skills, personal confidence, and wellbeing strategies.

By partnering with trusted voluntary sector organisations, Pathway to Independence delivers tailored educational, recreational, and employment-focused activities to help individuals build resilience, social connections, and long-term stability.

The initiative aligns with Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust's commitment to tackling health inequalities, promoting equality, and enhancing patient outcomes through community-based engagement.

Pathway to Independence has been funded through REACH OUT, the West Midlands Provider Collaborative (PC) for adult secure mental health services and learning disability and autism services.

Catalyst 4 Change’s Role

Catalyst 4 Change is the lead organisation responsible for the management and overall delivery of the programme, including the Pathway to Independence Community Hubs and in-unit services within mental health facilities.

The organisation ensures:

Strategic oversight and coordination of the programme
Efficient delivery of services tailored to the needs of service users
Alignment with the programme's objectives, ensuring participants receive the necessary support for independence

Expected delivery:

The Pathway to Independence programme is scheduled for delivery in March and will be implemented through:

Community Hubs located in North and South Birmingham, providing a safe, structured environment for service users to access tailored activities that promote confidence, skill development, and social reintegration.
Mental health units, ensuring that individuals in secure settings can engage in meaningful activities and start preparing for their transition into independent living.

For more information about our Pathway to Independence programme please contact: Alicia Douglas (Programmes & Partnership Manager) alicia.douglas@catalyst4change.org.uk

Update on research activities at Catalyst 4 Change

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:03:10 GMT

source : Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths

published : February 2025

At Catalyst 4 Change, we’re excited to be working on three research projects alongside Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), academics and Flourish. These projects are about community-led and participatory research, where the needs and voices of local people guide everything we do.

Our Partners:

BVSC: The leading voluntary sector support body in Birmingham, dedicated to ensuring voluntary action thrives and makes a positive difference for everyone in the city.
Academics: We collaborate with researchers from the University of Birmingham, Newman University and the University of Nottingham to ensure meaningful partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Flourish: A West Birmingham Community Health Collaborative, a network of third-sector organisations, partnering with the NHS and care providers to address health inequalities.

1. Research Better Together (RBT)

RBT is about bringing academics and VCFSE(Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise) organisations together to work on projects that matter to the community. Launched in 2022, RBT helps these collaborations by offering training, mentorship and funding of up to £8,000 to support participatory research activities. Past collaboration worked on topics such as health coaching, domestic violence and making services more accessible to vulnerable groups.

Catalyst 4 Change is involved in the evaluation of the RBT project. However, we will continue to share opportunities to get involved in networking events, training workshops and applying for funding.

2. NHS England Research Engagement Network Programme (REND)

REND is focused on improving diversity in research across Integrated Care Systems. The programme has two main parts:

Community and Cultural Immersion Programme: This two-day hands-on experience builds cultural humility and addresses biases among healthcare professionals, improving care delivery and trust within Birmingham’s diverse communities.
REND Conference - April 2025: An event showcasing participatory research methods in health, social care and wellbeing. The conference will feature workshops, presentations and networking sessions to explore innovative methodologies and share good practices in participatory research.

We are looking for people interested in attending and/or showcasing their participatory research. A link to the Eventbrite will be circulated shortly.

3. Community Research Hub

The Community Research Hub will deliver 11 research projects aligned with Birmingham City Council's Public Health priorities. The aim is to build a Hub of 72 Community Researchers to work on the research projects. We intend to create a space of diverse community researchers representative of Birmingham’s population.

Recent projects have explored a variety of crucial issues, such as barriers to employment, long-term headaches within the Pakistani community and health awareness surrounding conditions like HIV and TB. The hub is committed to ensuring inclusive representation and accounting for lived experience by actively recruiting and providing accredited community research training. You can get involved by accessing training opportunities, or letting us know what you think of the research projects.

Catalyst 4 Change is dedicated to driving impactful, community-led research that addresses local needs and fosters long-term partnerships.

Stay connected for more updates on how you can engage with these exciting projects!

If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, please reach out to Amal Anaam (Research & Evaluation Lead) amal.anaam@catalyst4change.org.uk

The 'Black Voices on Policing Reports' have been published

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 10:02:26 GMT

source: Black Thrive Global CIC
published: February 2025

Black Thrive Global (BTG) has announced the official publication of 'Black Voices on Policing', a series of reports produced by Black Thrive Global in collaboration with Psi. The work was delivered to the Mayor’s Office in the fourth Quarter of 2023 and has now been officially published this month.

This body of work gathers the experiences and ideas of London’s diverse Black communities on how to build a credible, representative, and impactful model of community-led scrutiny of policing. It represents a valuable contribution to the evidence base that has led to a Mayoral commitment to build a new model for police scrutiny, one that makes it easier for all Londoners to scrutinise police work and influence change .

The Black Voices on Policing Reports Include:

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, emphasised the importance of this work:

"This is an important body of work that represents a valuable contribution to the wider evidence base that has led to a Mayoral commitment to build a new model for police scrutiny... The Commissioner, the Mayor, and I remain more committed than ever to implementing a robust and transparent framework of community police scrutiny that is truly representative of London."

A summary of Black Thrive Global:

Since 2016 Black Thrive in Lambeth has been working with statutory and community partners to address the inequalities that Black people face throughout their lives which negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing, experiences, and outcomes. Black Thrive Global evolved from the work of Black Thrive Lambeth.

It was founded upon the common understanding that wherever Black people of African and Caribbean descent are located, detrimental outcomes persist. We determined that focused Black Leadership which facilitates systems change will transform the Black experience from surviving into thriving.

Read more here >

NHS 111 now offering crisis mental health support

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:07:06 GMT

source : NHS England

originally published : 27 August 2024

Millions of patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through 111 , the NHS has announced today.

The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.

People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.

NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such as organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.

Previously, local health systems had their own separate phone lines, which were fast-tracked during the pandemic and took around 200,000 calls per month.

For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.

NHS Talking Therapy Services are also available for people who need help with other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD and anyone can refer themselves online via NHS.uk or by c ontacting th eir GP .

Read the full article >

Pathways to Independence: tailored activities for patients

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:56:05 GMT

source: Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths
published: 8 October 2024

A promising new mental health initiative that will help inpatients to adjust to life outside of hospital environments, will be rolled out by Birmingham Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) this autumn with the support of Catalyst 4 Change.

Pathways to Independence will involve the delivery of a range of individually tailored activities for patients being cared for in the Trust’s medium secure units.

Leading up to hospital discharge and building on each patient’s personalised care plan, BSMHFT’s Community Engagement Team will roll out the initiative, giving more than 200 patients the confidence and tools they need to successfully integrate into life outside inpatient mental health care.

The activities will include advice and support with securing work, housing, further education and recreational activities such as arts, music and sport which should reduce the likelihood of readmission to hospital.

Research data from BSMHFT’s secure and complex care services found that around 8% of BSMHFT patients are readmitted within six months of discharge.

Co-designed with the support of male and female inpatients in BSMHFT’s Tamarind, Reaside, Ardenleigh and Hillis Lodge sites, Pathways to Independence will cost £230,000 and has been funded through REACH OUT, the West Midlands Provider Collaborative (PC) for adult secure mental health services and learning disability and autism services.

Beresford Dawkins, Community Engagement Lead along with Clinical Inequality Leads Rohon Webber and Jasmin Benjamin Raj, will be leading the rollout of Pathways to Independence.

Beresford said: “ Living independently after spending time in a mental health setting can be a really difficult readjustment which is why many of our patients end up being readmitted.”

Director of Operations, Marimouttou Coumarassamy commented: “Pathways to Independence has been co-designed with patients, for patients. By finding out a patient’s end goal at the beginning of their mental health journey, we can offer tailored activities to build up their confidence prior to being discharged."

This initiative will transform the lives of many patients who have had difficulties in integrating back into our communities.

Weekly activities will be delivered to 217 inpatients across BSMHFT’s four main secure care facilities – Tamarind, Reaside, Ardenleigh and Hillis Lodge.

The activities will be delivered by community organisations and social enterprises that have been involved alongside BSMHFT in the development of the initiative – the majority of whom are Black Led.

The organisations, delivering the activities, are part of a wider collective of 22 organisations called Sustainable Community Initiative. Sandwell African and Caribbean Mental Health Foundation Trust will be responsible for supporting the development of this collective into a consortium in 2025.

For further information please contact: catalyst.advice@gmail.com

Delays to the relaunch of the MASH Meet & Eat sessions

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:02:25 GMT

source: Catalyst/Tippa Naphtali

published: 9 October 2024

Regrettably, we were unable to announce the Summer 2024 return of the MASH Meet & Eat sessions that were so popular until they were discontinued in early 2019 due to a lack of funding resources.

The very first eat-out had taken place in November 2017 .

This was due to significant staff changes and a temporary lack of staff capacity to carry out the preparation work to complete the delivery of this service.

With the help of a small project award from the LEx Leaders Training Programme in 2023 and from other sources, we will be able to set aside a small bursary fund to assist any participants experiencing serious financial hardship - for all other attendees there will be a small charge of between £10.00 - £12.50 per session. All such charges will go back into the bursary fund .

In addition to this, the engagement and organising of the programme will be driven under the support and guidance of Tippa Naphtali (Central Services & Development Director) and other community development staff.

So, what is Meet & Eat?

The sessions will be open to anyone with lived experience of mental health issues, their carers, friends and support staff from all sorts of agencies.

When will Meet & Eat sessions start?

We hope to commence sometime between March and May 2025 once we have been able to secure discounted meal-deals with various restaurants and establishments. Initially the sessions will be Birmingham-based, but we hope to role these out in other areas in future.

Though not the primary purpose of Meet & Eat, we may also use these meal sessions to listen to any service user general concerns, and consider those of others present!

Want to hear more?

Be sure to keep up with future developments by signing up for the Catalyst 4 Change e-newsletter, if you have not already done so Click here . See the MASH Newsletter Archive. Click here

Mentoring & Advocacy Support Hub (MASH):

After almost a 7-year gap in service delivery due to loss of funding, MASH is looking like it has a brighter future now that it features centrally with the Catalyst 4 Change community development plan as announced at its Annual CommUNITY Assembly in 2023 .

Following the end of Phase 2 of the 300 Voices Project , The Peer Support Programme (renamed as MASH) secured funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner's Office for a further year to March 2017 - at this point the service was sadly closed.

For more information or if you are able to help please contact Tippa Naphtali:
Mob/Message: 07874 926 246 or 0844 884 3133
Email: tippa4catalyst@gmail.com

NMPMFF's new Annual Report for the period 2022-2023

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:05:53 GMT

all credits: The NMPMFF
published: 17 September 2024

The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF), incubated by Catalyst , are proud to present their second annual report of activities between 2022 and 2023. The 1 September 2023 marked 8 years since the NMPMFF was founded, and just over 3 years since their first ever funding round .

NMPMFF Founder, Tippa Naphtali, said; "As is the case for many small charities and community organisations, the last year has put up almost as many challenges as it has seen in positive developments and ventures for the NMPMFF. This report will cover the most significant of the positive, whilst also being realistic about some of the challenges and hurdles ahead.”

The Fund is the first national resource of its kind for those affected by deaths and abuses in state custody, making small grants available for families and their campaign groups across the UK to provide practical domestic assistance, to further the work of their own campaigns or assist them to engage in local, regional or national campaigns, events and initiatives .

A key supporter of the NMPMFF, Ken Fero of award winning Migrant Media previously said;

"The public awareness and support after the killing of George Floyd [in 2020] had strengthened this initiative which improves the lives of families impacted by state violence in the UK. We support this important grassroots initiative and urge others to join. When the state fails us, the people must act in unity".

See the Annual Report here >

In April 2021 the NMPMFF announced ambitious plans for the future . This report provides details of what the Fund was able to achieve with the grant aid, donations and voluntary input received, as well as several significant developments over the past year, and continued work against their 5-year plan and other developments including;

Core and project funding and donations that were raised
Their mix of income generation and appeals for new donors to support our work
Update on the Annual Gala Dinner & Awards initiative
Assistance to The People's Tribunal on Police Killings in delivering a national call out for involvement to any families whose loved ones have died at the hands of the police or after contact with the police
A feature on our event first family fun day event which took place in Manchester on 27 May 2023 and was a free family only entertainment, socialising and pampering event for those affected by deaths in custody
The 2022 launch of the NMPMFF Holiday Scheme Initiative supporting children, young people and families, with assistance from the United Families & Friends Campaign(UFFC) and Migrant Media
Updates on grants and gift schemes awarded to affected families

The report also sets out the NMPMFF's income & expenditure for 2022-2023, their forward thinking Work Plan and a summary of various partners, collaborators and donors.

The Fund has already made a practical difference to numerous families and their campaign groups that need financial and wellbeing support during their long struggles for justice lasting decades in many cases.

It is the NMPMFF's absolute and undivided commitment that this work should be continued indefinitely, and will maintain our momentum in this respect.

Download the Annual Report here >

Research Better Together 2025 launch announced

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:52:30 GMT

source: Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths
published: 8 October 2024

'Research Better Together 2025' is a programme designed to support partnership working between voluntary sector, faith communities and social enterprises (VCFSE) organisations and university researchers. Catalyst 4 Change is a member of this partnership.

It has been developed by the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council (BVSC) and is now funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHCR). Research Better Together is about doing research differently. The programme supports VCFSE organisations (with their communities/service users) and researchers to be equal partners within research activity through:

FREE networking activities
Grants of up to £8k to support VCFSE organisations to develop/undertake participatory research activity alongside a university researcher
Access to FREE training, mentoring and a community of practice

There is a new opportunity to access funding and free training to support research/co-production activity.

Are you part of a voluntary, community, faith or social enterprise (VCFSE) organisation working with people living in Birmingham or Solihull to support their health and/or wellbeing?
Do you have an interest in co-production and/or research activity?
Are there topics relevant to your work that you think need to be researched to enable better services, increased understanding and/or change in society?
Would you be interested in working alongside a university researcher to develop and conduct this work?

Launch Webinar:

To find out more details about the programme and how you can get involved, please sign up by clicking the link below to attend the Research Better Together Webinar taking place on Friday 25 October 2024.

For further information and reservations Click here >

There will also be an in-person networking event on Tuesday 14 January 2025.

Further details will be provided during the webinar.

For further information please contact:

Clare Harewood at clareh@bvsc.org or Catalyst 4 Change at catalyst.advice@gmail.com

Benjamin Zephaniah: The Brighter Flame exhibition celebrates poet

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:51:04 GMT

source : Colmore Business District

published : 3 June 2024

This summer a special exhibition celebrating the life of Birmingham poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah will take place in the city centre. Catalyst has been one of many birmingham-based organisations offering practical support to the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group .

The outdoor exhibition called ‘ Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame ’ will take place between July 5-31, 2024. Created with the support and acknowledgment of the Zephaniah family, the exhibition will feature more than 20 specially curated artworks displayed in cabinets located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, as part of the 100 Days of Creativity programme.

In addition, flags designed in his memory will fly high on Colmore Row, the heart of Birmingham, while a Q&A with David O Springer, Zephaniah’s brother, plus poetry recitals from spoken-word performers will take place at The Exchange on Broad Street .

Zephaniah was recognised as champion of the people and his death on December 7, 2023, aged 65, drew tributes from across the world.

See Handsworth Park mural unveiling >

Born in Handsworth and influenced strongly by what he described as ‘street politics’ and the music and poetry of Jamaica, Zephaniah was gifted an old typewriter as a child, which inspired him to become a writer. In recent years, the typewriter has been housed in the collection of Birmingham Museums Trust and photographs of it will feature in the exhibition.

Through his work, Zephaniah was inspired by music, his lived experiences in Birmingham and his Barbadian-Jamaican heritage. In 2008, he was included in The Times list of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers and won numerous awards and honorary doctorates for his literature. Zephaniah also made numerous acting and media appearances, most recently as the preacher Jeremiah Jesus in BBC’s Peaky Blinders.

Read full article here >

The Brighter Flame exhibition moved to BCU in October 2024 >

Update: The new Culturally Appropriate Advocacy Service

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:47:21 GMT

source: Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths
published: 11 June 2024

Earlier this year Catalyst 4 Change announced the launch of a new Culturally Appropriate Mental Health Advocacy Service for people of African, Caribbean heritage and other racialised communities within the Birmingham and Solihull Area.

This service, called Advocates for Change, is a partnership between POhWER, Sandwell African & Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF) and Catalyst 4 Change. The service is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Advocates for Change is designed to meet the cultural needs of people from racialised communities so that they can access support without encountering barriers, have improved experiences and achieve better outcomes.

The service opened to clients in January of this year.

Activities of the service to date

Between January - March of 2024 the Advocates for Change team have conducted the following activities:

The POhWER team has provided 42 service users with one-to-one advocacy support, drop-in sessions, and group advocacy sessions on psychiatric units. The group advocacy sessions have provided service users with information and an opportunity for them to explore culture and identity, discrimination and how to challenge it, and empowerment in hospital to promote self-advocacy.

Here are snapshots of some of the issues service users have raised with the Advocates for Change team:

Feeling overwhelmed by the number of staff at ward rounds and review meetings
Mealtimes are not protected during Ramadan
Access to Black hair products and skin care
Access to nutritious African and Caribbean food on the wards

The SACMHF team has promoted this service to Community based services and produced a directory of services that service users can access once discharged from hospital. They also supporting service users to reintegrate back into the community.

SACMHF and Catalyst have worked together to promote this service to carers and organisations supporting carers.

Based on feedback from these sessions we have started to develop a series of information sessions called ‘Know Your Rights’ to help Carers better understand their rights and promote self-advocacy. Carers support groups will be set up in the next quarter.

Service Change:

The concerns and complaints we have heard from service users and the carers are long standing. Central to improving the experience and mental health outcomes for people from racialised communities is the Patient Carer and Race Equality Framework (PCREF). The Patient Carers Race Equality Framework looks at the key ‘organisational competencies’ that NHS mental health trusts need to develop to address mental health inequalities experienced by racialised communities.

Catalyst 4 Change has been working in partnership with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) since 2021 on its PCREF programme .

The Advocates for Change team are now supporting BSMHFT to meet its PCREF objectives to ensure that the issues raised by service users and carers during our one-to-one and collective engagement activities drive service change and are more culturally appropriate.

If you would like to make a referral or require more information about Advocates for Change, please contact:

POhWER

Email: pohwer@pohwer.net

Tel: 0300 456 2370

www.pohwer.net/culturally-appropriate-advocacy-service-birmingham-and-solihull

Sandwell African & Caribbean Mental Health Foundation

Email: info@sacmhf.co.uk

Tel: 0121 525 1629

Catalyst 4 Change

Email: catalyst.advice@gmail.com

Tel: 0844 884 3318

An overview of the Research Engagement Network Programme

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:40:16 GMT

source : Catalyst/Sandra Griffiths

published : 11 June 2024

Catalyst 4 Change was one of the partners in NHS Research Engagement Network (REN) Development Programme (Cohort 2). It was funded for six months from November 2023 until April 2024 by NHS England.

The two aims of the National REN programme were to:

Grow local research engagement networks with underserved communities
Embed consideration of diversity in research within the Integrated Care System

REN was funded as a partnership between National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a local Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

For Birmingham and Solihull, the participating organisations were:

NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board
Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC)
Birmingham Community Healthcare Community Connexions
Flourish
Catalyst 4 Change
Regional NIHR infrastructures hosted at the University of Birmingham
Birmingham Research & Community Engagement Hub (BIRCH), led by BVSC
Community organisations and people from Birmingham and Solihull that participated in surveys and focus groups in our project

In Birmingham and Solihull, the REN programme had three areas of activity:

Mapping exercise of what engagement in health and care research currently looks like
Bringing support/resources together to make engaging with health and care research more accessible
Facilitating workshops to hear what communities thought

Below is a summary of the findings from the REN work. These recommendations came directly from community organisations, and will inform the legacy of the work.

Funding:

Fair and transparent application processes for all
Funding for community assets, training and education in research
Funding for community events where research can happen, and data can be gathered informally

Collaboration:

A single ‘research hub’ for research information, support, guidelines and templates
Bring together completed research and implement findings before starting anything new
Research literacy campaigns for the community

Engagement and accessibility:

Community engagement/cultural competency training required
Ensure representation on teams that engage with the community
Resources in community languages and funding for interpreters

Community focus:

Establish community advisory boards to advocate for local community interests
Engage with community leaders
Research delivered locally or trusted spaces
Build robust co-production to involve communities from the start

Seeing a difference:

Use recommendations and research to influence change and demonstrate this to communities
Always share research findings with communities and gather feedback
Continue the conversation once research has ended

What Next?

REN recently secured additional funding from NHS England to share the learning in an effective and engaging manner. This work will begin over the summer.

The additional funding will facilitate webinars, learning events, and host an improved online platform to share the resources gathered throughout the REN programme.

The REN partners will continue to meet as part of BIRCH and will review recommendations from this project, such as a research hub and further mapping of the public sector landscape.

REN partners are committed to influencing engagement in research practice based on the recommendations that came from this project.

The learning has been shared with NHS England to feed into national practice.

If you’d like to be involved in any of this initiative, then please click on the link for more information - www.bvsc.org/birch-network

or email Sandra Griffiths, Catalyst’s Programmes & Partnership Director at: sandra4catalyst@gmail.com

The nursing faith groups tackling health inequalities

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:34:58 GMT

source : Nursing Times

published : 31 March 2024

Religion has played an integral role in nursing’s history, with many early services across the UK rooted in religious or spiritual principles. It was not until the 19th century that secular nursing properly developed, with the establishment of Florence Nightingale’s first nursing school in 1860.

Since then, however, the relationship between religion and nursing has cooled, with the two moving further apart. But change is seemingly afoot. Currently, faith-based nursing practice is far more prevalent in the United States.

There, it is a recognised specialty operating in community settings, which places emphasis on the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of patients .

This phenomenon has slowly been adopted by nurses in the UK in recent years. Most prominently, it is found in charitable or volunteer-led grassroots organisations, set up by nurses who are committed to putting spiritual care back onto the nursing agenda.

For context, the latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data shows that over 452,641 registered nursing professionals across the UK identify as Christian, 17,389 as Muslim, 13,422 as Hindu, 2,385 as Sikh, 3,983 as Buddhist and 946 as Jewish.

Some 248,000 registered professionals said they had no religion, meaning over half of professionals on the NMC register identify with some level of faith.

The latest census also revealed that over half of the population in England and Wales still identify with a religion.

Read the full article here >

The Get Grants fundraising masterclass sessions

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:31:08 GMT

source: Get Grants
published: April 2024

Get Grants MASTERCLASSES cover a range of exciting NEW topics that respond to the needs of the sector. They demystify key fundraising topics, making developing your skills and knowledge simple and achievable.

These 1hr sessions delivered by Fundraising Experts are designed to build your confidence with practical advice and expert top tips that you can take away and put into practice!

MASTERCLASSES will benefit anyone who works in grant fundraising or with responsibilities for fundraising within their role. Sessions are appropriate for people of all levels of experience and organisations across the sector.

All attendees of the live sessions will receive a copy of the recording.

The recording will also be made available to purchase on-demand via the Get Grants website after the event – so you can hone your skills in your own time!

"We are adding new MASTERCLASSES throughout the year."

To keep up to date with our events and opportunities, Sign up to the newsletter

Read the full article here >

Please Note: See all Get Grants training courses here >

LawWorks: Free legal advice service provided to charities

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:25:55 GMT

source: LawWorks
re-published: April 2024

The Not-for-Profits Programme brokers legal advice to small not-for-profit organisations on a wide range of legal issues, to support the continuation and expansion of their services to people in need.

The advice is given for free (pro bono). Download summary .

