NEWS ROUNDUP

NEWS ROUNDUP LOCH LOMOND TRIP We had a very successful trip to Loch Lomond in July and the sun shone all day despite a weather forecast predicting the contrary! Food and drink was laid on in the afternoon at Loch Lomond Sailing club before we departed in various sailing boats from tug to speed to Luss where we had some excellent ice cream! Thanks to the Staff who accompanied us including Michele, Hanna, Nicole, Kevin and Mike who drove the mini bus. FUTURE OF THE STAFFORD CENTRE A big thanks to everyone who contributed letters to the councillors from their local area as well as the City Centre ones. There is no definite news as yet but Michele, John and staff will keep everyone informed of developments as and when they occur. VOLUNTEERING Please see Isobel if you think you might be interested in volunteering in the Stafford Centre café or indeed to volunteer outside of the centre. Isobel is also able to offer guidance for anyone interested in doing courses of any kind in Edinburgh.

BARBEQUE Thank you to the staff who helped organise the barbeque at the Stafford Centre during the summer. It was held in the garden and the weather was not TOO bad. We were also treated to a set from John and Karen’s band – The Abbey Hillbillies! RAFFLE Congratulations to me (Bruce) who won the toy elephant in the recent Stafford Centre raffle. Said elephant was so enormous that it had to occupy it’s own seat on the number 8 bus! He gave it to the Father behind him for his small daughter who was delighted with it. BENEFITS ADVISOR I think all of us who have been helped by Donald would like to say a very big thank you to him. I myself was put in touch with Advocard in Leith Walk by him, who attended my Medical Assessment for ESA which was very reassuring and had a good outcome for me. Please contact him to make an appointment if you need any advice on benefits or with any problems you may be having with ESA, PIP etc.

1 in 100 CAMPAIGN The ex rugby player Scott Hastings was here with his wife (who has suffered mental health problems herself) during the summer. He is helping to raise money for Support in Mind, our Parent organization. Please contact a member of staff if you have any ideas of your own for raising money for the campaign. RADIO STAFFORD Occasionally slots become available on Radio Stafford 103. You can play your own choice of music and inform listeners of what in going on in the Centre. Please speak to a member of staff if you would be interested in becoming a DJ on Radio Stafford. KARAOKE/MUSIC GROUP The Karaoke and Music groups which run alternate Friday’s at 1.30pm are among the Centre’s most popular groups. Why not come to one or both if you can sing (or think you can!) or to the music group if you play or would like to play an instrument.

CAFE We are all continuing to enjoy the great fare produce by the Stafford Centre kitchen. I myself am particularly fond of Hanna and Donald’s great curries! LOTHIAN BIPOLAR SELF HELP GROUP Meets the first Thursday of the month at the Centre from 7-9pm and is for ANYONE affected by Bipolar disorder including partners, family and friends. No need for referral – just come along! For more information contact Bipolar Scotland on 0141 560 2050, email: [email protected] or visit: www.lothianbi polargroup.org.uk THE TOGETHER PROJECT th Graham Morgan and Antony Little will be coming into the centre on Monday 12 September, 1-2pm to discuss The Together Project - researching Peer Support throughout Support in Mind Scotland in the big room upstairs at the Centre. Everybody welcome - free tea and biscuits.

MAD JAM OPEN MIC NIGHT th Saturday 24 September, 7.30-10.30pm. One pound donation. BYOB! Southside Community Centre Café, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER. A friendly night, part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Phone John Hawkins on: 07786 486880 for a spot or email: [email protected] STAFFORD CENTRE CLOSURES The Stafford Centre will be closed for the September weekend on Friday 16th and th Monday 19 September.