Minutes from 2 March 2009

Dear friends

Planning Meeting 2 March 2009

1.    After welcoming one another we reflected on what helps our own wellbeing.  The rich replies included looking after ourselves; meeting with family and friends; laugher; community; caring for young children; dancing; art; creation; exercise; getting up early to meditate; sharing in a non-judgemental environment; music; faith; time and space; counting blessings; swimming; walking and beauty.  We held these thoughts as we moved to the more specific planning for emhw 2009 – promoting wellbeing.

2.    We discussed the proposals for the fundraising multiple pursuits event which may be held on Epsom Downs in May.  The idea is that teams and individuals would be given a question about mental health and a piece of a map as a clue to lead them to the next question and so on to the finishing post.  The aims of the event would be to raise funds for emhw, break down stigma and increase knowledge about mental health – whilst having fun.  Diane Luck is to invite somebody to be overall co-ordinator of the day.  Without such a co-ordinator, the event will not be able to happen.

3.    The fund raising concert on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm at Christ Church, in memory of Edna Tripp, was discussed.  Please contact me if you are available to listen to people and share information on the evening.

4.    The group agreed to a meeting being held on Wednesday 22 April between 10.30am and 2pm on the effects of the recession on mental health.  Details were being finalised, but areas to be covered include debt; emotional and mental well-being; and spiritual/philosophical reflection.

5.    Post natal depression.  Michelle from the children’s centre at Epsom Primary School has volunteered to lead a baby massage session during one morning or afternoon session.  Crèche facilities may also be available at the centre.  What may be provided for other ages during the week will be considered at the next meeting.  Karen, a schools worker from CAMHS, is willing to offer her expertise.  The loneliness of many elderly people was noted.

6.    Members of the meeting agreed to bring a list to the next meeting of social activities and groups with which connection could be made in preparation for the week.  Diane Lynch is to contact Beth Hill from the Methodist church re the possibility of forming a community choir/ I can’t sing evening event.  The Adult education services may also be able to run classes on different topics.  Michael Preston will investigate possibilities.

7.    Jacky Clark suggested that the Brickfield Centre be open for a carers’ day during the week.  Organisations that may like to be involved include Help the Aged, Age Concern, Surrey Young Carers and CAMHS.

8.    Suggestions about schools work should be passed to Diane Lynch.  Epsom College have expressed an interest in a morning activity before the week.  Diane will also invite the schools to join in a poster competition on the theme of well-being to be held towards the end of the summer term.

9.    Suggestions for the theme for a school play include cyber bullying and the effect of broken friendship on children.  These ideas have been passed to Becky Owen and Sally McCormack.  The possibility of using the Odeon cinema and the studio at Epsom Playhouse and having a play in the market place will be considered at the next meeting.

10.    We discussed the importance of early communication and considered changing the brochure format slightly to make it even clearer.  Nikki Green will liaise with the Trust’s staff BME group about translating publicity into different languages.

11.    As ever, please let me know of any errors, omissions, additions or further information.

Thank you for all your work.
With kind regards


Sue Bull