Network event: The power of Alliance
Over the last three years, the Mental Health Alliance has brought together VCSE organisations, community groups, service providers, local authorities and health partners to share learning, build relationships and strengthen support for people across our communities.
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, we invite you to join us for a special event that will:
- Celebrate what has been achieved together over the last three years
- Reflect on how mental health support has changed over time
- Explore current and emerging developments across the mental health system
- Share examples of successful collaboration and partnership working
- Discuss how we can continue learning, connecting and working together across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and beyond
- Help shape what collaboration and networking could look like in the future
This event is for paid and unpaid practitioners and strategic leads within the voluntary and community sector. Public sector colleagues and other partners are also welcome to join us.
Our events are valued for the opportunity to network, share learning and collaborate within the sector. Plus... we give you lunch!
The power of Alliance
June 2026
Lunchtime learning: Queer Futures - Empowering and supporting LGBTQ+ people
-
Introduce the concept of "queer futurism"
-
Explore the causes of cynicism and poor mental health in LGBTQ+ people, particularly regarding young people and their futures
-
Discuss strategies to empower and support queer people in crisis and inspire hope and confidence
-
Provide insight on using inclusive language, correcting mistakes, and creating safe spaces
Resources
Jan/Feb 2026
Bereavement and End of Life
Keech Hospice delivered a Lunchtime learning session in January and a presentation at a networking event in February 2026
Elaine Tolliday, Clinical Director, provided an overview of the current support offer in Bedfordshire for those with a palliative diagnosis and facing loss and bereavement, including the introduction of NHS 111 Option 4, Bedfordshire Palliative Coordination service. 35 people attended
The sessions covered:
- Good practice in holding sensitive conversations with individuals and families about loss and bereavement
- The purpose and function of 111 Option 4
- An opportunity to think about what’s important to people in the last stages of life
- An outline of bereavement and emotional‑support services available in Bedfordshire, focusing on the needs of the VCSE to be able to support people at this time.
Resources
- Presentation slides We Need to Talk about Death
- Conversation menu
November 2025
Lunchtime online learning - Beyond the label - understanding and supporting people with Personality Disorder/Complex Emotional Needs
Delivered by East London Foundation Trust’s Complex Needs Service in conjunction with MIND, this covered:
- Challenge stigma and reflect on the language we use
- Hear powerful insights from lived experience
- Share tips and practical approaches for working effectively with people who have a personality disorder
- Explore the services and support available locally
It was attended by 66 people
Resources
October 2025
Lunchtime online learning - Challenging perceptions of dementia
One in three people who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one kept their fears to themselves for over a month, 23% wanted six months before they spoke to a medical professional. Confusing dementia symptoms with normal ageing was the top reason people stayed silent. 44% said they were scared people would speak down to them or their relative after they were diagnosed, or treat them like a child. (Alzheimers Society)
Summary
These interactive session explored how a rehabilitative approach can help people with dementia and memory loss maintain or improve their functional abilities and improve their quality of life.
54 people attended the May session and 47 the October one, including from the public sector.
Resources
- Presentation slides Challenging Perceptions of Dementia
- Tibbs Dementia Foundation - www.tibbsdementia.co.uk 01234 210 993
- Memory Navigation Service - www. memorynavigationservice.co.uk 0300 111 9090
- DISS -www.elft.nhs.uk/services/bedfordshire-dementia-intensive-support-service-diss 01582 707537
- Herbert Protocol by Bedfordshire Police See also Vulnerable people at risk of going missing
- Tim Kitwood Flower of emotional needs for positive person work
Lunchtime online learning - Beyond the label: Understanding and supporting people with Personality Disorder/Complex Emotional Needs
This session delivered by East London Foundation Trust’s Complex Needs Service in conjunction with MIND
- Challenge stigma and reflect on the language we use
- Hear powerful insights from lived experience
- Share tips and practical approaches for working effectively with people who have a personality disorder
- Explore the services and support available locally
This interactive session aimed to build understanding, compassion, and confidence in supporting people with complex emotional needs. 66 people attended.
Resources
Sept 2025
Network event - Carers' Mental Health
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. For many people caring can be positive and rewarding, but it can also take a toll on their own health - from emotional and physical exhaustion to stress, depression and isolation.
Summary
This event focused on the issues carers are facing as reported in the Carers in Bedfordshire Carers Survey 2025. Participants discussed a real-life scenario experienced by a carer of her adult son with mental health issues, identifying best practice and service challenges.
34 people attended, representing 19 organisations, 13 of them VCSE.
Key insights
- Greater awareness of Carers and their situations
- Understanding the issues facing a mental health Carer
- Understanding the impact of having a caring role - on wellbeing and mental health but also on finances, physical health and lack of respite breaks
- Further awareness of mental health services, gaps in the services, risks that are associated with the services gaps and how this impacts people and their carers
- Recognition of the ongoing efforts and dedication of teams working to improve mental health services, and how collaborative approaches are already making a positive difference in some areas.
