We are excited to announce that we have received funding to provide a new Perinatal service in Bradford. The My Plan Perinatal Service is funded with a grant from NHS Charities Together, the national charity partner of the NHS. The service will support Women in Bradford who are suffering with perinatal mental health issues as a result of a recent pregnancy or in the postpartum year or as a result
The Stronger Families team created a video to promote International Day of Families on 15thMay 2021. Katie introduces the reasons why it's important to raise awareness of this day, then in celebration, staff members and parents discussed some of their families traditions. https://youtu.be/ypMmylOftl4 Background of the day During the 1980's, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of
When is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week? Monday 3rd – Sunday 9th May 2021. What are Perinatal Mental health problems? A 'perinatal' mental health problem is one that you experience any time from becoming pregnant up to a year after you give birth. Having a baby is a big life event. This is understandably a difficult and stressful time for many people. And it may be particularly so if you
Before coming to Touchstone, I was not unfamiliar with being around individuals living with dementia; my grandfather was diagnosed 5 years ago, and I have seen first-hand how his condition has progressed, and the effects this has had on him and other family members. While my grandparents are regular attendees of the group, I had no idea what to expect! However, I was pleasantly surprised… I was impressed with the
Hi. I’m back with (I’m sure) the highly anticipated part B of my musings about dementia. As promised below is a transcript of my interview with a person living with a parent with dementia. I hope you enjoy the read and even better if it changes the way you might view those with and those dealing with dementia, as it has done for me….oh and we also get to find
My name is Leota Benjamin and I have worked for Touchstone for several years. My current role is a Mental Health Outreach Worker with The Community Support Team. In addition, I work as an approved Foster Carer, employed by Leeds City Council Children Services for more than 10 years. Being a Foster Carer is a highly skilled and specialist role, which requires energy, compassion and understanding. My main role amongst
Best Start Peer Support Project If you are pregnant or a carer of an under 2 yr old and live in South or East Leeds, why not get involved? Improve your self-esteem, learn new skills and help others in your community. What can we offer? The Best Start Peer Support Programme is offering a free course to help people manage better when pregnant or if they are a parents/carer for a
The Best Start Peer Support Programme aims to empower individuals and families about the relationships they have at home and with professionals, in order that they make healthier informed choices about their lives and therefore become better carers and parents producing healthy children, in line with the Best Start plan for the city. In year one, we received 152 referrals. We have successfully found our niche and created a programme
Hamari Yaadain - Touchstone's monthly dementia cafe for people from the South Asian community - was recently featured on the Alzheimer's Society website and in their Living With Dementia magazine. The articles author quotes Ripaljeet Kaur (Touchstone's lead worker on dementia): "Groups like this one are really important for people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. It's run in their mother tongue, so people feel comfortable. It's the only group
We asked participants in the Best Start peer support programme how they felt on the final day of the course. Here is what they said. “I’m gutted, I wish it went on for longer, everyone has been really friendly, I will miss everyone” “I wish it went on for longer, I’ve really enjoyed it and learnt so much about myself, I feel sad to say goodbye” “I’ve learned a lot