LawWorks provides help to charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, and other not-for-profits in England and Wales in the following ways:

Free legal assistance
The Not-for-Profits Programme brokers legal advice to small not-for-profit organisations on a wide range of legal issues. These can include drafting a contract, reviewing a lease, updating a constitution/articles, or clarifying rights in a commercial dispute. You can find more information here .

Initial advice and health checks
The Honorary Counsel scheme matches small not-for-profit organisations with volunteer lawyers on a longer-term basis, to carry out Health Checks and to give initial advice when needed.

Visit the website here >

Advocates for Change: New culturally appropriate service launched in Birmingham

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:31:14 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: February 2024

Catalyst 4 Change is pleased to announce that we are part of new partnership called Advocates for Change providing Mental advocacy in Birmingham and Solihull primarily for African and Caribbean communities and other racialised communities. This service is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ).

Our partners are:

POhWER - the largest advocacy organisation delivering mental health advocacy, NHS complaints and neighbourhood network scheme services for a number of local authorities, NHS Trusts and private care providers
Sandwell African and Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF)- provides culturally responsive mental health services to African and Caribbean communities in Sandwell and West Birmingham since 1994

Advocates for Change has been commissioned by DHSC to provide culturally appropriate advocacy.

Culturally Appropriate Advocacy was recommended by the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, to address the disproportionate rates of detention of people from racialised groups and to improve their experience of mental health services by ensuring that people have their views heard and properly considered.

The need for greater advocacy to center service users in decision making about their care and involve their carers was also a key theme from our Patient Carer RACE Equality Framework engagement sessions in 2021/22- See 'Catalyst and PCREF' .

Emerging key features of Culturally Appropriate Advocacy approach include the following:

Promoting and protecting rights
Knowledge and engagement with local community organisations
Understanding community history, cultural expressions of distress, preference for support( the role of faith organisations, family and community) and the nature of potential stigma
Addressing racism
Linking individual and collective themes to systemic change

Advocates for Change is designed to meet the individual cultural needs of people from racialised communities so that they can access support without encountering barriers, have improved experiences and achieve better outcomes.

The service will aim to support people to speak up for themselves when their cultural and faith needs are not being or their experience discrimination. We will speak up for people when they cannot.

We will be supporting people both within and following discharge from inpatient mental health settings in Birmingham and Solihull.

The service activities will include:

In-patient independent advocacy support including self-awareness raising sessions within a range of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust settings- led by POhWER
Community based advocacy support, carers groups, Lived experience peer support and signposting to additional support access pathways- Led by SACMHF
Engaging with the relevant Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust to share the concerns and experiences of service users from racialised communities and their carers, develop ideas to drive change - led by Catalyst 4 Change

It will be delivered by advocates trained to be aware of cultural and faith needs and to adapt their practice to meet these needs. Advocates are also trained in understanding the impact of racism on mental health. The team includes advocates with a lived experience of mental ill health and racism.

Our aim is to ensure that everyone has access to an advocate when they need one to enable them to overcome barriers, have their voice heard and have their needs met by mental health services.

The service will be fully operational by the end of February 2024. We will be providing promotional leaflets and information in a variety of languages and formats We also have access to translation and interpreting services including BSL.

For more details about this service and to make a referral please contact:

POhWER

Selina Edwards, Community Manager

Email: pohwer@pohwer.net

Tel: 0300 456 2370

www.phower.net/culturally-appropriate-advocacy-service-birmingham-and-solihull

Sandwell African & Caribbean Mental Health Foundation

Pat Johnson, Chief Executive Officer or Rebecca Gardner, Operations Manager

Email: info@sacmhf.co.uk

Tel: 0121 525 1629

Catalyst 4 Change

Sandra Griffiths, Business & Partnership Director

Email: sandra4catalyst@gmail.com

Tel: 0844 884 3318 (voicemail)

Catalyst will be posting more information about Advocates for Change on our website and social media profiles in later in February and March .

MASH Meet & Eat sessions are coming back in Summer 2024

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:28:05 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published: 16 January 2024

The Central Services & Development Director at Catalyst 4 Change is very pleased to announce the return of the MASH Meet & Eat sessions that were so popular until they were discontinued in early 2019 due to a lack of resources. The very first eat-out had taken place in November 2017 .

Now, with the help of a small project award from the LEx Leaders Training Programme in 2023 and from other sources, we have been able to set aside a small bursary fund to assist any participants experiencing serious financial hardship - for all other attendees there will be a small charge of between £10.00 - £12.50 per session. All such charges will go back into the bursary fund .

In addition to this, the engagement and organising of the programme will be driven under the support and guidance of Tippa Naphtali (Central Services & Development Director) .

So, what is Meet & Eat?

The sessions will be open to anyone with lived experience of mental health issues, their carers, friends and support staff from all sorts of agencies.

When will Meet & Eat sessions start?

We hope to commence in the Summer of 2024 once we have been able to secure discounted meal-deals with various restaurants and establishments. Initially the sessions will be Birmingham-based, but we hope to role these out in other areas in future.

Though not the primary purpose of Meet & Eat, we may also use these meal sessions to listen to any service user general concerns, and consider those of others present!

Want to hear more?

Be sure to keep up with future developments by signing up for our e-newsletter, if you have not already done so Click here . See the MASH Newsletter Archive. Click here

Mentoring & Advocacy Support Hub (MASH):

After a five year gap in service delivery due to loss of funding, MASH is looking like it has a brighter future now that it features centrally with the Catalyst 4 Change community development plan as announced at its Annual CommUNITY Assembly in 2023 .

The Memorial Fund are reviewing operations and grant structures

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:18:44 GMT

source: National Memorial Family Fund
published: January 2024

"The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) is incubated by Catalyst 4 Change."

In order to maximise how the NMPMFF uses its limited financial and human resources, in 2024 they'll be introducing new systems in relation to their operations, grants and partnerships.

This will include making support grants criteria much more focussed on those in most urgent need , and their Holiday Fund will be made more streamlined and easier for eligible families to apply.

Families or campaigns that require support with more functional resources (e.g. IT hardware or stationary, t-shirt print and marketing, websites and social media etc) will be encouraged to use the NMPMFF low-priced Give-Back-Shop .

NMPMFF will also be reviewing and extending their Assessment Partner relationships, and introducing quarterly LIVE Q&A sessions for partners and families via Zoom.

Finally, they'll be seeking to increase public donations , sponsorships and core funding for staffing and service developments , in order to ensure that the National Memorial Family Fund is secure well into the future.

General Enquiries:

Tippa Naphtali, (Development & Projects Manager)

via tippa@memorialfamilyfund.org.uk

Tiphany Springer, (Engagement & Support Coordinator)

via tiphany@memorialfamilyfund.org.uk

Please Note: The NMPMFF currently has a very small part-time team, so responses may sometimes be delayed!

Background to the NMPMFF

On 7th September 2015, the twelfth anniversary of the death of Mikey Powell, who was killed in the custody of West Midlands Police, campaigning news group 4WardEverUK , launched the National Family Fund Appeal . The Fund was developed in conjunction with the Friends of Mikey Powell Campaign , The United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC) and Migrant Media . Organisers also acknowledged the late campaigner, Pauline Campbell , who died in May 2008.

The National Memorial Family Fund is the first permanent national resource of its kind specifically for those affected by deaths and killings in custody or state neglect, making small grants available for families and their campaign groups across the UK to provide practical domestic assistance and campaign support, We also run (or are developing) a range of other support services for families, children and young people that are affected.

Founder, Tippa Naphtali (cousin of Mikey Powell) said; "The needs of affected families often gets lost in the equally important work of campaigning and lobbying of the state. We want to change that with a permanent fund set up specifically for their needs."

Community Led Research Initiatives - The right time is now!

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:06:40 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : February 2024

In October of last year Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council ( BVSC ) was awarded an NHS Research Engagement Network (REN) development grant to empower underserved communities to play a more active role in research, ensuring that every voice is not just heard, but actively shapes healthcare research.

This funding brings together a team from Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (BSol ICB), Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC), community sector partners Flourish and Catalyst 4 Change and regional National Institute for Health and Care Research Infrastructures hosted at the University of Birmingham.

Catalyst is thrilled to be partners in this project advocating for the greater involvement of African and Caribbean communities and their organisations to decide, shape and undertake research that will address health inequalities our communities continue to experience.

Together, this partnership will reshape the ways in which health inequalities across Birmingham and Solihull are addressed.

The partnership is laying the groundwork for a transformative era as follows:

Step One: Identifying and bridging gaps in community engagement in research
Step Two: creating seamless networks that eliminate duplication and strengthen community bonds
Step Three: addressing existing power imbalances through genuine community collaboration

How can you get involved?

If you are an organisation that works with underserved communities and are currently and/or have been involved with health care research activities then please complete our short survey below by 28 February 2024: Please click here >

By completing the survey you’ll help the partnership understand the wide diversity of what is currently happening in Birmingham & Solihull and what further work needs to be done.

The survey’s findings will enable the project to influence funding, ensuring organisations best placed to directly support communities receive money fairly. The project is working with National Institute for Health & Social Care Research, who regularly fund community research opportunities, including paying communities for participation.

You'll have the option to keep in touch: you can receive information community led research resources, toolkits and workshops. These will support you to do more inclusive research and engagement, and help you continue to empower your community to influence change.

If you would like to know more about this project or need some support with completing the survey please contact either:

Sandra Griffiths, Business and Partnership Manager at: sandra4catalyst@gmail.com

Or;

Jacob Standbridge, Health and Social Care Network Development Worker at: jacobs@bvsc.org

Telephone: 0121 678 8827

Update on the review into mental health inpatient services

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:02:45 GMT

source: GOV.UK
last updated: 30 January 2024

The terms of reference for the Healthcare Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) investigation into mental health settings have been published which will help improve patient, staff and community safety.

HSSIB and its predecessor, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), has worked since June 2023 to determine the scope of the investigation and have been reviewing relevant evidence.

The aims of the investigation include:

Learning from inpatient mental health deaths
Improving patient safety
Helping to provide safe care during transition from children and young people to adults in mental health services
Creating conditions for staff to deliver safe and therapeutic care

The findings from the HSSIB investigation, which will include consideration of patient and staff safety regarding allegations of sexual assault and rape, will be published over the course of the year to drive improvements in patient safety and NHS mental health services.

The investigation will conclude by the end of 2024 .

Read the full article >

Community Power - Our Annual CommUNITY Assembly, 2023

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:10:06 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 12 December 2023

On Thursday 26 October 2023, Catalyst 4 Change held its second annual Black Thrive

CommUNITY Assembly at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham. The theme for this

year’s assembly was 'Community Power.' See image gallery here >

A powerful keynote speech was given by Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE , Black Thrive Global Director & Chair of the Advancing Mental Health Equalities Taskforce and Mental Health Equalities at NHS England. Jacqui delivered her address on the national Patient Carers Race Equality Framework (PCREF). Personalising her presentation, she talked about her personal experience of losing two brothers aged 53 and 41 who struggled with mental health challenges and the loss of her aunt, who died while in the care of mental health services.

PCREF aims to improve access, experience and outcomes for racialised communities. This mental health equalities strategy summarises the core actions that NHS England and NHS Improvement will take to bridge the gaps for communities fairing worse than others in mental health services ( NHS, 2020, Advancing Mental Health Equalities Strategy ).

The event also included a dedication to Mikey Powell who was killed in the custody of West Midlands police in 2003. Cousin, Tippa Naphtali said; "Though tragic, Mikey's death subsequently bought me back to Birmingham, and as a result saw the development of Catalyst as part of his legacy."

The Catalysts 4 Change team also provided an update on the work they have been doing this past year and how they intend to further this.

We also had two discussions firstly: ‘Beyond Lip Service: Holding Systems to Account’ which looked at the practical and systemic ways that people can hold system to account, and secondly 'Link, Think, Act: Community Development’ . This discussion was based on a presentation by Tippa Naphtali and Kwesi Ochosi about Catalyst’s substantial community development outreach and infrastructure development initiatives that will be launched in 2024. Both discussions created time to explore the different methods of community empowerment, and the kind of support needed both to galvanise and sustain it.

Feedback from participants:

Those who attended our assembly included: community members, Catalyst partners, members and wider stakeholders. The spirit of the day can be summed up in the words of two attendees;

"The energy and the sense of everyone being together to support change"

"In the arena of black mental health is the ingredients for a productive; transparent, honest, solution focused, update and informative, information sharing gathering.”

Additionally, Roger Bond: Spoken Word Artist who performed on the day said;

“The audience attentiveness stood out for me. Everybody seemed focused and enthusiastic about the assembly. It was a pleasure to perform for them as I felt they were very receptive to my approach and performance."

Although our CommUNITY Assembly was a success, we are aware that the work does not stop here. As we move into 2024, we will be working on some exciting and innovative initiatives that will draw upon our collective power and commitment to Black Communities thriving in the West Midlands.

If you want to keep up-to-date with the work that Catalyst 4 Change is doing, please consider signing up for our e-newsletter - click here

Memorial Family Fund 40-20-1 memorial, celebration and awards

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:37:09 GMT

source: National Memorial Family Fund

published: 7 December 2023

This article is dedicated to Benjamin Zephaniah (cousin of Mikey Powell), who died on 7 December 2023 aged 65.

He died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago.

The first National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Annual Gala Dinner & Campaigners Awards for 2023 (in conjunction with INQUEST ) took place on 25 November 2023 at the Legacy Centre, Birmingham, and combined three significant events in-one.

The full pre-event article can be seen here >

The event was a huge success with over 150 people in attendance from locations all ove r

the country. These included affected families, campaigns, voluntary and statutory organisations, regulatory

bodies and solicitors firms. See the event programme here >

Tippa Naphtali, NMPMFF founder and Development & Fundraising Manager, said;

"While we will never forget what happened on the night of Mikey's killing, it is his life and how he lived it, that will continue to inspire us to develop mental health and wellbeing initiatives for those affected by state custody deaths and killings, and we will continue to work with others for an end to deaths, killings and abuse at the hands of the state."

Read the full article / see gallery here >

The activists campaign awards went to 16 recipients in the following categories:

Mikey Powell Youth Action Award
Pauline Campbell Systems Change Award
Gilly Mundy Family Advocacy Award
Joy Gardner Arts & Education Award

See the full award list here >

See the National Memorial Family Fund's historic moments!

"We want to share some of the historic and pivotal moments for the the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) over the last 5+ years. These mark some of our key milestones and developments over the period which demonstrates how we have progressed our mission."

Read full details here >

Emergency Food Bank from A Father's Child Services

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:30:53 GMT

source: A Father's Child Services CIC
published: December 2023

A Father's Child Services (AFCS) are delighted to inform you that the Emergency Food Bank and Cost of Living projects are set to commence operations. Their primary focus is to provide support to individuals within and around Birmingham and Evesham (parts of Warwickshire), particularly those from BAME communities and who are most marginalised.

If you or any of your family members are in need of assistance from our food bank, please complete and submit a food bank referral on the AFCSCIC.ORG website - click here

Please be aware that food bank collections will be scheduled and assigned on a weekly basis until March 2024.

Collections will occur weekly. (Please bring your own bags, as they will not be supplied).

AFCS do not offer delivery services so please bear in mind that food bank services are pick-up only.

Deliveries are only available for the most vulnerable and agreed by the A Father's Child Services management on a case by case basis .

If you are local resident in need of support, AFCS strongly encourage you to refer yourself or any family member who may benefit from the AFCS Food Bank Support.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, you may be placed on a weekly waiting list.

Where can I get help in the Midlands as the cost of living soars?

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:29:10 GMT

source: ITV Network
published: 26 August 2022 (republished 10 December 2023)

Almost everyone will have heard of the cost of living crisis by now, but no-one can be sure exactly how it will affect them. From soaring energy and fuel bills to an increase in National Insurance and council tax payments, prices are set to increase dramatically over the next few days and weeks'.

Charities predict it will further push people into hunger, fuel poverty, and crippling debt.

What costs are rising?

Ofgem has said the energy price cap will rise by 54% from April 1, affecting around 22 million customers
People paying for energy on default tariffs by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year, while prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017
Council tax bills increased at the beginning of the month. The increase depends on which local authority you live in and which band your house falls under
Food prices are being affected by the inflation rise, with prices 5.2% higher than a year ago
From April 6, National Insurance (NI) will increase by 1.25%

From free debt and employment advice, to providing affordable and healthy food, ITV have provided a listing of who is on hand to help across the West Midlands.

Read the full article >

Also see Birmingham Food Justice Network Map >

Other sources of support;

Impact Pathways W.Mids: Cost of Living Support
Birmingham City Council: Cost of Living Support
W.Mids Combined Authority: Cost of Living
NHS Black Country: Cost of living support hubs in Dudley
City of Wolverhampton Council: Cost of Living Support
Gov.UK: Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024
Sandwell Council: Household Support Fund
West Bromwich: Cost of Living Support Programme

See general Google search here >

In a new report by The University of Birmingham (Published 18 July 2023), they said;

The latest REDI-Updates briefing from the University of Birmingham’s West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) reveals how the cost-of-living-crisis is impacting people and businesses, and examines the supply-side failures driving it.

Since the end of the pandemic inflation has risen to its highest level in 40 years, hitting double digits in 2022 and 2023, with the cost of a basic food shop increasing 24.2% between

March 2019 and March 2023.

REDI-Updates studies the impact of rapidly rising inflation on the local and national economy, analysing and evaluating the international, national, and local factors driving inflation and how rising prices are impacting both businesses and households. It also examines what actions these groups are taking to mitigate the impact of rising prices, for example, household food bank usage has risen 52% from pre-pandemic levels, as households struggle to afford essentials.

Read the full article >

Catalyst 4 Change - Black Thrive Community Assembly 2023

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:46:28 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 9 October 2023

Catalyst 4 Change are inviting members, partners and stakeholders to our community assembly to share our progress and learning towards achieving real change for Black communities in our region.

You can download the flyer here >

Learn more about the Black Thrive Programme , our plans in Birmingham and also hear from some of our partners, collaborators and supporters.

The Programme Includes:

Mikey Powell Family – Commemorating 20 years since Mikey’s custody death
Dr Jacqui Dyer - the Black Thrive Global Director
Catalyst 4 Change achievements and plans
Interactive community conversations
Panel discussion on community leadership
Information and craft stalls
Live entertainment, lunch and refreshments

The event will be accessible for disabled people, including wheelchair access.

If you need any more information please contact us: via enquiries@catalyst4change.org.uk or via Voicemail: 0844 884 3318

Book your FREE place now. Come along and join the movement of change!

Book your ticket(s) : Click here >

Bookings open from 10 October 2023 : Places are limited.

Coming in 2024 - Catalyst community development outreach

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:43:00 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 9 October 2023

In 2024 the Catalyst Community Development team will be launching a substantial community development outreach initiative - we call it 'Link, Think, Act' , and will be led by Catalyst's Central Services & Development Manager ( Tippa Naphtali ) alongside the Community Development & Network Co-ordinator ( Kwesi Ochosi ).

This relates to our capacity building commitments which include incubation services , signposting and capacity building , support for user-led and influenced voluntary & community mental health and wellbeing organisations, and developing the governance skills of leaders with a lived experience.

This also includes providing networking opportunities with other Catalyst members and external professional services that offer member discounts, and pro-bono opportunities (where applicable).

Tippa Naphtali said;

"We will particularly be extending our reach to Catalyst members in Wolverhampton, Coventry and Sandwell - complimenting the significant work already being carried out in the Birmingham area.

"At the heart of the 'Link, Think, Act' initiative is that we know that a key route to change is in making better and more creative use of the African and Caribbean communities social capital; forging stronger productive partnerships between community activists/experts, experienced practitioners and mental health service providers in both the statutory and voluntary sector."

See the LEx Leaders Development Programme report here >

What we'll be doing:

Enhancing our membership systems and offers
Establishing regular breakfast networking & information sessions
Developing a services directory and Professional & Technical Advisory Service (PTAS)
Re-establishing the Mentoring & Advocacy Support Hub (MASH) 'Meet & Eat' initiative
Securing additional resources for the 'LEx Leaders Development Programme'
Making registering with and accessing culturally appropriate community services easier for service users/carers via the MASH 'Easy Access Consortium'
Supporting existing incubated organisations to further develop their funding base
Pulling together a strategic advisory panel to look at major aspirational initiatives - An African and Caribbean mental health & wellbeing resource centre and a supported housing complex in Birmingham

In the New Year we will be establishing a series of meetings with Catalyst members across the West Midlands, and particularly those in Wolverhampton, Coventry and Sandwell to kick-start the process of consultation and partnership development.

Catalyst's capacity building work is nestled within the Services & Development Programme, and we act as influencers between Catalyst 4 Change, its registered members, Black communities, voluntary and statutory sector organisations; to drive the development or enhancement of community-leaders-led and culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing services.

With the added value of the vast expertise of member organisations also available to our affiliates, we foresee opportunities for greater collaboration in service development and delivery as a direct consequence of the network and indeed, is something that we strongly encourage and facilitate as part of our core operations and mission.

'Further updates to follow in 2024 - watch this space'

For general enquiries please contact:

Tippa Naphtali (Central Services & Development Manager)

Email: tippa@catalyst4change.org.uk

Black History is Every Month: Action, education and connections

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:40:57 GMT

source: Eventbrite
republished: 9 October 2023

Black event creators are at the forefront of a movement that creates spaces for communities to thrive and enact real change. Eventbrite wants to celebrate them.

Every week Eventbrite will be spotlighting a diverse selection of events that break new ground, raise awareness and bring people together. From enlightening panel discussions through to workouts and decolonised history lectures .

Some of the past events have included:

British Black Power: Leila Hassan-Howe in conversation

Leila Hassan-Howe has fought against state and street racism since the 1970s. She was strategist and activist in her own right quite apart from being the wife of the legendary Black Power activist Darcus Howe.

Spaces for Listening: Black Faces, White Spaces

This group is set up by and for Black and mixed black women residing in Birmingham and surrounding areas. It is a safe space for women to come and share their experiences or listen to others.

Liverpool: Black History and Black Activism

Online workshop with writer, entrepreneur, educator and activist Chantelle Lunt. Responding to the themes of the autumn exhibitions, Lunt will take us through a workshop that unpacks the history of Black people in Liverpool across the centuries, alongside wider contributions by Black cultural figures in the UK.

The directory of events is kept updated continuously.

Read the full event details here >

See Catalyst's event calendar.

Click here >

How to build Psychological Safety in the workplace

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:31:51 GMT

source: CharityJob
first published: 11 September 2023

The concept of psychological safety in the workplace is gaining recognition. It’s fundamental both to the performance of your charity and to the wellbeing and happiness of your employees. But what is it, why is it important and how can you ensure you’re building it into your organisation?

What is psychological safety?

The term was coined by Harvard Professor Amy Edmondson and refers to ‘a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes’ at work.

It’s more than a buzzword - psychological safety is extremely important to the welfare and success of your team.

When it’s there, employees feel able to express creative ideas, share feedback and challenge the status quo. When it’s missing, workplaces are ridden with anxiety, stress and loneliness.

The importance of psychological safety in the workplace !

Psychological safety isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have.’ 89% of employees believe it’s essential in the workplace.

And a wealth of research has shown that organisations with high psychological safety experience

a range of benefits, including:

reduced turnover rates
more engaged and productive employees
lower stress levels
enhanced collaboration
greater innovation

Leading tech companies such as Google and Microsoft have identified psychological safety

as the key to a successful team.

Read full article >

Catalyst's new Patient Carers Race Equality Framework webpage

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:09:42 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 9 August 2023

Catalyst 4 Change is working in partnership with Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) on the Patients Carers Race Equality Framework (PCREF) to challenge racial disparities in mental health care and improve access, experiences and outcomes for African and Caribbean communities.

