We are very pleased with our brand new floor in the SMART café area.
We would like thank those who made it possible. Thanks go to “The Reso Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation” and the Bathstore who supplied the floor and labour.
Our floor looks great!
Christmas can be a wonderful time of year but it can also be one of the most stressful. If you are affected by a mental health problem then the run up to Christmas can be a lonely experience… just remember you’re not alone.
If you’re worried about being alone, find out what is going on in your area. Here are some details of local services but do also check local newspapers and the internet to find out what community events are going on. Also see whether there is a good day or time to visit relatives.
If you are worried about having too much to do over Christmas, think ahead about which events you want to go to and which you will be able to make your apologies for.
You may be feeling sad and tired but you probably still look the same to those around you. Unless you tell people how you are feeling they won’t understand what is wrong. Those close to you will want to help.
If you don’t feel you have anyone to talk to, find out about your nearest self-help group and think about calling a helpline number. The symptoms of mental illness can make you want to hide away but talking to others can really help.
Drinking and eating is all part of Christmas. Whilst one or two drinks may help you relax and cheer you up, too much alcohol may make your symptoms worse and/or stop medication working properly.
Christmas can be a stressful time when you are under pressure to spend money, clear the desk at work and engage in the usual round of parties. Accept that you can’t do everything. Saying ‘no’ might be hard but most of us feel similar pressures and will understand. Ask for help if you need it – it will keep you healthy.
If you feel you have reached crisis point then you can visit your local A&E. You may also wish to contact one of the helpline numbers that we’ve listed here.
The end of the year can be a time of regret and a time for making promises that you may not keep. Don’t fall into the trap! Really look at the previous year and write down all the positive things that have happened and all of your successes.
And finally, remember that SMART will be open throughout the festive period and everyone is welcome.
SMART opening times can be found here.
Details of local services can be found here.
We hope you all have a wonderful, happy and healthy Christmas.
Kinga Kwiecinska, our bridge building manager here at SMART has recently been featured in a case study published by skills for care; The body that ensures that England’s adult social care workforce has the appropriately skilled people in the right places working to deliver high quality social care. You can read the case study by following this link…
www.skillsforcare.org.uk
SMART and London Cyrenians Housing are re-launching their healthy living initiative- The Healthy Kickers Community Football Group on 23rd November 2011 following very successful pilot run for the past 4 months. Both SMART & LCH have a long standing history of providing support services to vulnerable people across London, and in Kensington & Chelsea in particular. In addition, this project supports Cllr. Julie Mills‚ (RBKC Mayor) launch of The Kensington and Chelsea Foundation, which will draw on existing charities and expertise to tackle isolation via activity, inclusion and opportunity.
The Healthy Kickers meet every Wednesday (12-2pm) at the Westway Sports Centre and benefit from professional training by Queens Park Rangers’ coaches. Support Staff is also always be on hand to provide motivation and additional advice, to ensure participants develop the confidence to engage fully with the sessions. The sessions will cover basic fitness, graduated levels of football training and 5-7 a side matches.
We will adapt all sessions to meet the fitness & support needs of all who attend, so please encourage all service users to try, or even start by watching sessions to build their confidence. For those with more developed skills, the professional coaches will be able to challenge and improve them appropriately, within the group. find out more by clicking here
Funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council.
Reg. Charity No. 292787.
Company Ltd. by Guarantee.
Reg. in Cardiff No. 1946616.
Registered Address
The Basement , 15 Gertrude Street , Chelsea, London, SW10 0JN.