New - Mental Health Service Directory
The Mental Health Service Directory is an easy to use directory that signposts you to local mental health organisations in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil.
The directory features an online calendar of events in the local area and a link to digital stories.
Directory - An easy to use listing of local mental health services in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil, click on the organisations name to access their website - if your website is not listed please contact us
Calendar - A calendar of events in the local area - if you require access to the calendar to add an event please
contact us.
Media - Digital stories from local organisations - if you want to add your organisations media please contact us.
Click here to access the Service Directory >>
Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support is a partnership project between New Horizons Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Resource Centre and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Mental Health Support aims to provide accessible advice and information about mental health issues and services to people with mental health problems, their carers, health professionals and anyone else with an interest in mental illness.
The site has many features for you to use, keep in touch with friends by using the chatroom, feel strongly about something? then add a topic to the forum and start a thread.
Sign up to the Newsletter and get info on New Horizons. Check out the latest health news, we are also on Twitter and Facebook now so check us out, click the link at the bottom of the page.
Our summer newsletter is now available click here to download (PDF file)
Get on Board....
This is your website, please feel free to give us feedback about what you think about it. Let us know your ideas for the site and what you'd like to see available. Please feel free to contribute articles for use on the site. We'd love to be able to display your work.
Please contact : admin@mentalhealthsupport.co.uk
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Equality Act 2010
A summary guide for voluntary and community sector service providers has been released. The Equality Act 2010 replaces the existing anti-discrimination laws with a single Act. The summary guide informs of the changes in actions that need to be taken to comply when you provide goods, facilities and services to the public. To view the guide click HERE
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For people with mental health issues the cloak of cyberspace has advantages
The distance provided by the internet, the knowledge that one cannot be seen, the fact you can log off at any time, are what make the communication feel possible, says Clare Allan from the Guardian
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New RCT Local Directory Launched!
A new directory of local organisations that supply a service to Carers in RCT is now available on the RCT Carers website.
Follow this link and click on 'A Carers Directory 2010' in the right hand column. Click here to visit the website.
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Summer Festivals 2010
The weather has been fantastic so far this year...Jason here in the office has put together a 'Summer Festival' list for all you festival goers...check it out here >
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Great Places to Visit this Summer with the kids.....
Check out are top ten list of fun places to visit with the kids.
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Interlink Volunteers Awards 2010
On Friday 11th June some of New Horizons volunteers were invited to join in the celebrations at Aberaman Rugby Club for Volunteers Week 2010.
The night began with New Horizons volunteers being presented with certificates from Interlink for their contribution to Health & Well-Being within Rhondda-Cynon-Taf. A well deserved award in recognition of the time and commitment they give to New Horizons. This followed by a 2 course meal and great entertainment (Singer, Disco & a Magician). The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, especially New Horizons who were one of the last groups to leave.
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Gardening to Improve Your Emotional Wellbeing
Have you ever thought that gardening could change the way you feel?
- gardening can help people through a specific period of difficulty in their lives.
- gardening can help you get back on top of things and restore balance when it feels like your life is veering out of control.
Visit the website to read more at www.carryongardening.org.uk/ or Click Here to read more about the benefits.
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Interested in Cooking?
Visit our Healthy Recipes Page
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Fire Safety At Home
Here are some tips for keeping safe in the home. Click here>
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Wales publishes new mental health law plan
A new Welsh law on the care and treatment of people with mental health conditions has been published by the assembly government.
Among its provisions are new rights for patients in regard to assessment, treatment and advocacy.
Health Minister Edwina Hart says the law, or measure, would make important changes.
But Welsh mental health charity Hafal said timescales for care plans would still need to be legally fixed.
Where appropriate, the new law aims to provide treatment for those with mental illness through primary care services, by placing a duty on health boards and local authorities to deliver local support services to operate alongside GP practices.
It would also require care and treatment plans to be to be drawn up for mentally ill adults being treated in hospitals.
Read more from the BBC news site >>
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What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (B.D.D)?
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National Family Week
National Family Week aims to highlight the important role families play in society and encourage healthy active lifestyles and quality family time. Now in its second year, National Family Week is the largest coalition on family issues and is backed by all major political parties and a huge range of national charities, community groups and sporting associations.
Over 5,000 events will take place during National Family Week 2010 (31st May – 6th June) plus record breaking excitement, giveaways, competitions and activity ideas to encourage families to spend quality time together.
Visit the website
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Third Sector Nominations
Are you currently a board, staff, volunteer or carer member of a third (voluntary) sector organisation in Rhondda Cynon Taff area?
Would you like to make a positive difference to health services and to people’s lives?
The Welsh Assembly Government is seeking to appoint volunteer members to the Cwm Taf Community Health Council (CHC). CHCs are the public’s independent ‘watchdog’ in the National Health Service in Wales. They represent the public interest and play an important role in influencing the way that health services are planned, delivered and improved.
More Information (PDF Document)
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Fish oil supplements 'beat psychotic mental illness'
Taking a daily fish oil capsule can stave off mental illness in those at highest risk, trial findings suggest.