- Awareness of support available to Carers in general and mental health Carers specifically
- Conversations of what each service had to offer, positive networking and understanding of services available.
Resources
May 2025
Network event - Community and Mental Health
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
Summary
The event focused on mental health outcomes, integrated neighbourhood working, and the social value of community initiatives.
Participants reflected on outcome tools and shared how these are best used in different settings. They learned how Dialogue+ and the Wellbeing star is applied in practice by a VCSE mental health specialist organisation.
55 people attended from 42 different agencies, 34 of them VCSE ranging from large charities covering BLMK to neighbourhood volunteer-led groups.
Key insights
VCSE organisations use a range of tools to capture outcomes such as –
- Standardised Clinical Tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, Core 10, ONS4, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, Dialogue+
- Bespoke/Organisation-Specific Tools: "Own star" versions, in-house wellbeing questionnaires, assessment processes
- Specialist Tools: AAG (Adult Attitude to Grief), CBSQ (Child Bereavement), Trauma tools (CAMHS/NHS aligned), Life Wheel, Youthstar
- Conversational and Qualitative Approaches: Mindset chats at beginning/end of contact, Annual wellbeing reviews in group settings, Spoken feedback, Case studies and anecdotal evidence, Nature connection scale
- Tech-Enabled Evaluation: SurveyMonkey, SNAP surveys, iPads, Databases for safeguarding and outcome tracking
Star-Based frameworks are popular
- Outcome Star, Wellbeing Star, Empowerment Star, Youthstar
- Visual and holistic frameworks, often used in coaching/mentoring settings.
- Help track progress over time and reveal wider life needs beyond mental health.
Barriers and Practical Realities
- Not suitable for one-off or transient services (e.g. homelessness, signposting-only models like Age UK)
- Feedback forms often fail to capture rich, nuanced conversations
- Efforts made to reduce intrusiveness and make assessment feel safe and empowering
Session Summaries
Beds MHA Steering Group Update
Kate Ellis, Head of Wellbeing, Beds RCC, provided an update on the Beds MHA Steering Group, highlighting progress and strategic priorities. She emphasized the importance of community and social determinants of health and the role of integrated neighbourhood working.
Integrated Neighbourhood Working
Alex Wrack, Bedford Borough Place Lead/Head of Place, Integrated Care Board discussed the collaborative approach to health and care delivery at the neighbourhood level, aiming to improve outcomes through integrated services.
Tools to Measure Mental Health Outcomes
- Sapphira Timperio, Operational Services Manager, Blended Teams, MIND BLMK
- Caroline Cook, Operational Service Manager, Community, MIND BLMK
The session introduced two key tools:
- Dialogue+: A digital tool supporting structured conversations between service users and professionals.
- Wellbeing Star: A visual and collaborative tool for tracking progress in mental health recovery.
Table Discussions
Participants engaged in group discussions to reflect on the tools presented and share insights on their application in their own settings.
Social Value
David Brewer, Senior Adviser, Community Voluntary Service, explored the concept of social value, emphasizing how community initiatives contribute to broader wellbeing and economic outcomes.
Event Round-Up
Caroline Lewis, CEO, MIND BLMK, summarized key takeaways from the day, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and outcome measurement in mental health services. She invited participants to stay on to network informally over a samosa.
February 2025
Support for Men
Delegates from more than 30 voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch and local authorities participated in this networking event to share learning around the pressures faced by men across all age groups, the barriers they face in accessing mental health support and effective methods to address those barriers.
Presentations included:
- Mental health targets in the NHSE Planning guidance
- National suicide rates and local data from JSNA dashboards (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment)
- MEET peer support group
- Dunstable Town Football Club
The speakers from the peer support groups shared inspiring and profound stories about their struggles with mental ill-health. They emphasised the value they found in having a safe space to support their journey to recovery.
Key themes of effective methods:
- Lived Experience and Peer Support
- Education and Early Intervention
- Clear Communication and Accessibility
- Holistic and Whole-Person Approach
- Flexibility and Immediate Support
- Community and Sense of Belonging
- Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Mental Health
- Collaboration and Networking
- Practical Support and Goal-Oriented Activities
- Addressing Specific Needs
- Funding and Resources
- Listening and Following Up
A report highlighting the key insights from the event will be shared with Community Mental Health transformation leads in Bedfordshire.
Presentation - Support for Men
January 2025
Help in a mental health crisis
75 people joined this online Lunchtime Learning session to learn who can help if you have concerns about the welfare and wellbeing of a vulnerable person, including those in a mental health crisis.
Right Care Right Person is a national Policing and Department of Health & social care scheme, which has now been rolled out in Bedfordshire via a multi-agency partnership approach. It's an approach designed to ensure that people of all ages, who have health and/or social care needs, are responded to by the right person, with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.
The session looked at -
- Bedfordshire Police data for August 2023 based on 166 records where officers attended a Concern for Welfare request.
