Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster is offering a free Suicide Prevention Awareness session tailored to those working with children and young people in different settings across South West London (Merton, Sutton, Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth and Croydon).

The session is aimed to increase confidence of professionals who work in various services providing support to children and young people, including local council services, different charities, youth centres and anyone involved in the care of young people. The session is about breaking stigma and taking away shame associated with suicide by encouraging conversation in those settings and challenging existing misconceptions about mental health and suicide. Our aim is to support individuals within the community to build meaningful networks, promote awareness around suicide and increase confidence to support those most at risk.
 
If you are interested and looking to attend, booking is now open for your organization/team/service. The session lasts for 1-1.5 hours and can take place either online or in-person. Our sessions are flexible and can accommodate large and small groups. To arrange a separate session for your team, please contact a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Children and Young People, Ana Djurdjevic at adjurdjevic@bwwmind.org.uk
 
Please note that this session is not a comprehensive training, it is an awareness session delivered as part of a wider Suicide Prevention Project in South West London.

For more information on this project, please visit: https://www.swlondon.nhs.uk/ourwork/suicide-prevention/

HAVE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK LGBTQ+ Inclusivity –  a 90 minute beginners online course, aimed at organisations and services working with children and young people   Upcoming session dates: Saturday 26th November 2022 | 10:00-11:30 Friday 9th December 2022 | 10:30-12:00  To book please use the link below and then select the date you’d like to attend: https://free2b.lgbt/training/#PRIDE

Nutrition Workshop 2nd and 17th November, 11.00am-1.00pm Move Dance Feel Workshops 3rd November, 8th December and 12th January If you’re interested in joining, contact the Support Team on 020 7924 3924 or email support@pauls.org.uk

All organisations of or for older people are invited to send two representatives to a conference addressing some of the current problems facing older people in Wandsworth on Wednesday 16 November at 10.30 for 10.45 am at Anchor Church Centre, 273 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DU.

The Conference will be addressed by Cllr Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council who will talk on some of the priorities of the Council for the next year or two.

There will also be speakers on the help available for people who are concerned how they will survive through the winter with the expected increase in energy costs.

After lunch there will be speakers from the new commissioners of NHS in Wandsworth.

There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion and a report will be prepared which will go to the Council and the new NHS Board.

https://www.wopf.org.uk/

October marks the start of Black History Month and Wandsworth Council is putting on a programme of events that will be unrivalled compared to previous years.

Cllr Kemi Akinola is deputy leader of the Council and is of Grenadian and Nigerian heritage.

She said: “I’m very proud to be the first Black woman to be deputy leader of Wandsworth Council and to be launching what will be our best ever celebration of the achievements of Black people across the borough.

“We want to encourage people to learn about Black history which is British history. Even though this is usually celebrated during one month in October, we feel in Wandsworth that the accomplishments and culture of Black people should be recognised all year round – so this year we are doing Black History Month 365.”

Over the coming weeks the council will be hosting a series of events, including talks, workshops, art showcases, history, music, dance and food. It will also be shining a light on Black people within the community who are making a real difference for Wandsworth.

The theme this year is “Time for Change: Action Not Words”, emphasising that to get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.

See the full programme of what’s going on

Among the highlights will be

• A visit and talk from boxing legend Frank Bruno who grew up in Wandsworth
• A pop-up market at Southside celebrating black-owned businesses and what they have to offer
• Black Heroes Foundation event telling the story of John Archer, Battersea’s very own Black Hero

 The range of activities on offer follow on from events that have been underway this year including:

• The Smiling Boys Project
• The story of Claudia Jones event linked to a schools programme
• The Black Heroes Foundation’s Flip Fraser exhibition

Cllr Akinola added: “This year everyone will enjoy our best ever celebration of Black history and culture, bringing people together to discuss issues that really affect the Black dispora and putting on a wide ranging programme of activities and events all across the borough..”