Thursday 2 December 2010

Some of the time, I am a lime

To my surprise and delight, I recently won a Sussex NHS digital photo comp, to challenge stigma & offer positive images of mental ill health:

http://bit.ly/9CHTN0

I wanted to find a visual way to represent the '1 in 4' figure that is also the name of our fabulous mental health awareness workshop. Miranda brought a Sussex partnership members' mailout in last week and my picture was on the front cover - I had no idea it would get so much exposure but it's very exciting!

On another note, a different member of our team also has an award-winning self portrait on temporary display in Jubilee Library. I can't say more, except that this individual is looking resplendent in a fine set of underwear :)

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Great Argus story

On World Suicide Prevention Day this year we held a very special ASIST course. What better way to honour the day than by training 24 suicide first-aiders who returned to their communities ready, willing and able to intervene with people at risk of suicide?

The Argus covered the story:

http://www.grassrootstraining.org.uk/downloads/GrassrootsInTheNews1.jpg

We were very pleased that the Argus also wrote the following editorial, entitled 'Working For One Life At A Time':

"Brighton & Hove has the unenviable distinction of being one of the country's suicide hotspots. Fortunately there are companies and charities working to try to reduce these statistics one precious life at a time.

By training professionals who work with people most at risk of suicide to detect signs and talk about their suicidal feelings they are performing invaluable work.

Suicide remains a taboo subject and yet healthcare professionals know that only by discussing the issue openly can reasons to live be explored.

It remains the tradition of the British to keep a stiff upper lip and carry on regardless. But this approach only bottles up negative feelings - until they are released with tragic circumstances.

Learning to stop those who are feeling most vulnerable and reaching them before it is too late does not just save one life. It also saves friends and families the pain of losing a loved one in circumstances which are difficult to comprehend.

We can only hope that this good work continues, helping Brighton and Hove to shed this most unelcome of tags."

September 13th, 2010.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Grasstweets!

Grassroots is now tweeting. Follow us @Grassroots_CIC for updates, info and resources. We are planning a viral campaign to raise awareness, increase donations and share hope about suicide prevention. Details will follow - if you would like to help out in some way, please get in touch. This will be an innovative adventure for Grassroots so do join us!

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Google Maps review

Why not visit Google Maps to review Grassroots? You can leave us anonymous feedback about a course you've taken, about the team or anything to do with the company or its activities. As well as being valuable information this will help us improve our Google rankings. Click on this link to leave a review:

http://bit.ly/ddAtkD

Thank you :)

Monday 2 August 2010

safeTALK Training for Trainers course 30th September

We are hosting a SafeTALK Training for Trainers course on the 30th September 2010, to be held in Brighton, at the Valley Social Centre (address below in the signature).

The course costs £690.00.

If you are interested in having a place, please email office@grassrootstraining.org.uk for a booking form and complete and return it as soon as possible. Places are going quickly so if interested do let us know soon.

You are eligible to become a safeTALK trainer if you:

• have completed a two-day ASIST workshop;
• are a skilled presenter;
• have good group facilitation skills;
• are committed to promoting suicide alertness through open and direct talk about suicide;
• are proficient with a computer;
• have a high-speed internet access.

Please do get in touch with any queries. Thank you.

Grassroots Training wins resilience grant


The ChangeUp consortium is managing 'Ready, Responding & Resilient Grants' for the community and voluntary sector in Brighton & Hove.  The funding is being provided by Brighton & Hove City Council to help support the community and voluntary sector to manage the impacts of the recession. 

To find out more about the grants, visit
www.cvsectorforum.org.uk/recessionfunding

We've been awarded £1,000 to pay for support services to help us become more resilient.  We will use the money to pay for printing costs and marketing materials, including a new training brochure and new business cards.  Hurrah!  This will be the first time we've ever had a budget for such things.  Whatever next..?