MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND TREATMENT

Mental health problems are very common, and many of us will have experienced some mental distress in our lives or know someone else who has. Around one in ten of all adults in Barnet may suffer from anxiety or depression, and one in 50 Barnet residents is likely to experience a severe psychotic illness - such as schizophrenia - in his or her lifetime. One in five Barnet residents over the age of 80 is disabled by dementia.

Mental health problems cover a wide spectrum, from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia. Depression, anxiety or confusion can be a normal response to life's ups and downs, perhaps the result of a bereavement or job loss. It becomes a problem when these feelings of distress are so extreme, or last so long, that it becomes difficult to cope with everyday life. Most people struggle on alone, but one in ten people with a mental health problem seeks professional help, most commonly for depression, anxiety and stress-related problems. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress which is disrupting your life, it is worth asking for help at an early stage. Talking to friends, family or a support group may be all that is needed. If things are more serious you may decide to get some professional help. The GP's surgery is the first port of call for most people with mental healthproblems. MostNHS mental health careand treatment is given by GPs, counsellors, pharmacists or community psychiatric nurses. Every year in Barnet as many as 67,500 people with mental health problems visit their GP. Most are treated by them or another member of the practice team, such as a counsellor.

A small number of people with mental health problems are referred to specialist mental health services. In Barnet, specialist care in a crisis and ongoing support is given by a group of professionals from the local community mental health teams (see page 27 for details). Voluntary organisations and self-help groups like Mind in Barnet or Barnet Voice for Mental Health (Chapter 7) can also provi de inval uabl e help , support and advice. When people are in severe distress and do not recognise that they need help, people can be admitted tohospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 for a limited period of time without their consent (see Chapter 4). Fortunately, this is quite unusual: fewer than one in 15 of all people admitted to psychiatric units are compulsorily detainedunder a 'section'of the Mental Health Act.

Most people make a full recovery from mental health problems and half of those who visit their GP get well in less than a year. Even those who do not recover do not have the most severe symptoms all the time. Many people recover but occasionally have a relapse.

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH
Many of the influences on our mental health are beyond our control, but there are positive steps that each of us can take to improve it and to help us survive mental health problems.

Being able to communicate your thoughts and feelings (good and bad), learning how to cope with stress and to deal with ch ange, and be ing able to rela te to other people are all important in keeping you mentally healthy. Preparing for difficult situations can help us cope when they arise. This may involve thinking about and collecting information on sources of help and support.

COMMON MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
National Mind produces useful booklets on all the following conditions and more. You can contact national Mind's mail order department on (020) 8221 9666 e-mail: publications@mind.org.uk
or look at their website: www.mind.org.uk.

For advice about money and benefits, see chapter 11, page 81 & 82. For information about the Mental Health Act see chapter 4.

Initial contact with mental health professionals and the mental health system can be a frightening and demoralizing experience, especially if you feel you have no control over what happens to you. It can be easy to forget that you have rights and to just accept what the professionals’ say, even when you feel unhappy about it. It can be very difficult to question diagnosis, treatment or other professional advice or decisions. Knowing your rights and being able to say what you want and need will boost your confidence and help you get more out of your contact with doctors and other professionals.

Assessment of needs and the NHS and Community Care Act 1990
You have the right to expect the health service and Barnet council's social services to provide care and treatment that meets your needs. The NHS and Community Care Act 1990 sets out how community care should be provided.
Under this Act, your right to services depends on your needs as assessed by a professional. Social services
departments have a legal duty to assess the community care needs of people with mental health problems. They must also make sure that other services are available for people in need, including day care, supported housing, travel permits, meals on wheels and help at home. Whether or not you get a particular service usually depends on a doctor, social worker or other professional agreeing that it is necessary.

The Care Programme Approach
The Care Programme Approach (CPA) requires health and social services to make specific arrangements for the care and treatment of people in the community. Its aim is to provide help for people to stay in their own homes where possible. Services should be tailored to the individual needs of each person, and users and carers should be closely involved in deciding what they need so that a care plan can be designed to suit them.