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DEPUTY MINISTER MEETS WALES’ CARERS’ CHAMPIONS
Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, reaffirmed the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to carers in Wales at a meeting of the Carers’ Champions today [Thursday, 21 January 10].
Carers Champions are local authority elected members who ensure carers’ issues are considered in developing local services.
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Are You Stressed or Want a Fresh Approach to Life?
Come to an 8-Week Mindfulness Course
The course can help you:
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Cope more effectively with stress
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Increase your ability to relax
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Face illness and pain with greater confidence
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Gain more stability in difficult situations
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Find greater energy and enthusiasm for life
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New Hypnotherapy Directory
There is a new website that offers a huge support network to help those in need find a suitable hypnotherapist – Hypnotherapy Directory (www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk) It is a professional directory that provide information in a clear and un-daunting way.
To ensure professionalism each member is either a member of a professional body or has submitted a copy of their insurance and qualifications. The website provides a vast amount of information about different areas of distress, and also has lots of useful articles written by the hypnotherapists listed.
There is also information on each hypnotherapist profile about fees, type of training and the different services that are available.
For more information about hypnotherapy and how it can help you visit Hypnotherapy Directory (www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk) today.
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Journeys Self Help Group
Journeys are running self-help groups throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff for people affected by depression, their families and friends.
Self-help groups provide a safe environment where people can share experiences and coping strategies, get and give support, learn about depression and explore self-help.
Download the flyer for more info
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Adults with ADHD 'struggle to get treatment'
Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are struggling to access treatment because of a lack of services, figures suggest.
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Mind - Have you been contacted by bailiffs or debt collectors?
Mind is planning a campaign on bailiff regulation to be launched soon. Their In the red campaign found widespread evidence of bad practice by bailiffs and debt collectors, including excessive fees and heavy-handed behaviour, which can lead to further mental distress for people struggling with debt.
Mind want to hear about your experiences if you have had contact with bailiffs, to inform their campaign.
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Stroke Saver website launch
A new symptom awareness website for stroke has been launched. The website, developed by the NPHS and Wales Centre for Health, aims to provide people with the necessary knowledge to recognise the signs of a stroke and become a ‘stroke saver’.
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Office Space available to Rent in Aberdare
- Fully Furnished with telephone system
- Aberdare town centre
- Onsite parking
- Reception service
- Secure access
- Fully accessible with lift
- Excellent rates
- See Photographs Below
For more info on the rooms click here
Contact Janet Whiteman on T: 01685 881113
New Horizons
44-49 Cardiff Street
Aberdare · CF44 7DG
Tel: 01685 881113
Fax: 01685 877253
E: newhorizons2001@btconnect.com
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Car Parking available in Aberdare
- Safe and secure car parking spaces available
- For hire on a weekly or monthly basis
- Aberdare town centre location
- Seventeen spaces available
- Available five days a week
- Competitive prices
- Prices available on application
For more info on the rooms click here
Contact Janet Whiteman on T: 01685 881113
New Horizons
44-49 Cardiff Street
Aberdare · CF44 7DG
Tel: 01685 881113
Fax: 01685 877253
E: newhorizons2001@btconnect.com
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Child neglect on the increase
One in ten (11%) of professionals working with children in Wales have seen an increase in suspected cases of child neglect in the last 12 months, according to the results of a survey released by Action for Children
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Walk A Mile for Mental Health
Walk A Mile - at all the venues was a great success. Here are some photos of the day
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Mental health support for workers
People with mental health problems will get extra support to help manage their condition so they can remain in the workplace, the government has said. Read More
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Want to know the best places / Attractions to visit in the UK?
There are many great places / attractions to visit all over Britain and Ireland. You can explore a new city, visit a museum or have just have a fun filled family day out. Just use the links below to find out what's near you.
Wales | England | Scotland | N. Ireland | S. Ireland
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Welsh Audit Office Launch Survey - Are you getting the support you need?
If you have received mental health services from the NHS or social services in Wales during the last year? Are you are aged between 18 and 64? If so, we want to hear from your views on the services you have and what needs to change. There is a confidential survey that is quick and easy to compete. It is entirely voluntary and if you choose not to take part, it will not affect the care you receive. You can complete survey online by visiting www.wao.gov.uk or calling 02920 320508. You have until 26 September 2009 to complete the survey.
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Stonewall Cymru launches new volunteering programme empowering young people to tackle homophobic bullying
Stonewall Cymru is launching its Youth Anti-Homophobic Bullying Advocates Programme, to encourage and empower young people to get involved in tackling homophobic bullying. The Programme, which is funded by the WCVA Volunteering in Wales Fund, gives young people the skills, training and confidence they need to plan and run their own local campaigns against homophobic bullying, with the support of local adult mentors and Stonewall Cymru staff. For more information, please contact Eleanor Hicks, Projects and Policy Officer on 02920 237744 or eleanor.hicks@stonewallcymru.org.uk
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Your Top Tips to help aid recovery for Mental Health
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Going on Holidays? Things to remember when Planning a holiday...
