Let's change the mental wellbeing conversation.

Changing the conversation around mental wellbeing and helping to remove the stigma can often be challenging work. Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind want to create a ripple of change locally and regionally with the roll out of their new Connect 5 – Live Online mental wellbeing training, working with the four other Mind branches across Greater Manchester (Mind in Greater Manchester Partnership), as well as providing a range of ongoing innovative help and support for all who sign up.

Connect 5 is a workforce training programme, created to up skill non-mental health staff to better understand and successfully address mental health issues within their everyday practice. The content provides an evidenced based collaborative prevention toolkit, that promotes psychological knowledge, understanding, awareness and the development of skills which empower people to take proactive steps to build resilience and look after themselves. The training can be accessed by anyone who feels they would benefit from greater knowledge within their role to support others, be that hairdressers, taxi drivers, community groups, managers, landlords, support workers and volunteers. 

“Everyone should feel enthused, equipped and empowered to promote and maintain our own and others mental wellbeing. The Connect 5 training ensures we know what helps or hinders our mental wellbeing, it increases our knowledge and confidence in improving and maintaining our mental wellbeing and in simple terms, helps us know when we need help and where to get it”.

Jenny Higson CEO at TOG Mind

For those interested, there is also the option to become a training provider within your area . TOG Mind are looking for people with local expertise who wish to explore this opportunity and sign up. A separate offer will be made available for any businesses who wish to up skill their staff in having effective mental health and wellbeing conversations, so there really is something for everyone. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about Connect 5 training, can view a short trailer on the TOG Mind website here: http://www.togmind.org/connect-5 and also pick a training session and sign up. 

If you or someone you know would like to access the Connect 5 Mental Wellbeing Training or TOG Minds various types of support and wellbeing opportunities, please call their office on 0161 330 9223, visit the website at: https://www.togmind.org/ or check out the Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TamesideOldhamGlossopMind 

Mental Health Awareness Week this year runs from 18th - 24th May 2020, with the theme of kindness.

This year has so far, been filled with a lot of change and uncertainty so the theme of kindness, to yourself, a loved one or a stranger is so very important and timely. Looking after and taking care of ourselves and each other, particularly during difficult times such as those we have been experiencing recently is hugely important, especially for our mental wellbeing. 

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we will be running a 'Week of Kindness’. Sharing videos, stories, resources and tips daily that we have created as well as fantastic work from other organisations and partners, across our social media and website.

We’ll also be publishing a special one off MHAW 2020 Eupdate which you can sign up for here.

Please do look out for our uploads and shares throughout the week, let us know what you are doing to be kind to yourself, share your stories with us and consider helping others by passing on anything you thing will be useful to people within your family or wider network of friends.

Click here to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week 2020.

For people wishing to commemorate this Friday - The Royal British Legion are organising remote activity for people to celebrate VE Day 75 commemorations and participate from home.

This includes a VE Day 75 livestream, national moments of Remembrance and thanksgiving and a learning pack for young people (more details on timings and activities below).

The Legion is inviting all its partners to join together in encouraging people of all generations and communities to take part in the activities on 8th May and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation. And, while the two minutes silence will allow us to reflect and remember the sacrifice made, VE75 is also about celebrating the bringing together of communities.

The British Legion would love to see communities getting involved (while observing Government Guidelines on Covid-19) and have suggested a number of ways to participate such as holding a street party with everyone in their own homes, or baking cakes, or getting the kids to make some bunting to string out. The Legion would like partners and communities to share their stories, pictures or events with us by tagging them on Twitter (@RBL_gmandlancs and @poppylegion).

Royal British Legion Schedule

11:00 - 11:02 – Two Minute Silence

11:15 - 12:00 – The Royal British Legion VE75 Livestream

20:00 - 21:10 – VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, BBC One

21:00 – ‘We’ll Meet Again’ Singalong (also on the BBC)

Activities in detail:

Two Minute Silence

The Legion is calling on people to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May and pause for a Two Minute Silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

People are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way they feel appropriate be that standing at their window, stepping outside their home, whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection. To build momentum towards this important moment, please share this with your communities and encourage everyone to come together in Remembrance at 11am.

The Royal British Legion Livestream

Following the Silence the Legion is hosting a VE Day livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. The Legion is inviting people to grab a cup of tea and join us for the livestream as we bring the World War Two generation together with today’s generation to chat about their experiences.

Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The stream will be live from 11.15am on the Legion’s website rbl.org.uk/veday75.

VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration BBC ONE:  20:00 – 21:10 

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, in these unprecedented times, the BBC in partnership with The Royal British Legion will honour and celebrate the World War Two Generation with an evening of memories and music.  Featuring some of those who remember this historic day, together with Britain’s favourite performers who will entertain us with popular songs of the era.  In a fitting finale at 9.00 pm we will see the nation unite for a very special rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” as we all give thanks to our veterans and remember our loved ones.

‘We’ll Meet Again’ Singalong – will be on the BBC but if you want to print out the words and get out front:

Lyrics available on The Royal British Legion website https://www.rbl.org.uk/stories/ve-day-singalong

VE Day 75 Learning Pack 

Designed for 7-14 year olds the learning pack includes first-hand accounts from the Second World War generation, veteran interviews and a range of activities to allow families to explore and commemorate VE Day 75 together. People can follow the activity on social media using #VEDay75 and #VEDay75Live during the livestream.

Branch led activities

Many Branches are organising online/virtual VE Day 75 activities so don’t forget to check what your local Branch might have planned and join in.

Accessing our support has changed a little since we are not able to see people face-to-face at the moment. However, the staff in our Early Intervention, Community  Development and Therapeutic Services are working hard to make sure that we are still able to offer adapted versions of all our services and activities by telephone or online,  to people who might need help and support now more than ever.  

Alternatively, view the poster by clicking here.