STOP SMOKING SERVICE

Start 2007 with a new year resolution to commit to quit smoking. The K&C Mental Health Carers Association are now offering a stop smoking service in the wake of the non smoking ban in all hospitals and NHS premises, which is coming into effect on the 1st of January 2007. You may self refer or use the PCT approved referral form from the hospitals for one to one support. We help in-patients, service users, carers, all staff including nurses, doctors and managers as well as any members of our community to reach this goal with ease. The course consists of 6 weekly sessions with motivational support, information, breath carbon monoxide tests and free prescriptions of NRT (Nicotine Replacement Treatment). There are six different types of nicotine products available to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Patches, chewing gums, inhalators, lozenges, nasal sprays & microtabs. Our advisors are CRB vettet counsellors. Hypnotherapy also available on request. For more information or referrals please call Monique on: 0208 960 3873

10 DOWNING STREET RECEPTION

The Prime Minister Mr.Tony Blair discussed with interest the work of the Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Carers Association with founder and chairman Monique Klang-Voves.

The Prime Minister welcomed volunteers to a special reception in Downing Street on the 12th December 2006 to say thank you to frontline workers and those who volunteer their time and energy to worthwhile projects. Monique Klang-Voves, chair of the K&C Mental Health Carers Association received an invitation from the Prime Minister and Mrs. Blair. Four members of organisations of ATTEND were chosen.(see picture). Preceeding the reception at Downing Street, Baroness Emerton had invited Monique and the other members to tea at the House of Lords, which was followed by a tour through this magnificent building.

HOUSE OF COMMONS RECEPTION

Catherine Larkin, mh carer, comittee member KCMHCA spoke movingly to MP's about her caring history and mental health carers needs on the frontline.

Mental health carers from the K&C Mental Health Carers Association and Anne McGuire MP, the minister in charge of carers benefits discuss the new benefits at the launch of Carers Rights Day on the 7th December 2006. An All Party Carers Committee has been established for carers to meet their MP's and bring issues to their attention.
Picture (from left to right): Maya Chewaluza, mh carer, KCMHCA, Monique Klang-Voves, mh carer, chair KCMHCA, Anne McGuire MP, Catherine Larkin, mh carer, committe member KCMHCA.

CARERS RIGHTS DAY GETS UNDERWAY

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Carers and politicians came together to launch Carers Rights Day with a special reception at the House of Commons hosted by Barbara Keeley MP and introduced by Hywel Francis MP. Catherine Larkin, mh carer of the K&C Mental Health Carers Association delivered a moving speech.

IN THE KNOW

Mental health carer Catherine Larkin (KCMHCA) and London Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP discussing the importance of information for carers and the Carers UK guide "In The Know", obtainable from www.carersuk.org

CARERS RIGHTS DAY 8th DECEMBER 2006 - K&C Mental Health Carers meet London Minister at DTI

Mental health carers from the Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Carers Association met London Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP at the Department for Trade and Industry to raise awareness of mental health carers issues and promoting the campaign of Carers UK.
Picture (from left to right) Monique Kang-Voves, (Chair K&C MH Carers Association, mh carer), Catherine Larkin (Committee Member KCMHCA, mh carer), London Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Jennifer Carey (Secretary KCMHCA, mh carer), Fazilat Golbayani-Davani (Committee Member KCMHCA, mh carer)

SOLUTION FOCUSED CARING & POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY SUPERVISION GROUP MEETING DATES FROM 19:00-21:00

The long awaited Psychology Supervision Group for mental health carers has commenced since THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2006 from 7pm - 9pm at the Seminar Room of the Psychology Department at the South Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Centre, 1 Nightingale Place, London SW10 9NG, next to Chelsea Westminster Hospital.
Dr Andre Geel, clinical psychologist, will facilitate the sessions.
This supervision group will benefit persons who have completed the Positive Psychology and Solution Focused Caring Course and have a basic knowledge of all the psychological tools available from their previous training. This group aims to give ongoing support to carers who can discuss their individual cases and finetune their approaches. However newcomers are welcome to taste the approach and join in preparation to the next full training course.
The group will meet every second Thursday of each month throughout 2008/09.
The dates are as follows from 7.00pm-9.00pm :
21st August 2008
11th September 2008
9th October 2008
13th November 2008
11th December 2008
10th January 2009
12th February 2009
12th March 2009

A basic course will commence again for new carers in the near future. An university accredited advanced course will also be offered to those who have completed the basic course. Commencement dates will be advertised in the new year.
For more information contact Monique on 0208 960 3873.

SETTING UP YOUR PETITION

Giving the ordinary person a voice. For a free, userfriendly service to set up your own petition click on the link on the right "Setting Up Petitions" and start collecting signatures straight away.