The PCREF looks at the key ‘organisational competencies’ that NHS mental health trusts need to develop to address mental health inequalities experienced by racialised communities. Read more about the initiative in our full article published in February 2023. Click here .

Where did PCREF come from?

In 2020 NHS England (NHSE) and NHS Improvement published its first Advancing Mental Health Equalities Strategy , laying out plans for Mental Health Trusts to improve their understanding of the communities

they serve and ensure that mental health services become more accessible and beneficial to everyone

who needs them.

The strategy includes the NHS commitment to develop the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework which aims to ensure that Mental Health NHS Trusts work directly with ethnically diverse groups, and make sure their experience and feedback drives the changes NHS England aims to implement

within NHS services.

PCREF has three main elements:

Part 1: Ensuring that Trusts deliver their statutory and regulatory obligations
Part 2: Implementation of a framework of national organisational competencies
Part 3: Development and implementation of a service user and carer feedback mechanism

See the 'Catalyst and PCREF' page here >

PCREF Podcasts

These podcasts delve into the crucial issues facing the African and Caribbean community.

This series on the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) explores advocacy, mental health services, and the transformative potential of PCREF.

Join our host, Rudi Page, engaging in thought-provoking conversations with members of the Catalyst team and our guest speakers.

See the 'PCREF Podcasts' page here >

LGA: The police mental health service withdrawal is too quick

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:05:19 GMT

source: LocalGov
published: 26 July 2023

Local authority leaders have raised concerns that plans for police to stop attending mental health incidents, as set out in the National Partnership Agreement, are ‘being rolled out too quickly’.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said police were stepping back without adequate ‘local engagement and partnership working’, creating a risk that other agencies would be unable to pick up increased demand.

The agreement will mean the police do not attend mental health incidents, unless there is a ‘significant safety risk’ or crime involved, and instead refer them to a partner agency.

An agreement signed today (26 July) means the policy will begin in England, while forces in Wales work with the Welsh government to draw out a plan.

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the policy could save a million police hours each year.

President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith, said it was ‘no secret’ that the police were ‘under an incredible amount of pressure, whilst at the same time being chronically underfunded’.

Police withdrawal posed a ‘real danger’ to patients, Dr Smith added. Rachel Bacon, NPCC lead for mental health, said: ‘I do want to reassure our communities that the police will always be here to protect you and will always attend incidents where there is a threat to life.’

Read full article here >

Other Related News:

[Birmingham] City mental health crisis exposed as suicidal man ignored for hours in A&Es and later found drowned

3 February 2023.

West Midlands Mayor: Mental health support to help us thrive in life

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:02:24 GMT

all credits: Birmingham Irish Association
originally published: 23 July 2023

Life can be stressful. In the wake of the pandemic, and with the pressures of the cost of living, many are feeling the pressures of modern life. Sometimes, we all need a little help.

After all, we all want to live in a mentally healthier West Midlands, in which our children thrive at school, students thrive in college and adults thrive at work and home.

In this column I want to tell you about an important new independent report into our region’s mental health, and the plans we have to address its findings.

Carried out by the region’s second Mental Health Commission, the report looked into the impact of the pandemic. It highlighted a number of areas where more support was needed, from an increase in demand for children’s mental health services to helping people take part in physical activity, which is proven to be good for mental wellbeing.

In response, the West Midlands Combined Authority has decided to expand its brilliant Thrive programme , which has already supported 4,000 people with long-term health issues find and retain jobs, and 550 businesses commit to improving staff wellbeing.

Now a new programme – called Thrive at College – will offer support to 19 to 23-year-olds with mental health and wellbeing while they are at college.

And that’s not all. We have also ringfenced £3 million from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund’s Community Grant programme for community-led schemes that promote physical activity and wellbeing, and a further £2 million will be used to help grow the region’s social economy, to help create self-sustainable communities.

This action is on top of the work that our partners, some of whom sat on the Commission, are also doing to address mental health in the region. This includes community wellbeing programmes to support people understand and improve their own mental health, tackling poor and overcrowded housing, reducing loneliness and isolation, and bringing people together through community hubs, football and gardening sessions.

Mental health is no longer a subject that people feel awkward speaking about, and after the difficulties of the pandemic, everyone is more aware of the importance of wellbeing.

With investments like this, and with the help of caring communities like Birmingham’s Irish community, we can work together to help ensure everyone has the chance to thrive in life.

More about West Midlands Mental Health Commission: Click here

Get Grants: The Application Review Service (available)

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:59:53 GMT

source: Get Grants
first published: June 2023

As part of their Application Review Service, Get Grants funding experts will review your funding application or draft to give your application the best chance of success.

"We know that fundraisers of all levels of experience put a huge amount of their valuable time into preparing funding applications. Too often, fundraisers spend hours rewording applications, delay submitting because they are unsure, or have their time and effort wasted by having applications rejected on an avoidable error."

"We offer an expert pair of eyes so that you can be confident your application has the best chance of success."

Get Grants funding experts will provide you with detailed feedback on your application and recommend specific changes. These expert insights will support fundraisers to learn and improve their bid-writing skills.

Read the full article >

Please Note: See all training courses here >

Memorial Fund 'Families Matter : Caring Matters' event report

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:27:01 GMT

source: National Memorial Family Fund

first published: 7 June 2023

This event ( by a Catalyst incubated organisation, the National Memorial Family Fund ) took place in Manchester on 27 May 2023 and was a free family only entertainment, socialising pampering event for those affected by deaths in custody. It consisted of a 3-course meal and beverages, pamper zones, arts & wellbeing stalls, resident DJ and local performing artists. This event was essentially all about respite, entertainment, fun and pampering .

The event opened with an appreciation to the families and introduced the Family Fund team to attendees, with each team member outlining their roles. Thanks were also extended to the attending stallholders, performers and the venue.

The event also screened a short spoken word film from George the Poet, an honest, compelling piece to mark the upcoming 6th anniversary of the Grenfell fire in London . The event attendees marked a 72 second silence in remembrance of each of the victims.

Family Fund founder, Tippa Naphtali said;

"We wanted to ensure that this was not just yet another event where families were being asked to retell the stories of what happened to their loved ones, and thereby reliving their trauma. Instead, this was all about kicking back, having fun, and enjoying the company of others with lived experience and making connections."

A buffet of great food was also provided, and everyone ate together giving families, performers and the Fund team a chance to mingle and enjoy themselves over a tasty feast. The food was delicious and came in abundance, so many attendees were able to take containers home.

There was also a raffle where families won some really cool prizes that were taken from the Family Fund Two-Way Give-Back Shop .

Families and other attendees could also treat themselves to pampering activities which included face painting, t-shirt printing, nail & lash treatments, canvas painting and fun exercise sessions in the lovely sunshine. Other stalls included some impressive handmade children's clothes, jewellery, accessories and hand drawn art works.

Read full article/see gallery here >

Humberside mental health model to form basis of national agreement

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:04:00 GMT

source: College of Policing
published: 3 April 2023

An approach has been developed by Humberside Police to ensure people who call the police get the best support and service. They identified that before the introduction of Right Care Right Person (RCRP), the force was deployed to an average of 1,566 incidents per month relating to issues such as concerns for welfare, mental health incidents or missing persons.

The force was concerned that by attending these incidents, they were not providing the most suitable intervention to vulnerable members of the public who required specialist support. This was putting both the public and their officers at more risk. It also meant they were not responding to the public in the most effective manner.

The high level of deployments was also impacting on the force's ability to attend calls for service that did require a policing response. For example, where a crime had occurred or where there was a risk to life.

Humberside Police made the conscious decision to go back to basics and concentrate on the core policing duties, as set out by Sir Robert Peel. These still form the basis of policing in the UK today. The core duties under common law are:

preventing and detecting crime
keeping the King’s peace
protecting life and property

Following this decision, Humberside Police sought legal advice to understand where duty of care responsibilities lie and where other agencies would be more appropriate to attend calls for service. This advice was used as a basis to support the development of the RCRP initiative.

RCRP is a programme of work that has been carried out over a three-year period involving partners in ambulance, mental health, acute hospitals and social services. These partnerships ensure RCRP can achieve its aim to provide the best care to the public by ensuring the most appropriate response to calls for service. This reduces stress on the police and health agencies responding to these requests.

Read full article here >

Mental health data and analysis: a guide for health professionals

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 10:34:18 GMT

source: GOV.UK
last updated: 10 May 2023

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) brings together and analyses data on mental health and wellbeing from across the health and care system, and produces resources to help improve services and outcomes.

This guidance is written for commissioners, public health professionals and others involved in the local planning and provision of services that support people with mental health conditions. It should support them to use these resources to make or influence decisions about local services.

Understanding mental health locally using profiling tools

OHID has created mental health profiling tools and guidance to help commissioners and other health professionals understand the mental health needs and services in their local area.

The tools bring together a wide range of publicly available data. The data is grouped by clinical commissioning group (CCG) or local authority. This means the tools can be used to benchmark one area against another. They can also be used to see trends and compare indicators.

The COVID-19: mental health and wellbeing surveillance report presents close to real time intelligence on the mental health and wellbeing of the population in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. It compiles routinely updated indicators from multiple sources and summarises important recent findings from a pre-defined set of studies. It aims to inform policy, planning and commissioning in health and social care and is designed to assist stakeholders at both national and local level.

The report is produced regularly and aims to include the latest available data and intelligence. It will enable the identification and consideration of changes in mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. The final version was published on 12 April 2022.

See full details here >

How to handle bullying and discrimination in the workplace

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 10:14:07 GMT

source: Charity Job
first published: 22 February 2021

You might have read the coverage about workplace bullying in our sector which sparked the twitterstorm #notjustNCVO, prompting many responses and examples of incidents in various organisations.

As an employer, you should do all you can to prevent bullying and discrimination in the workplace. You are expected to do so by law, and you also have a ‘duty of care’ to look after the wellbeing of your employees.

Anti-bullying and harassment policies can support you in preventing bullying in the workplace.

Acas has produced a useful booklet for employers , including guidance on setting up a policy if you don’t already have one.

Address any bullying incidents straight away

As an employer, you must take any complaint of bullying or discrimination seriously and investigate it as soon as possible. The first step is to talk to the person who raised the issue and to find out as much detail about it as you possibly can.

At this stage, it’s important to check how they would like it handled. Is it something that they would like to report for you to keep an eye on it, would they like to try mediation, or perhaps they want to raise a formal complaint.

If someone makes a formal complaint about bullying or discrimination, you should follow a formal grievance procedure. This begins with deciding who will need to investigate the complaint.

This person should be neutral and not involved in the event being investigated. In some circumstances, you may deem it appropriate to separate the employees involved, while you conduct the investigation.

If the outcome of your investigation results in your decision to undertake disciplinary action, make sure that you go about this the right way. Acas has produced step by step guidance which can be helpful.

Read full article here >

Deborah’s online Black Books Reading Club

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 22:14:21 GMT

source: Coached by Deborah
published: 8 April 2023

Have you ever taken a book on holiday, read it and that was that, back on the shelf it goes! Oftentimes, we don’t get the opportunity to discuss a book we’ve read, whether we enjoyed it or not. I don’t feel this is the best way to experience literary works by some wonderfully talented Black authors.

"This is why I am looking forward to hosting Deborah’s Black Books Reading Club once a month. It is for those interested in the perspectives of Black and Mixed-Race authors."

How does it work?

We meet via Zoom on the first Friday evening every month.

The remaining dates and times for 2023 are below (all run from 7.30pm to 9.00pm):

5 May / 2 June / 7 July / 4 August / 1 September

6 October / 3 November / 1 December

Who is the group suited for?

It is suited for those aged 16 plus.

There is another group hosted by Dayna - details may follow on Dayna’s Black Books Reading Club for Children.

Recommending books of interest is encouraged and you would be required to answer questions from other members about that book. You’ll be able to give an account of what the book you have read is about. Whether it adheres to the blurb, was it disappointing, boring, or excellently written to feed your imagination. Importantly, what did you learn that you wish to share about the book?

Keeping the cost down for books!

You are free to purchase as many books as you wish, but as we are all watching the pennies, there are ways to keep costs down. Many second-hand bookstores have reasonably priced books. You can borrow from family/friends, and Amazon offer free e-books/audio books for Prime Members and low-priced Kindle books .

Roots HR - Free HR Toolkits & Human Resources Guides

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 22:06:40 GMT

source: Roots HR
published: 8 March 2023

Roots HR Community Interest Company is the UK’s specialist consultancy for human resources for the social sector. They enable organisations to continually improve performance and sustainability through better people management, whilst ensuring an understanding of and compliance with employment legislation.

Founded in 2009, they operate as a social enterprise, providing high quality and affordable services to social sector organisations, and are the only HR consultancy in the UK to use trading surpluses to provide pro bono (free) HR services and learning and development to leaders and managers working in the social sector.

Free Toolkits

Roots HR free Toolkits are sent via email. Due to the size of the Toolkits and free documentation that is included within them, the Toolkits are sent on individual emails e.g. if you request 11 Toolkits you will receive 11 emails, each containing a different Toolkit.

The topics include:

Managing Underperformance
Managing Sickness Absence
Managing Leavers
Personnel Files
Pay and Benefits
Wellbeing at Work
Agile Appraisal
Probation
Induction
Pre-Employment Checks
Selection
Recruitment

Request your toolkits here >

Roots HR are also the only HR consultancy to guarantee that consultants are all fully qualified professionals with extensive social sector and senior management experience. This means that the services they provide are tailored to the needs of their client organisations and aligned to their respective cultures.

Technical accuracy is an absolute; Roots HR pride themselves on a reputation built on excellent customer service. Finalists for awards from both the HR profession and social sector bodies, they can offer great testimonials from organisations in the sector .

Your Voice Matters: Patient Carers Race Equality Framework (PCREF)

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:25:00 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 13 February 2023

Catalyst 4 Change is working in partnership with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) on the Patients Carers Race Equality Framework (PCREF) to challenge racial disparities in mental health care and improve access, experiences and outcomes for African and Caribbean communities.

PCREF looks at the key ‘organisational competencies’ that NHS mental health trusts need to develop to address the health inequalities experienced by many people. PCREF is a way of bringing together local Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, service users; their carers and staff, to work together in partnership to look at how we implement the national PCREF competencies and develop local competencies as needed.

PCREF has three main elements:

Part 1: Ensuring that Trusts deliver their statutory and regulatory obligations
Part 2: Implementation of a framework of national organisational competencies
Part 3: Development and implementation of a service user and carer feedback mechanism

The development of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) is being overseen by NHS England’s PCREF Steering Group and Advancing Mental Health Equalities Taskforce, established in February 2020.

The PCREF is currently a draft framework and being tested throughout 2022/23 by four PCREF pilot trusts; Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, East London NHS Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, along with a number of self-selecting early adopter sites.

It is envisaged that by later in 2023 there will be a statutory requirement for all Mental Health Trusts to have in place and implement PCREF.

PCREF and the African Caribbean communities

In 2021 Catalyst 4 Change, Association of Jamaican National and Making Change Work were commissioned by BSMHFT to undertake a series of dialogues with Birmingham based African and Caribbean service users in psychiatric units and their carers; and in community settings including barber shops and hair salons and with faith communities.

We consulted over 100 African and Caribbean people and about their experiences and views of accessing mental health services and support experiences.

With the support of the Black Thrive Global Research Team we have analysed the data collected from these discussions and identified five key themes : Access, Advocacy, Complaints, Pathways and Representation. We have further reflected on these themes and prioritised 'Advocacy' to challenge poor practice and to promote advance race equalities across all mental health pathways.

The term advocacy is used in diverse ways in different contexts. Broadly speaking, advocacy refers to speaking out on an issue to bring about change in society, as is the case with civil rights movements, or to achieve change for an individual. Advocacy exists in different forms, but they all have their foundations in achieving greater social justice and equality.

In health and social care, advocacy is based on a recognition of power imbalances experienced by people using these services. Advocacy in these settings is concerned with supporting and promoting health and/or social care rights and improvements in services or policy initiatives concerned with the availability, safety, and quality of care.

Catalyst has now recruited a team of sessional PCREF Advisors from the African and Caribbean community to help us take this work forward. We will launch our implementation plan in March 2023.

We'll be providing further details soon!

Introducing the online Events Calendar from Catalyst

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 14:26:42 GMT

source: Catalyst & Eventbrite
published: February 2023

Check out the new Catalyst event calendar which also features Black event creators that are at the forefront of a movement that creates spaces for communities to thrive and enact real change.

As well as Catalyst events, we will also include selected items listed on Eventbrite that spotlight a diverse selection of events that break new ground, raise awareness and bring people together. From enlightening panel discussions through to workouts and decolonised history lectures.

We also encourage relevant submissions to the calendar.

See the online calendar here >

Some of the past events have included:

British Black Power: Leila Hassan-Howe in conversation

Spaces for Listening: Black Faces, White Spaces

This group is set up by and for Black and mixed black women residing in Birmingham and surrounding areas. It is a safe space for women to come and share their experiences or listen to others.

Liverpool: Black History and Black Activism

The Catalyst events calendar is kept updated continuously!
See it here >

Cluster2 of the LEx Leaders Training Programme 2022-23

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:17:12 GMT

Cancellation Notice:

Unfortunately, for operational reasons we had to cancel this series of sessions.

Please Note: We have co-developed a series of resource documents and guides on the topics that would have been delivered in these training modules.

Visit: www.catalyst4change.org.uk/leaders-living-toolkits

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 19 December 2022

Catalyst's LEx Leaders Programme is pleased to announce the second cluster from our season of low-cost good governance training modules from 19 January to 17 March 2023. We seek to run further sessions later in 2023.

The session modules cover broad topics that are critical to good organisation development & management and will be delivered at an introductory level by skilled and experienced providers including EW Accounting , Birmingham Voluntary Services Council , BlueSky Coaching and Training Personified .

Some of our modules are delivered twice over the life of the programme giving attendees choice and flexibility – they can also select modules that they need the most and opt-out of others.

In the second cluster topics will include;

Establishing a Business Development Strategy
Funding Applications & Bid Writing
Effective Marketing & Promotion
Managing Assets & Premises
Financial Management & Accounting
Good Governance Practice & Legal Structures

See a full listing of all the first and second cluster modules here (pdf) >

See the Eventbrite booking pages here >

Who is eligible to attend our sessions? (You must meet one or more of the following criteria)

Registered members of Catalyst and/or registered participants of the LEx Leaders Development Programme
Non-member participants must be user led initiatives or organisations that have significant operational input from people with lived experience of mental health issues Join for FREE here >
Members of any community organisations that provide mental health and wellbeing services to a significant African and Caribbean user base
All participants must be in need of significant operational, governance or strategic development support

Help with start-up essential costs:

Selected registered members of Catalyst 4 Change and/or registered participants of the LEx Leaders Development Programme will also qualify for cash support of up to £300 towards essential resources, e.g. laptops, affiliation fees, accessibility and/or language or essential office stationery needs etc.

Background to the LEx Leaders Development Programme:

The National Lottery's Leaders with Lived Experience Programme aims to support lived experience (LEx) leaders and their organisations to be central to recovery and renewal efforts as we move through and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

The National Lottery said; “The programme builds on the Leaders with Lived Experience Pilot Programme and is part of a wider journey to share power with communities, improve perceptions of LEx and create parity between different types of knowledge and experience. The impetus for the programme, its shape and vision, came from witnessing the commitment, innovation and resilience of the pilot cohort, particularly in the early stages of the crisis when mainstream organisations were retreating. This confirmed that LEx experience leadership needs to be at the forefront of strategies for the future of civil society."

Catalyst 4 Change said; “At Catalyst, we believe that to successfully renew civil society it is imperative that we make access to services equal and that those services are culturally representative and responsive. We believe that we can only affect meaningful change by empowering and equipping grassroots African and Caribbean communities to provide high quality, culturally relevant, mental wellbeing services and by co-producing and co-designing statutory mental health services.”

Read more here >

See the Eventbrite booking pages here >

We look forward to your participation!

For general enquiries please contact:

Chenita Francis-Hare (Operational & Finance Administrator)

Email: chenita@catalyst4change.org.uk

Culturally adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) trial

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:17:00 GMT

source: Culturally-adapted Family Intervention
published: December 2022

CaFI are carrying out research to test a form of ‘talking therapy’ specifically designed to meet the needs of African and Caribbean service users/participants and their families.

This research aims to find out how the therapy compares with usual care given to African and Caribbean service users and their relatives/carers. They are also looking at how the therapy is taken up by services.

They would like to invite current service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis of Birmingham and Solihull NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), who regard themselves as being of Sub-Saharan African or Caribbean origin (this includes ‘Black British’ and ‘Mixed’ African and Caribbean people who have at least 1 Sub-Saharan African or Caribbean parent or grandparent) to take part in our research study.

To take part in the research, you must be at least 14 years old or older. If you are under 16, you must have your parent/guardian/carer’s consent to take part. They are are looking for people who are willing to commit to being in the study for about 12 months. You do not need to be in contact with your family to take part.

If you are interested in taking part in the study or if you have any questions, please contact a member of the research team using the details below. *

Service users who take part will be randomised to either a control arm (where they continue receiving their usual treatment) or the intervention arm where they will receive 10 x 1- hour CaFI sessions. CaFI therapy can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely. See a short film about the first CaFI study : Click here

Lead Therapist – CaFI trial

Lead therapists will be responsible for delivering CaFI therapy within the context of our NIHR HTA-funded randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Lead therapists will be Band 7 Clinical Psychologists, CBT or Family Therapist practitioners, or other Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) candidates and have family work experience.

This role provides research experience and training and embedding cultural awareness and competence in usual care.

They have numerous posts available, with a minimum requirement to deliver 10 x 1-hour sessions to a family unit over 26-week window. The roles can be carried out as part of an existing role as CPD or as additional paid hours.

Volunteer Allocated Family Support Member (FSM) - CaFI trial

FSMs will be volunteering as a ‘Family Support Member’ with service users, who have lost touch with their families, to attend CaFI.

FSMs will support the service users throughout the 10 x 1-hour sessions of therapy, which can take up to 26 weeks and therapy sessions can be conducted face-to-face or online.

No previous experience is necessary. You can be from any ethnic background and people with lived experience of psychosis are particularly welcome to apply!

Training will be provided and monthly group supervision from a clinical supervisor to share your experiences and discuss any concerns.

* If you are interested in taking part or would like any further information, please contact:

Ayesha Alam (ayesha.alam2@nhs.net)
Dr. Carl Harris (carl.harris4@nhs.net)
Ashley Jones (Ashley.jones7@nhs.net)

More information about the study can also be found on the dedicated project website: www.sites.manchester.ac.uk/cafi

Synergi grassroots mental health and racial justice funding

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:16:22 GMT

source: Synergi Project
published: 19 December 2022

Synergi Small Grants Fund offers grants of between £2,000 to £3,000 for groups led by Black people and people of colour with lived experience of mental ill-health, distress or trauma, to take action on mental health and racial justice.

The fund will be open for applications from the 4th until the 29th of January 2023. Grants will be awarded by the end of March 2023 and must be spent within 12 months.

Examples of the actions they hope to fund include:

Collective care: This might look like providing food and essentials parcels, writing to incarcerated community members, creating opportunities for people to come together and support each other using shared experiences as in peer support groups, mutual aid, creative practices like dance or singing, or covering the costs of accessing therapy or other healing practices.
Campaigning and change-making: This could include protest, work to create change on a local or national level, sharing information and skills such as community organising training, or creating resources for members of your community to better advocate for themselves.

All of the actions should be led by, and for the benefit of, Black people and people of colour with experience of mental ill-health, distress or trauma.

