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ABF: Services Update - March 2021 (adapted due to COVID) | View this email in your browser



Our Services - Updated March 2021
⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️

Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) is committed to provide the best support we can while following the government guidance during this uncertain climate.

It is okay to feel low, worried or anxious, or concerned about your finances, your health or those close to you. Everyone reacts in their own way to challenging events and uncertainty. It is important to remember that  following the government guidelines may be difficult, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.

As a result of these unprecedented times, we have adapted (and will continue to adapt) our services for the foreseeable future. We are still accepting referrals and want to reassure you that we can still be contacted by telephone or email.

You can keep updated by signing up to our mailing list, or visiting Facebook, Twitter or our website. We predominately continue to provide support by telephone, social media and video conferencing (with options to do so by video, audio, or both).

Our building is currently open on Wednesdays and Thursdays but, until such a time that we can safely reopen, there will be a longer waiting list for face-to-face appointments.

All of the services are clearly labelled with the correct admission criteria but please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk if you require further clarification or more information.
 

Tools and Strategies for Coping and Resilience or for Helping Others


Please note: We may have to postpone the dates of any planned courses if we do not receive sufficient interest.

Five to Thrive*

Learn 5 actions we can all take that can help improve mental health and enable us to thrive in life.

This FREE 6 week course is aimed at anyone who is unemployed or over 50.
  • Session 1: Introduction to the nationally recognised '5 Ways to Wellbeing' developed by the New Economics Foundation. In this session, you will also explore what wellbeing means to you.
  • Session 2: Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. This session reveals why we enjoy giving; whether that is through volunteering, helping a neighbour or giving a gift. It turns out it’s actually good for us too.
  • Session 3: Relating to others is a human instinct. Understand how connecting with others is in fact intrinsic to your overall wellbeing.
  • Session 4: Exercise is scientifically proven to improve physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This session explores how you can make small, sustainable changes to integrate more exercise into your life.
  • Session 5: Appreciating things is linked to positive wellbeing and overall happiness. This session encourages you to really take notice of the world around you, be in the present moment and to pay attention to what you are grateful for.
  • Session 6: Trying something new keeps your mind active. Identify the benefits of learning something new in this session and make a plan how you can implement each of the '5 Ways to Wellbeing' into your life.
6 weekly sessions from 4th February - 11th March 2021
Thursdays | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†
Cost: FREE

* Due to a lack in numbers, this course has been rescheduled from the originally advertised dates. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

NEW: Adult Mental Health First Aid (eAMHFA) Wales
 
The eAMHFA Wales course teaches adults how to provide Mental Health First Aid to friends, families and co-workers and can be completed from the convenience of your home or office, without the need to travel and at your own pace through interactive modules and webinars online.

Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until the appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Click here to view course structure.

As part of this course, you will be able to access the online version of the MHFA Wales Manual.

2 interactive webinars on 18th and 25th March 2021 (5 hours of self-directed learning to be completed between webinars)
Thursdays | 9:30am - 12:30pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software† (link will be provided)
One-off susidised cost: £150 for non-Wrexham residents
Further subsidy: £58 for people who can prove they live or work in Wrexham‡

Please note: It is essential that bookings are placed no later than two working weeks before the start of the course, i.e. Tuesday 4th March 2021. There is now only one space remaining for this course.

† Participants will first be required to sign up for a free account and then download the software. Instructions to be received via email.

‡ This has been subsidised by the Comic Relief VSEF Grant Fund for Wrexham. Please contact us beforehand and we will provide a payment link upon receipt of evidence that a person is a Wrexham resident or employee.

To find out more, please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk.

 

Helping with Mild to Moderate Mental Health Difficulties


Telephone assessment needed for the following courses -
please ring 0300 777 2257 for more details

Please note: If you are interested in any of the courses listed below, we encourage you to contact us as this helps us plan appropriate times and dates. Even if no sessions are currently available for the course(s) that appeal(s) to you, we will put something on as soon as we can if we know there is sufficient interest. Please also be aware that we may have to postpone the following courses if we do not receive enough numbers to deliver the sessions.