- The threshold for a police response to a mental-health related incident:
- to prevent a crime that is occurring and protect lives of others
- to protect people when there is a real and immediate risk to the life of a person, or they are at risk of serious harm, ie actively attempting suicide
- services providing mental health crisis support out of offers including NHS 111 MH option, Street triage, MIND BLMK recovery lounges and Samaritans - see presentation for full list on slide 12 or open image below in a new window
Delegates then worked in breakout rooms to consider a range of scenarios and which agency is best placed to attend or support - linked below as training resources
This session was delivered by ELFT Crisis Pathway Directors, Bedford Samaritans and MIND BL
MK.
Presentation Help in a mental health crisis, Right Care Right Person
Sept 2024
Faith Tour 18th Sept 2024
We invite the VCSE and statutory agency colleagues* to take a Faith Tour - the chance to step inside a mosque (Islam/Muslim), church (Christian) and gurudwara (Sikh temple) in the vibrant Queens Park area of Bedford.
Open to staff, volunteers and trustees from any voluntary sector organisation or community group.
*VCSE have priority
Building better mental health at a neighbourhood level
There was a packed audience in Sept at The Forest Centre for the opportunity to learn more about the Bedford Borough and the Central Bedfordshire Place teams. The Place teams are still in the early days and keen to work collaboratively with the VCSE. Table topics were -
- What examples do you have of working with health care services?
- How can we ensure that local people are aware of what support services are available to them?
- How could we, as Place teams, work together with you to improve outcomes for the local population?
- How do we link in with you to work smarter – to make sure you’re kept informed with our work?
Suicide Prevention
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th Sept, Emma Bates, Public Health Principal across BLMK, gave a presentation on the BLMK Suicide Prevention Plan and example of the Samaritans partnership approach to suicide prevention. See Resources below
Mental health anti-stigma campaign
Emma also shared details of a BLMK-wide campaign with resources based on the Power, Threat Meaning Framework. See Resources below
Slides
June 2024
Lunchtime Learning - marking Volunteers Week and Carers Week
Our two speakers at the June lunchtime learning session shared compelling lessons on how a path strewn with mental health issues, pain and tragedy can be a route to a future of purpose and resilience.
We heard how volunteering was a starting point to recovery for Paul. Unable to work in Kellingley colliery, due to degenerative cervical spine disease, the future looked bleak and hopeless –everything fell apart and there was nothing left to live for – until someone suggested volunteering. Now a paid adviser at our local Volunteer Centre, his top tip is to listen to people with mental health problems who want to volunteer, really listen to what they can offer and see them as an asset to you or others. We hope to share his story to help people recognise how volunteering can benefit their mental health.
Sandra from Carers in Bedfordshire shared the issues faced by people caring for a loved one with severe mental illness, such as Moona, whose mother had schizophrenia. Moona’s role in the family of seven children, meant that at the age of just 16, she had to have her mother sectioned. Throughout her life, she never shirked her role as a carer for her mother and other family members – but never regarded herself as a “carer”. Inspired by her father’s kindness towards her mother when she developed dementia in later life, Moona now runs a local care service.
May 2024
14th May 2024 Physical activity for Mental Health
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Beds Mental Health Alliance held an open event on the theme of Physical activity and Mental Health. The event was a fantastic opportunity for members of organisations across Bedfordshire to learn more about how physical activity can help us look after our mental health and wellbeing.
James Timmins from BeActiveBeds, Nicola Scholfield from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and Robert Lindsay from Bedford Borough Council Sport Development shared about the importance of getting moving, particularly as many of us continue to work from home. They also highlighted some of the exciting projects happening in Bedfordshire and the ways these are helping people to get active, many of which can be found on the Green Wellbeing Directory and Activity Finder.
"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” - Chief Medical Officer, 2019
Download the presentations
March 2024
22nd March 2024: Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing
On Friday 22nd March, Hayley Brown from Link to Change hosted 'Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing', where she shared about her experience working in the voluntary sector as well as her personal insights as a Mental Health Service user, including overcoming labels, stigma and judgement to become who she is today. It was a fantastic opportunity for people working in the Mental Health sector to come together and learn from each other, discussing the opportunities and challenges faced today.
One attendee said: "I left the meeting feeling like I had learned a lot, especially about the real struggles that people with mental health issues face. I believe that having a platform for open discussion like we did today is incredibly valuable."
February 2024
January 2024
25th January 2024: Second meeting of the Alliance
The second meeting of the Alliance was held at the Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade where colleagues from the voluntary and public sectors working to improve mental health in Bedfordshire came together. Members of the BMHA steering group shared updates and Hayley Brown from Link to Change shared her personal story with mental health. Bedford Samaritans and MIND BLMK led a workshop on crisis pathways and Michael Farrington (Mental Health Programme from the Integrated Care System) ran the Inclusion health groups workshop.