For more information and detail on how to apply please visit The Synergi Small Grants Fund - NSUN website

Who gets believed: Abuse in mental health services (NSUN Report)

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:09:10 GMT

source: National Survivor User Network
first published: 31 October 2022

In the past couple of months, we have seen exposures of a culture of abuse in mental health services. First there was BBC Panorama’s undercover investigation at the Edenfield Centre , a secure psychiatric hospital run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

This was followed by a Channel 4 Dispatches programme which aired footage captured secretly by a healthcare assistant at two mental health hospitals run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. And most recently, an investigation by The Independent and Sky News reported systemic abuse of patients in units run by the Huntercombe Group , a private company which was responsible for at least six children’s mental health hospitals in the last decade.

These investigations have all reported the physical and emotional abuse, bullying, humiliation of patients by staff, and an excessive use of restrictive and coercive practices such as restraint and seclusion. They follow countless similar investigations and news stories of failings in care across other hospitals under other Trusts.

People on the receiving end of this abuse have spoken out about it for decades. Claims that the investigations are “shocking” are insulting. They give the impression that these are isolated or unique incidents, that it is a case of “a few bad apples”; as if we haven’t heard account after account of abuse in mental health services ( and of exclusion from them ), such as those published in Asylum Magazine , as if the friends and families of people who have died in custody, including mental health detention, haven’t been marching for over twenty years .

We need to have a conversation about who gets believed: a conversation about power, the systematic silencing of survivor testimony, the weaponisation of mental ill-health, trauma, and distress to discredit and further coerce people who talk about or raise complaints about their experiences of abuse in mental health services.

Read the full article >

The Good Exchange : Transforming charitable giving

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:08:51 GMT

source: The Good Exchange
republished: date unknown

Years of budget cuts have made austerity the new reality in the UK and we can all see the pain it’s causing.
To close the funding-gap, money for good causes has to go further and work harder.

There’s no time for slow evolution – only a revolutionary approach will drive the much-needed strategic change and proactive transformation of charitable funding.

Digital technology that brings multiple grants, donations and fundraising activities together and instantly matches the grant makers and donors that have money to give, with the charities and community groups that need money is where it starts.

The Good Exchange’s social software revolutionises the way this happens – driving change in the charitable sector in the same way that organisations such as Spotify® and GoCompare™ transformed the music and insurance industries, bringing about a better and more inclusive society for everyone.

Its automated matching system with a simple, single online application form enables funders, charitable projects, individual donors and fundraisers to work together strategically and collaboratively.

Read the full article >

The NMPMFF presents its inaugural Annual Report for 2021-2022

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:57:20 GMT

all credits: The NMPMFF
published: 1 October 2022

The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) are proud to present their first full annual report of activities between 2021 and 2022. The 1 September 2022 marked 7 years since the NMPMFF was founded, and just over 2 years since their first ever funding round.

Founder, Tippa Naphtali, said; "We are the only affected family led organisation nationally that occupies this space, and are therefore absolutely unique and bespoke. Our thanks for incubated support from Catalyst 4 Change".

A key supporter of the NMPMFF, Ken Fero of award winning Migrant Media said; "The public awareness and support after the killing of George Floyd [in 2020] had strengthened this initiative which improves the lives of families impacted by state violence in the UK. We support this important grassroots initiative and urge others to join. When the state fails us, the people must act in unity".

See the Annual Report here >

In April 2021 the NMPMFF announced ambitious plans for the future . This report provides details of what the Fund was able to achieve with the grant aid, donations and voluntary input received, as well as several significant developments over the past year, and their continued work against a 5-year plan and other developments including;

Core and project funding from Black Lives Matter UK and the national charity, INQUEST
Their mix of income generation and appeals for new donors to support their work
Outline of the establishment of the Annual Gala Dinner & Awards initiative as part of a wider set of aspirational projects
New central and project management and coordination salaried and sessional staff members
A feature on their inaugrual event, ' Looking Back Moving Forward ' held in September 2021
Launches of the Crisis Fund, Legacy Fund and Two-Way Give-Back e-Shop
Updates on grants and gift schemes awarded to affected families

The report also sets out our income & expenditure for 2022-2023, our forward thinking Work Plan and a summary of our partners, collaborators and donors.

The Fund is already making a practical difference to families and their campaign groups that need financial and wellbeing support during their long struggles for justice lasting decades in many cases.

It is the NMPMFF's absolute and undivided commitment that this work should be continued indefinately, and will maintain their momentum in this respect. Download the Annual Report here >

Poverty, economic inequality and mental health

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:51:29 GMT

all credits: Centre for Mental Health
first published: 26 July 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic is being accompanied by a substantial rise in demand for mental health services. Whilst investment in mental health services is vital, it is also necessary to tackle the factors that cause and worsen mental ill health in the first place.

Poverty, economic inequality and mental health , by Ed Davie, explores evidence about the links between these factors, showing that living in poverty increases people’s risk of mental health difficulties, and that more unequal societies have higher overall levels of mental ill health. The briefing also demonstrates that poverty and economic inequality intersect with structural racism to undermine the mental health of racialised and marginalised groups in society.

The evidence is clear that poverty, deprivation and economic inequality are toxic to mental and physical health. Policy makers need to prioritise reducing them as an urgent public health necessity.

The briefing calls for concerted and concrete actions to improve mental health by increasing the incomes and reducing the costs of the poorest people in society. These include increasing benefits and paying the Living Wage, help with housing and childcare costs for the least well-off, and improving access to vital services in the most deprived areas .

Read original article here >

Where can I get help in the Midlands as the cost of living soars?

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:50:13 GMT

source: ITV Network
published: 26 August 2022

Almost everyone will have heard of the cost of living crisis by now, but no-one can be sure exactly how it will affect them. From soaring energy and fuel bills to an increase in National Insurance and council tax payments, prices are set to increase dramatically over the next few days and weeks'.

Charities predict it will further push people into hunger, fuel poverty, and crippling debt.

What costs are rising?

Ofgem has said the energy price cap will rise by 54% from April 1, affecting around 22 million customers
People paying for energy on default tariffs by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year, while prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017
Council tax bills increased at the beginning of the month. The increase depends on which local authority you live in and which band your house falls under
Food prices are being affected by the inflation rise, with prices 5.2% higher than a year ago
From April 6, National Insurance (NI) will increase by 1.25%

From free debt and employment advice, to providing affordable and healthy food, ITV have provided a listing of who is on hand to help across the West Midlands.

Read the full article >

Also see Birmingham Food Justice Network Map >

Other sources of support;

Impact Pathways W.Mids: Cost of Living Support
Birmingham City Council: Cost of Living Support
W.Mids Combined Authority: Cost of Living
NHS Black Country: Cost of living support hubs in Dudley
City of Wolverhampton Council: Cost of Living Support
Gov.UK: Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024
Sandwell Council: Household Support Fund
West Bromwich: Cost of Living Support Programme

See general Google search here >

AbilityNet: A digital world that is accessible to all

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:48:52 GMT

source: AbilityNet
published: September 2022

AbilityNet supports people of any age, living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education.

They do this by providing specialist advice services, free information resources and by actively helping to build a more accessible digital world for everyone.

Free Resources:

Get the most from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. AbilityNet's free resources include factsheets, webinars and MyComputerMyWay publications.

AbilityNet's friendly tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the United Kingdom.

All of their volunteers are disclosure-checked and they can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, using online services and more.

See full details here >

Cluster1 of the LEx Leaders Training Programme 2022-23

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:58:04 GMT

Important Notice:

Please Note: We have co-developed a series of resource documents and guides on the topics that were delivered in the Cluster1 training modules.

Visit: www.catalyst4change.org.uk/leaders-living-toolkits

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 12 August 2022

Bookings have already commenced for the first cluster from our season of FREE good governance training modules from the LEx Leaders Development Programme , running from September 2022 to March 2023.

Who is eligible to attend our sessions? (You must meet one or more of the following criteria)

Registered members of Catalyst and/or registered participants of the LEx Leaders Development Programme
Participants must be user led initiatives or organisations that have significant operational input from people with lived experience of mental health issues
Members of any community organisations that provide mental health and wellbeing services to a significant African and Caribbean user base
Participant organisations with an annual turnover of less than £25,000
All participants must be in need of significant operational, governance or strategic development support

The modules cover broad topics that are critical to good organisation management and will be delivered at an introductory level by skilled and experienced providers including EW Accounting , Birmingham Voluntary Services Council , BlueSky Coaching and Training Personified .

Each of our modules are delivered twice over the life of the programme giving attendees choice and flexibility – they can also select modules that they need the most and opt-out of others. In the first cluster topics will include Legal Structures, Good Governance Practice, Financial Management & Accounting, Business Planning Processes and Good Practice, Standards & Evaluation.

See a full listing of all the first and second cluster modules here (pdf) >

The second cluster will be announced in December 2022.

Help with start-up essential costs:

Background to the LEx Leaders Development Programme:

Read more here >

See the Eventbrite booking pages here >

We look forward to your participation!

For general enquiries please contact:

Tippa Naphtali (Services & Development Manager)

Email: tippa@catalyst4change.org.uk

Catalyst 4 Change update - First Black Thrive Community Assembly

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 01:56:47 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change

published : 20 July 2022

On the 14 May 2022 over 100 Black community members, community organisations, businesses, statutory services, and allies gathered at Midlands Arts Centre for the launch of Catalyst 4 Change’s Black Thrive Birmingham programme. This was our first Community Assembly. See image gallery here >

There was a bustling marketplace of local, Black-led initiatives, enterprises, voluntary sector, and statutory organisations showcasing their work and services against a backdrop of mellow and classic tunes from DJ Ezeek.

The Black Thrive Birmingham programme is a partnership between Catalyst 4 Change and Black Thrive Global that is working together to co-create a society where systemic racism and other oppressive systems are dismantled . The programme will work with and on behalf of Black people and Black led organisations to ensure that Black communities are at the forefront of reimagining, redefining, and realising fulfilling lives.

The event began with a powerful short film called ‘Black Anxiety’ written and produced by Birmingham based spoken word artist, Dan Man . This powerful film reminded us of all the emotional and physical impact of Covid 19 and racism on Black communities.

The day included presentations from:

Three of Catalyst 4 Change Directors shared their approach as ‘positive deviants’ to help create better mental health services and support for African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands
Lela Kogbara, a BlackThrive Global Director, provided an overview of Black Thrive’s history and mission to facilitate systems change that will transform the Black communities experience from surviving into thriving
Black Thrive Global Research team, Dr Celestin Okoroji, Tamanda Walker and Dr Jolyon Miles-Wilson, described their commitment to produce high quality data that can be used by Black communities to help them thrive and change how public systems go about their work. The team provided a snapshot of their data analysis that aroused positive interest in the approach and use of community owned data from the delegates present
Dr Justine Varney presented the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities (BLACHIR) review. This is a partnership between Birmingham and Lewisham to explore and better understand the inequalities affecting African and Caribbean communities in our areas and co-produce with communities’ opportunities for action to break structural inequalities

The day also included a series of conversations about working together for effective change. Several themes emerged. Here are a few that stood out throughout the day.

Spaces to connect:

To speak frankly about the aspirations of, and challenges faced by our community and stand in collective solidarity as we navigate the necessary system change.

Better mental health services:

Removing the barriers that prevent Black people from getting the help they need, and services where staff can offer compassion, humility and respond to what we say.

Tackle the root causes of ill health:

Public systems need to focus more on prevention and healing.

Community owned data:

To shape, lead and get involved with collecting, owning, and using data to achieve our collective goals.

The Assembly responses and feedback made it abundantly clear that you (our stakeholders and supporters) are behind the Thriving Futures vision, and that you are also ready to help, develop and improve the areas in need of change through our collective responsibility and commitment.

How you can get Involved!

Thriving Futures is a decade long endeavor. Catalyst 4 Change will hold Assemblies twice a year.

Our next Assembly will be on Friday 4 November 2022.

If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, please visit our Call to Action page here >

A full report and short film of our May Assembly will be available during August 2022 .

Catalyst announces the LEx Leaders Training Programme 2022-23

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 01:48:22 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 20 July 2022

After several months of planning and discussions with our funders and training providers in Birmingham, Catalyst 4 Change has announced the first cluster from our season of FREE good governance training modules from the LEx Leaders Development Programme , running from September 2022 to March 2023.

Who is eligible to attend our sessions? (You must meet one or more of the following criteria) :

Registered members of Catalyst and/or registered participants of the LEx Leaders Development Programme
Participants must be user led initiatives or organisations that have significant operational input from people with lived experience of mental health issues
Members of any community organisations that provide mental health and wellbeing services to a significant African and Caribbean user base
Participant organisations with an annual turnover of less than £25,000
All participants must be in need of significant operational, governance or strategic development support

See a full listing of all the first and second cluster modules here (pdf) >

The second cluster will be announced in December 2022.

Help with start-up essential costs:

Background to the LEx Leaders Development Programme:

The National Lottery said; “The programme builds on the Leaders with Lived Experience Pilot Programme and is part of a wider journey to share power with communities, improve perceptions of LEx and create parity between different types of knowledge and experience. The impetus for the programme, its shape and vision, came from witnessing the commitment, innovation and resilience of the pilot cohort, particularly in the early stages of the crisis when mainstream organisations were retreating. This confirmed that LEx experience leadership needs to be at the forefront of strategies for the future of civil society."

Catalyst 4 Change said; “At Catalyst, we believe that to successfully renew civil society it is imperative that we make access to services equal and that those services are culturally representative and responsive. We believe that we can only affect meaningful change by empowering and equipping grassroots African and Caribbean communities to provide high quality, culturally relevant, mental wellbeing services and by co-producing and co-designing statutory mental health services.”

Read more here >

See the Eventbrite booking pages here >

We look forward to your participation!

For general enquiries please contact:

Tippa Naphtali (Services & Development Manager)

Email: tippa4catalyst@gmail.com

Black Thrive Birmingham: Launch event announced

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 15:22:36 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change

published : 24 April 2022

Catalyst 4 Change is inviting Black people, voluntary and statutory organisations, faith communities, entrepreneurs and allies that are striving for an equal society to join our CommUNITY Assembly on Saturday 14 May 2022 for honest discussions about how together we can achieve real change for Black communities in Birmingham.

You can download the flyer here >

The event will include a marketplace, presentations, films, guest speakers, and interactive discussions. Attendees will learn more about the Black Thrive Programme , our plans in Birmingham and also hear from some of our collaborators and supporters.

In the afternoon sessions attendees can share their views on what we need to focus on in Birmingham.

Come and hear about this amazing new initiative, share your ideas, and be a part of the vision for change!

The event will be accessible for disabled people, including wheelchair access and British sign language interpreters.

Book your ticket(s) : Click here >

Bookings opened on 25 April 2022 : Places are limited.

Black Thrive Haringey: Successful launch event (March 2022)

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 15:01:36 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change
published: 24 April 2022

On 26 March 2022 Mind in Haringey held their Black Thrive Haringey (BTH) launch event. Catalyst directors attended this event in solidarity and support to our Thriving Futures partners.

BTH invited the community of Haringey to come and hear about this amazing new initiative that is focused on addressing the systematic issues that affect Black people and those who connect with the 'Black Experience'.

The event was subsequently attended by individuals, organisations, entrepreneurs, practitioners, allies and the community of Haringey that are committed and engaged in services that help Black communities to move from striving to thriving.

Attendees were treated to cultural entertainment , heard engaging presentations, special guest speakers, and participated in interactive discussions. They also enjoyed the African Market hall of vendors sampling holistic therapies provided by local black practitioners, and took part in group workshops or 'paused for the cause' in the sacred healing space!

Read more about Black Thrive in Haringey here >

New report calls on funders to act on social and racial justice

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 11:17:29 GMT

all credits: Ten Years Time

published: February 2022

Racial Justice and Social Transformation: How Funders Can Act is a report which we are proud to share with all those interested in advancing racial justice in the UK. It is a report which seeks to inject ambition into the British funding landscape and create a clear roadmap for action.

The report represents a place where we hope to clarify some of the best practices needed to make racial justice a reality and racial injustice a thing of the past. We turn our heads to the past, present and future, seeing that, for many of the conversations we are having today, the past is extremely important in making visible the racist and disempowering notions and foundations of practices and understanding still used today.

We review how both sides of the coin need to be addressed and understood to engage in racial justice work to the best of our ability. Such a multifaceted approach requires, in our eyes, a focus on the grantmaking endeavours of trusts and foundations in the UK, their investment strategies and the internal operations and governance of charitable funding organisations.

Read the full article here >

Read the Executive Summary here

Read the full report here

New review puts healthcare inequalities under the spotlight

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 11:10:12 GMT

all credits: NHS RHO

published : 14 February 2022

The NHS Race & Health Observatory has published its much anticipated rapid review into ethnic health inequalities across a range of areas including key priorities set by the independent health body.

Ethnic inequalities in access to, experiences of, and outcomes of healthcare are longstanding problems in the NHS, and are rooted in experiences of structural, institutional and interpersonal racism. This report is the first of its kind to analyse the overwhelming evidence of ethnic health inequality through the lens of racism.

The university-led rapid review focussed on priorities set by the NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO), relating to ethnic inequalities in:

mental healthcare
maternal and neonatal healthcare
digital access to healthcare
genetic testing and genomic medicine
the NHS workforce

Read a summary of the rapid evidence review in PDF format here

Read the full review in PDF format here

Complete the survey on trust in primary care services now >

The MASH Programme is on its way back: An update!

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 11:08:01 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published: 1 March 2022

After a five year gap the Mentoring & Advocacy Support Hub (MASH) is looking like it has a brighter future.

Following the end of Phase 2 of the 300 Voices Project, The Peer Support Programme (known as MASH) secured funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner's Office for a further year to March 2017 - at this point the service was sadly closed.

With the support of its parent body, Catalyst 4 Change, MASH is set to see new services and activities beginning to emerge.

The initial restructured services will look like this;

Leadership Development

A new development support programme that builds the abilities and confidence to develop and effectively manage user-led community organisations, has already been funded and Catalyst are seeking to appoint a programme co-ordinator.

Easy Access Initiative

Over coming months we are developing a collaborative initiative to provide easy access and referral to a range of culturally appropriate local services for people of African-Caribbean heritage with a lived experience of mental health.

Social Activities and Events

We are planning and fundraising to bring our popular social drop-in sessions back. The sessions will be a place to relax, build friendships, learn new skills, get advice and provide a space for sharing and support.

Stay tuned for updates on future progress!

Synergi Collaborative Centre Phase2: Continuing the legacy

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 11:01:29 GMT

source: Synergi Collaborative Centre
published: 28 February 2022

The Synergi Collaborative Centre officially launched in 2017 as a five year national initiative, funded by Lankelly Chase Foundation, to transform the realities of ethnic inequalities in the lived experience of severe mental distress and the impact of multiple disadvantage.

"We aimed to amplify and centre lived experience narratives in research as part of a clear commitment to challenge institutional, structural and interpersonal racism in mental health systems, supported by collaborative leadership and placed-based strategies, underpinned by creative interventions".

Instead of saying a permanent goodbye, Synergi are pleased to hand over the reins to valued partners from within the Synergi ecosystem as the new project leads for Synergi Phase 2 with Catalyst 4 Change and the National Survivor User Network (NSUN). With these organisations come a refreshed collaborative vision, building on Synergi: Phase 1.

There will be a period of transition to Phase 2, alongside the continuation of Creative Space s and the National Pledge to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental health systems and the Synergi National Pledge Alliance .

"We couldn’t have arrived here without you. Thank you for your support, partnership and allyship."

Find out how to be part of Synergi: Phase 2 by emailing info@synergicollaborativecentre.co.uk.

Click here to see all of Synergi's briefing papers >

Heidi Fisher's Knowledge Centre for social enterprises

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:36:50 GMT

all credits: Make An Impact CIC
republished: February 2022

Heidi Fisher MBE has a serious passion for enterprise, having set up and run several charities, social enterprises and businesses over the past fifteen years plus.

She said; "For social enterprises and charities, I work with them to highlight the difference they make with Social Impact and Social Return on Investment reports. I was part of HM Treasury’s Working Group that developed the Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) to encourage investments in social enterprises and charities. I have worked with start-up enterprises through to those with over £60 million of income."

In the Knowledge Centre Heidi will be answering some of the questions that she is frequently asked about such as social enterprise, social impact, costs of services, software and more.

Visit the Knowledge Centre here >

Through Make An Impact CIC, Heidi provides a range of integrated and bespoke services focused around:

Helping you to clear your blocks and barriers around money and success
Growing your business or social enterprise
Staying focused and on track with your goals
Identifying and reporting on the impact and difference your organisation makes

Mission Diverse: FREE help to develop BME businesses

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:32:17 GMT

source: Mission Diverse
published: date unknown

FREE Reach Enterprise Programme supports Black and minority entrepreneurs and new start-ups to start or grow their own business. With sales, marketing, finance support & mentorship from Santander Bank, Burning Need Marketing and Ghawk Accountants.

APPLICATIONS CLOSES 19th MARCH 2022

To join The Reach Programme:

Submit your Reach Programme Application in under 2 minutes
If successful, you’ll need to submit a 1-min video pitch of your business or idea
You’ll be accepted onto The Reach Programme
Access all the free resources and training provided through the Programme

To apply online simply submit your details and business idea. Once applications close, you'll be asked to provide a short video about you and your business idea. If successful Mission Diverse will invite you to join the programme.

See full details & apply >

Black Thrive comes to Birmingham (new chapter for Catalyst4Change)

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 15:04:29 GMT

source : Black Thrive Global

published : 15 October 2021 (updated, 5 February 2024)

Due to structural inequalities, the experiences and outcomes for Black people in White-majority countries are on average significantly worse than those of their White counterparts in every sphere of life.

Black people in the UK have been more likely to die from Covid-19 than White people. Black people are 4 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act (or “sectioned”); and Black men are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder than White men.

These shocking disparities have their roots in decades of inequality and discrimination in most aspects of life.

Since 2016 Black Thrive Lambeth has been working with statutory and community partners to address the roots of systemic inequalities facing Black communities which negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing.

Last year Black Thrive Global Black Thrive Global received a significant grant from The National Lottery to expand into Birmingham and Haringey, London.

Black Thrive will be working closely with partners in Birmingham to:

Dismantle systemic inequalities facing Black communities through solutions led by and embedded in Black communities
Develop and deliver community led research to better inform policy
Invest in Black leadership by supporting Black people in leadership roles and investing in future generations of Black leaders

The expansion of Black Thrive will enable the key learnings from these projects to support the outstanding work of existing organisations in Birmingham, and help foster an environment in which Black communities are able to thrive.

Councillor Paulette Hamiliton, Chair of Birmingham’s Health and Wellbeing Board says;

“The roots of the health inequalities affecting our Black communities are complex and multi-layered.

“We are currently consulting on our health and wellbeing strategy, which recognises that health inequalities cannot be tackled by any single agency and must be rooted in people's lived experience and be shaped by local communities. This exciting announcement comes at a perfect time to help shape and deliver our ambition for a bolder, healthier city.”

Deborah Cadman, Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council says:

“We know that Black people in Birmingham currently have negative experiences and outcomes in too many areas of life.

“That’s why I am so happy that the funding from the Lottery will help us to make progress on the Council’s equality objectives, including working with Black communities to make sure that we really understand and respond to their needs, developing leadership to shape the decisions we make and ensuring that the services we provide are inclusive and address the needs of Black people.”

Roisin Fallon- Williams, CEO of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust says;

“We are already a pilot site for the NHS Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF). The community engagement work that Catalyst4Change has supported us with, such as addressing the alarming disparities for Black women in perinatal mental health, has shown the real value of centering community voices in redesigning what we do and how we do it”.