Mindfulness (Group Sessions)*

This is an experiential course, i.e. learning through the reflection of doing, which allows you to develop greater self-awareness, live fully in the moment and be more in touch with yourself. Practicing with a number of techniques and approaches, you will be able to integrate mindfulness into all aspects of your life and realise the benefits. The course runs for 2½ hours each week and materials are provided to support you at home and in your ongoing mindfulness development.

8 weekly sessions from 21st January - 10th March 2021
Thursdays | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

Dealing with Depression (Group Sessions)*

This course is highly interactive and designed to give you an overview and understanding of your depression. Providing you with an insight into the importance of the link between your thinking and the way you are feeling, you will identify the depressive thoughts and actions that keep you in a negative place. You will also discover tried and tested tools and strategies to help you challenge and change your thoughts to enable you to manage your depression.

6 weekly sessions from 17th February - 24th March 2021
Wednesdays | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

 NEW: Building Confidence and Self-esteem (Group Sessions)

This course involves a series of interactive sessions intended to help you accept and feel better about yourself. You will gain an understanding of how and why low self-esteem develops and becomes a part of your identity and discover what you can do to change the fundamental core beliefs at the heart of the way you see yourself. You will also gain tools that will help you maintain a healthy self-esteem, improving the way you think about yourself and your life.

6 weekly sessions from 31st March - 5th May 2021
Wednesdays | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

† Participants will first be required to sign up for a free account and then download the software. Instructions to be received via email.

* Course has now started. To register your interest, please call 01978 364777 or email courses@abfwxm.co.uk. Please bear in mind that a telephone assessment from Parabl will still be required before you can attend these sessions.

 

Online Sessions Shaped by You to Make Connections


Self-referral - please click here (tinyurl.com/y9hv2byh) to register
 
The Help And Listening Online (HALO) project is available for anyone in the Wrexham area over the age of 18 who would like to engage with wellbeing support for poor mental health and connect with others in the local community via the internet.

Listening and responding are some of the key principles at the heart of what we do at ABF and through the HALO project, we aim to listen and shape this new service in response to on-going feedback from the people we support.

ABF Facebook Support Group

Please note: A member of staff will not be available 24/7 to moderate this group.

Feel free to join this online community at any time for tips and support from like-minded people.

Access online through the Advance Brighter Futures - Facebook Support Group (Facebook account will be required).

Mellow Monday

Join us on Monday mornings for a mindful and relaxing start to the week. Activities will include breathing exercises, gentle movement exercises, meditation techniques and other relaxing morning rituals, creating an opportunity to clear your mind, reconnect with yourself and find peace.

Mondays | 9:30am - 10:15am
Access online here (tinyurl.com/y2cugsd3) via Zoom video conferencing software* (Meeting ID: 932 8018 7930 | Passcode: 161737)

Taster Tuesday

Come along on Tuesdays for a taste of something new and different every week! We will have a wide range of wonderful people sharing their skills with us, all aiming to empower you to increase your own health and wellbeing whilst having a bit of fun!

Tuesdays | 4:30pm - 5:30pm (please note that the start time is 4:00pm for Creative Sessions)
Access online here (tinyurl.com/y5taca6w) via Zoom video conferencing software* (Meeting ID: 975 4210 0001 | Passcode: 198428)

Wellness Hour: Sharing Self-care Strategies
2nd March 2021
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Creative Session 3: Drawing / Painting a Story
9th March 2021
4:00pm - 5:30pm

Yoga for Beginners
16th March 2021
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Creative Session 4: Creating Wellness Maps
23rd March 2021
4:00pm - 5:30pm

Yoga for Beginners
30th March 2021
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Wellbeing Wednesday

Put some time aside for your wellbeing on Wednesday afternoons! Activities include fun Quizzes; Cuppa and Chat sessions (where you can connect with others for peer support or have a chat with us one-to-one); Arts and Crafts activities (where all are welcome to have a go at something creative), plus regular monthly updates on all of our services and more!