The main points of the CPA are:

All patients discharged from psychiatric hospital should have a care plan, which includes the action to take in a crisis. If you have severe long-term mental health needs your care plan should be regularly reviewed, and your care co-coordinator will make sure all the professionals involved know what is happening.
 
Carers' Rights
The Mental Health Act states those carers' views must be considered when making a mental health assessment. If you are designated the 'nearest relative' under the Mental Health Act, you will have additional rights (see Chapter 4, page 24).
Under the NHS and Community Care Act, carers have the right to have their own needs assessed at the same time as the person they are caring for is assessed. Carers’ needs are also covered by the National Service
Framework (see page 14).
Under the Carers and Disabled Children’s Act 2000, carers can be assessed independently, and have access to direct payments for carers.

Confidentiality Issues
Both the health service and social services are involved in planning your care, so information about you may need to pass between them. If you are being treated under the Care Programme Approach (see page 14), your GP should be told about your treatment progress and your care plan. Information about you will only be given to other agencies such as housing or voluntary agencies if they have a direct need to know in order to help with your care plan. In exceptional circumstances, disclosure of information may be required by law, or justified in the public interest.
Problems can arise when professionals are asked by patients not to share information with carers. They have a duty of confidentiality to the patient except where the carer is also the nearest relative, who is entitled to be given some information(see Chapter 4, page 24).
Recent changes to the law have affected your right to confidentiality. If you believe, your rights have been infringed, take specialist legal advice or contact the office of the Information Commissioner Tel: 01625 545745. They implement the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act (www.dataprotection.gov.uk).

Mental Health Act Code of Practice
The Code of Practice was updated in 1999. It is a government document containing good practice guidance on how the Mental Health Act 1983 should be used. It emphasizes the importance of the users’ rights and the care programme approach. It states that information should be given in a way that people can understand, about:

Right of Access to Records and Files
You have the legal right to see any written health records and any social services files that exist about you. However, you can be denied access to your records, or some of them may be withheld if a senior professional thinks the content may be damaging to your physical or mental health, or if it identifies a third party.
You need to apply to the record holder - usually a hospital or GP - and ask for an appointment to look at your records. In-patients may be able to see their records informally and free of charge. If you are an outpatient, you may be charged a £10 fee, and, if you want copies, photocopying charges may be added on. If you disagree with anything, you can ask for the record to be corrected or to have your disagreement recorded. If factual details are incorrect (as opposed to opinions), you can complain to the Information Commissioner (see under ‘confidentiality’ above).

You can also ask to see any medical reports prepared by your doctor for employment or insurance purposes. If there are factual inaccuracies, you can ask your doctor to correct them. The doctor does not have to do this, but must record your disagreement and attach it to the report. The Advocacy Service or Mind in Barnet can help if you have problems seeing your records.

COMPLAINING ABOUT YOUR CARE
Most mental health professionals will listen to your point of view and try to provide a good service. But things can go wrong, or you may disagree with decisions they make. If this happens, first try talking to the person concerned, or to the senior person on duty at the time. If you don't get anywhere, you should consider making a complaint. It may be helpful to talk it over with somebody from the Advocacy Service, Mind in Barnet, or Barnet community Health Council (page 13), whom can all help you in making a complaint.

Complaining about Barnet Council's Social Services
Mental health social workers are employed by Barnet Council. If you have a complaint about social services, you can follow Barnet Council's community care complaints procedure.

Step 1: Talk to the staff concerned and try to get the problem sorted out. If you are not satisfied, telephone or write to the manager concerned (or the customer liaison officer, see below), telling them what the problem is and what you have done so far. You will get a response within two weeks.

Step 2: If the problem is not resolved, write to or telephone the customer liaison officer, who is t here to help you thro ugh the complaints process and will arrange for your complaint to be investigated. In most cases you will receive a full written response within four weeks. The customer liaison officer is based at Town Hall, The Burroughs, and London NW4 4BG, Tel: (020) 8359 2504. (A leaflet and an audio tape giving details of the complaints procedure are also available from here.)