Catalyst 4 Change CIC is the lead organisation for Birmingham and their Co-Director, Sandra Griffiths, says;

“We have been working with community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups, statutory services and businesses across the West Midlands for six years to address the mental health needs of people from African and Caribbean communities.

"Last year we secured 2-year funding from the National Lottery Leaders with Lived Experience programme to support emerging Black entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations to create innovative approaches to mental health support and community role models. I am absolutely delighted that this new funding will build on what we are doing and enable us to drive forward solutions so that Black Communities in Birmingham move from just surviving to thriving" .

Read full Press Release here >

Other reports:

Black Thrive Global Growing Great Ideas >

(National Lottery)

Black Thrive joins the TNL Growing Great Ideas programme >

(Black Thrive Global)

Levelling Up: what role for the voluntary and community sector?

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 14:42:52 GMT

source: Birmingham Voluntary Services Council

published: October 2021

Ever wish there was more time to pause and reflect on the changes that are taking place within and around your organisation, or the voluntary sector more generally?

The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for many voluntary organisations, with those in leadership positions having to work ever harder to navigate a rapidly changing environment. Day to day fire-fighting leaves little space for reflection. Is it time for some space to think?

BVSC Research is working in partnership with the Third Sector Research Centre at the University of Birmingham and Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University to build a network of existing and aspiring leaders from Birmingham’s voluntary and community sector.

We will use findings from research to stimulate discussion, reflection, sharing of experience and learning. While each meeting will begin with a brief presentation or provocation based on recent research evidence relating to the topic, the emphasis will be on group-based participation, discussion, and a sharing of experiences and learning.

Read the full article + book here >

Looking Back : Moving Forward – National Family Fund event report

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 21:10:24 GMT

source: National Memorial Family Fund

published: 20 September 2021

This event took place on 10 September 2021 marking the 18th anniversary of the death of Mikey Powell in West Midlands police custody, and celebrated 6 years of the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund developed by his cousin, Tippa Naphtali , in September 2015. See the image gallery here >

The event opened with an appreciation to Mikey's mother, Clarissa Powell, who attended with many members of her extended family. A short tribute film to Mikey's legacy was released shortly before the event. See it here >

The audience were informed about the numerous campaign groups, community initiatives and organsiations that have been developed over the last 15+ years as a legacy to Mikey Powell. See full details here >

The event also heard from several families that have been recipients of grants from the National Memorial Family Fund. They spoke of the heartache of losing their loved ones, and how the fund had helped to alleviate some of the after effects of such loss with support for funerals, memorials, respite & family breaks, counselling services, domestic costs and much more.

The event also included the premier screening Migrant Media’s new film ULTRAVIOLENCE , a hard-hitting and extremely emotive film following the experiences of people whose loved ones had died or been killed at the hands of the state. Since 1969, over 2,000 people have died at the hands of the police in the UK. Shootings, chokeholds, batons, gassing, suffocation, restraint and brutal beatings are some of the methods used. In this documentary, the families of the victims of police violence demand justice. They ask why society ignores human rights abuses by agents of the state.

There was a short but effective Q&A on issues that were raised in the film with panel members including, Ken Fero (ULTRAVIOLENCE Filmmaker), Sieta Lambrias (sister of Mikey Powell), Simon Foster (West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner), Beresford Dawkins (Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust) and Dr David Baker (Criminologist/Author- Liverpool University). There was the notable absence of representatives from the Independent Office for Police Conduct!

This fundraising event was delivered in association with 4WardEverUK and Migrant Media , and was also supported by Catalyst 4 Change CIC and The Birmingham Irish Association .

The National Memorial Family Fund – Ambitious plans for the future!

Earlier this year the National Family Fund unveiled some ambitious plans for the future.

It is hoped that the new initiatives will be rolled out over the next 3 to 5 years.

Support will also be provided by 4WardEverUK, Catalyst 4 Change CIC, Birmingham Irish Association, Migrant Media and the United Families & friends Campaign and others. Read full details here >

Your voice matters: Patient Carers Race Equality Framework

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 21:05:58 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 20 September 2021

Catalyst 4 Change has been commissioned by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust to gather the views and experiences of the Black communities about statutory mental services and how they can be improved.

This feedback will contribute to the development of a Patient Carers Race Equality Framework (PCREF).

What is a Patient Carers Race Equality Framework?

PCREF is a NHS document that sets out how mental health trusts will ensure that their services are more accessible and culturally responsive to Black, Asian and minority communities.

The development of PCREF is being led by NHS England and NHS Improvement, the organisation that leads the NHS in England.

A critical part of developing the PCREF is learning from patients, carers and communities to make sure services are focussing on what matters to Black communities.

For more information about PCREF please contact Sandra Griffiths via sandra@catalyst4change.org.uk

See our previous article here >

Community Based Research: Being Black, Covid-19 and Lockdown

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 20:47:10 GMT

source: WBACRC
published: September 2021

West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre (WBACRC) are pleased to announce that with the support of the National Lottery and working with local partners including Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation OSCAR Sandwell and Cape Day Care Centre, have produced the Being Black, Covid-19 & Lockdown research study report.

This was achieved by conducting community based research using modern technology for one to one interviews and some focus groups on being Black, Covid and in Lockdown : In our own words. predominantly covering Sandwell and the surrounding areas.

Download the report here >

Cllr Jackie Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sandwell MBC, said;

“I am delighted to write the foreword for this report as it is a demonstration of Black African diaspora groups working together effectively to address an important area of public health. Now more than ever, we as a people need to come together.

“That is why I helped to initiate community groups in Sandwell to come together to talk about the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic I am delighted that I was part of the movement that did not allow it to become just another talking shop but resulted in positive action to have Black voices documented, listened to and heard.”

Read more about West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre (WBACRC):
www.wbacrc.org.uk/history

Ethnic inequalities in mortality and service use during Covid pandemic

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 20:45:14 GMT

source : Black Thrive Global

published : September 2021

Kings College London In partnership with Black Thrive Global want to better understand the experience of people living with the health conditions and how they have been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Are you Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi descent, living with a serious mental health condition and one or more long-term physical health conditions, or caring for someone of Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi descent, living with a serious mental health condition and one or more long-term physical health conditions.

If yes, you can be involved in this study if you are aged over 18 years .

The Research Team will:

Carry out an interview with you over the telephone or via online video
Conduct the interview by researchers who have lived experience of mental health services and will last up to one hour
Ensure that all information will be kept strictly confidential

They will pay you £20 for your interview or provide a shopping voucher.

If you would like to take part please email them via COV-EIMMstudy@kcl.ac.uk
Ethics approval has been obtained to conduct this study. Ethical Clearance Reference Number: HR/DP-20/21-21567

Family Fund – Looking Back : Moving Forward & UV film screening

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:46:32 GMT

source: National Memorial Family Fund

first published: 22 July 2021

This event will mark the 18th anniversary of the death of Mikey Powell in West Midlands police custody, and celebrate 5 years of the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund developed by his cousin, Tippa Naphtali , in September 2015.

The event will also be the Birmingham premier screening Migrant Media’s new film ULTRAVIOLENCE , and there will be a panel Q&A on the issues raised in the film with a view to moving forward positively on issues of contention between the community, police and other statutory agencies.

This fundraising event is being delivered in association with 4WardEverUK and Migrant Media , and is also supported by Catalyst 4 Change CIC and The Birmingham Irish Association .

Book your tickets here

View or download the event flyer & programme

Q&A Panel Members:

Ken Fero: (ULTRAVIOLENCE Filmmaker)
Sieta Lambrias: (sister of Mikey Powell)
Simon Foster: (West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner)
Beresford Dawkins (Birmingham &Solihull Mental Health Trust)
Dr David Baker (Criminologist/Author- Liverpool University)

Ultraviolence (75 minutes/UK/Migrant Media/2020) Synopsis:

The struggles for justice by the families of people that have died in police custody.

The silence over the police killings of Black people is now broken. Since 1969, over two thousand people have died at the hands of the police in the UK. Shootings, chokeholds, batons, gassing, suffocation, restraint and brutal beatings are some of the methods used. The numbers of deaths is escalating.

Inevitably police officers involved are not convicted for these killings. In this documentary, the families of the victims of police violence demand justice. They ask why society ignores human rights abuses by agents of the state. This reflection on resistance is poignant and political, capturing the brutality and trauma as well as the unrelenting fightback of those who will not be silent about state violence.

Coronavirus advice for charities and voluntary organisations

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:46:25 GMT

all credits: NCVO KnowHow
originally published: January 2021

NCVO have compiled information to help you decide what steps you and your charity or voluntary organisation need to take in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

These include the following...

Working with staff:

How to support and manage staff during Covid-19 and the key government schemes available to employers.

Involving volunteers:

How volunteers can best be engaged and supported during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delivering your work:

Information on managing risk, delivering activities, supporting beneficiaries and managing your finances.

And much more...

Read full article here >

See Catalyst's 'COVID:19 Resources' page here >

Podcast: “Social Enterprise is Power” - with Tippa Naphtali

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:46:20 GMT

source: Make An Impact CIC
originally published: 29 July 2021

Tippa Naphtali doesn’t only use enterprise for business, but also to address political and social issues and make society better. He’s been a community activist for over four decades, working in Birmingham, London and internationally.

Entrepreneurial since the playground, he’s supported and led a huge range of community development and social justice projects and organisations. Tippa is well known for his campaigning work, calling for penal, police and mental health reforms to end deaths and abuse in custody, wrongful convictions and torture.

Tippa’s cousin, Mikey Powell , died in police custody having been failed by multiple agencies. Tippa explains how he’s worked with some of those agencies to influence and bring about real changes

One of Heidi Fisher’s oldest friends in the sector, Tippa gives a riveting interview. This episode includes shocking, distressing content which must never be ignored alongside inspiration, laughter, hope and real impact.

Tippa’s entrepreneurial activities power and support his work in mental health, with food banks, and in social justice. Tippa’s ability to get things done and influence change continues to inspire Heidi and many people and organisations.

Listen on Buzzsprout here >

Mental Health Act Review: Details of the consultation outcomes

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:46:04 GMT

source: GOV.UK
last updated: 15 July 2021

The government hosted a public consultation from 13 January 2021 to 21 April 2021 on a set of proposals to reform the Mental Health Act. They received over 1,700 responses.

This report is the government’s formal response to this consultation. Click here >

These were the consultation descriptions:

We want to change the law on looking after people with mental health problems
We have come up with some ideas to make the law better for people who are being looked after
We want you to tell us if you like our ideas or not
Click on the ‘respond online’ button below to read about our ideas and tell us what you think

You can also read about them in the easy read version. Click here >

Read the full article >

Catalyst commissioned for consultation on the Patient Carers Race Equalities Framework

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:17:52 GMT

source : Catalyst 4 Change CIC

published : 1 July 2021

Catalyst 4 Change have been commissioned by Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) to work in partnership with them to coordinate your views and experiences through a set of conversation events and then feedback your views about their Patient Carers Race Equalities Framework (PCREF).

PCREF has been established at NHS national level to improve the competency of mental health services so that the experience of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) patients and carers improves. Making services more accessible and improve the health outcomes for BME people. This framework forms part of the National PCREF development and BSMHFT is one of several pilot sites committed to building their understanding of the impact of their mental health services through the experience of services users, inpatients, carers, and communities.

Catalyst 4 Change will organise conversation spaces for BSMHFT’s inpatient, carers, community groups and voluntary sector organisations, to give feedback on your experience when accessing and receiving mental health services and the changes you would like to see in mental health services and support. Your experiences and views on improvement will then help shape the PCREF for Birmingham.

Who is Catalyst 4 Change?

We are a community interest company formed in 2015, 3 of the 4 directors are African Caribbean with lived experience of mental health problems. Each has 30 or more years’ experience of developing new approaches to community based mental health services for BME communities including user led initiatives, consultation, and engagement; managing health and social care in the voluntary and statutory sector; campaigning and advocating for improved mental health services and for building the capacity of organisations to provide culturally appropriate services.

Our key objective is to contribute towards developing equality of access to mental health services for BME communities, supporting the African and African Caribbean communities to overcome stigma and hesitancy to access mental health services whilst also working with healthcare providers and statutory services to increase cultural awareness in the provision and design of services that are right first time for BME people who require care services.

For more information about our work please click here .

Catalyst 4 Change will be holding a range of conversations over the summer to hear your views about how Statutory mental health could be improved for African and Caribbean communities and the standards of care that you would like to see delivered by BSMHFT. We will be sending more details about these events and PCREF shortly!

Finally, we know that your views may have been sought before and you may not have seen any visible improvements in the care or treatment your loved ones, clients or service users have received. The team at Catalyst 4 Change has worked with BSMHFT for the last 3 years and we have witnessed that there is now more commitment to addressing race inequalities across the organisation. They signed Synergi’s National Pledge calling on senior leaders in the NHS Mental Health Trust, Public Bodies and Commissioning Groups to declare their commitment to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental health care systems.

As part of this Pledge, they are required to provide an update on their progress - click on this link to see BSMHFT’s progress. Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - Synergi Collaborative Centre

Catalyst 4 Change is committed to holding the Trust to account to their declared commitment to tackling race inequalities in mental health services. Take part in our PCREF conversations to ‘turn talk to action’ .

We'll be providing further details soon about how you can get involved and contribute to the development of PCREF.

How Covid-19 is changing charity service delivery for the better

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:17:28 GMT

source: Charity Digital
originally published: May 2020

COVID-19 has forced charities to quickly digitise their services. We examine how this change could be for the better.

The Coronavirus pandemic poses a serious challenge to the operations of charities of every type. That’s because the lockdown restrictions brought in to get the pandemic under control make charity fundraising very difficult indeed.

Charity shop networks are closed, and fundraising events have been cancelled. Digital fundraising, including virtual events, has become the only option for many charities, and that means service delivery activities will inevitably be impacted.

But the story gets worse - because normal service delivery channels are directly impacted by Covid-19 as well. With lockdown restrictions in place, it is all but impossible to deliver services face-to-face. And on top of this, many staff members have been furloughed or are working from home, meaning that charities have had to make drastic and sudden changes to the way they manage staff, teams, and projects.

The good news is that many agile charities have been able to make rapid switches to online service delivery. For example, the National Childbirth Trust is now offering antenatal online courses to mums-to-be, St Barnabas Hospice has put together a digital bereavement guide, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is providing online support groups via Zoom, and many other charities are offering telephone- or internet-based support sessions for individuals or groups .

Read full article here >

Catalyst's Support-Connect Helpline Service - 6 months on

Sat, 15 May 2021 17:48:42 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 15 May 2021

This service is discontinued until further notice!

Catalyst 4 Change (in partnership with four West Midlands African & Caribbean mental health service providers), launched the SUPPORT-CONNECT helpline service in December 2020. This new regional initiative is funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund ), and also by The Heart of England Community Foundation .

SUPPORT-CONNECT is a new freephone helpline service available to African and Caribbean people with mental health support needs living in any of the areas listed below, across the West Midlands area. See previous article here .

Now at its 6-month point, we wanted to give an update on its progress.

Catalyst Director, Beverley Stephens, said;

"Over the span of this much needed initiative the participating SUPPORT-CONNECT partner organisations worked diligently and passionately to ensure that the operational needs were designed with the recipients in mind. The helpline volunteers, who also form part of the partner organisations counselling teams, have expressed their thanks for the additional communication boost this service has provided over the COVID-19 pandemic. Our working relationships are extremely cohesive and the whole journey has been one of cooperation that reflects a 'we’re in this together’ ethos allowing the project to thrive."

If you (or someone you know) need to talk, call the number that covers the area where you live.

SUPPORT-CONNECT is a partnership between Catalyst 4 Change CIC, the African Caribbean Community Initiative ; CommonUnity ; Sandwell African & Caribbean Mental Health Foundation and the Tamarind Centre .

The SUPPORT-CONNECT service will be in place until December 2021, but all of the partners are committed to work together to secure further funding so that this helpline service can be provided indefinitely.

If you can be of assistance in this onward journey please feel free to contact us .

Catalyst is a registered member of The Helplines Partnership

Depression doubled during the pandemic - what to look for and what can you do to help?

Sat, 15 May 2021 17:46:39 GMT

source: ITV News
published: 6 May 2021

Rates of depression have more than doubled since before the coronavirus pandemic, yet despite this fewer people than ever have been seeking help from their GP.

Just over a fifth of people in Britain experienced some form of depression between January 27 and March 7 2021, more than double the pre-pandemic figure, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The impact was felt more greatly in younger adults, women and people who live alone - with 43% of women aged between 16 to 29 reporting some form of depression.

The ONS also said on Wednesday during the first stage of the pandemic between March 23 and August 31 2020 there was almost a 30% drop in the number of people being diagnosed with depression by their GP compared to 2019.

Theodore Joloza, Principal Research Officer for the ONS, said while GP diagnoses have fallen self-reporting of depression has increased, adding: "The picture is one of a rising toll on mental health, with many people not necessarily accessing medical help."

See the full details here >

Southall anti-racism campaigner slams Government claims that institutional racism is over

Sat, 15 May 2021 17:43:09 GMT

source: My London News
published: 6 April 2021

One of London's most experienced anti-racism campaigners has slammed a government report claiming that institutional racism no longer exists in Britain. Suresh Grover who is these days a local legend, was one of the active leaders of the youth movement established in the aftermath of the murder of Gurdip Chaggar in Southall in 1976.

Mr Grover's family came to the UK from Kenya in 1966 for a better life and a British education. But what he saw and heard growing up in the 1970s changed him.

Chaggar was just 18 years old when he was brutally stabbed to death in Southall, West London on the night of Friday, June 4, 1976. This unprovoked murder of a Sikh engineering student, targeted during a quiet night out with friends by a gang of white youths, had an immediate impact. Over the following weekend hundreds of local Asians took to the streets to express their anger over Chaggar’s death.

The incident pushed Asian youth to challenge violent racism and police response throughout the UK. After a school teacher called Blair Peach was killed during anti-racist demonstration in Southall in 1979, and hundreds of locals were charged with causing disturbances, Mr Grover was one of key activists who established legal defence for those that were charged.

Read full article here >

Related Archive News:

Ethnic minority patients receive worse mental healthcare than white patients, review finds

originally published 16 March 2020

Being black in Britain is bad for your mental health

originally published 2 April 2007

Catalyst launches the LEx Leaders Development Programme

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:00:42 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 21 December 2020

Catalyst 4 Change is pleased to announce our upcoming LEx Leaders Development Programme which has been made possible with 2-year funding from the National Lottery's Leaders with Lived Experience 2020 .

The programme aims to support lived experience (LEx) leaders and their organisations to be central to recovery and renewal efforts as we move through and beyond the Covid-19 crisis.

The National Lottery said; "The programme builds on the Leaders with Lived Experience Pilot Programme and is part of a wider journey to share power with communities, improve perceptions of LEx and create parity between different types of knowledge and experience. The impetus for the programme, its shape and vision, came from witnessing the commitment, innovation and resilience of the pilot cohort, particularly in the early stages of the crisis when mainstream organisations were retreating. This confirmed that LEx experience leadership needs to be at the forefront of strategies for the future of civil society."

Our LEx Leaders Development Programme will consist of three key elements:

1) To support emerging BME entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations who are working in the field of mental health, by incubating and/or supporting them over the life of the programme. This will help to create both new and innovative approaches to BME mental health support as well as providing role models from within the community.

2) Co-produce an online resources suite (our ‘living toolkit’) which will be freely available to all LEx Programme participants and Catalyst’s members. This toolkit will also form a series of training modules to be delivered to participants in 2022.

3) Work with the BME communities to build awareness, resilience and confidence to articulate their needs and become civic and community decision makers and future leaders.

To achieve these elements, we will include running a series of group workshops and one-to-one interventions with the programme participants on a variety of topics (e.g., legal structures, good governance, service planning & development, fundraising strategies/applications, marketing & promotion etc) , which will build capacity, performance, knowledge, and resilience amongst the participating BME led mental health groups/organisations.

At Catalyst, we believe that to successfully renew civil society it is imperative that we make access to services equal and that those services are culturally representative and responsive. We believe that we can only affect meaningful change by empowering and equipping grassroots African and Caribbean communities to provide high quality, culturally relevant, mental wellbeing services and by co-producing and co-designing statutory mental health services.

Please Note: This programme is open to any Catalyst 4 Change members that meet the following criteria :

Participants must be user led initiatives or have significant operational input from people with lived experience
Participants must be in need of significant operational, governance or strategic development support
Participants will agree to sign a Memorandum of Agreement and complete our Skills Mapping and Due Diligence Forms to be part of the LEx Leaders Development Programme

Those not meeting these criteria can access support via Catalyst’s other member options – read more here: www.catalyst4change.org.uk/membership1

For information please contact:

Tippa Naphtali (Services & Development Manager)

Email: tippa@catalyst4change.org.uk

Evidence for Equality National Survey calls for Government commitment

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:00:35 GMT

source : Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity

published : April 2021

The UK’s first and largest survey of its kind to document the impact of Covid-19, and the lockdowns, on the lives of 17,000 black, minorities and religious minority people will be back online at the end of April 2021.

The Evidence for Equality National Survey (EVENS) aims to inform work and campaigns for racial justice by providing robust evidence on a wide range of issues facing Black and minoritised communities during the pandemic.

The survey covers how you have been impacted in terms of employment, finance, education, economic wellbeing, health, housing, policing, identity and experiences of discrimination and racism.

Please take the survey

Participants who complete the 30 minute survey in full will receive a gift voucher.

Click Here >

Dr Nissa Finney, EVENS' Lead, said: "When published, EVENS will help place ethnic inequalities and racism firmly on the political and policy agenda in an enduring manner. The data will be freely available and can be used by anyone, from our VCSE partners, activists and politicians to policymakers, campaigners, NGOs and Experts by Experience in the UK."

Sir Simon Woolley, Director of Operation Black Vote, one of 13 EVENS VCSE partners, said: "Inclusive data is key to better understand the depth and breadth of persistent race inequality in the UK. This unique partnership with EVENS brings together interested organisations, individuals and academic institutions that deeply care about tackling the scourge of racism. Here the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts."

Find out more about EVENS, from Thursday 22nd April at www.ethnicity.ac.uk/research/projects/evens

Reminder: Landmark reform of mental health laws is on the cards

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:00:26 GMT

source: Gov.UK
first published: 13 January 2021

The UK Government says that major reform of the Mental Health Act will empower individuals to have more control over their treatment and deliver on a key manifesto commitment.

People with mental health issues who are detained under the Mental Health Act will benefit from landmark reforms which provide more control over their care and treatment, the government has announced today.

Take part in the Public Consultation ( click here )

The government want your views on changes to the Mental Health Act to help put patients at the center of decisions about their own care. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 21 April 2021.

A package of reforms has been set out in a wide-ranging new Reforming the Mental Health Act white paper , which builds on the recommendations made by Sir Simon Wessely’s Independent Review of the Mental Health Act in 2018.

Major reform of Mental Health Act will empower individuals to have more control over their treatment and deliver on a key manifesto commitment
Reforms will deliver parity between mental and physical health services and put patients’ views at the centre of their care
Plan will tackle mental health inequalities including disproportionate detention of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, the use of the act to detain people with learning disabilities and autism, and improve care for patients within the criminal justice system

At the heart of the proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act is greater choice and autonomy for patients in a mental health crisis, ensuring the act’s powers are used in the least restrictive way, that patients receive the care they need to help them recover and all patients are viewed and treated as individuals.

Read the full article >

Birmingham mental health unit suicide ‘didn’t need to happen’

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:00:19 GMT

source : BBC News

published : 28 March 2021

The family of a woman who was the seventh person in as many years to take her own life by the same means at units run by an NHS trust said it “shouldn’t have happened”.