October 2025
Lunchtime online learning - Challenging perceptions of dementia
One in three people who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one kept their fears to themselves for over a month, 23% wanted six months before they spoke to a medical professional. Confusing dementia symptoms with normal ageing was the top reason people stayed silent. 44% said they were scared people would speak down to them or their relative after they were diagnosed, or treat them like a child. (Alzheimers Society)
Summary
These interactive session explored how a rehabilitative approach can help people with dementia and memory loss maintain or improve their functional abilities and improve their quality of life.
54 people attended the May session and 47 the October one, including from the public sector.
Resources
- Presentation slides Challenging Perceptions of Dementia
- Tibbs Dementia Foundation - www.tibbsdementia.co.uk 01234 210 993
- Memory Navigation Service - www. memorynavigationservice.co.uk 0300 111 9090
- DISS -www.elft.nhs.uk/services/bedfordshire-dementia-intensive-support-service-diss 01582 707537
- Herbert Protocol by Bedfordshire Police See also Vulnerable people at risk of going missing
- Tim Kitwood Flower of emotional needs for positive person work
Sept 2025
Network event - Carers' Mental Health
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. For many people caring can be positive and rewarding, but it can also take a toll on their own health - from emotional and physical exhaustion to stress, depression and isolation.
Summary
This event focused on the issues carers are facing as reported in the Carers in Bedfordshire Carers Survey 2025. Participants discussed a real-life scenario experienced by a carer of her adult son with mental health issues, identifying best practice and service challenges.
34 people attended, representing 19 organisations, 13 of them VCSE.
Key insights
- Greater awareness of Carers and their situations
- Understanding the issues facing a mental health Carer
- Understanding the impact of having a caring role - on wellbeing and mental health but also on finances, physical health and lack of respite breaks
- Further awareness of mental health services, gaps in the services, risks that are associated with the services gaps and how this impacts people and their carers
- Recognition of the ongoing efforts and dedication of teams working to improve mental health services, and how collaborative approaches are already making a positive difference in some areas.
- Awareness of support available to Carers in general and mental health Carers specifically
- Conversations of what each service had to offer, positive networking and understanding of services available.
Resources
May 2025
Network event - Community and Mental Health
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
Summary
The event focused on mental health outcomes, integrated neighbourhood working, and the social value of community initiatives.
Participants reflected on outcome tools and shared how these are best used in different settings. They learned how Dialogue+ and the Wellbeing star is applied in practice by a VCSE mental health specialist organisation.
55 people attended from 42 different agencies, 34 of them VCSE ranging from large charities covering BLMK to neighbourhood volunteer-led groups.
Key insights
VCSE organisations use a range of tools to capture outcomes such as –
- Standardised Clinical Tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, Core 10, ONS4, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, Dialogue+
- Bespoke/Organisation-Specific Tools: "Own star" versions, in-house wellbeing questionnaires, assessment processes
- Specialist Tools: AAG (Adult Attitude to Grief), CBSQ (Child Bereavement), Trauma tools (CAMHS/NHS aligned), Life Wheel, Youthstar
- Conversational and Qualitative Approaches: Mindset chats at beginning/end of contact, Annual wellbeing reviews in group settings, Spoken feedback, Case studies and anecdotal evidence, Nature connection scale
- Tech-Enabled Evaluation: SurveyMonkey, SNAP surveys, iPads, Databases for safeguarding and outcome tracking
Star-Based frameworks are popular
- Outcome Star, Wellbeing Star, Empowerment Star, Youthstar
- Visual and holistic frameworks, often used in coaching/mentoring settings.
- Help track progress over time and reveal wider life needs beyond mental health.
Barriers and Practical Realities
- Not suitable for one-off or transient services (e.g. homelessness, signposting-only models like Age UK)
- Feedback forms often fail to capture rich, nuanced conversations
- Efforts made to reduce intrusiveness and make assessment feel safe and empowering
Session Summaries
Beds MHA Steering Group Update
Kate Ellis, Head of Wellbeing, Beds RCC, provided an update on the Beds MHA Steering Group, highlighting progress and strategic priorities. She emphasized the importance of community and social determinants of health and the role of integrated neighbourhood working.
Integrated Neighbourhood Working
Alex Wrack, Bedford Borough Place Lead/Head of Place, Integrated Care Board discussed the collaborative approach to health and care delivery at the neighbourhood level, aiming to improve outcomes through integrated services.
Tools to Measure Mental Health Outcomes
- Sapphira Timperio, Operational Services Manager, Blended Teams, MIND BLMK
- Caroline Cook, Operational Service Manager, Community, MIND BLMK
The session introduced two key tools:
- Dialogue+: A digital tool supporting structured conversations between service users and professionals.
- Wellbeing Star: A visual and collaborative tool for tracking progress in mental health recovery.
Table Discussions
Participants engaged in group discussions to reflect on the tools presented and share insights on their application in their own settings.
Social Value
David Brewer, Senior Adviser, Community Voluntary Service, explored the concept of social value, emphasizing how community initiatives contribute to broader wellbeing and economic outcomes.
Event Round-Up
Caroline Lewis, CEO, MIND BLMK, summarized key takeaways from the day, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and outcome measurement in mental health services. She invited participants to stay on to network informally over a samosa.