Step 3: If you are still not satisfied, write or speak to the customer liaison officer and ask for a review panel meeting, at which two councilors and an independent person will consider your complaint and how it has been dealt with. The panel will make recommendations to the Director of Community Services, who has a legal duty to reply.

Contacting Your Councilor and MP
If your complaint is about the lack of a service, the councillor is the best person to contact. For Social Services issues, contact the cabinet member forhousingandSocialServices via Action Point. The details of local councillors including phone numbers and surgeries, can be obtained from any Action Point (page 84) or write to them at the Members Room, Town Hall, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BG. Barnet's MPs can be contacted via the Public Information Office, House of Commons, London SW1A OAA.

Complaining to Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
If you are not satisfied with any of the services, you receive in hospital, as an outpatient, or in the community, firstly discuss your concerns with staff at the clinic, department or ward where you are being seen or treated. They should try to sort the problem out. If you are not satisfied, ask to speak to the manager of the department. If the matter is not resolved, or if you prefer to put your concerns in writing, write to the manager or the chief executive. They will acknowledge your letter within two days and make sure your concerns are fully investigated. Following the investigation, you will get a full written explanation within 20 working days. If you are still not satisfied, you can discuss the matter with Barnet Primary Care Trust and/or the Health Authority (below).

Complaining to Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Health Authority
The Health Authority can help if you have a complaint about any practitioner such as a GP, dentist or pharmacist. For advice, contact the Health Authority Complaints Department, Holbrook House, Cockfosters Road, Barnet EN4 0DR. Tel: (020) 8272 5500

Complaining about Your GP or Other Health Professionals.
If you have a complaint about your GP or a member of the practice staff, try speaking to the individual concerned or to the practice manager first. If the complaint is about the service provided, contact the complaints manager at the Health Authority, who will explain the complaints procedure (see above). If you think your GP (or another health professional) has behaved unethically, unprofessionally or incompetently, complain directly to their professional body. For GPs, this is the General Medical Council, 178 Great Portland Street, London W1N 6JE, Tel: (020) 7580 7642. For nurses, this is the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Visiting, 23 Portland
Place, London W1N 3AF, Tel: (020) 7637 7181.

Complaining about a Voluntary or Private Organisation
If possible, discuss your concerns with the person or people involved to try and sort the problem out straight away. Most reputable organisations will have a complaints procedure in place. It will usually involve putting your complaint in writing to the manager of the service. If you cannot get a satisfactory outcome locally and the organization concerned is a member of a larger organization or umbrella body, you can try complaining to the head office. I f you are unhappy with a particular individual, such as a counsellor, it may be that they are a member of a professional body with a code of practice (such as the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy BACP);
If so, you can make a complaint to the professional body.

The Ombudsman
If you have exhausted the complaints procedures open to you and are still dissatisfied, you can complain to the relevant ombudsman. For complaints about health, services contact the Health Services Ombudsman. For complaints about council services, contact the Local Government Ombudsman. Both services are based at 21 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BU, Tel: (020) 7915 3210.

THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983

Most people in a psychiatric ward will be voluntary or 'informal' patients who can leave when they want and whose consent is needed before treatment is given. 'Formal' patients are detained under a 'section' of the Mental Health Act 1983 and some may be given treatment without their consent (see 'Your Right to Refuse Treatment', below). Compulsory detention (or 'sectioning') cannot take place unless the criteria in the Act are met and there is no suitable alternative. Only a team of mental health professionals can detain you for longer than 72 hours, and only after a careful assessment, with compulsory detention as the last resort. Anybody detained in hospital is entitled to
full information about their rights. The Mental Health Act 1983 is the law, which states how people in England and Wales can be admitted to, and detained in, hospital. It is very complex and open to different interpretations. We provide a brief summary below. National Mind produces a series of rights guides to help users, relatives and professionals understand the Mental Health Act (and the proposed changes to it) and the Mental Health Act Code of Practice (see page 16). Contact National Mind mail order,
Tel :( 020) 8221 9666 or see Mind’s website: www.mind.org.uk

