West Kent Mind is the reward card’s chosen charity, giving 10% of its membership sales towards it.
LOUISE FOR THOSE NOT IN THE KNOW, WHAT DOES WEST KENT MIND DO?
We are a local mental health charity, affiliated to national Mind, providing much needed support services in West Kent. We offer support to people to get well, stay well and thrive with better mental health. We love being part of such an amazing community and the positive mental wellbeing of everyone who lives and works here is at the heart of everything we do.
WHAT HELP DOES WEST KENT MIND PROVIDE?
We understand that managing a mental health problem can be worrying and isolating, so we offer clear and practical support that everyone can access. We have a passionate and knowledgeable team who deliver a range of services which include one-to-one affordable counselling; specialist mental health support programmes such as hoarding, bereavement support and money problems; and a range of community wellbeing social activity groups such gardening, music and social groups for over 55s. We also have a crisis support café and in Sevenoaks a supported housing residential programme.
We’re here to ensure that no one faces a mental health problem alone, so we really encourage everyone to reach out to us for help and support.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT THAT WE ALL KEEP TALKING ABOUT OUR MENTAL HEALTH?
By starting a conversation about mental health with our family, friends and colleagues, we can support each other. We all have mental health, and we need to look after ourselves in the same way as we do with our physical health. We know that the pandemic has significantly impacted our lives in so many ways and the impact on our mental health has been considerable.
It is so important that we all have open and honest conversations about how we are feeling, that we know what help and support is available and also that we have tools and strategies that can support good mental health in our day to day lives.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN THESE WINTER MONTHS TO LOOK AFTER OUR MENTAL WELLBEING?
The short days and cold, wet weather in January can really affect our moods and emotions. If you are struggling and your feelings are affecting your day-to-day life, please do talk to someone. There are some simple things we can do to lift our spirits, such as making the most of natural light by getting outside, making time for yourself, catching up with friends, looking after our physical health and managing stress.
DO YOU PROVIDE TOOLS TO HELP US MANAGE STRESS?
Yes, we offer a range of mental health training courses and workshops throughout the year. We are pleased to partner with the TN card to give members receive a discount on our workshops, including our next Understanding Stress workshop on January 25. Visit thetncard. com for more details.
TN CARD MEMBERS ARE SUPPORTING WEST KENT MIND BY DONATING TO THE CHARITY THROUGH THEIR MEMBERSHIPS. WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO TO HELP?
We really rely on the support of individuals to help us to provide our services and we are so grateful to everyone who supports us. We have places available in the Brighton Half Marathon on 27 February and in the Ride London – Essex 100 on 29 May, for anyone who would like to run or cycle and raise money for us. TN card members receive reduced registration fees – please get in touch if you would like more info.
Join the TN community for £20 a year and enjoy rewards at over 400 local independents at www.thetncard.com
WHAT IS WEST KENT MIND?
An independent mental health charity affiliated with Mind.
WHAT AREAS DO THEY COVER?
Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling and Sevenoaks districts.
HOW DO I CONTACT THEM?
01732 744950
Mon – Fri during office hours
@westkentmind on social media