February 2025
Support for Men
Delegates from more than 30 voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch and local authorities participated in this networking event to share learning around the pressures faced by men across all age groups, the barriers they face in accessing mental health support and effective methods to address those barriers.
Presentations included:
- Mental health targets in the NHSE Planning guidance
- National suicide rates and local data from JSNA dashboards (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment)
- MEET peer support group
- Dunstable Town Football Club
The speakers from the peer support groups shared inspiring and profound stories about their struggles with mental ill-health. They emphasised the value they found in having a safe space to support their journey to recovery.
Key themes of effective methods:
- Lived Experience and Peer Support
- Education and Early Intervention
- Clear Communication and Accessibility
- Holistic and Whole-Person Approach
- Flexibility and Immediate Support
- Community and Sense of Belonging
- Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Mental Health
- Collaboration and Networking
- Practical Support and Goal-Oriented Activities
- Addressing Specific Needs
- Funding and Resources
- Listening and Following Up
A report highlighting the key insights from the event will be shared with Community Mental Health transformation leads in Bedfordshire.
Presentation - Support for Men
January 2025
Help in a mental health crisis
75 people joined this online Lunchtime Learning session to learn who can help if you have concerns about the welfare and wellbeing of a vulnerable person, including those in a mental health crisis.
Right Care Right Person is a national Policing and Department of Health & social care scheme, which has now been rolled out in Bedfordshire via a multi-agency partnership approach. It's an approach designed to ensure that people of all ages, who have health and/or social care needs, are responded to by the right person, with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.
The session looked at -
- Bedfordshire Police data for August 2023 based on 166 records where officers attended a Concern for Welfare request.
- The threshold for a police response to a mental-health related incident:
- to prevent a crime that is occurring and protect lives of others
- to protect people when there is a real and immediate risk to the life of a person, or they are at risk of serious harm, ie actively attempting suicide
- services providing mental health crisis support out of offers including NHS 111 MH option, Street triage, MIND BLMK recovery lounges and Samaritans - see presentation for full list on slide 12 or open image below in a new window
Delegates then worked in breakout rooms to consider a range of scenarios and which agency is best placed to attend or support - linked below as training resources
This session was delivered by ELFT Crisis Pathway Directors, Bedford Samaritans and MIND BL
MK.
Presentation Help in a mental health crisis, Right Care Right Person
Sept 2024
Faith Tour 18th Sept 2024
We invite the VCSE and statutory agency colleagues* to take a Faith Tour - the chance to step inside a mosque (Islam/Muslim), church (Christian) and gurudwara (Sikh temple) in the vibrant Queens Park area of Bedford.
Open to staff, volunteers and trustees from any voluntary sector organisation or community group.
*VCSE have priority
Building better mental health at a neighbourhood level
There was a packed audience in Sept at The Forest Centre for the opportunity to learn more about the Bedford Borough and the Central Bedfordshire Place teams. The Place teams are still in the early days and keen to work collaboratively with the VCSE. Table topics were -
- What examples do you have of working with health care services?
- How can we ensure that local people are aware of what support services are available to them?
- How could we, as Place teams, work together with you to improve outcomes for the local population?
- How do we link in with you to work smarter – to make sure you’re kept informed with our work?
Suicide Prevention
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th Sept, Emma Bates, Public Health Principal across BLMK, gave a presentation on the BLMK Suicide Prevention Plan and example of the Samaritans partnership approach to suicide prevention. See Resources below
Mental health anti-stigma campaign
Emma also shared details of a BLMK-wide campaign with resources based on the Power, Threat Meaning Framework. See Resources below
Slides
June 2024
Lunchtime Learning - marking Volunteers Week and Carers Week
Our two speakers at the June lunchtime learning session shared compelling lessons on how a path strewn with mental health issues, pain and tragedy can be a route to a future of purpose and resilience.
We heard how volunteering was a starting point to recovery for Paul. Unable to work in Kellingley colliery, due to degenerative cervical spine disease, the future looked bleak and hopeless –everything fell apart and there was nothing left to live for – until someone suggested volunteering. Now a paid adviser at our local Volunteer Centre, his top tip is to listen to people with mental health problems who want to volunteer, really listen to what they can offer and see them as an asset to you or others. We hope to share his story to help people recognise how volunteering can benefit their mental health.
Sandra from Carers in Bedfordshire shared the issues faced by people caring for a loved one with severe mental illness, such as Moona, whose mother had schizophrenia. Moona’s role in the family of seven children, meant that at the age of just 16, she had to have her mother sectioned. Throughout her life, she never shirked her role as a carer for her mother and other family members – but never regarded herself as a “carer”. Inspired by her father’s kindness towards her mother when she developed dementia in later life, Moona now runs a local care service.
May 2024
14th May 2024 Physical activity for Mental Health
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Beds Mental Health Alliance held an open event on the theme of Physical activity and Mental Health. The event was a fantastic opportunity for members of organisations across Bedfordshire to learn more about how physical activity can help us look after our mental health and wellbeing.