Your Right to Information
All mental health professionals should keep you fully informed of what i s happening, explaining things in a way you can understand. Ask if there is anything you want to know, or are unsure about. If you are admitted to hospital under a section of the Mental Health Act 1983, this should be explained to you at the time. On arrival in hospital, staffs have a duty to tell you about the section you are being held under, and about your right to appeal to the hospital managers and to the Mental Health Review Tribunal. They should also tell you about your rights regarding discharge and consent to treatment and give you information about the Mental Health Act Commission (see page
26). you should be given this information in writing. The hospital gives the same information to your nearest relative (see page 24), including notice of when you will be discharged from hospital. You can ask them not to do this; but your approved social worker (ASW) has a duty to inform your nearest relative that you have been admitted to hospital, and of their powers of discharge (under Section 25 of the Act).

Your Right to Refuse Treatment
Most people who are admitted to hospital are voluntary patients - free to leave or to refuse treatment when they wish. If you are detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 you may be lawfully held in hospital against your will, but if you are held under Sections 4, 5, 135 or 136 you can refuse to have any treatment. Informal patients can sometimes find that when they attempt to leave hospital they are held under Section 5, and then become formal patients. This can only happen after an assessment by two doctors and an approved
Social worker. You can normally refuse electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) under any section unless an independent psychiatrist (appointed by the Mental Health Act Commission) interviews you and decides it is necessary. If you are held under Section 3, you have more say in your treatment after three months. However, you can be given treatment against your will if it is deemed urgently necessary to save your life, or if you are a serious threat to others (see Section 62, page 23).

Mental Health Assessments
A formal mental health assessment considers whether a person should be admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. It is different from a needs assessment by social services (Chapter 3, page 13). Three people are needed: a doctor (usually the GP), an approved doctor with particular experience in mental health (usually a psychiatrist) and an approved social worker who has had special training in mental health assessment.
Friends, relatives or carers may ask for a mental health assessment. If the 'nearest relative' (see page 24) asks for one,. the ASW must consider it and give reasons in writing if hospital admission does not result. The ASW arranges the assessment and will also make the practical arrangements for taking the person into hospital if need be. They will usually have a number of discussions with family members and professionals to consider all the circumstances before arranging an assessment. You can ask your GP to arrange an assessment, or contact the social work department of the CMHT (see Chapter 5, page 27).
Section 2: admission for assessment - up to 28 days (not Renewable)
Section 2 is used when detention in hospital is in the interests of the patient's health or safety, or to protect others. The ASW or the nearest relative may make the application, founded on two doctors' recommendations. Treatment may be given, and, as with Section 3, in some circumstances consent may not be needed.
Section 3: admission for treatment - up to six months (renewable)
Most likely to be used when the hospital knows the person and the treatment needed is clear. An application is made by an ASW or the nearest relative, supported by two doctors. Consent is not needed, but an application can only be made if the nearest relative does not object (see page 24). You have more say in your treatment after three months on this section. At the end of six months, the section can be renewed. Proposals in the government’s white paper are that detention for treatment after 28 days would have to be authorised by an independent tribunal.
Section 4: emergency admission for assessment - up to 72 hours
This section is used where admission is urgently needed and an assessment under Section 2 would take too long to arrange. An application is made by the ASW or nearest relative, with one doctor's recommendation. There is no power to treat the person against their wishes.

The hospital doctor in charge of treatment may recommend the use of this section to prevent a voluntary patient leaving hospital. There is no power to treat the person against their wishes, and a proper mental health assessment should be arranged as soon as possible. If a doctor is not available, a psychiatric nurse may authorise detention for up to six hours under Section 5 (4).
Section 136: police power to remove to a place of safety -up to 72 hours
A person who is in a public place and who appears to be mentally disordered and in need of immediate care or control can be taken to a hospital or police stations under this section (see Chapter 6, page 32). In Barnet, it will usually be a police station. There is no power to treat the person against their wishes and an ASW and a doctor must do an assessment as soon as possible.
Section 135: court warrant
An ASW can apply to a magistrate for a warrant authorising the police, accompanied by an ASW and a doctor, to gain entry to a person's home and if necessary to remove them to a place of safety for up to 72 hours. There must be grounds for believing the person is suffering from a mental disorder and is being neglected or ill-treated or is unable to care for himself or herself. A full assessment must take place within 72 hours.
Section 62: urgent treatment
Urgent treatment may be given without consent to any hospital patient who is detained or liable to be detained under one of the longer sections (not 4 or 5) if any of the following applies:

Treatment may only be given for as long as it takes to bring the emergency to an end.
Section 7: guardianship - six months (renewable)
A mental health assessment may result in an application for guardianship as opposed to hospital admission. This involves placing a person under the care of either the local authority or someone approved by them. The person may be required to live in a particular place, attend for treatment, and allow access to any doctor or ASW. But there is no power to give treatment without consent. Guardianship lasts for six months initially. An application for guardianship can be made by either the nearest relative or an approved social worker. The nearest relative must
not object to the application if he/she is the person who initiated the application.
Section 25: supervision registers
Since April 1994, all health authorities must keep a register of people thought to be at serious risk of suicide, at risk of severe self-neglect or who may be violent to others. These registers do not create any new powers. Follow-up under the Care Programme Approach (see Chapter 5, page 28) is arranged for people who are registered. You must be informed if your name is on the register, except where to inform you would cause serious harm to your physical or mental health. The local trust will usually keep the register.
Section 26: the nearest relative
The Mental Health Act 1983 gives a number of rights and responsibilities to what is called the 'nearest relative'. The Act specifies who the nearest relative is by a set of rules. This means he or she is not necessarily the most closely involved or most suitable person. If the nominated person prefers not to act as the nearest relative, he or she can nominate any other suitable person to take on the role. If necessary, speak to an approved social worker (ASW) about this.
The rights of the nearest relative are as follows:

At the moment there is no right to change your nearest relative, although there will be under the proposed Mental Health Act of 1983. The white paper proposes to replace the nearest relative with a ‘nominated representative’ who is chosen by a professional (unless you have chosen your own in an advance directive).
The Patient's Right to Appeal
If you want to leave hospital, you should start by talking to your psychiatrist and to your nearest relative, both of whom can discharge you. You can also appeal for discharge to:

SPECIALIST MENTALHEALTH SERVICES IN BARNET

Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust is the main provider of specialist NHS mental health services in the borough. T he trust employs a number of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, community psychiatric nurses (CPNs), psychologists and occupational therapists who work in hospitals and in the community.

The London Borough of Barnet's social workers work with these healthcare professionals in multi- disciplinary community mental health teams (CMHTs).
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
There are two 'sector' CMHTs for people of working age, one for the east and one for the west of the borough, and two CMHT’s for older people (over 65). Each is a multi-disciplinary group consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurse s and social workers. These teams can provide treatment, emotional support, therapy, and social support at home, as well as arrange formal assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983. Most people will be referred to the CMHT by their GP - each team is linked to a number of practices.
In addition, there is a CMHT for mentally disordered offenders (MDOs), that is, people with severe mental health problems who have come into contact with or are at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. The team works closely wit h the police, courts and hospitals. I t is open Monday - Friday to service users and carers and to GPs and other professionals who wish to refer people to the team (see Chapter 6, page 32, for police).
Community Support Team (CSTs)
Two community support teams, one for the East and one for the West moved into their new bases (see below) in May 2001. These multi-disciplinary teams provide intensive support for people with severe and long-term mental health problems. People will usually be referred for community support by one of the community mental health teams, or by a health professional.
Community Support Team Bases
The CST teams share a base with the CMHTs.
West sector - Premier House. Tel: (020) 8951 2040
East sector - Barnet Psychiatric Unit. Tel: (020) 8216 4598
Assertive Outreach Team
This multi-disciplinary team provides intensive support in the community for people with a long-term history of severe mental health problems. It targets people who find it hard to engage with mental health services and who often drop out of the system. People are referred to the team via a health professional. It is based at Edgware Community Hospital, Tel :( 020) 8732 6990.