Azra Hussain, 41, died at the secure accommodation in Birmingham on 6 May. Mairi Ul Hasan said her mother “had her grandchildren to get to know [and] watch grow up” . An inquest concluded Ms Hussain would still be alive if not for a series of failures by a mental health trust.

Her daughters are now calling for a public inquiry after their mother’s death at Mary Seacole House , in Winson Green. Since her death, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has demanded Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust update all its doors in secure accommodation by June. Ms Hussain, who experienced bipolar manic episodes, died despite being on 15-minute observations.

“It’s been heartbreaking, it’s been awful,” Ms Ul Hasan said. “I can’t even comprehend or put it into words how awful it’s been, she shouldn’t have died, it shouldn’t have happened, it didn’t need to happen."

“She was gone too soon… she had the rest of her life to live, she had her grandchildren to get to know [and] watch grow up. She didn’t deserve all the pain, all the suffering,” she added.

Read full article here >

The environment: A natural remedy for mental ill-health

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:28:53 GMT

source : Open Access Government

published : 10 March 2021

Jennifer Oroilidis from Mental Health Europe probes why the environment is a natural remedy for mental ill-health. The natural environment is one of the key determinants concerning mental health.

In past years, research has increasingly highlighted the interplay between both. Given the overwhelming evidence of nature’s positive impact on mental wellbeing, tackling environmental degradation can offer win-win solutions to rising numbers of mental health problems and the economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

The pandemic adds a heightened urgency for policy-makers to integrate environmental solutions with mental health policies that promote a better future for European citizens.

Environmental degradation poses a threat to mental health

Research by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) shows that environmental degradation can have a profound negative effect on citizens’ mental wellbeing.

Climate anxiety – psychological distress about the future due to climate change – puts a strain on many people’s mental health. The studies also show that extreme weather events, acute weather conditions, and chronic long-term weather changes can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , anxiety and depression..

Read full article >

Cruse Bereavement Care: Leading national charity for bereaved people

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:28:47 GMT

source : Cruse Bereavement

published : 13 March 2021

Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Watch Andy Langford, Cruse’s Clinical Director , explain who they are and how they are actively supporting people during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Cruse History

From their beginnings running clubs for widows from the founder’s house in Kew, Cruse Bereavement Care has grown to be a charity with an international reputation.

Over the years, they have helped bereaved people in times of crisis, such as after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and the Manchester Arena Bombings, and have expanded to support hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Find out more about Cruse’s history .

What Cruse stands for;

Vision: That all bereaved people have somewhere to turn when someone dies.

Mission: To offer support, advice & information to children, young people and adults and enhance society’s care of bereaved people.

Values: Cruse Bereavement Care are Responsive, Compassionate, Respectful,

Supportive and Innovative.

Feelings After Someone Dies

Many people are surprised by the range of emotions they experience after the death of someone close.

What does grief feel like?

People often ask Cruse, what does grief feel like? In this video, Andy Langford- the Clinical Director for Cruse Bereavement Care, explains some of the most common feelings after a death.

Training

Cruse Bereavement Care provides training and consultancy for any external organisation who may encounter bereaved people in the course of their work. Contact them to find out more: training@cruse.org.uk.

Visit the Cruse website here >

Covid-19: How to deal with lockdown social anxiety

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:28:41 GMT

source: BBC News
published: 9 March 2021

When the roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions was set out a couple of weeks ago a lot of people felt like they had a summer to look forward to.

Even 21 June, the day when nightclubs could be allowed to open again in England, started trending on Twitter and memes popped up everywhere.

Group chats were flooded with plans for well-overdue nights out and links to events that were somehow on their final release of tickets despite going on sale that day. Smaller gatherings will be allowed outside from 29 March in England.

And while for many people it's been a really exciting time, for those with social anxiety there's a worry about how they'll adapt to life after lockdown.

When are restrictions easing across the UK?

Read the full article here >

Covid-19 has taken its toll on the ‘forgotten’ social care workforce

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:28:32 GMT

source: Shropshire Star
published: 9 March 2021

Social care providers have had to take “drastic action” to remain sustainable because of consistent cost pressures amid the coronavirus crisis, which has taken a heavy toll on workers in the sector, according to a new report.

Almost two out of three providers surveyed reported an increase in absenteeism among staff relating to mental health since the beginning of the pandemic. Most of the 72 social care providers surveyed by Hft now offer mental health awareness training, while almost two thirds now provide in-house mental health first-aiders .

Hft, a leading learning disability charity, said its study highlights that social care providers appear to be reaching a “crisis point” and are having to tackle persistent cost pressures such as rising wage bills and lack of fee income.

More than half of respondents said they have had to close down some parts of their organisation or hand back contracts. Around a third of providers said they have made redundancies, and one in 10 revealed they have had to offer care to fewer individuals.

Read full article >

Mental health data and analysis: a guide for health professionals

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:45:01 GMT

source: GOV.UK
last updated: 10 December 2020

Public Health England (PHE) brings together and analyses data on mental health conditions from across the health and care system, and produces resources to help improve services and outcomes.

Understanding mental health locally using profiling tools

PHE has created mental health profiling tools and guidance to help commissioners and other health professionals understand the mental health needs and services in their local area.

Home Group: the health & social care housing providers

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:30:01 GMT

Home Group are a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £350m and one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and integrated housing, health and social care.

They believe that everyone has the right to a home and are helping thousands of people find the home that’s right for them whether that’s;

Renting from Home Group
Buying one of their beautiful new homes
Living in one of their integrated health, housing and social care services

They are proud of their past but what keeps them going is what they’re doing right now – making a difference to communities, shaping the future of housing and delivering new approaches to healthcare.

Bringing healthcare closer to home

Home Group have been working with NHS partners to provide integrated health, housing and social care that makes a real difference and relieves pressure on the NHS. In 2016/2017 they worked with over 26,000 vulnerable people through nearly 500 supported housing, justice and health services. Their work with NHS partners at the Home View service was recognised in the HSJ Partnership Awards 2018 shortlist.

Visit the website here >

Nursing Narratives Project : Racism and the pandemic

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:31:40 GMT

source : Nursing Narratives

published : January 2021

In the first month of the UK lockdown, 72% of the NHS and social care staff who died were from BME backgrounds. 'Nursing Narratives: Racism and the Pandemic' is a collaborative project that will use documentary film and writing to amplify the experiences and perspectives of black and minority ethnic health workers.

Black and migrant nurses and care staff have made a critical contribution to the NHS and social care. But the current coronavirus outbreak has laid bare structural inequalities. This study will record your stories to shed light on the diverse racisms that you have encountered both during the pandemic and during your careers.

Your knowledge and experience holds the key to creating significant change that can support the building of a more inclusive society and an equitable NHS capable of delivering the best patient care.

To get involved please email: nursingnarratives@shu.ac.uk
Visit the website: www.nursingnarratives.com @nursesnarrate

Please take the survey so that the study can better understand the kinds of racisms that workers in the sector have faced, whether in hospitals, care homes or community settings.

What impact do these experiences have on staff and their ability to do their jobs?

It will take less that 5 mins to complete. Click here >

The team hope to use the findings of the survey, as well as the personal stories they collect, to help the demand for change.

All personal data will be kept confidential.

Advisory Panel – Collaborators – Project Team
This is a collaborative project with Sheffield Hallam University and Migrant Media who are working with a range of individuals and community organisations with an interest, knowledge and expertise in the subject. The Project Team is supported and guided by the Advisory Panel who bring a wealth of experience to the project. Read more >

‘The violence of the system’: race, mental health, state violence

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:30:28 GMT

all credits : Institute of Race Relations

published : 26 January 2021

At a time when mental health is often decontextualised from the structural violence experienced by the most vulnerable in society, this special issue of Race & Class shows how race, mental health and state violence intersect – in places of detention and incarceration, on the street, in mental health institutions, in counter-extremism policies and in the home.

How does state violence impact racialised people experiencing mental ill health?
Why is prison used to address social problems?
How does state action, or inaction, cause mental health deterioration?
How can we build towards abolitionist care and justice, rather than criminalisation and punishment?

These are some of the questions that this special issue of Race & Class explores. Building on material from a two-day Symposium held at Birkbeck, University of London in 2018, it contains essential reading for activists, practitioners and scholars working in the nexus of race, mental health and state violence.

Read full article here >

Citizens Advice Witness Service (independent support)

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:27:44 GMT

source: Citizens Advice
published: date unknown

Attending court can be a very daunting and stressful time for victims and witnesses. The services aim is to alleviate as many concerns as possible, reassure safety at court, work holistically with other organisations to meet various needs of victims and witnesses and provide practical and emotional support through the court process.

The CAB service will support anyone who is required to go to court as a witness, both prosecution and defence witnesses.

If you’re going to court, read the guidance on how to keep safe from GOV.UK.

Referrals to the service ( click here )

The CAB referral pathway is very simple, they have an online form on their website or you can call the Witness Service Referral Hub by phone on 0300 330 1161.

The Witness Services:

In Court Support : CAB have teams of highly trained volunteers based in every criminal court in England & Wales able to meet witnesses as soon as they get to court, take them to a safe & secure waiting room and explain the court process, the support available, liaise with court staff and criminal justice agencies to ensure the witness is kept up to date and their court needs are met inline with the Witness Charter and the Victims Code. CAB can support witnesses in the courtroom while they give their evidence if necessary and empower them to speak up if they are experiencing difficulties.

Pre-Trial Support : CAB are able to offer all victims and witnesses the opportunity to look around the court building to familiarise themselves with the environment, see what a courtroom, view the waiting room and secure entrances specifically for vulnerable witnesses and facilities. They can also explain the full process of what will happen on the day and who will be involved in the case and why, so the witness fully understands and can ask as many questions as they want.

Enhanced Support : For witnesses classed as vulnerable and/or Intimidated CAB have an enhanced support service that will provide more in depth pre-trial support 2-3 months in advance of the trial so that there is time to put in as much support needed by the individual victim/witness. CAB use a range of information sources and activities to best prepare the witnesses for the trial process and we assess needs for further support either related to the trial or non related.

Read the full details here >

Landmark reform of mental health laws is on the cards

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 15:00:59 GMT

source: Gov.UK
published: 13 January 2021

The UK Government says that major reform of the Mental Health Act will empower individuals to have more control over their treatment and deliver on a key manifesto commitment.

Take part in the Public Consultation ( click here )

The government want your views on changes to the Mental Health Act to help put patients at the center of decisions about their own care. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 21 April 2021.

Major reform of Mental Health Act will empower individuals to have more control over their treatment and deliver on a key manifesto commitment
Reforms will deliver parity between mental and physical health services and put patients’ views at the centre of their care
Plan will tackle mental health inequalities including disproportionate detention of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, the use of the act to detain people with learning disabilities and autism, and improve care for patients within the criminal justice system

Coronavirus advice for charities and voluntary organisations

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 14:42:52 GMT

all credits: NCVO KnowHow
published: January 2021

NCVO have compiled information to help you decide what steps you and your charity or voluntary organisation need to take in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

These include the following...

Working with staff:

How to support and manage staff during Covid-19 and the key government schemes available to employers.

Involving volunteers:

How volunteers can best be engaged and supported during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delivering your work:

Information on managing risk, delivering activities, supporting beneficiaries and managing your finances.

And much more...

Read full article here >

See Catalyst's 'COVID:19 Resources' page here >

Catalyst launches West Midlands-wide Support-Connect helpline

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:38:07 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 21 December 2020

This service is discontinued until further notice!

Catalyst 4 Change (in partnership with four West Midlands African & Caribbean mental health service providers), has launched the SUPPORT-CONNECT helpline service on 21 December 2020. This new regional initiative is funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund ), and also by The Heart of England Community Foundation .

The service has been developed to offer support during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Calls to the helplines are completely free of charge . SUPPORT-CONNECT treats all calls confidentially .

You can also visit our online directory & forum that will offer you information about local services and support. www.catalyst4change.org.uk/support-connect

If you need to talk, call the number that covers the area where you live.

SUPPORT-CONNECT is a partnership between Catalyst 4 Change, the African Caribbean Community Initiative ; CommonUnity ; Sandwell African & Caribbean Mental Health Foundation and the Tamarind Centre .

The SUPPORT-CONNECT service will be in place for at least 12 months (from December 2020), but all of the partners are committed to work together to secure further funding so that this helpline service can be provided indefinitely.

Catalyst is a registered member of The Helplines Partnership

National ethnic inequalities pledge is making progress

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:36:04 GMT

source: Synergi
published: 14 December 2020

Amid the national lockdown and Tiered Covid-19 restrictions, which have impacted heavily on many of the pledge signatories’ localities, Synergi has facilitated strategic local action planning meetings as part of an ongoing collaborative process.

In Leeds, an action-focused pledge workshop was delivered to the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board, in partnership with Sarah Erskine (Health Improvement Principal, Leeds City Council) Sharon Prince (Strategic Lead for Psychology & Psychotherapy at Leeds & York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust) and Sinead Cregan (Director of Development and Innovation at Inspire North).

Chaired by Cllr Rebecca Charlwood, the council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults, attendees came from across the city’s mental health systems, including NGOs and ethnic minority voluntary organisations.

Steps are underway to create a system-focused, co-produced network to ensure the pledge is part of the city’s new mental health strategy. As part of the Synergi Creative Spaces work, a new grants programme targeted at the BME third sector has just been launched by NHS Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental health.

In Birmingham, a co-created, pledge-focused programme of activities are being delivered with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), led by its CEO Roisin Fallon-Williams and Executive Medical Director Dr Hilary Grant, in partnership with Catalyst 4 Change, the African and Caribbean Mental Health Hub’s Co-Directors Sandra Griffiths, Beverley Stephens and Tippa Naphtali.

Read full article here >

Covid Restrictions: FAQs for Voluntary and Not for Profit sectors

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:35:54 GMT

all credits: BVSC
published: 7 December 2020

From 2 December The Government introduced a revised tiered system of public health measures. Birmingham and the urban West Midlands is currently in Tier 3: very high alert.

The rules in the new tiers have been strengthened, compared to the previous tiers in order to prevent a return to growing infections. We are still being asked to stay home, where possible, and reduce day-to-day contact with people outside of our households.

From Wednesday 2 December, we must continue to:

wear a face covering in most indoor public settings
work from home if we can
follow the rules on meeting others safely
should walk or cycle where possible
keep our distance if we go out (2 metres apart where possible)
wash our hands regularly
not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

and finally, follow the gathering limits for our tier.

This document is intended to support Voluntary, Community and Faith organisations and Social Enterprises in Birmingham to understand what is permissible currently under Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions.

Tier 3 Guidance and FAQs for VCFSE in Birmingham

Read full article here >

See Catalyst's 'COVID:19 Resources' page here >

Faith in Mind film : the background and the launch event

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:02:33 GMT

source: Red Earth Collective
published: November 2020

A new film exploring how a Black majority church in Birmingham is challenging mental health stigma and discrimination in the communities it serves is now available to watch on our YouTube channel.

'Faith in Mind' is a short documentary about the work of the New Testament Church of God in Handsworth and features interviews with church leaders and members who speak openly about their own experiences of mental health and what they are doing to support mental wellbeing.

The film was funded by Birmingham Time to Change Hub and co-produced by Catalyst4Change in partnership with two black led Birmingham organisations, film makers Open Lens Productions and mental health and arts specialists the Red Earth Collective.

The film was launched at a special Zoom event on Friday 9 October to an audience of 150 people hosted by BBC WM broadcaster, Nikki Tapper and featured a Q and A with church members.

Lakhvir Rellon, Director of Community Engagement , Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust attended the launch and told us;

"fantastic film we need to get this out widely across our communities. thank you so much for your arresting honesty and courage in sharing your personal stories"

Also watching the film was Carlene McKenzie, a Project Coordinator with Soho First an organisation that works to support community cohesion in Birmingham who was very impressed by the film;

"I came with an open mind as to see what would be said about Mental Health in the light of Faith and Churches. I was greatly surprised by the sincere efforts by all to portray an honest, heart-felt presentation on how people view mental health, testimonies of people who have, and are still going through the effects of mental health as individuals or family members; and the negatives and positives of how people are viewed and dealt with; specifically through churches and their faiths"

You can watch the film here >

Study of voluntary organisations reveal devastating impact of Covid

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:59:30 GMT

source: Nottingham Trent University
published: October 2020

With over half (56%) of organisations expecting demand for services to surge over the next month as the impact of local lockdowns and rising unemployment filters down to communities, many voluntary organisations are being forced to adapt the way they operate if they are to continue to meet the needs of those they support into the future.

The study also found that the vast majority of voluntary sector organisations fear Covid-19 will continue to disrupt their plans in the year ahead. 8 out of 10 organisations (80%) predicted a negative impact on delivering their planned objectives over the next 12 months, and 1 in 10 (10%) think it likely they’ll be forced to close.

60% of organisations responding said that Covid-19 related safety measures have increased their operating costs.

Researchers also found numerous examples of voluntary organisations using creativity and ingenuity to innovate in response to the new challenges that the pandemic brings, with many organisations demonstrating their ability to adapt, scale and pivot services. From moving existing face-to-face services online, to funders supplying local charities with Zoom licenses, it’s clear that Covid-19 is accelerating a digital transformation in the voluntary sector, with 92% of organisations reporting an increase in delivering their services online.

The Covid-19 Voluntary Sector Impact Barometer is a part of a major new study using real-time data to explore how voluntary organisations are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic over the next year..

Read full article here >

Racism is a mental health crisis, and we need to support each other

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 19:24:32 GMT

source: HuffPost
originally published: 11 June 2020

Black Lives Matter has re-opened wounds from centuries of trauma. But how do we protect black minds as we strive to protect black lives?

Exhaustion . If one word has echoed around our social media feeds these past few weeks, it’s this one. Black people are tired: tired of justifying how we feel, as if 400 years of oppression were not enough to explain it; tired of showing we are human beings with emotions; and tired of proving how valuable our lives are. And this exhaustion goes beyond mere fatigue. It’s a mental health issue.

Black Lives Matter has opened unhealed intergenerational wounds from centuries of trauma, oppression, anger and humiliation. This has been very much evident in the protests that have spread across all 50 US states – and the world – since the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, in what has become the biggest civil rights movement in history.

Racism is a disease that can kill a human being, directly, as we have seen in these horrific cases of police brutality, or indirectly, in its lifelong impact on our physical and mental health. The rage we’re seeing now has been burning for a long time – anger at why systemic racism continues to the present day.

Barack Obama recently joined civil rights icon John Lewis and lawyer Bryan Stevenson to address mental wellbeing during a pandemic – of racism . The former US president said of the Black community: “We inherited extraordinary strengths, but we have also inherited trauma.”

So, how do we protect Black minds as we strive to protect Black lives?

Read full article >

Unmasking mental health and Covid in the deaf community

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:41:31 GMT

source: Happyfull.com
published: 3 October 2020

More so than ever before, the mental health of the deaf community is being impacted by world events. It’s time to read the signs, and lend a hand to those in need.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the world greatly, and we’re all getting used to the ‘new normal’ list of leaving-the-house essentials – your keys, wallet, bag and face mask. And while putting on that mask is something most of us can manage just fine, for someone with a hearing impairment, putting on a mask can have a great impact.

Face masks may protect us from the virus, but they also create more communication barriers for those in the deaf community .

YouTuber and deaf awareness advocate Louise Goldsmith spoke of her struggles as a deaf person during the Covid-19 crisis. “I walked past a retail worker who smiled politely while wearing her mask, but what I didn’t realise was that she was speaking to me. It was only when my partner, Jack, who is hearing, pointed out she was complimenting my mask that I became aware.”

But alongside these difficulties in communicating, Louise highlights how individuals have been kind and supportive during the pandemic. “Retail workers have been great – when I tell them I am deaf, they often lower their masks behind the clear screen so I can see their mouths.”

Read full article >

The Waiting Room Wellbeing Directory : from CommonUnity

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:40:32 GMT

source: CommonUnity

originally published: 8 June 2016

The Waiting Room (TWR) Directory provides an alternative approach to taking control of our own health and well-being. It is a virtual bridge across “The Information Chasm” that connects support services to the recipient almost instantly.

TWR, by engaging citizens with sources of support directly and seamlessly is, in its own right an intervention, taking away the often wearisome process of finding the right place to get help. TWR is an online resource library of information and support that can be navigated with minimum difficulty. In addition, the ongoing management of the process is relatively small but engagement can be realised at high levels and monitored effectively.

With an emphasis on protection and prevention, The Waiting Room is split into various Life Domain key areas and by clicking on a key area, will take the user through to a list of local and national websites and contact numbers (fully accessible) that can be accessed for the purposes of information and direct support.

See the YouTube video that shows exactly how the QR Code works for the Resource Key.

Read the full article + video >

Visit The Waiting Room Directory >

If you have lost your job, how has it affected your mental health?

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:39:23 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 9 October 2020

Following on from her Modern Masculinity series , Iman Amrani wants to open up a conversation about men’s mental health and would like to hear from men whose mental health has been affected by being out of work since the outbreak of coronavirus.

How has being made redundant or your contract not being renewed affected your mental health?
Are you a self-employed person who has been without work?
How have you coped being at home without work?
Do you have any advice you think others could learn from?

How to take part:

If you would like to appear in a video about the topic please get in touch using the link below.

Do send a clip introducing yourself as well, you can attach it using the form from the link below.

Data Security: Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.

Original article + participation form >

Podcast series : Covid Conversations, Black Perspective

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:51:31 GMT

source: Red Earth Collective
published: September 2020

Over the summer The Red Earth Collective produced a radio advertising campaign and a series of podcasts and interviews to support the wellbeing of Birmingham's African and Caribbean communities around the impacts of COVID-19. Catalyst Director Sandra Griffiths is the Founder and Company Director of The Red Earth Collective that uses the arts to stimulate conversations about mental health.

The campaign funded by the Heart of England Community Foundation was broadcast through Newstyle Radio, which is Birmingham's main African and Caribbean community radio station, with weekly audiences of approximately 35,000 people.

The adverts focused on the importance of taking care of yourself and taking simple steps to do so and emphasised that "by caring for yourself, you are better able to care for others". The Campaign engaged with three well known figures from Birmingham's Black African and Caribbean communities to lead the campaign. Tony Kelly an ambassador for Diabetes UK and Lorna Laidlaw, Birmingham based actress, writer and dramatist who is currently starring in Coronation Street, voiced one of the radio adverts. Nikki Tapper Broadcaster, journalist and radio presenter on BBC WM, presented and produced a series of podcasts called 'Exploring the Impacts of COVID 19 on Black Communities in the Midlands'.

Nikki Tapper worked with The Red Earth Collective to produce six podcasts entitled 'Covid Conversations' where guests from Black communities across the Midlands explored the mental health on African and Caribbean people.

The first podcast featured Tippa Naphtali, a Catalyst 4 Change Director, and Alicia Spence, CEO of African Caribbean Community Initiative reflecting on mental health services and campaign responses and the experiences of supporting black communities during COVID 19.

Covid Conversations was launched live on Newstyle Radio 98.7FM on Wednesday 26 August on the Mid Morning Conversation Show hosted by presenter LJ Hunter.

You can hear the latest episodes on New Style Radio each Wednesday afternoon between 12 and 1 on the Mid-Morning Conversation show until 30 September. You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify : www.open.spotify.com/show/7CaQTmNg6wcRngqs2J9Gs6

For more information about the podcasts and The Red Earth Collective visit their website – redearthcollective.org or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @RedEarthConnect

BAME Britons less likely to trust Covid health officials

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:43:30 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 27 August 2020

Black and minority ethnic people trusted government scientists and public health officials less than white people did at the height of the UK’s coronavirus outbreak, according to a study that raises fresh questions about the pandemic’s disproportionate impact.