James Timmins from BeActiveBeds, Nicola Scholfield from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and Robert Lindsay from Bedford Borough Council Sport Development shared about the importance of getting moving, particularly as many of us continue to work from home. They also highlighted some of the exciting projects happening in Bedfordshire and the ways these are helping people to get active, many of which can be found on the Green Wellbeing Directory and Activity Finder.
"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” - Chief Medical Officer, 2019
Download the presentations
March 2024
22nd March 2024: Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing
On Friday 22nd March, Hayley Brown from Link to Change hosted 'Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing', where she shared about her experience working in the voluntary sector as well as her personal insights as a Mental Health Service user, including overcoming labels, stigma and judgement to become who she is today. It was a fantastic opportunity for people working in the Mental Health sector to come together and learn from each other, discussing the opportunities and challenges faced today.
One attendee said: "I left the meeting feeling like I had learned a lot, especially about the real struggles that people with mental health issues face. I believe that having a platform for open discussion like we did today is incredibly valuable."
February 2024
January 2024
25th January 2024: Second meeting of the Alliance
The second meeting of the Alliance was held at the Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade where colleagues from the voluntary and public sectors working to improve mental health in Bedfordshire came together. Members of the BMHA steering group shared updates and Hayley Brown from Link to Change shared her personal story with mental health. Bedford Samaritans and MIND BLMK led a workshop on crisis pathways and Michael Farrington (Mental Health Programme from the Integrated Care System) ran the Inclusion health groups workshop.
February 2025
Support for Men
Delegates from more than 30 voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch and local authorities participated in this networking event to share learning around the pressures faced by men across all age groups, the barriers they face in accessing mental health support and effective methods to address those barriers.
Presentations included:
- Mental health targets in the NHSE Planning guidance
- National suicide rates and local data from JSNA dashboards (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment)
- MEET peer support group
- Dunstable Town Football Club
The speakers from the peer support groups shared inspiring and profound stories about their struggles with mental ill-health. They emphasised the value they found in having a safe space to support their journey to recovery.
Key themes of effective methods:
- Lived Experience and Peer Support
- Education and Early Intervention
- Clear Communication and Accessibility
- Holistic and Whole-Person Approach
- Flexibility and Immediate Support
- Community and Sense of Belonging
- Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Mental Health
- Collaboration and Networking
- Practical Support and Goal-Oriented Activities
- Addressing Specific Needs
- Funding and Resources
- Listening and Following Up
A report highlighting the key insights from the event will be shared with Community Mental Health transformation leads in Bedfordshire.
Presentation - Support for Men
January 2025
Help in a mental health crisis
75 people joined this online Lunchtime Learning session to learn who can help if you have concerns about the welfare and wellbeing of a vulnerable person, including those in a mental health crisis.
Right Care Right Person is a national Policing and Department of Health & social care scheme, which has now been rolled out in Bedfordshire via a multi-agency partnership approach. It's an approach designed to ensure that people of all ages, who have health and/or social care needs, are responded to by the right person, with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.
The session looked at -
- Bedfordshire Police data for August 2023 based on 166 records where officers attended a Concern for Welfare request.
- The threshold for a police response to a mental-health related incident:
- to prevent a crime that is occurring and protect lives of others
- to protect people when there is a real and immediate risk to the life of a person, or they are at risk of serious harm, ie actively attempting suicide
- services providing mental health crisis support out of offers including NHS 111 MH option, Street triage, MIND BLMK recovery lounges and Samaritans - see presentation for full list on slide 12 or open image below in a new window
Delegates then worked in breakout rooms to consider a range of scenarios and which agency is best placed to attend or support - linked below as training resources
This session was delivered by ELFT Crisis Pathway Directors, Bedford Samaritans and MIND BL
MK.
Presentation Help in a mental health crisis, Right Care Right Person
Sept 2024
Faith Tour 18th Sept 2024
We invite the VCSE and statutory agency colleagues* to take a Faith Tour - the chance to step inside a mosque (Islam/Muslim), church (Christian) and gurudwara (Sikh temple) in the vibrant Queens Park area of Bedford.
Open to staff, volunteers and trustees from any voluntary sector organisation or community group.
*VCSE have priority
Building better mental health at a neighbourhood level
There was a packed audience in Sept at The Forest Centre for the opportunity to learn more about the Bedford Borough and the Central Bedfordshire Place teams. The Place teams are still in the early days and keen to work collaboratively with the VCSE. Table topics were -
- What examples do you have of working with health care services?
- How can we ensure that local people are aware of what support services are available to them?
- How could we, as Place teams, work together with you to improve outcomes for the local population?
- How do we link in with you to work smarter – to make sure you’re kept informed with our work?