HOSPITAL CARE
Sometimes it may be impossible to carry on with your normal life and you may need to spend time as an inpatient in a psychiatric ward. For adults this will be the Dennis Scott Unit at Edgware Community Hospital. For people over 65 years, there are two acute assessment wards and a day hospital at Colindale Hospital's Silkstream Unit.

Referral to hospital will always be through a heal the professional. In Barnet, this will be either the Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) or the CMHT. If you think you or a relative or a friend is in need of hospital care, you should contact your GP. See Chapter 3 for your rights and Chapter 4 for the law concerning admission to hospital. When someone does not realize they are ill or is a risk to themselves or others, they may be admitted to hospital without their consent under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Inpatients
The e average stay in h hospital is about four weeks - on an admission ward at first, for assessment and treatment, and then on rehabilitation ward if you need to stay longer. You will be given a handbook, which explains what to expect during your stay in hospital and what help, and support is available.
In most hospitals, you are likely to be given drug treatment. If you are, your medication should be regularly reviewed so you get the minimum effective dose with the fewest side effects. You should be given an information leaflet on any drugs you are prescribed. You are entitled to ask for and be given this information. Your treatment should be review weekly at a meeting of hospital staff known as the 'ward round'. You should either discuss your treatment with your named nurse orDoctor before the ward round, or you may be asked to attend the meeting yourself. You will be invited to the care planning meetings and have a care plan agreed before you leave hospital.

Outpatients
You u may be referred by your GP or CMHT for ongoing g treatment as an outpatient. Outpatient appointments for east sector residents will be at Barnet Psychiatric Unit, and for people in the west at the new Redhill Unit, rear of Post Office, 645 Station Road, Edgware, Middx. Tel: (020) 8952 9635. Your first appointment will usually be with a psychiatrist, CPN or social worker. You may be prescribed medication, or referred on to another mental health professional.
You may be invited to attend a day hospital or ‘day base’ for a structured programme of therapeutic activities as an alternative to hospital admission. There is a day base at Barnet Psychiatric Unit for people in the east of the borough, and at the Dennis Scott Unit, Edgware Community Hospital for people in the west of the borough (see also Community Network, page 35).

PATIENT INFORMATION & SUPPORT SERVICES
Mind in Barnet’s Advocacy Service can offer help & support

The Patients’ Services Departmen at Edgware Community Hospital, can help by looking after your money and valuables, providing a banking service and help with form-filling.

The Voluntary Services Department can offer support and help in a variety of ways. They can put you in touch with befrienders and support groups, help with transport and give you information. Contact the Voluntary Services Manager for details of what is available. Tel: (020) 8732 6338.

The Interpreting Service is part of the Voluntary Services Department. They can arrange interpreters, support for people whose first language is not English, both in hospital and in the community. There are also volunteers and befrienders from a range of cultural backgrounds who can be contacted through this department. The Interpreting Service is based at Edgware Community Hospital, Tel: (020) 8732 6454.
There are information leaflets and a handbook for service users and carers on the mental health services provided by the Trust - available in a range of languages.

Complaining About your Care and Treatment
Barnet’s Mental Health NHS Trust wants to know what people think of its service and is open to suggestions on how to improve it. It has a complaints procedure, which ensures your complaint will be investigated and you receive a written response.

HELP IN A CRISIS

A crisis is a situation where some action or decision needs to be taken quickly. People may be acting in a way that is damaging for themselves or others, or may simply feel that they cannot cope any more. They may desperately need some advice or support. It can make all the difference if the right sort of skilled help is available quickly.

