Course Description: This 5 week course aims to introduce creative writing  exercises and techniques within a supportive group framework, sharing work and giving constructive feedback, becoming more confident in using a writing voice. Ideal for those with an interest in creative writing and want to develop their skills and confidence. Booking details>

Day: Alternate Wednesdays from 8th February to 21st March 2012

Time: From 2pm to 5pm

This is an opportunity for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults to meet with other professioanls to reflect on professional issues that are influencing their practice and onging development as counsellors and psychoptherapists. Each issue discussed will be tackled from a differing theoretical perspective.

Cost: £35 for general public, £25 CBH staff

For more information or to book contact barbara@centreforbetterhealth.org.uk or 0208 985 3570

Self-care Workshop – Focusing on well-being training

Day: Saturday 25th February 2012

Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm

This workshop aims to highlight what self care is with specific focus on those in a caring profession or carers.

Cost: £80 for general public, £50 for CBH staff

For more information or to book contact barbara@centreforbetterhealth.org.uk or 0208 985 3570

Suicide Postvention – Working theraputically with survivors of suicide

Day: Saturday 24th 2012

Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm

This workshop is aimed at practicioners who have an interest in or opportunity to work with survivors of suicide. The course content is dsigned to introduce the established concept of postvntion and to highlight the features of grief after suicide that can make it particulary complex, profound process for survivors.

Cost: £80 for general public, £50 for CBH staff

For more information or to book contact barbara@centreforbetterhealth.org.uk or 0208 985 3570

Info: cirillo@centreforbetterhealth.org.uk or call 0208 985 3570

The Centre for Better Health was the first community mental health organisation in Hackney and over the last fifty years we have run and provided many projects across East London, such as individual therapy, groupwork activities, supper clubs and supported employment. Through our work we witness and support the recovery journey that individuals living with mental illness have to make.

Mental illness is a medical illness — it does not discriminate. One in four adults experiences a mental disorder in any given year. One in 17 adults lives with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. Mental illness has a bearing and cost to the economy, education, community cohesion and the NHS. People who live with mental illness are family members, friends and neighbours.

World Mental Health Day is especially important this year as budget cuts threaten mental health services in our community and across the country. Lack of services imposes a high price on the community.  Budget cuts are affecting services that help young people and adults with mental illness access resources that would improve their lives. When that happens, it has the potential for people who do not receive treatment to end up in emergency rooms, shelters, prison or dead.

Use the opportunity of World Mental Health Day to talk with friends and neighbours about mental illness and recovery. It’s an opportunity to learn facts and end myths to help break the stigma — and silence — that has often surrounded the topic. By changing attitudes, we can change lives.