Suicide Prevention
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th Sept, Emma Bates, Public Health Principal across BLMK, gave a presentation on the BLMK Suicide Prevention Plan and example of the Samaritans partnership approach to suicide prevention. See Resources below
Mental health anti-stigma campaign
Emma also shared details of a BLMK-wide campaign with resources based on the Power, Threat Meaning Framework. See Resources below
Slides
June 2024
Lunchtime Learning - marking Volunteers Week and Carers Week
Our two speakers at the June lunchtime learning session shared compelling lessons on how a path strewn with mental health issues, pain and tragedy can be a route to a future of purpose and resilience.
We heard how volunteering was a starting point to recovery for Paul. Unable to work in Kellingley colliery, due to degenerative cervical spine disease, the future looked bleak and hopeless –everything fell apart and there was nothing left to live for – until someone suggested volunteering. Now a paid adviser at our local Volunteer Centre, his top tip is to listen to people with mental health problems who want to volunteer, really listen to what they can offer and see them as an asset to you or others. We hope to share his story to help people recognise how volunteering can benefit their mental health.
Sandra from Carers in Bedfordshire shared the issues faced by people caring for a loved one with severe mental illness, such as Moona, whose mother had schizophrenia. Moona’s role in the family of seven children, meant that at the age of just 16, she had to have her mother sectioned. Throughout her life, she never shirked her role as a carer for her mother and other family members – but never regarded herself as a “carer”. Inspired by her father’s kindness towards her mother when she developed dementia in later life, Moona now runs a local care service.
May 2024
14th May 2024 Physical activity for Mental Health
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Beds Mental Health Alliance held an open event on the theme of Physical activity and Mental Health. The event was a fantastic opportunity for members of organisations across Bedfordshire to learn more about how physical activity can help us look after our mental health and wellbeing.
James Timmins from BeActiveBeds, Nicola Scholfield from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and Robert Lindsay from Bedford Borough Council Sport Development shared about the importance of getting moving, particularly as many of us continue to work from home. They also highlighted some of the exciting projects happening in Bedfordshire and the ways these are helping people to get active, many of which can be found on the Green Wellbeing Directory and Activity Finder.
"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” - Chief Medical Officer, 2019
Download the presentations
March 2024
22nd March 2024: Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing
On Friday 22nd March, Hayley Brown from Link to Change hosted 'Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing', where she shared about her experience working in the voluntary sector as well as her personal insights as a Mental Health Service user, including overcoming labels, stigma and judgement to become who she is today. It was a fantastic opportunity for people working in the Mental Health sector to come together and learn from each other, discussing the opportunities and challenges faced today.
One attendee said: "I left the meeting feeling like I had learned a lot, especially about the real struggles that people with mental health issues face. I believe that having a platform for open discussion like we did today is incredibly valuable."
February 2024
January 2024
25th January 2024: Second meeting of the Alliance
The second meeting of the Alliance was held at the Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade where colleagues from the voluntary and public sectors working to improve mental health in Bedfordshire came together. Members of the BMHA steering group shared updates and Hayley Brown from Link to Change shared her personal story with mental health. Bedford Samaritans and MIND BLMK led a workshop on crisis pathways and Michael Farrington (Mental Health Programme from the Integrated Care System) ran the Inclusion health groups workshop.
February 2025
Support for Men
Delegates from more than 30 voluntary sector organisations, Healthwatch and local authorities participated in this networking event to share learning around the pressures faced by men across all age groups, the barriers they face in accessing mental health support and effective methods to address those barriers.
Presentations included:
- Mental health targets in the NHSE Planning guidance
- National suicide rates and local data from JSNA dashboards (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment)
- MEET peer support group
- Dunstable Town Football Club
The speakers from the peer support groups shared inspiring and profound stories about their struggles with mental ill-health. They emphasised the value they found in having a safe space to support their journey to recovery.
Key themes of effective methods:
- Lived Experience and Peer Support
- Education and Early Intervention
- Clear Communication and Accessibility
- Holistic and Whole-Person Approach
- Flexibility and Immediate Support
- Community and Sense of Belonging
- Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Mental Health
- Collaboration and Networking
- Practical Support and Goal-Oriented Activities
- Addressing Specific Needs
- Funding and Resources
- Listening and Following Up
A report highlighting the key insights from the event will be shared with Community Mental Health transformation leads in Bedfordshire.
Presentation - Support for Men
January 2025
Help in a mental health crisis
75 people joined this online Lunchtime Learning session to learn who can help if you have concerns about the welfare and wellbeing of a vulnerable person, including those in a mental health crisis.
Right Care Right Person is a national Policing and Department of Health & social care scheme, which has now been rolled out in Bedfordshire via a multi-agency partnership approach. It's an approach designed to ensure that people of all ages, who have health and/or social care needs, are responded to by the right person, with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.
The session looked at -
- Bedfordshire Police data for August 2023 based on 166 records where officers attended a Concern for Welfare request.