If it is your first mental health crisis, you (or a relative or friend on your behalf) should contact your GP, requesting a home visit if one is needed. If it is outside office hours, the GP practice will have made arrangements for out-of-hours cover. You can get the emergency number by ringing the surgery. Remember that the GP on call may be from a deputising service and may not know you or your family. The GP can call in the Community Crisis Intervention Service if necessary (see opposite).
 If there is already a mental health professional involved in your care, such as a care co-ordinator, you should contact them first. Your care plan should include a section on what to do in an emergency or crisis. The community mental health team (CMHT) has a duty system for urgent calls.
If it is a real emergency and you cannot wait, for example somebody is in immediate danger, dial 999 and call the police or ambulance service; o r go to the nearest accident and emergency department.

Accident and Emergency Departments
The A&E or Casualty department of any hospital can provide help in a crisis. If you need an immediate response, for example, someone has overdosed on tablets such as painkillers, minor tranquillisers or anti-depressants; you should get them to the A&E department of your local hospital as soon as possible, or dial 999 to get an ambulance. After treatment, the A&E, department may call the CCIS for advice or an assessment. The London Borough of Barnet has a duty emergency social worker who can also be contacted.

Police
If there is an immediate risk to life or limb, the police can be called by dialing 999. The police have the power to remove a mentally disordered person who is in a public place to a 'place of safety' - in Barnet this is usually a police station - for up to 72 hours (page 23). The police will call in a forensic medical examiner and the CCIS will be asked to make an assessment if it is felt the person has a mental health problem. People with mental health problems who are arrested can ask for the support of an 'appropriate adult' (see page 23 for details). The CMHT for mentally disordered offenders may also be able to help (page 27). ]
The borough mental health liaison police officer for Barnet is based at Colindale Police Station. Tel: (020) 8733 4403. The main switchboard number for Colindale Police Station is (020) 8200 1212 and for Golders Green Police Station it is (020) 8209 1212. (See chapter 7, page 48), for Colindale Police Station's Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit.)

OTHER CRISIS HELP
The Samaritans - Enfield, Haringey and Barnet BranchTel: (020) 8889 6888 or 08457 909090 (national number charged at local rate).
If you need to talk about suicidal feelings, or any other crisis you are going through, you can call the above numbers or visit the office at 40 Queens Road, Bounds Green, and London N11.
The Samaritans offer confidential emotional support to callers in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained volunteers will speak to you on the phone, or you can visit between 11am and9pm and see someone in person. It is a good idea to ring and let them know you are coming.

Saneline
Tel: 08457 678000 (calls charged at local rate).
A national telephone helpline for people with mental health problems and their carers. Open Noon - 2am every day of the year.

HELP AND SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY

See Chapters 9 and 10 for information on employment schemes and supported housing in the borough, and Chapter 8 for talking treatments such as counseling, and alternative therapies. Chapter 11 for money advice.

MIND IN BARNET
Mind in Barnet provides a wide range of groups and activities at its two main drop-in centers; Dove House and Schoolway (see page 34). Dove House works in partnership with the Richmond Fellowship.

Day Services
The Dove House and Schoolway day centers aim to provide a relaxing environment where people with emotional and mental health difficulties can meet others and chat to volunteers and staff.
Anyone with mental health problems living in the community can come to these day centers. They charge £1 for as much tea and coffee, as you want, and £1.50 for lunch. There are wide ranges of activities and groups on offer, such as relaxation, aromatherapy, music, dance and movement therapy, writing groups, a woman’s group and art groups. Members are encouraged to make use of these activities and other community-based services, but there is no pressure to participate. Day care is available seven days a week. All clients who attend the day centers are regarded as members of Mind in Barnet and will have a say in the services offered.

On Friday, evening between 7 and 10pm there is the Electra Club at Schoolway. The entrance fee is normally 50p and on offer are clubs, discos, live music, bingo, quizzes, games and buffet food. The Libra Club is a social club, which meets every Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6.30pm. Call 020 8343 5700 for further information and to confirm the venue.