Wednesdays | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Access online here (https://tinyurl.com/yywk5vhu) via Zoom video conferencing software* (Meeting ID: 974 5570 4215 | Passcode: 424810)

ABF Services Update
3rd March 2021
A pre-recorded video can be accessed online through the main Advance Brighter Futures Facebook page (Facebook account will be required).

Nature Watch with North Wales Wildlife Trust
10th March 2021

Photography: Pro Tips for Great Phone Pics!
17th March 2021

Arts and Crafts Group
24th March 2021

Fun Lunchtime Quiz!
31st March 2021

* Participants will first be required to sign up for a free account and then download the software. Instructions to be received via email.

To find out more, please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk.

Additional Support for Parents

 
Self-referral - please click here (bit.ly/2VJQ2pj) to submit a form online or download a form here (bit.ly/2woBP7K)

PRAMS (Parental Resilience And Mutual Support) is available for mothers and fathers who would like some additional support through the challenges of early parenthood. As many as 10% of all new parents experience periods of feeling low following the birth of their baby and the service is particularly suited to help people find their feet in these times. We currently offer various forms of support that provide the opportunity to talk and learn about emotional wellbeing and resilience.

 NEW: PRAMS Group (incorporating 'You & Your Baby' sessions)*

'You & Your Baby' involves several FREE weekly sessions aimed at challenging negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours and making lasting, positive changes in your life. The group also provides a great opportunity to meet other parents online.

Morning Group:

6 weekly sessions from 8th March - 12th April 2021
Mondays | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

Evening Group:

6 weekly sessions from 8th March - 12th April 2021
Mondays | 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

NEW: PRAMS Group (incorporating 'You & Your Bump' sessions)
 
Expectant parents can learn more about getting the most out of their pre-natal experience while making friends in an informal setting online.

'You & Your Bump' involves several FREE weekly sessions aimed at improving how you feel so that you enjoy your pregnancy and future life as a parent. The group also provides a great opportunity to connect with other people online preparing for parenthood.
  • Session 1: Expectations, Should's and Ought's
  • Session 2: Understanding your feelings
  • Session 3: The Vicious Cycle
  • Session 4: Bonding with your baby
  • Session 5: Planning for the arrival
5 weekly sessions from 9th March - 6th April 2021
Tuesdays | 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Access online via Zoom video conferencing software†

Facebook Support Group

This online Facebook group provides the opportunity to catch up or refresh your learning. If you are new to PRAMS, you can join anytime and meet others that have already attended the project and find out how they have benefited.

Access online through the Advance Brighter Futures - PRAMS Facebook Group (Facebook account will be required)

Monthly Support Group

This monthly group provides the opportunity to have an informal meet up via live video link. Each monthly group will adopt a theme and March’s session will involve Reflexology and Relaxation.

Tuesday 16th March 2021 | 10:30am - 11:30am
Access online here (tinyurl.com/y2p5k5t2) via Zoom video conferencing software† (Meeting ID: 955 5400 9488 | Passcode: 413986)

Coffee and Conversation

Put the kettle on and join in for an online chat in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.

Tuesday 23rd March 2021 | 10:30am - 11:30am
Access online here (tinyurl.com/y2p5k5t2) via Zoom video conferencing software† (Meeting ID: 955 5400 9488 | Passcode: 413986)
 
One-to-one Talking Therapy‡

This service gives you an opportunity to talk confidentially without judgement. Talking therapy is great for those who may struggle in groups or would benefit from talking through more complex issues.

Please note: Face-to-face appointments will be introduced incrementally in order to avoid high volume or density at our premises so the waiting list will be longer than for virtual meetings. If you would prefer to avoid a longer waiting time and access this service via video link, you will either require a phone or internet connection with Zoom video conferencing software installed on your device†.

* Referrals are accepted from parents with babies who are not yet walking.

† Participants will first be required to sign up for a free account and then download the software. Instructions to be received via email.