- The threshold for a police response to a mental-health related incident:
- to prevent a crime that is occurring and protect lives of others
- to protect people when there is a real and immediate risk to the life of a person, or they are at risk of serious harm, ie actively attempting suicide
- services providing mental health crisis support out of offers including NHS 111 MH option, Street triage, MIND BLMK recovery lounges and Samaritans - see presentation for full list on slide 12 or open image below in a new window
Delegates then worked in breakout rooms to consider a range of scenarios and which agency is best placed to attend or support - linked below as training resources
This session was delivered by ELFT Crisis Pathway Directors, Bedford Samaritans and MIND BL
MK.
Presentation Help in a mental health crisis, Right Care Right Person
Sept 2024
Faith Tour 18th Sept 2024
We invite the VCSE and statutory agency colleagues* to take a Faith Tour - the chance to step inside a mosque (Islam/Muslim), church (Christian) and gurudwara (Sikh temple) in the vibrant Queens Park area of Bedford.
Open to staff, volunteers and trustees from any voluntary sector organisation or community group.
*VCSE have priority
Building better mental health at a neighbourhood level
There was a packed audience in Sept at The Forest Centre for the opportunity to learn more about the Bedford Borough and the Central Bedfordshire Place teams. The Place teams are still in the early days and keen to work collaboratively with the VCSE. Table topics were -
- What examples do you have of working with health care services?
- How can we ensure that local people are aware of what support services are available to them?
- How could we, as Place teams, work together with you to improve outcomes for the local population?
- How do we link in with you to work smarter – to make sure you’re kept informed with our work?
Suicide Prevention
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th Sept, Emma Bates, Public Health Principal across BLMK, gave a presentation on the BLMK Suicide Prevention Plan and example of the Samaritans partnership approach to suicide prevention. See Resources below
Mental health anti-stigma campaign
Emma also shared details of a BLMK-wide campaign with resources based on the Power, Threat Meaning Framework. See Resources below
Slides
June 2024
Lunchtime Learning - marking Volunteers Week and Carers Week
Our two speakers at the June lunchtime learning session shared compelling lessons on how a path strewn with mental health issues, pain and tragedy can be a route to a future of purpose and resilience.
We heard how volunteering was a starting point to recovery for Paul. Unable to work in Kellingley colliery, due to degenerative cervical spine disease, the future looked bleak and hopeless –everything fell apart and there was nothing left to live for – until someone suggested volunteering. Now a paid adviser at our local Volunteer Centre, his top tip is to listen to people with mental health problems who want to volunteer, really listen to what they can offer and see them as an asset to you or others. We hope to share his story to help people recognise how volunteering can benefit their mental health.
Sandra from Carers in Bedfordshire shared the issues faced by people caring for a loved one with severe mental illness, such as Moona, whose mother had schizophrenia. Moona’s role in the family of seven children, meant that at the age of just 16, she had to have her mother sectioned. Throughout her life, she never shirked her role as a carer for her mother and other family members – but never regarded herself as a “carer”. Inspired by her father’s kindness towards her mother when she developed dementia in later life, Moona now runs a local care service.
May 2024
14th May 2024 Physical activity for Mental Health
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Beds Mental Health Alliance held an open event on the theme of Physical activity and Mental Health. The event was a fantastic opportunity for members of organisations across Bedfordshire to learn more about how physical activity can help us look after our mental health and wellbeing.
James Timmins from BeActiveBeds, Nicola Scholfield from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and Robert Lindsay from Bedford Borough Council Sport Development shared about the importance of getting moving, particularly as many of us continue to work from home. They also highlighted some of the exciting projects happening in Bedfordshire and the ways these are helping people to get active, many of which can be found on the Green Wellbeing Directory and Activity Finder.
"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” - Chief Medical Officer, 2019
Download the presentations
March 2024
22nd March 2024: Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing
On Friday 22nd March, Hayley Brown from Link to Change hosted 'Embracing the Hive of Bee-ing', where she shared about her experience working in the voluntary sector as well as her personal insights as a Mental Health Service user, including overcoming labels, stigma and judgement to become who she is today. It was a fantastic opportunity for people working in the Mental Health sector to come together and learn from each other, discussing the opportunities and challenges faced today.
One attendee said: "I left the meeting feeling like I had learned a lot, especially about the real struggles that people with mental health issues face. I believe that having a platform for open discussion like we did today is incredibly valuable."
February 2024
January 2024
25th January 2024: Second meeting of the Alliance
The second meeting of the Alliance was held at the Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade where colleagues from the voluntary and public sectors working to improve mental health in Bedfordshire came together. Members of the BMHA steering group shared updates and Hayley Brown from Link to Change shared her personal story with mental health. Bedford Samaritans and MIND BLMK led a workshop on crisis pathways and Michael Farrington (Mental Health Programme from the Integrated Care System) ran the Inclusion health groups workshop.
October 2023
The first edition of the e-bulletin for members was issued
September 2023
18 September: First Meeting of the Bedfordshire Mental Health Alliance
80 people representing 49 charities, community groups and social enterprises gathered for the launch of the Bedfordshire Mental Health Alliance at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick, ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2023.
June 2023
- The website went live
- We were at the Community Network: Bedford Borough Connect
