News and Events
Mental Health Community Adviser (Bridge Builder) Vacancy
We are currently recruiting for a Mental Health Community Adviser (Bridge Builder). Applications are being handled by GRCC, who Independence Trust is part of. Further details and the application form can be found on their website by clicking this link: https://www.grcc.org.uk/work-for-us/bridge-builder-calmhs
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Service Update
We are following advice from the government and Public Health England regarding the coronavirus outbreak and urge all of our customers and their communities to do so too.
We have suspended our Drop-Ins and Group Activities following the government's guidance on social-distancing. Clients can still call us for support but key workers and our peer team will be keeping in touch with people by phone, text, video calls or email.
You can access QWELL and join a forum where you can talk to other people. More details here.
Download an app called CALM great information and relaxation advice as well as other resources.
Most importantly take care of yourself. Don't forget we are thinking of you all and are here if you need to talk - It's good to talk. You can always ring the office for support or a friendly voice.
If you have an enquiry please contact us:
0345 8638323 or 01452 317460
Self-Help films coming soon!
Some exciting developments today as we prepare to release some self-help films to offer anyone suffering with mental ill health the chance to improve their wellbeing. Watch this space!
Art Exhibition - In celebration of World Mental Health Day October 9th -17th
When the country went into lockdown Independence Trust recognised that people were struggling with their mental health on a daily basis.
When lock down hit people felt even more isolated, they said their mental health was being severely impacted with many people experiencing feeling of helplessness, paranoia, loneliness, panic attacks and self-harm. Not being able to get out and attend the support groups or see friends this was what kept many well, people said they felt overwhelmed.
The need to have a focus, something to engage in and be part off was the idea behind the Covid Art Group.
Independence Trust encouraged people to get involved, enabling people to be able to still be part of something, this proved very popular with art packs being sent out across the county.
Some of the art will be displayed in an exhibition at the Sub rooms, Stroud October 9th -17th . People turned to art as a positive distraction “the light in the dark”
As well as the Covid art display there will be art from clients who have said they found art as a place of safety in an unsafe world.
We hope you will be able to take time to visit the exhibition.
Group Equine Psychotherapy Sessions
Are you interested in Group Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) ? Do you experience anxiety and depression, and live in Gloucestershire?
We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Thriving Communities Grant from Gloucestershire County Council, in partnership with HHPDA, to provide GROUP EAP. The aim of the Project is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and to create a network of Peer Groups for ongoing support around mental health and wellbeing.
Please email HHPDA (info@hhpda.co.uk) or Independence Trust (emma.royer@independencetrust.co.uk) to discuss eligibility criteria.
The Tesco store in Cam display art work from local community groups and schools and are currently displaying some work in the store from Claire a client from Dursley . Claire one of the artists, went down to the store to see the pictures being displayed, Claire said she was thrilled with being part of it.
An exhibition was held at The Museum in the Park 17th to 20th May, this exhibition was on the theme of Mental Ill Health and Medication and this was in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week 2018.
Over 25 artists took part, most of which have experienced mental ill health themselves, all participants are supported by Independence Trust Stroud, and Surrounding areas.
The works which took the form of Photograms, Artists Books, Art Works and Sculptures made a powerful statement of both the negative and positives effects of medication, stories were shared through the worksand this moved people, which then got them talking, this was the main aim of the exhibition which was totackle the stigmas associated with Mental Ill Health and medication.
Quote from Museum in the Park
‘We were honoured to show this moving, powerful and thought provoking exhibition here at The Museum in the Park and believe all the Artists should be very proud of what they achieved. The Museum is for everyone, and everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by mental health challenges even if they are lucky enough not to have experienced mental ill health themselves. The artwork made people think, ask questions, share stories, understand other people and their struggles a little more – thank you Independence Trust Stroud and all the Artists for organising this incredible exhibition.’
Abigail Large
Events & Exhibitions Officer
The Museum in the Park
Councillor Camilla Hale
‘This Exhibition is a Triumph and speaks to all of us. I hope it goes to many places. Excellent
work and thanks for your honesty’.
J K Global Peace Party
‘I have found this exhibition as moving and inspiring as any exhibition I have been to’.