BAME people were more likely to believe their employers’ advice than anything Boris Johnson or the government said, and trusted the NHS and Public Health England (PHE) less than white people did, the research suggests.

At the same time they felt more vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19 and were far more likely to say it was difficult to follow the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of infection, according to the survey for the Wellcome Trust carried out in March and April as the virus reached its peak.

The findings prompted questions about whether more could have been done to better communicate with different communities, with one council leader querying the impact of daily Downing Street briefings that were frequently presented by three white men.

Fifty-seven per cent of BAME people reported having either complete trust or a great deal of trust in information from health scientists, compared with 75% of white people.

See full article here >

Catalyst secures SUPPORT-CONNECT Project Funding

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:20:41 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 11 August 2020

Catalyst 4 Change has secured £10,000 of funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, towards our SUPPORT-CONNECT helpline service. Thanks to the Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and the National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible!

We are co-developing a number of pan West Midlands freephone support lines across the areas of Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

The lines would be available to African & Caribbean people with a mental health support need, their families and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures initiated by the UK government.

This is a particularly difficult time for people with a diagnosed mental health condition or lived experience of mental health problems. Many will be isolated and cut off socially and from previously provided mental health support services.

The SUPPORT-CONNECT lines would give them access to people and workers that they are already familiar with at no cost to them or the support organisations.

We have yet to hit our operational target - Can you help?

View our Crowdfunder page and share widely >

Pledge to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental health systems

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:00:53 GMT

source: Synergi
published: August 2020

Welcome to the UK's first national pledge calling on senior leaders in NHS mental health trusts, public bodies and commissioning to declare their commitment to reduce inequalities in mental health care systems.

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are facing disproportionate risks in mental health services that require urgent action, intent, shared vision and collaboration.

The context is stark. Ethnic inequalities in mental health care are longstanding and exceptionally large, disadvantaging BAME people in access, care, treatment and outcomes.

CEOs, medical and nursing directors of NHS mental health trusts, commissioners and public bodies who have signed up to the pledge, along with NGOs, BAME voluntary organisations, community groups and activists, share why they are determined to reduce ethnic inequalities in mental health systems and why they want to be part of Synergi collaborative Creative Spaces Network to share good practice, challenges and progress every six months.

Click here to see all the statements >

We believe it is unacceptable that despite 30 years of research, inquiries and reviews into this issue, a staggering 80% of recommendations made to address this problem have not been implemented fully. It is unacceptable that despite longstanding and pervasive ethnic inequalities, there are no plans for meaningful and sustainable change.

Read full article here >

The National Family Fund is now formally incubated by Catalyst4Change

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:54:52 GMT

source: National Family Fund
published: 11 August 2020

We are pleased to announce that (with effect from 29 July 2020) the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) is now formally incubated by West Midlands based social enterprise Catalyst 4 Change, thereby taking on its legal identify but maintaining their operational independence.

How this helps the National Family Fund!

Being incubated by Catalyst 4 Change provides the NMPMFF with a legally constituted lead/governing body to guide and administer good governance and accountability practices. The incubation also opens up new avenues of funding and income generation for the NMPMFF until it is formally constituted in its own right.

Other long term aims of the NMPMFF include:

Stage a range of national events (e.g. live music, theatre & drama, films & Q&A’s etc) to raise both awareness of the issues of deaths in custody in the UK, and revenue for the fund
Develop regional helplines (in partnership with Red Alert HELP! ) for families concerned about a loved one detained in police, immigration, prison institutions or detained under the Mental Health Act
Develop a range of counselling & therapy hubs across the UK to help children, young people and families deal with the devastation following a custody death
Provide respite, group outings and short UK-based holidays for families affected

Mikey Powell’s cousin, Tippa Naphtali (and co-director of Catalyst) said;

“This fund has the potential to make a real difference for families and their campaign groups that need financial support during the often long and drawn out struggles for justice that can last for decades.

“The needs of affected families and children can often get lost in the equally important work of campaigning and lobbying of state institutions. We want to change that with a permanent national support fund set up specifically for their needs.“

Catalyst 4 Change has a powerful social mission to strengthen the capacity and networks of user-led, voluntary, social enterprise, grassroots, statutory organisations and businesses to ensure the right mental health care is in place.

The Catalyst 4 Change team is made up of directors and associates that came together in 2015 with a shared vision to tackle mental health inequalities, and support grassroots activities aimed at those affected. The team have several decades of combined experience in delivering a range of wellbeing and community initiatives to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Sandra Griffiths (co-director of Catalyst) said;

"We look forward to working with The National Family Fund to support their goals and aspirations".

National Mikey Powell Family Fund announce 1st funding round

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:58:17 GMT

source: 4WardEverUK
published: 14 June 2020

"We are extremely pleased to announce that after 5 years of fundraising, the first ever National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) round will open for grant applications from 7 July 2020" said founder Tippa Naphtali .

Important: Affected families and/or campaigns will need to be registered on the NMPMFF website before applying for grants from the fund – various partners are available to assist with applications.

The first round opens on 7 July and will close on 7 September 2020 (the 17th anniversary of the death of Mikey Powell ) or when all funds set aside for this round have been allocated.

The NMPMFF have set aside £10,000 to be distributed to applicants that meet the criteria for grants. However, in addition to the current conditions of grant, affected families can also apply for general cash support if they have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be considered even if those families do not have an active campaign which is ongoing!

Campaigning news collective, 4WardEverUK, launched the Family Fund in September 2015 to raise both awareness and funds for the initiative inspired by Mikey Powell, who died in police custody on 7th September 2003.

Read full report & application process >

UK firms urged to examine slavery links and 'eradicate racism'

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:55:37 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 18 June 2020

Business groups have told companies they should examine their role in history after two big firms said they intended to make financial donations to minority communities in reparation for their role in the slave trade.

Pub chain and brewer Greene King and insurance marketing group Lloyd’s of London both said they would make donations , amid intense scrutiny on the legacy of slavery in the UK and the continued effects of racism.

Some of the UK’s most recognisable business names have said they are considering their historic links to the slave trade, including banks such as Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and the private bank Arbuthnot Latham.

RBS also said a newly founded taskforce would consider making donations to charitable groups in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Read the full article here >

Mental Health Awareness : for sport and physical activity

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:58:21 GMT

source: UK Coaching
published: May 2020

UK Coachings' Sport and Physical Activity Programmes, usually £18 are now free until 31 August 2020. Gain the confidence to be able to support people experiencing mental health problems, and help them to thrive inside and outside of your sessions .

A spokesperson said; "We know how vital it is, both now and going forward, that we all look after ourselves as coaches. We also know that great coaching is about being able to support the people we coach who are experiencing mental health problems. To this end UK Coaching, our awarding body 1st4sport and our partners – Mind and Sport England – have taken the decision to make this online course free to access until 31 August 2020 for the whole coaching community."

The four modules will increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health, providing you with the practical skills and strategies to be able to:

build people’s resilience, self-esteem and confidence
adapt your sessions to make them more inclusive
enable and support mental health recovery, and
tackle stigma and discrimination

The course has been awarded 3 CPD points by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

Read full details & article >

Get FREE membership of Catalyst 4 Change : Join today!

Sun, 24 May 2020 21:06:25 GMT

Do you want to be part of a truly supportive network of mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the African/Caribbean community? See our leaflet here >

Would your group or organisation benefit from tailored support and easy access to professional services?
Then you should consider becoming a member of CATALYST 4 CHANGE!

The FREE membership option is currently available, and gives full membership status but with limited premium support options (which will include funding support, policy development, research & evaluation assistance and more).

For more details and to register visit:
www.catalyst4change.org.uk/membership1

CATALYST 4 CHANGE aims to support community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base.

We do this by providing networking opportunities, capacity building, incubation support, representation and research; and access to a professional services directory.

Also consider taking our survey: www.surveyanyplace.com/s/catalystnewsurvey

Reserve your Catalyst Professional Directory entry

Sun, 24 May 2020 21:05:29 GMT

Do you provide a professional service (e.g. consultancy, training, web design, office products or catering etc)?
If so why not express an interest in being registered on our Professional Services Directory which will be available to 100's of Catalyst members/affiliates when fully developed.

The directory is currently under development!
This is an ongoing project that will be developed in stages over a prolonged period.

Submissions to our directory are FREE * provided that some level of discount will be offered to CATALYST 4 CHANGE affiliates and registered members.

Submit our form ; to start the process - we'll be in touch soon after to action your requests!

Listing owners will be allocated a unique reference code which when presented by a CATALYST affiliate member (along with their member number) will qualify them for any discounts you offer.

* Failing the above a charge of £96.00 per year (just £8.00 p/month) will be applied for any confirmed listings submitted.

Contact us if you have any queries:
E: enquiries@catalyst4change.org.uk
T: 0844 884 3318 (voice message)

Deaths in mental health hospitals double as Covid-19 spreads

Sat, 09 May 2020 13:07:12 GMT

source: The Independent
published: 8 May 2020

Deaths in mental health hospitals have doubled compared with last year – with 54 fatalities linked to coronavirus since March began. Mental health hospitals have now been warned by the care watchdog that they must take action to protect vulnerable patients.

The Care Quality Commission regulator said 106 deaths were recorded in mental health hospitals between 1 March and 1 May, compared with 51 over the same period in 2019. Fifty-four of these deaths are from confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections.

The CQC has now written to all mental health hospital providers highlighting its fears over the spread of the virus in secure hospitals and units, and to patients who are under Mental Health Act restrictions in the community.

The figures were published as NHS England separately refused to make public the weekly data it receives from hospitals and learning disability units about the deaths of patients with learning disabilities. It said the data would be published in 2021, sparking outrage from charities and politicians.

Read full article >

Online guide launches to help charities talk about poverty

Sat, 09 May 2020 13:01:46 GMT

source: Charity Digital
published: 6 May 2020

An online toolkit has been developed to help charities communicate issues around poverty amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation toolkit for poverty campaigners is based on research with 20,000 members of the public.

The toolkit has been launched by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to give charities working with socially disadvantaged communities advice on framing content and their messages around poverty.

This is especially vital as communities face multiple challenges around their income, housing and benefits during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The guide should be particularly useful for poverty campaigners looking to produce engaging social media and web content to appeal to the public. This can be to attract donations as well as influence the public and policy makers.

Read full article here >

Coronavirus Act may increase the detention of BME people

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:00:44 GMT

source: Synergi
published: 14 April 2020

Since 16 March 2020, the UK government has introduced a series of social distancing, social isolation and ‘lockdown’ measures intended to reduce the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the NHS by protecting its capacity to provide care for people who become seriously ill as a result of a Covid-19 infection.

These measures have been supported by new legislation, the Coronavirus Act 2020, that received Royal Assent on 25th March 2020. However, the measures are acknowledged to have extremely negative economic, social and psychological impacts that, on average, are judged to be worth the estimated direct health benefits. Inevitably, these economic and social impacts will, in turn, have a negative impact on health.

As the timeline indicates, this legislation was drafted and enacted with minimal opportunity for any debate or scrutiny. Due to the quick turnaround, one element of the legislation that has received almost no comment is the reduced protections provided for patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act.

Read full article here >

Coronavirus: UK confirms plan for its own contact tracing app

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:00:25 GMT

source: BBC News
published: 12 April 2020

The UK has confirmed plans for an app that will warn users if they have recently been in close proximity to someone suspected to be infected with the coronavirus.

The health secretary Matt Hancock announced the move at the government's daily pandemic press briefing.

He said the NHS was "working closely with the world's leading tech companies" on the initiative.

But one expert who has advised the effort has raised doubts about it.

The BBC has learned that NHSX - the health service's digital innovation unit - will test a pre-release version of the software with families at a secure location in the North of England next week.

At present, the idea is that people who have self-diagnosed as having coronavirus will be able to declare their status in the app.

Read the full article here >

Catalyst COVID:19 information & resources page launched

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:59:37 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change
published: 6 April 2020

Catalyst 4 Change has launched a resources page for individuals and organisations. You will find specially selected links to useful information and resources to help you during the Coronavirus crisis.

We have ensured that the page includes support information for individuals and agencies as well as emergency funding available to charities & community groups, and business resource tools and sources of in-kind support available from business & industry.

Note: This page will be updated as often as possible - we welcome contributions!

Some of the items included on the page:

100+ Charity Emergency Funders (by Ian McLintock) ..

Details and links to emergency funding for charities - UK wide, UK country, regional, local and global, Government financial support, as well as specialist funding and platforms.

Read more here >

National Business Response Network (Business in the Community) ..

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on towns and cities across the UK intensifies, the need to link business support to community need has never been more urgent. To meet this need Business in the Community have launched the National Business Response Network to identify community needs across the UK and match them to the right business support.

Read more here >

A simple guide to help charities and community groups harness digital tools (UpdateBrum) ..

A toolkit for grassroots community groups needing to move their work into the digital realm for the first time.

Read more here >

See our dedicated resources page here >

Event : African & Caribbean Mental Health Community - CaFI Study

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 22:22:39 GMT

source: Culturally-adapted Family Intervention
published: January 2020

This FREE event is for service users, family members/relatives/carers/advocates, healthcare professionals and community members, and is taking place in conjunction with Catalyst 4 Change.

Reserve a FREE place here >

If you are interested in this research, we would love to see you at this event to learn more about the study and how to get involved. There will be chances to network, and food and refreshments will be provided.

The event is organised by researchers based at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, and The University of Warwick, in conjunction with Catalyst 4 Change.

For more details, please do not hesitate to contact Bliss Gibbons (CaFI Research Assistant) at 07771971307, or email at bliss.gibbons@covwarkpt.nhs.uk

See a short film about the first CaFI study : Click here

Read more & book FREE place >

In 2019 Birmingham MIND launched The Birmingham Crisis Cafe

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:47:16 GMT

all credits : Birmingham MIND

published : 2019

Earlier in 2019 in partnership with Birmingham Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust MIND launched Birmingham’s first ever Crisis Cafe. The service is open to anyone in mental health crisis and is open on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening between 5:30pm – 10pm each week.

No appointment is needed
Anyone is welcome to attend the cafe
We have staff available on site, to give both medical and well being support and advice

See the summary here >

Informal inquiries about the crisis cafe can be directed to 0121 608 8001 during office hours, however please note this phone number is not a crisis support line.

The idea that personality disorders can't be treated is ‘damaging myth’

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:47:12 GMT

source: The National Scot
originally published: 9 January 2019

The idea that people with personality disorders cannot be treated is a damaging and untrue myth, leading psychiatrists have said.

In its first-ever position statement on the issue, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said failure to treat a personality disorder can be fatal, with one in 10 people with a personality disorder committing suicide.

The College said psychiatrists and sufferers alike “believe there is a pervasive myth in society, including amongst some health professionals, that a personality disorder cannot be treated”.

It pointed to national variation in the services on offer, with only one in four people with personality disorder who go on to commit suicide ever being referred to a specialist service for personality disorder.

When it comes to medication, 90% of people with personality disorder are given drugs even though it is not considered best practice unless the person is also suffering from a mental illness which can be treated with medication.

Read full article >

The Kindness Report : a snapshot of Compassion in Britain

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:02:49 GMT

source: Action for Happiness
published: 6 December 2019

New research has found that 60% of people think Britain has become less caring in the last 10 years, while only 8% of people believe Britain has become more caring. 49% agree that people are kind in their local community and 44% agree that people are kind in the country as a whole.

* 60% of people believe Britain has become less caring over the last 10 years

* The Kindness Report reveals top 5 factors that predict how compassionate we are: being female, voting Remain, living with others, being under 35 and voting Labour.

* Income, social class and location don't matter when it comes to how kind we are.

The Kindness Report: A snapshot of Compassion in Britain is based on a national survey of compassion in Britain, carried out by Ipsos Mori on behalf of the UK-based charity Action for Happiness, with supporting statistical analysis by Dr Christian Krekel at the Centre for Economic Performance (part of the London School of Economics and Political Science).

Read full article >
Download PDF report here >

Lessons from the SEWF2019 and world leaders in Social Enterprise

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:02:40 GMT

source: Make An Impact (Heidi Fisher)

published: 1 November 2016

It’s funny how we go can through life under our own ‘illusion’ of things.

You know, that too much social media’s not good for you, or that Christmas is advertised too early.

For me, my illusion’s been that I’ve always set big, impactful goals, when, in actual fact, they’ve been anything but.

Well, that’s all about to change, and I invite you to change with me…

Thanks to the bursary from the British Council, I was given the incredible opportunity to go to the SEWF2019 (Social Enterprise World Forum) in Ethiopia.

See, before arriving, I was quite comfortable under the illusion that the vision and goals I had for the future – how I wanted all businesses to be social enterprises, and to support 100,000 children out of poverty around the world – was, to be quite frank, big thinking.

But, what I learnt at SEWF2019, taught me that I’ve been playing small; playing small, thinking small and achieving small.

Having spent four days listening and talking to African Social Entrepreneurs, it’s crystal clear that their goals aren’t to effect change for the few, but for everyone.

Read full article here >

Event Report : Seni’s Law – The Mental Health Use of Force Act

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 23:11:12 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change
published: 6 October 2019

On 11 July 2019 Catalyst 4 Change held another of its well-attended Learning Seminars this time focusing on the tragic events and sustained campaign that led to the Mental Health Use of Force Act (Seni's Law) being passed through parliament last year and how various agencies have responded to this significant development.

The event was held in conjunction with our host Dr David Baker : Coventry University .

"Seni’s law" was inspired by Olaseni Lewis who died in 2010 soon after being restrained by 11 police officers in Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham. Under the new Law police officers will be required to wear body cameras while carrying out restraint unless there are legitimate operational reasons for not doing so. And any non-natural death in a mental health unit will also automatically trigger an independent investigation under the plans.

The key speakers were Ajibola Lewis (Mother of Olaseni Lewis ) and Marcia Rigg the Sister of Sean Rigg . The event also included a trailer screening : Who Polices The Police courtesy of Ken Fero from Migrant Media.

Other contributors included:

Matt Manwaring on behalf of West Midlands Police : Street Triage Programme , an award winning mental health intervention service
Marcia Jarrett from the Tamarind Centre providing mental health support in Black & Minority communities across Coventry

We heard powerful testimonies from Ajibola and Marcia on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones, and how they had worked tirelessly alongside the charity INQUEST and MP Steve Reed to lobby Parliament to usher in the new law.

West Midlands Police representative Matt, talked about the development of the Street Triage scheme and the visible differences that its implementation has bought about. Tamarind representative Marcia, endorsed the need for better preventative and reactionary mental health funding for grassroots organisations, and outlined a range of services that they provide.

Repeat Events:
Catalyst 4 Change is planning to repeat this event in Birmingham and Wolverhampton during 2020. We want to keep this major change in Law at the forefront of policy and practice developments in mental health NHS services in the West Midlands.
Watch our news updates for the follow-up events planned for 2010.

Labour MP Steve Reed, who brought forward the proposed legislation, has previously praised Olaseni Lewis' parents for their campaign, and called the new Bill a "lasting and proud legacy for Seni". He said that while the law had been inspired by Mr Lewis, who was 23 when he died, "many, many people... have lost their lives or been injured simply because they were unwell. The purpose of this Bill is to make sure this can't happen again."

Healthwatch Birmingham publishes its Annual Report for 2018/2019

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 13:03:19 GMT

source: Healthwatch Birmingham
published: 2 July 2019

Healthwatch Birmingham's Annual Report celebrates their successes raising the importance and value of people’s experiences in improving the quality of health care in Birmingham during the last year.

The report highlights how people’s views and experiences are key to improving health and social care services in Birmingham. It showcases the importance of providing patients and the public with independent and accessible ways to speak-up about their care, and reflects the essential role of Healthwatch Birmingham in supporting people to do this.

It explains how people’s views are being used to influence better outcomes and improvements for people using health and care services in Birmingham. This is by presenting information about the extensive work we have achieved throughout the past year through a range of case studies.

Andy Cave, Chief Executive, Healthwatch Birmingham stated:
‘This annual report demonstrates how we have empowered the citizens of Birmingham to speak up about their experiences of health and social care in the City and how we use this to influence positive change to how services are delivered. We were delighted to have our success recognised as best practice at a national level and thank the citizens of Birmingham and our partners for all their support to achieve this".

Read full article + download report here >

Charity ethical principles : a useful guide for directors

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 13:00:26 GMT

source: NCVO
published: January 2019

These principles aim to support charities, their governing bodies and those who work and volunteer in and with them in recognising and resolving ethical issues and conflicts and make charities a safer place.

This is intended as an enabling document that draws together and underpins what many charities do already, and which all charities ultimately aspire to do effectively.

These principles set out a framework for the ethical execution of charitable purpose, regardless of the charity’s size, type or area of operation. They can help charities in their decision making and in developing relevant policies and procedures.

'Actively consider the principles and how they can be integrated in all their work and decision- making’

Download the PDF guide here >

Event : Seni’s Law – The Mental Health Use of Force Act

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:11:00 GMT

source: Catalyst 4 Change
published: June 2019

This event will be looking at some of the elements that led to the Mental Health Use of Force Act (Seni’s Law) being passed through parliament last year and how various agencies have responded to this significant development.

Reserve a FREE place here >

Seni’s law” was inspired by Olaseni Lewis who died in 2010 soon after being restrained by 11 police officers in Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham.

Mr Lewis’ parents were among those who watched the Bill receive an unopposed third reading in the Commons.

The Bill aims to ensure the use of force against patients in mental health units is better governed and requires police to wear body cameras while carrying out restraint unless there are legitimate operational reasons for not doing so. Read more here >

Thanks to the host Dr David Baker : Coventry University

Key Speakers:
Ajibola Lewis & Marcia Rigg
Mother of Olaseni Lewis and Sister of Sean Rigg

Trailer Screening : Who Polices The Police
Courtesy of Ken Fero : Migrant Media.

Read more & book FREE place >

I was lost and helpless when my mum died. Volunteering saved me

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:10:58 GMT

source: Guardian Society
published: 5 June 2019

In many ways, I believe volunteering has saved my life. It helps me feel valued and confident and gives me the chance to forget about my own pain and troubles, and see others happy and cared for.

We all know it’s important to take time out for self-care, whatever life throws at us, to protect our own health and wellbeing. For me, it’s crucial to feel connected to other people and have a sense of purpose – and volunteering meets this need.

I have been a carer for as long as I can remember. At primary school, I cared for my mum, due to her severe alcoholic addiction, and for my baby brother. My mum moved around a lot and I went to 18 different schools. At one school, I used to sit and eat lunch with the head of year every day. By the time I was 15, I developed a eating disorder, which started as anorexia and developed into bulimia.

By the age of 16, I was homeless, because I’d come out as bisexual and my mum didn’t accept it. Despite living in temporary hostel rooms, I managed to have a Saturday job and study for a BTec in performing arts.

At 18, I applied to the local council for a flat of my own. For the first time in my life, there was no one around me that I had to put first.

Read full article >

What if we stopped it before it happened?

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:10:55 GMT

source: Make An Impact
published: 5 June 2019

It’s no secret that I believe the ultimate goal of a Social Enterprise should be not to need to exist… after all, if their mission is to end a world problem, not existing means they’ve succeeded, yes?

Regretfully, this isn’t the case. But it could be. So many Social Enterprises are focussed on intervention; they rescue and save people after something has gone wrong in their life.

It’s a model that almost relies on problems to exist, so they can too. Now, don’t get me wrong, intervention-based socents, as our world problems stand right now, are vital to our welfare, and arguably, there are some problems we, as humans can never control, such as natural disasters. And yes, I do understand that some natural disasters are a direct link to climate change.

But, what if more was done on the prevention side?

In plain talk, what if we stopped the problem occurring in the first place?

Read full article here >

The NHS Long Term Plan : what opportunities are there for health and social care social enterprises?

