Mind

[Kaz12345]

Just in case anyone isn't aware MIND often have local groups, informal cafe type drop ins and they sometimes run courses on overcoming anxiety etc, dealing with depression etc.

[Hidden]

HI Kaz.

I've been attending MIND groups on and off for 12 months or so now. It's a great way to meet new people and build your support network. They can also provide individual counselling,day trips,drop-ins,therapeutic art/crafts/writing. They also have opportunities to volunteer.

[Kaz12345]

Hi Gav, I remember you posted recently mentioning MIND. We have a local MIND and I was thinking of going along to one of the drop ins, and later looking at perhaps volunteering. I could do with meeting some new people and definitely feel better (and no so pathetic, lol) if I feel I am doing what I can to help myself!

[sasays]

Might sound dim but does anyone know what the volunteering involves? I think ive become a volunteer addict in the past month or so. I'll be hiking up mountains with an abundance of small children followed by a pack of strays in no time... well, maybe not.

[Hidden]

When I volunteered I was doing just 3 hours a week admin and reception. Other service user volunteers ran therapeutic art groups and relaxation classes.One volunteer was a qualified masseur and gave indian head and full body massage once a week. The volunteer coordinator was very accommodating and recognised that volunteering not only helped others with thier issues but is in itself therapeutic for the volunteer.

CRB checks are a requirement.

Being a service user and a volunteer enabled me to build my support network and a new peer group. I made lots of new friends and built self confidence.

I have issues with social anxiety as well as general fearfulness and depression. Meeting others with similar concerns as well as completely different difficulties is both comforting and eye opening.

I would encourage anyone to engage with MIND and/or similar organisations. Your local MIND will have a web-site which will give details of services and volunteer opportunities you can enjoy.

Go for it!

[janev]

great that you had such a positive experience with the mind in your area - apparently they are all differently run even though they come under the same umbrella so to speak.

I started attending mine which is just around the corner from my house and would have been ideal but didn't go well as 'client's' could only attend 2 groups a week and you weren't allowed to stay on the premisis if you weren't attending a grouip and you attend for 6 weeks and then get a review as the emphasis is on moving you on. I couldn't identify with any of the other (lovely) users as seemed to be predominantly people with learning disabilities which i didn't identify with and wasn't well enough to support anyone. They didn't have a drop in and when i stopped going never heard from them again.

[Hidden]

I'm sorry to hear you felt your experience with Mind was not a positive one. It does sound as though your local branch has a different emphasis to the one I use.

Perhaps with a little research you can discover other resources and groups more supportive of your specific requirements.

Have fun looking into it and maybe what you find out will be of benefit to others too.

Good luck.