April 12, 2023

Getting Crafty for Wellbeing


Black Country Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub are hosting a 'Take Time to Look After Yourself' programme of monthly webinars to benefit the wellbeing of staff working across the Black Country ICS. Our next session in May will focus on 'Getting Crafty for Wellbeing'.

This session will be delivered by Principal Psychologist Samina Allie and we will explore:

  • Why crafting can boost health & wellbeing
  • Crafting options for the self-confessed ‘non creatives’
  • How to create a self-soothe toolkit


As with all of our webinars in this series, we will include time for a Q&A and a beneficial peer discussion.


Tuesday 16th May 1pm-2:30pm - https://craftywellbeing.eventbrite.co.uk

Wednesday 24th May 6pm-7:30pm - https://craftywellbeing2.eventbrite.co.uk


These sessions are available to all staff working in the Black Country ICS including NHS Staff, Local Authority, Social Care, Care Home, Primary Care staff and staff within all other health and social care roles across the Black Country area.

If you have any questions regarding these webinars, please email samuel.skelding1@nhs.net


For those that wanted to join our February Evening session - The Side Effects of Kindness and Gratitude – which we had to postpone at late notice, you can register for the rearranged date on Wednesday 10th May by clicking here -


https://KindnessGratitudeNewDate.eventbrite.co.uk


If you were previously booked to attend this session, you should have the new calendar invite already sent to you but if not please email Samuel.skelding1@nhs.net

--------


Mindfulness IMMERSE Online Retreat


You are invited to a half day retreat to IMMERSE yourself in the moment. Join Caron Pickford-Perry, Emma Louis, Nikki Rose and Zita Trabocco for an opportunity to learn through experience a variety of Mindfulness practices, to calm the nervous system, boost resilience and cultivate self-compassion.

 

Immerse – bring awareness fully to each moment

Meditation – participate in a variety of meditation practices

Movement – bring awareness to the physical self through mindful movement

Experiential – experience moments non-judgmentally and compassionately

Resilience – mindfulness boosts the immune system & calms the stress response

Sensory – see, hear and taste with awareness rather than on automatic pilot

Enquiry – reflect on your experience, of mind, body, feelings and thoughts

 

This on-line retreat is available to all staff working across the Black Country ICS. The retreat will run from 13:30 – 16:00 on Friday 28th April 2023 on Microsoft Teams and requires no previous experience of mindfulness or minimum fitness level. It is open to all. To book on, please visit - https://ImmerseRetreat28Apr.eventbrite.co.uk

 

For those unable to make the date this month, we have another date in July. Both dates are included on the poster and can be booked onto by clicking on the dates or using the QR Codes.

 

If you have any queries, please email Samuel.skelding1@nhs.net

Share

October 14, 2025
Supporting People Living with Dementia During Halloween While Halloween can be a fun and festive time for many, it can present unique challenges for people living with dementia. The sudden changes in environment — from decorations and costumes to unfamiliar sounds and social interactions — may lead to increased confusion, anxiety, or distress. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind: 🧠 Confusion & Disorientation Halloween brings unusual sights and sounds, such as costumes, animated decorations, and themed music. These can be disorienting and may heighten feelings of anxiety or fear. 🎭 Strangers & Social Interactions For those who struggle to recognise familiar faces, engaging with costumed individuals can be unsettling and may lead to withdrawal or distress. 🚢‍♂️ Impacts on Mobility Decorations like hanging spiders, wires, or floor props can become physical hazards, especially for individuals with mobility issues who may feel unsure navigating altered spaces. πŸ”Š Overstimulation Loud music, sound effects, and busy environments can easily overwhelm someone with dementia, leading to agitation or confusion. 🏠 Changes in Routine & Environment Quick changes to the layout or appearance of a care home — such as sudden decorations — can disrupt a person’s sense of familiarity and make it harder for them to understand where they are. Recommendations for a Dementia-Friendly Halloween To ensure Halloween remains safe and inclusive, consider the following approaches: πŸ‚ Use autumnal decorations Opt for seasonal, non-threatening décor that supports orientation and creates a calming atmosphere. πŸ•―οΈ Create a calm environment Limit exposure to loud noises, flashing lights, and crowded spaces to reduce overstimulation. πŸ•°οΈ Maintain daily routines Keeping familiar schedules helps provide stability and reassurance. 🀝 Monitor interactions If Halloween activities are planned, stay close to individuals with dementia, observe their responses, and offer gentle reassurance as needed. πŸ’™ Promote care, not fear Above all, foster an environment rooted in empathy, understanding, and comfort — where care takes precedence over spectacle. By making thoughtful adjustments, we can ensure Halloween is a positive experience for everyone — especially those living with dementia.
October 14, 2025
New In-House Training Courses from WMCA Launching January 2026 14 October 2025
October 8, 2025
Fair Work Agency - what employers need to know (FREE checklist)
October 7, 2025
Fair Pay Agreement - Consultation Process is now open and Government announces £500m in funding towards it 7 October 2025
October 1, 2025
7 January 2026 10.00am - 1.00pm
Show More