SELF HELP PROJECT

The Beside Self-Help Project was set up in August 2003 with funding from the National Lottery.
My role as Self-Help Project Worker is to motivate Beside members to engage with self-help as a means of managing their mental health and working towards Recovery.

The project offers a framework of self-help courses and workshops designed to reconnect people with their inner resources and so find ways to draw the good feeling back into their lives. I also work informally with individuals who want to develop their personal potential using a Human Givens approach to self-help. This sometimes involves sign-posting people to other organsations.

The Self-Help Project offers three self-help courses per year, plus time-limited projects set up in response to one-off funding opportunities. These are free, but as places are limited so we ask people to book in advance. Courses in 2008 include; Relaxation: Ten Workshops in Relaxed Living and Creative Writing for Friendship & Self-Expression.

Val Sutton, Self-Help Project Worker

Currently running:

Creative Writing for Friendship & Self-Expression

This course is about thinking creatively and building a friendly space where people can share life experiences through writing. Each workshop will include a series of playful writing games designed to trigger ideas and get people writing imaginatively.

It will be suitable both for beginners and those who write already. No need to worry about handwriting, punctuation, or even ideas – they’ll come. An open mind and playful attitude are all that’s necessary.

Starting: Thursday, August 28th, from 3.00pm-5.30pm.

(We are sorry but this course is full at the moment. If you are interested in the next course please call beside and leave your contact details)

Cash Control 4 Christmas

Whatever your faith, the run up to Christmas can be a stressful time. Television bombards us with adverts pressurising us to buy gifts, luxury goods, new clothes, special foods and drinks; credit cards and loans with high interest rates often tempt the unwary to overspend. For those on very low incomes, who can’t get credit, or who may not have bank accounts, just making ends meet is hard enough, the festivities only add to the worry and sense of exclusion.

If you feel stressed about money why not come along to Cash Control 4 Christmas, six fun workshops led by debt buster and cash coach Rosanna Donavan from S.A.F.E (Service Users Against Financial Exclusion)

Get tips on how to make your cash go further Find our how to face debt without fear Plan for a happy Christmas.

Starting: Wednesday October 8th, from 2.30-4.30pm.
Venue: the hall at Beside

Big Banner Craft Project

Get creative and have fun with textiles. Pick up techniques in embroidery, knitting, crochet, felt-making and weaving skills from the facilitator, textile designer Barley Massey. Each participant will contribute a section to a Wall Hanging. We will display the hanging at an exhibition then have it on show at Beside. All materials and equipment supplied, plus an opportunity to visit a museum.

When: Every Wednesday, from 12.00pm – 2.30pm until 15th December
Venue: The hall at Beside

For more information about the self-help, or to find out more about self-help courses or workshops contact Val Sutton, Self-Help Project Worker on 020 8980 9787.