‡ This service is targeted at parents with mild to moderate mental health difficulties who have children under the age of 16. As it is considered more of an early intervention approach, this particular service is not accessible to people already receiving support from the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

To find out more, please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk.

 

Providing a Stepping Stone into Community Life through Group Activities and Phone Support

 
Primary or secondary mental health care referral needed - please click here (bit.ly/2woBP7K) to download a form

BYW is a FREE referral only service designed for people aged 18+ who are ready to move forward following a mental health diagnosis.

BYW is the Welsh translation of “alive” or “to live”. The initialism stands for “Believe You Will” in English.  

Our main ethos follows recovery principles and the key word to describe the project is empowerment. We have a genuine belief that everyone has the ability to live a meaningful and satisfying life. The project is all about people taking steps to achieve and maintain this at their own pace.

We currently offer a two pronged approach in providing the opportunity to set and achieve personal goals in an informal and encouraging setting. Along with lifestyle coaching - featured in the next section - our group activities and courses aim to help people (over 18) to be active, meet others and gain confidence. They are designed to aid the recovery process, drawing on the insight that mental wellbeing is closely linked to physical activity, recreation and social inclusion.

We warmly welcome new people to all of our activities and no previous experience is necessary.

Please note: Due to the COVID guidelines, you will need to contact our offices by emailing or phoning beforehand to confirm your attendance at group activities in advance. We will then provide you with some COVID specific information which will be reinforced by our staff before each session.

Telephone Check-in Support

This service is for existing and new referrals who would prefer to wait for face-to-face lifestyle coaching or our group activities to resume, but who are unable to access our HALO project due to not having an internet connection.

Weekly 15 minute phone check-ins on a weekday to suit you.

RETURNING SOON: A Place to Grow

Join us at ABF’s enchanting allotment area to get outdoors and enjoy nature. There will be the opportunity to do some gardening or simply unwind in the peaceful environment. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for anyone who is hoping to grow in confidence amongst others in a similar situation.

Wednesdays | 10:00am - 12:00pm (this group has paused for the winter - current group members will receive notification by text once we resume sessions)
Erddig Allotment (Hollow / Thomas Fields) | Erddig Road | Wrexham LL13 7DT (meet beforehand at ABF's premises in order for us to walk to the venue)
Cost: FREE

RETURNING SOON: Walk in Erddig

Improve your physical and mental wellbeing while enjoying the beautiful surroundings in our friendly walking group. Participants are welcome to bring a drink with them and the group will also have the option to access Erddig's tea parlour to stop off for refreshments.

Thursdays | 11:00am - 1:00pm (this group has been suspended for the time being - current group members will receive notification by text once we resume sessions)
Meet beforehand at 3 Belmont Road | Wrexham LL13 7PW
Cost: FREE

To find out more, please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk.



Achieving Change through Discussion and Support

Primary or secondary mental health care referral needed - please click here (bit.ly/2woBP7K) to download a form

Please note: Face-to-face appointments will be introduced incrementally in order to avoid high volume or density at our premises so our waiting list will be longer than for virtual meetings. If you would prefer to avoid a longer waiting time and access this service via video link, you will first be required to sign up for a free account with Zoom and then download the software - instructions to be received via email.

Our one-to-one lifestyle coaching sessions help participants make positive changes to their lives and usually consist of hourly sessions over 6 weeks*. 

The service is for people who are ready to engage in pursuing recovery-oriented goals and is tailored to individual needs. It is future-oriented, as opposed to diagnosing the past, and aims to sustain recovery from mental health problems and improve overall wellbeing.

Participants may focus on different areas like improving self-esteem, managing mental health and developing social networks. Signposting is also a big part of this service and our lifestyle coaches can suggest other resources to aid recovery.

To find out more, please call 01978 364777 or email info@abfwxm.co.uk.

* Number of sessions can be extended if it is mutually agreed that further progress would prove beneficial to the participant's independence.
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Our mailing address is:
Registered Office: 3 Belmont Road | Wrexham LL13 7PW.
Registered Charity No: 1089638
Registered Company in England and Wales (Registration No: 04052135)

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