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:51:13 GMT

source: Make An Impact CIC
published: 30 January 2019

A key trend that will continue over this 10-year period is providing care in the right places – so rather than people seeking help through emergency hospital admissions the focus is on providing effective support at home and in care homes – to prevent hospital admissions. There are opportunities for social enterprises that can find ways to support people to stay well at home.

Our ageing population has significant impact on the usage of health services, and social care that can successfully reduce falls, health conditions that are a consequence of loneliness and isolation, and frailty are all opportunities for social enterprises.

Self-care and self-management of long-term health conditions will continue to expand – again providing opportunities for social enterprises that can create innovative ways to prevent respiratory illnesses, diabetes, mental health problems and heart failure.

As well as support that improves the quality of life for individuals, such as cancer survivors and dementia sufferers, so they can manage their conditions themselves as much as possible. The priorities over the next five years are:

Diabetes prevention and management
Asthma and respiratory conditions
Maternity and parenting support
Online therapies for common mental health problems

Social prescribing will be supported further as will personal health budgets. All exciting opportunities for social enterprises to deliver support.

Read full article here >
See more detail on the NHS website >

Catalyst 4 Change is making an impact and bringing change

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 13:13:30 GMT

source: Sandra Griffiths co-founder/co-director of Catalyst
published: 5 December 2018

Catalyst 4 Change offers a fresh approach to support community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean user-base, to enable them to achieve positive improvements for their mental health support needs in the West Midlands.

This is a pressing issue as a considerable body of evidence exists which demonstrates poor experiences and outcomes within African and Caribbean communities in relation to mental health.

Despite the shocking statistics, there has been an ongoing failure to achieve consistent improvements in this area, notwithstanding countless consultations and reviews, as well as endless reports, recommendations and policy commitments.

Since Catalyst 4 Change was established in 2017, we have spoken with faith-based organisations, statutory and voluntary sector organisations, grassroot organisations, black people with lived experience of mental health problems and their carers to create a better understanding of the current mental health experiences of African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands.

We have co-hosted three black mental health seminars. Two of these seminars were held with two different black majority church organisations: New Testament Church of God and Gospel Express . One seminar, 'Working in Collaboration with the Community' , was with the Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust.

These events have helped us gain qualitative data so that we have a better understanding of the real life experiences of African and Caribbean people with mental health problems and their carers when accessing services both from the statutory and voluntary sector in the West Midlands.

Earlier in the year, Catalyst contacted Synergi to explore how we could collaborate to pool our expertise to develop a regional strategy to tackle ethnic inequalities experienced by African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands.

We wanted an original approach. We did not want to just rehearse the same problems that have shaped the African and Caribbean mental health discourse over the last 30 years. We wanted to find opportunities for change and we wanted to develop sustainable solutions.

Synergi suggested that we co-host a knowledge sharing event under its Creative Spaces hub as a starting point. We held our first West Midlands Creative Spaces event on 24 October 2018 , hosted by Sean Russell and the West Midlands Mental Health Commission.

The event brought together 22 colleagues from statutory services, public health, the voluntary sector, faith Communities, people with lived experienced of mental health problems and carers from across the West Midlands.

We had a rich, multi-layered and focused dialogue about the continued inequalities African and Caribbean communities face: the short-term nature of past initiatives that have been set up to address mental health inequalities and need to improve commissioning of culturally responsive services.

One of Catalyst’s objectives is to stimulate, develop and promote a thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector and grassroots initiatives so that they can make a positive impact on the emotional and mental wellbeing of African and Caribbean communities in West Midlands.

Our first co-hosted Creative Spaces event has enabled us to begin that journey.

See unedited original article here >

Synergi's statement on the review of the Mental Health Act

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 13:10:50 GMT

source: Synergi
published: December 2018

Training and monitoring alone will simply not address the fundamental issues of ethnic inequalities, racism and discrimination as there is more than unconscious bias involved.

Ethnic minority people have a greatly increased risk of being detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, even when accounting for their increased risk of receiving a diagnosis of a severe mental illness. This fact was one of the issues that the Prime Minister Theresa May used to frame the Independent review of the Mental Health Act, which reported on Thursday 6 December 2018; a situation the review described as ‘unacceptable’.

However, while there are many positive aspirations in the recommendations made by the review, there is nothing within it that explicitly sets out to address this inequality.

While all of the provision for more patient-centred care, rights to a second opinion and to appeal, and to have an advocate, are positive (if partial) moves towards a more therapeutic approach, none of this addresses the over-representation of ethnic minority people detained under the Act.

To tackle this, the review would have needed to thoroughly consider the causes for this inequality, something that it hasn’t done. And although the review bravely raises questions of racism and discrimination, it does nothing to consider how they might be addressed, and mistakenly portrays the operation of such inequalities within mental health care as of a similar nature and extent to that in other domains of life – which is simply not the case.

It is within mental health care that these inequalities are most stark. And staff training and monitoring alone will simply not address these fundamental issues as there is more than unconscious bias involved.

In the process of taking the reform of the Mental Health Act to the next stage, we urge that there be a thorough consideration of the factors that lead to the over-representation of ethnic minority people detained under the Act and how they operate.

We also urge that these factors are then taken into account in the reform of the Act to directly address this profound and significant inequality. Addressing these concerns is a vital next step if the Prime Minister’s ambitions to address this stark inequality are to be achieved.

Please fill in this survey Click Here >
Help us transform the lived experience of mental illness by people of colour by filling in this short public survey by the Synergi Collaborative Centre, of which Words of Colour ; is a project partner. All opinions count.

Also reade 'Modernising the Mental Health Act: A missed opportunity to address ethnic inequalities' >

Government pledges new Mental Health Act after review urges shift in power from professionals to patients

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:46:49 GMT

source: Community Care
published: 6 December 2018

The government has committed to introduce a Mental Health Bill to transform care for detained patients after an independent review recommended new legislation that placed people’s rights, choices and dignity at its heart.

Following today’s publication of the final report of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act 1983, the government has, so far, accepted two of its recommendations: ( see the full report here )

to replace the nearest relative role, in which a patient is allocated a relative to be involved in decisions about their care, with that of a nominated person that they would choose
to allow people to make statutory advance choice documents setting out their preferences for inpatient treatment, which clinicians must honour unless there are compelling reasons not to

Both of these will be in the Mental Health Bill and the government will give more detail on the legislation and its response to the review in the New Year.

Four principles
The review’s recommendations are designed to transform the law on the detention and compulsory treatment of people with serious mental health problems around four principles:

Choice and autonomy – ensuring people’s views and choices are respected
Least restriction – ensuring the act’s powers are used in the least restrictive way
Therapeutic benefit – ensuring people are supported to get better so they can be discharged from the act
The person as an individual – ensuring people are viewed and treated as rounded individuals

Read full article >

BBC Report : Mental health: The NHS patients who are 'abused and ignored'

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:42:44 GMT

source: BBC News
published: 6 December 2018

New rights should be given to severely ill mental health patients detained in hospital to stop abuse and neglect of this vulnerable group, a review says.

The 1983 Mental Health Act is outdated and needs an overhaul, sectioning is being misused and does not properly protect patients' rights, it says. The independent review - ordered by the government - heard from patients who had suffered during their detentions.

The prime minister said the injustices were unacceptable and promised action.

Kate King, 56, spent seven years in and out of hospitals in East Anglia after being admitted in 2004 following a period of post-natal depression. She said her detention probably saved her life as she had been really struggling following the birth of her two children but her experience, in a variety of units, had been "awful" at times.

"I was abused and ignored. I lost my voice," she said. She said she had experienced other patients being aggressive and swearing at her, with one even stalking her.

Read full article >

Mental health and deaths after police contact : why Seni's Law is welcome but more is needed

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:41:14 GMT

source: OpenDemocracy
published: 23 November 2018

Olaseni Lewis died after being restrained by police officers in a mental health hospital. An inquest found that “excessive, disproportionate and unreasonable force” was used.

In response, Seni’s Law – hard fought for by his family – passed into law earlier this month. Seni’s Law requires hospitals to collect and publish data on how and when physical force is used. It also led the Minister Jackie Doyle Price to make commitments to consider the issue of the lack of independent investigations into deaths in mental health settings .

But the law, although a step in the right direction in reducing the number of deaths in mental health hospitals and units, won’t address or resolve deeper-seated issues in mental health care. Why is it that so many people going through mental health crises are met with force by the police in the first place, and why are so many of those who are, black? Why do so many with mental health problems end up in police cells and even prisons rather than hospitals? And what can we - as citizens, and as health professionals, do about it?

The death of Olaseni Lewis
On the 31st of October 2010, 23-year-old Olaseni Lewis admitted himself into Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham for mental health treatment. He had previously not displayed signs of mental illness, but on the evening of 29th October, his family and friends noted he was flitting between calm and agitated states.

Read full article >

Family celebrate lasting legacy as ‘Seni’s Law’ receives Royal Assent

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:37:55 GMT

source: INQUEST
published: 1 November 2018

Today the Mental Health (Use of Force) Bill has received Royal Assent in Parliament, eight years after the death of Seni Lewis for whom it is intended as a lasting legacy. Known as Seni’s Law, the Bill will increase protections and oversight on use of force in mental health settings.

The Private Members Bill brought by Steve Reed MP is named after Olaseni ‘Seni’ Lewis, a 23 year old IT graduate who died as a result of prolonged restraint by police officers whilst a voluntary inpatient at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Croydon in 2010.

Steve Reed MP has worked closely with the family of Seni Lewis, who are constituents of Croydon North. He worked on this Bill with the family’s lawyer Raju Bhatt, INQUEST, and a coalition of NGOs including Agenda , Article 39, Mind, Rethink and YoungMinds.

Throughout its passage in Parliament and the Lords the Bill has received cross party support. It also led the Minister Jackie Doyle Price to make commitments to consider the issue of the lack of independent investigations into deaths in mental health settings.

Read full article >

Employers must do more to protect the mental health of staff

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:37:51 GMT

source: The Guardian / Camilla Nicholls
published: 12 November 2018

Nearly 20 years ago I had a breakdown. I was approaching 40. I was not in a serious relationship and had no children of my own, but I was devoted to my job; married to it, some said. I was a senior executive at this paper.

I fought and lost a battle with my GP, who wanted to sign me off work. I didn’t feel I’d have a recognisable identity without my job; she said I might struggle to live if I didn’t take a break. I had five months off work. Sleep evaded me, eating felt a battle not worth winning, a psychiatrist made house calls every week, I found it almost impossible to leave my home. If only I had acted, sought help at work, before the total slide began.

Earlier this month, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that, for the first time, work-related stress anxiety or depression accounts for over half of all working days lost due to ill health in Great Britain.

In total, 15.4m working days were lost in 2017-18 as a result, up from 12.5m the previous year. These figures might be shocking but they’re not surprising. My breakdown had a complex cause, but one significant factor was my attitude to work.

Read full article >

Reserve your Catalyst Professional Directory entry

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 12:11:56 GMT

Do you provide a professional service (e.g. consultancy, training, web design, office products or catering etc)?
If so why not register an interest in being registered on our Professional Services Directory which will be available to 100's of Catalyst members/affiliates when fully developed.

The directory is currently under development!
This is an ongoing project that will be developed in stages over a prolonged period.

Submissions to our directory are FREE * provided that some level of discount will be offered to CATALYST 4 CHANGE affiliates and registered members.

Submit our form ; to start the process - we'll be in touch soon after to action your requests!

Listing owners will be allocated a unique reference code which when presented by a CATALYST affiliate member (along with their member number) will qualify them for any discounts you offer.

* Failing the above a charge of £96.00 per year (just £8.00 p/month) will be applied for any confirmed listings submitted.

Contact us if you have any queries:
E: enquiries@catalyst4change.org.uk
T: 0844 884 3318 (voice message)

Get FREE membership of Catalyst 4 Change : Join today!

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:17:13 GMT

Do you want to be part of a truly supportive network of mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the African/Caribbean community?

Would your group or organisation benefit from tailored support and easy access to professional services?
Then you should consider becoming a member of CATALYST 4 CHANGE!

The FREE membership option is currently available, and gives full membership status but with limited premium support options (which will include funding support, policy development, research & evaluation assistance and more).

For more details and to register visit:
www.catalyst4change.org.uk/membership1

CATALYST 4 CHANGE aims to support community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base.

We do this by providing networking opportunities, capacity building, incubation support, representation and research; and access to a professional services directory.

Also consider taking our survey: www.surveyanyplace.com/s/catalystnewsurvey

Free Seminar : Working in Collaboration with the Community

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:17:10 GMT

CATALYST 4 CHANGE and Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust (BSMHFT) present:
'Working in Collaboration With The Community'
Understanding the Caribbean Mental Health Experience

Catalyst 4 Change has worked closely with Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust to organise this important event aimed primarily at Trust staff, voluntary & community sector practitioners and carers.

Event Details:
Thursday 20 September 2018
9.30am to 1.30pm

Venue: BID, Deaf Cultural Centre, Ladywood, Birmingham, B12 9QH
View map here >

Guest Speakers:
Vanley Burke, Renowned Black Cultural Photographer and Artist
Alicia Spence, Director of The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI)

The seminar aims to:

Increase knowledge and understanding of Caribbean communities history and culture in the West Midlands
Understand how mental health is conceptualised by Caribbean communities
Increase understanding of culturally sensitive approaches and services to improve mental health and well-being of Caribbean Communities
Encourage networking opportunities between statutory staff and organisations / communities

All welcome / Lunch Provided.

Book your FREE place here >
Download the flyer here >

This seminar is part of a series of seminars by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. For further information contact Salma Yaqoob via salma.yaqoob@nhs.net

Young people’s mental health is a ‘worsening crisis’. Action is needed

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:17:08 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 23 July 2018

In both the UK and US, services for young people are being cut, leaving those from marginalised groups at greatest risk of suicide.

One recent report called the problem a “ silent catastrophe ” while a survey of teachers labelled it an “ epidemic ”. But, whatever the language deployed to describe the scale of mental health challenges facing Britain’s young people, it has to be addressed immediately.

NHS figures published last month revealed that almost 400,000 children and young people aged 18 and under are in contact with the health service for mental health problems . According to the figures, the number of “active referrals” by GPs in April was a third higher than the same period two years prior. Those seeking help for conditions such as depression and anxiety showed a sharp increase.

Demand for help is up, but services are diminishing. Last month also saw new figures showing a 30% fall since 2009 in the number of hospital beds for people with acute mental health conditions . This follows the revelation in November 2017 that two-thirds of children referred for specialist mental healthcare are not receiving treatment.

Last week, the charity Barnardo’s warned that ministers were “sleepwalking” into a deeper crisis in children’s mental health, after the government’s response to a parliamentary select committee report and green paper failed to promise urgent action to plug “gaping holes” in services.

Read full article >

Workplace mental health pushed to the top of the agenda

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 12:23:15 GMT

source: Raconteur
published: 23 July 2018

Increasingly, business leaders are speaking out about how workplace mental health issues, such as anxiety, affect their lives, even when they appear to be successful and at the top of their game, responsible for decisions that affect thousands of people.

Even when his business was doing well and his family life was contented, Adam Shaw struggled with his emotional problems. “I had a lot of anxiety over the business,” he says. “I got very down and my OCD just came crashing down on me.”

To the outside world, Mr Shaw was the highly successful entrepreneur behind a multi-million-pound legal services business employing 1,000 people. But behind the confident façade was a man whose life was dominated by crippling anxiety. His mental illness became so debilitating that he tried to take his own life, but was rescued by police as he prepared to jump from a bridge in Sheffield.

“There was no way out,” he says. “I couldn’t find safety, so I rationalised with myself that it was like a terminal illness and I would be in a better place.”

Read full article >

Seni’s law : House of Commons approve mental health unit reforms

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 21:25:09 GMT

source: BBC News
published: 6 July 2018

A new law which ensures better monitoring of the use of force against patients in mental health units has been approved by MPs. “Seni’s law” was inspired by Olaseni Lewis who died in 2010 soon after being restrained by 11 police officers in Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham.

Mr Lewis’ parents were among those who watched the Bill receive an unopposed third reading in the Commons.

The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill will now go to the Lords.

It will require police officers to wear body cameras while carrying out restraint unless there are legitimate operational reasons for not doing so.

Any non-natural death in a mental health unit will also automatically trigger an independent investigation under the plans.

Read the full article >

Other News:
Resounding success for ‘Seni’s Law’ mental health reform
6 July 2018

Independent Review of the Mental Health Act : interim report

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:56:47 GMT

source: GOV.UK
published: 1 May 2018

Everybody has “mental health”, but far too many of us have mental health problems. For many years this has existed in a twilight zone, both in society in general and the NHS in particular.

There is now a welcome desire and indeed some success in bringing it into the light. The effect of light, though, is to illuminate not only what is important but also to draw attention to those areas which, whilst no longer in the dark, remain very much in the shadows.

In recent years, there has been necessary attention given to issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, how people react to adversity and so on.

We have seen unprecedented investment in talking therapies for those with common mental health problems, and an upsurge of general interest in mental health, aided by campaigns such as “Time to Change” or “Heads Together”.

However, mental health problems lie on a spectrum, and most of this new interest is at one end of the spectrum, with far less attention given to those at the other end of the spectrum, those with the most severe forms of mental illness. Yet those with the most severe forms of mental illness have the greatest needs, and continue to be the most neglected and discriminated against.

Read summaries + download reports here >

Home Group : health & social care housing providers

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:56:41 GMT

Home Group are a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £350m and one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and integrated housing, health and social care.

They believe that everyone has the right to a home and are helping thousands of people find the home that’s right for them whether that’s;

Renting from Home Group
Buying one of their beautiful new homes
Living in one of their integrated health, housing and social care services

Home Group have been around for more than 80 years and are as proud to be a social enterprise and a charity with a commercial approach. It’s this spirit that means last year their turnover was £350 million and all their surplus was re-invested into the things that matter like repairs, improvements and building more homes.

They are proud of their past but what keeps them going is what they’re doing right now – making a difference to communities, shaping the future of housing and delivering new approaches to healthcare.

Bringing healthcare closer to home

Home Group have been working with NHS partners to provide integrated health, housing and social care that makes a real difference and relieves pressure on the NHS. In 2016/2017 they worked with over 26,000 vulnerable people through nearly 500 supported housing, justice and health services. Their work with NHS partners at the Home View service was recognised in the HSJ Partnership Awards 2018 shortlist.

Visit the website here >

Mental health : awareness is great, but action is [even more] essential

Sat, 19 May 2018 15:53:22 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 15 May 2018

It’s mental health awareness week, 2018 . And that’s good. It’s important to be aware of something that affects literally everyone, and that a quarter of the population struggle with . It’s weird that anyone wouldn’t be when you put it in those terms, but that does seem to the case.

Perhaps the term is a bit misleading, or not specific enough. It’s not exactly mental health that people need to be made aware of, so much as the fact that mental health can, and regularly does, go wrong.

And when someone’s mental health does falter or fail, they should receive the same concern and help that someone with a more obvious “physical” ailment should get, not scorn and stigma , as often happens.

This is where awareness helps. If you end up with depression, anxiety, OCD or any other condition, it can be hugely debilitating, often consuming your daily existence. Having someone, be they a family member or total stranger, dismiss it outright or accuse you of “faking it” or similar can only make it worse, compounding the problem.

Read full article >

African & Caribbean roundtable No10 independent review of the Mental Health Act

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:00:18 GMT

source: Black Thrive
published: October 2017

In October 2017, the Prime Minister commissioned an independent review of the Mental Health Act, seeking to address concerns about how the legislation is currently used.

The Government noted concerns that the Mental Health Act is out of step with a modern mental health system, giving special attention to rising rates of detention and the disproportionate number of people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds currently being detained under the Act.

The review was tasked with appraising existing practice and evidence, and formulating recommendations to improve legislation and/or practice in the future.

The review is due to publish a final report of recommendations in late 2018, and will publish an interim report in spring 2018 highlighting priorities for further investigation during the review.

Further information on the independent review, including terms of reference, can be found at the following website: www.gov.uk/government/groups/independent-review-of-the-mental-health-act

Read full article >

Heidi Fisher's Knowledge Centre for social enterprises

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:52:04 GMT

Heidi Fisher has a passion for enterprise, having set up and run several charities, social enterprises and businesses over the past fifteen years.

She said; "For social enterprises and charities, I work with them to highlight the difference they make with Social Impact and Social Return on Investment reports. I was part of HM Treasury’s Working Group that developed the Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) to encourage investments in social enterprises and charities. I have worked with start-up enterprises through to those with over £60 million of income."

In the Knowledge Centre Heidi will be answering some of the questions that she is frequently asked about such as social enterprise, social impact, costs of services, software and more.

Visit the Knowledge Centre here >

Through Make An Impact CIC, Heidi provides a range of integrated and bespoke services focused around:

Helping you to clear your blocks and barriers around money and success
Growing your business or social enterprise
Staying focused and on track with your goals
Identifying and reporting on the impact and difference your organisation makes

We will reduce stigma around mental illness, says Theresa May

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

source: The Guardian
published: 9 January 2017

The government is to announce measures aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness , the prime minister has said, claiming social efforts are more important than providing extra money for services.

Theresa May said the importance of support networks for people with mental illness had been brought home to her by the observation that anyone at work with their arm in a plaster would have colleagues talking about their injury, while “if you have a mental health problem, people are more likely to try to avoid you”.

As part of her vision for a “shared society”, May will announce measures on Monday aimed at improving the support available for people with mental health problems. “Money is going into mental health, but it is always wrong for people to assume that the only answer to these issues is about funding,” she said.

May is due to announce that Dennis Stevenson, a former HBOS chairman and a mental health campaigner, will lead a review alongside Paul Farmer, the chief executive of the mental health charity Mind. They will look at how people with mental health problems can be better supported in the workplace.

Read full article >

PM to look at 'institutional racism' of black people in mental health services

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

source: Care Appointments
published: 1 March 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May said she is “looking at” the treatment of black people by mental health services amid claims of “institutional racism”.

Labour MP Steve Reed said young black men using mental health services were more likely to be subject to detention and “severe” physical restraint, as he called for an inquiry.

The Croydon North MP cited the example of constituent Olaseni Lewis , who died after he was restrained in a south-east London psychiatric hospital in August 2010.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mrs May agreed the issue was a problem.

She said: “It is precisely because of the concern about how various people were being treated within our public services that this Government has introduced, I introduced last year, an audit of the disparity of treatment, a racial audit of disparity of treatment within public services.

“I saw this as home secretary, when I looked at the way that particularly black people with mental health issues were being dealt with, in terms of police and detention in various ways.

“That’s exactly the sort of issue that we are looking at.”

Read full article >

How to decolonise mental health services

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

source: Open Democracy
published: 5 April 2016

Before David ‘Rocky’ Bennett’s death in a psychiatric unit 18 years ago, he sent a letter to the nurse director, pointing out there were no black staff members. He wrote: “There are over half a dozen black boys in this clinic. I don’t know if you have realised that there are no Africans on your staff at the moment”.

Bennett died while being held down by four staff members at a psychiatric unit after a violent altercation with another patient and a nurse. Looking at the circumstances around his untimely death, it’s clear his blackness was threatening to staff members. He had been using the mental health for at least a decade, yet his needs as a black Rastafarian were not being met.

Bennett’s death was a catalyst for what became ‘delivering race equality’ in health, however the cuts since 2010 mean little is currently being done. He is just one example of the mental health system failing people of colour – Sarah Reed, who died in a prison cell earlier this year after having been sexually assaulted, is a more recent case, but the list is far, far longer.

Read full article >

OTHER NEWS:

League of Awkward Unicorns: a podcast that mixes mental health with laughter
2 April 2016