We know that Blue Monday is a controversial date. But we know that January, and Winter, can be a particularly hard time for many. So today, we've put together a video of our lovely colleagues sharing some of the inspirational quote and ideas that get them through the darker days. Watch our video below for inspiration - we hope it brightens up your Monday just a little...
Men's Health Unlocked network are excited to announce the publication of their report, 21st Century Man: A Study into Modern Masculinity, and their launch of complementary mural and street art across Leeds. This report and artwork, including a mural by Burley Bansky and five other street art pieces, are a result of the network's consultation with over 700 men in Leeds on the subject of masculinity in the 21st
Winter can be a challenging time for many of us. If you need support over the festive break, there are places that can help. Touchstone have put together Winter Wellbeing booklets for the different areas we work in. They contain information about mental health support, domestic violence and abuse support, other key support, free community meals, food and energy support, and more. Please click on the links below
16 Days of Action to End Gender-Based Violence takes place from the 25th November-10th December. In this blog, we will outline what 16 Days of Action is and Touchstone's plan to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence during this time. Please note: some of the content below may be difficult to read - please do take care. The article also contains information on where you can get support.
At Touchstone, we believe everyone should be able to live full lives as their true selves. We know that this is only possible if we create environments where people are safe to do so. This Trans Day of Remembrance, we join the calls for a better world where trans people are truly safe to live as themselves. We know trans people in the UK have been living through a
Bandi Chhor Divas (Prisoner Release Day) Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (Liberation Day), which coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali. On 12 November 2023, Sikhs around the world will celebrate the day of liberation. This year, a Touchstone colleague has shared some information about what Bandi Chhor Divas is. Historical Background Guru Har Gobind Sahib, the sixth Guru of Sikhs, was unjustly imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir due to
In October 2023, Touchstone’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Dementia Service received Alzheimer Europe’s Anti-Stigma Award. The award recognises an “outstanding initiative aimed at combating stigma and promoting a positive image of dementia and people living with dementia”. The team also presented their work during the Networking Dinner of the 33rd Alzheimer Europe Conference in Helsinki. Ripaljeet Kaur, the service’s manager, says: “We are so honoured to be recognised
This Black History Month, we have put together profiles on some Black British people with histories of campaigning for social justice and equity in mental health support for Black communities. Read on to find out more about Olive Morris, Dr. Aggrey Burke, and local icon Gertrude Paul... Olive Morris (1952-79): Racial Justice Activist and Feminist Olive Morris made a huge impact in the national
If you are struggling with your mental health, there are a lot of places and people that can help. This World Mental Health Day, we are sharing info about the support Touchstone's mental health services offer and how you can access them. Take a look below to find out more about our Crisis Services, Group Support, Community-Based Support, Clinical Support, and Co-production and Peer Support: Crisis Services Touchstone offers
Our brilliant BME Dementia Service are really pleased to announce that our initiative has been shortlisted as one of three finalists and, as such, we will be presenting our initiative at the Alzheimer Europe Conference in Helsinki, Finland. The 2023 award call focused on projects, campaigns, films/videos or publications/books, which aim to address the stigma attached to dementia. In particular, it focused on initiatives and campaigns addressing the stigma