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Hire a bike and cycle round Cardiff Bay
Pedal Power is now offering weekend bike hire in Cardiff Bay. For more information tel: (029) 2039 0713 or email info.pedalpower@btconnect.com Visit the website at www.cardiffpedalpower.com
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Young Carers in Wales
The Children's Commissioner for Wales has published a report about, and written by, young carers in Wales
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Local Support for Carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf
There are support groups for carers of people with mental health problems.... Read More
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Are you looking after someone misusing drugs or alcohol?
If yes come and join the Carers Group. Where you can……….. Read More
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Cycle 4 Sanity
New Horizons would like to thank everyone who took part in the 'Cycle 4 Sanity' sponsored cycle ride. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in the static sponsored rides. A big THANK YOU to local business's and everyone who supported us.
The ride has been a great success in raising awareness of mental ill health whilst promoting the benefits of physical exercise.
Check out 'Cycle 4 Sanity' for the next event.
The sponsored bike ride took place from Holyhead on the 28th June 2009 and arrived in Aberdare on the 4th July 2009. The Bike Ride covered over 220 Miles and there were 12 team members cycling.
Visit the website at www.cycle4sanity.co.uk. Where you can make a donation,buy promotional t-shirts and much more.
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CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELLIING SERVICE LAUNCHED
The Wales Co-operative Centre and the Consumer Credit Counselling Service are launching a new housing debt helpline to support people vulnerable to losing their homes. Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the ‘Housing Debt Helpline Wales’ offers support to home owners and those in rented property who are finding it difficult to meet their mortgage or rental payments.
The website is now live and can be viewed at http://www.housing-debt-helpline-wales.org
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Mental Health First Aid MHFA (Wales) Website
Front line workers in Wales often have to deal with people with experience of mental distress but lack the skills and confidence to support them appropriately.
With one in four of us affected by mental health problems each year, service providers across Wales are being offered a new short training course to deal more effectively with these challenges.
In an ambitious new project, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, Mind Cymru is training trainers to teach Mental Health First Aid throughout Wales. Mental Health First Aid was developed in Australia and is being rolled out in Scotland, Canada, England and Northern Ireland.
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Swine Flu Information
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease that infects pigs. It is caused by an influenza virus.
There are regular outbreaks of swine flu in pigs, which become ill but rarely die from the virus.
Swine flu does not normally infect humans, although this occasionally does occur - usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
Swine flu viruses are usually of the H1N1 subtype. The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus.
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South Wales Valleys Top Anti-depressant Table
New figures from the freedom of information paint a troubling picture of the mental well-being of people in part of Wales and northern England. The figures could be linked to the recession among other complex causes and show a very high levels of anti-depressant use in those regions. The new numbers also show yet another increase in prescribing pills like Prozac, despite national guidance advocating alternative treatments - up 3.15% in Wales and 3.64% in England during 2008. Wales contains seven of the top 10 areas for the prescription of anti-depressant drugs in England and Wales, with the southern valleys region coming out on top.
Read more about this story on BBC website by clicking here.
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Gene 'has key schizophrenia role'
Two studies have pinpointed a single gene as key to the development and treatment of schizophrenia.
A US team from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute found that a mutated version of the DISC1 gene disrupts the growth and development of brain cells.
Read more from the BBC website >
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Influencing the future of ageing in RCT
As the general population of older people over the age of 65 expands across the County, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and Swansea University have joined together in a research partnership. The project is interested in talking to residents of Rhondda Cynon Taff, to learn their views on how they see the future of ageing within RCT and what their expectations and aspirations might be for older age. So If you are aged 65 and over or between 45 and 65 years old and would like to make difference to how you and future generations will experience older age, then please contact Christian Beech on 01792 602513 or email C.L.Beech@swansea.ac.uk.
To find out more information simply click here (MS Word).
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Latest Jobs/Vacancies and Opportunities - For All Vacancies
click here
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The Prince’s Trust YouGov Youth Index
The Prince’s Trust YouGov Youth Index is the first large-scale
study of its kind, investigating how young people feel about
the state of their lives today and how confident they are about
their future.
The findings suggest that, while the majority of young people
are relatively content, there is a significant core of young
people for whom life has little or no purpose – with those not
in education, employment or training (NEET) most likely to feel
this way.
The report also shows how support from family is key to a young person’s overall wellbeing.
Click here to read the report >
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Future of Mental Health Services in Wales
An announcement has been made by Edwina Hart, health minister, that a single mental health organisation, as proposed by Michael Williams, will NOT be going ahead. Instead, she has said that improving and resourcing mental health services will be made a priority in the NHS.
To Read Statement Click Here (MS Word Doc).
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Whats New.....
Dapper FM Radio Interview with Jason Samuel - Covering Mental Health Support Website, Hilary Jones (GMTV), New Horizons Centre and How to get Support.
Click Here to read more and listen to the interview
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Feedback
Your Feedback is important please click here to give us feedback on the Mental Health Week Programme.
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