Telephone the Schoolway Centre on (020) 8343 5705 and Dove House on (020) 8906 7514. For the Day Care Manager, Tel: (020) 8906 7510.
Mind in Barnet in partnership with the Community Networkoffers an Older Person’s Service as follows:

Other Services and Groups Provided by Mind in Barnet

THE COMMUNITY NETWORK
27 Castle Road
North Finchley
London N12 9EE
Tel: (020) 8492 0192
Annexe at 154 Station Road,
Hendon, London NW4 3SP.
Tel: (020) 8202 2916/7

The Community Network is a day service for adults with long term or serious mental health needs, living in Barnet. It is run by staff from the community occupational therapy service and Barnet Council and aims to provide a range of therapeutic and supportive groups across the borough, close to where people live. There is some individual counseling available.

You can ask to be referred to the Network by a mental health professional or your GP. You can visit the Network base to meet with the staff and ask for a referral form to take back to your health professional. Once a referral is received you will be invited for an assessment, where your needs are discussed and a programme of groups is agreed with staff. Once you join the Network, you will be given a keyworker.

SELF-HELP AND SUPPORT GROUPS

Many people find the support and friendship of others in the same situation helpful in easing the feelings of isolation, shame and social stigma that often come with mental health problems. Sharing experiences with each other can help in a way that professionals, however dedicated, are not able to.

Avenue House
East End Road
London N3 3QE
Tel/Fax: (020) 8371 9678 (24-hour answerphone)

This group is run by people who themselves have used, or are
using, mental health services. Helping to plan services and train professionals means that we make it our business to find out what people think of the ones they are receiving. We do this in a variety of ways including regular visits to in-patient wards, finding out what people think of the Community Network, and monthly meetings where people can also find out about other sources of help. Having a mental health problem can sap one’s sense of self worth. Our in-house training offers the opportunity to regain it.
 We also run weekly support groups in Edgware and High Barnet. These can be especially useful to those who have just left hospital.
Local Self-help/Support for People with Specific Problems

A national charity runs by people who have suffered from depression. It provides information, support and understanding to depressed people and their carers. The Barnet support group meets between 8 and 9.30pm on the second Monday of the month. The head office is at 212 Spitfire Studios, 63-71 Collier Street, London, N1 9BE, Tel: 0845 123 2320.

Disability Action in the Borough of Barnet
954 High Road,
London N12 9RX
Tel: (020) 8446 6935
A local charity providing help and support to disabled people living in the borough.

Trinity at Bowas Church
Bowas Road
Wood Green N22 4RA
Tel: (020) 8886 6065
National number is: 0845 456 0455
The NSF has two support groups in Barnet for people suffering from schizophrenia, their carers and relatives. They are held at Temple Fortune Health Centre,Temple Fortune Lane, London NW11 on the second Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at 8pm, and at 6th Floor, Premier House, 112 Station Road, Edgware, on the last Thursday of the month from 12 -2.00pm.

BIRU Unit,
Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway
Edgware, Middlesex.
(Use Deansbrook Rd entrance to hospital)
Tel: (020) 8732 6540
2nd Tuesday each month 7.30 - 9pm.

Priory Hospital, North London,
The Bourne, Southgate,
London N14
Tel: (020) 8958 5332
1st Sunday each month 7.00 - 9.00pm.
Including Bank Holiday Weekends
These support groups are for people who have, or think they may have, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They offer information, support and a chance to meet other people with similar problems - people are welcome to come along just once or to come regularly for ongoing support. You can ring for more information or just turn up on the evening.

The Crossing
82 High Road, East Finchley,
London N2 9PN
Tel: (020) 8815 1800
Turning Point is a national organisation providing support groups for those withdrawing from tranquilizers.

SUPPORT AND DAY CARE FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS
See also Chapter 8 for counselling organisations for specific groups of people, Chapter 9
for employment and training opportunities and Chapter 10 for residential care and
housing projects.

331 Ballards Lane,
London N12 8LJ
Tel: (020) 8492 7332
Free an d confidential information, advise ce, supportand counselling for young people.
Black, Religious or Cultural Groups
See also Chapter 8 for counselling help and page 41/2 for carers.

JAMI House (Day Centre)
131 Golders Green Road
NW11 8HJ
Tel: 0208 731 7319 Fax: 0208 209 0230
www.jamiuk.org.
The asso ciation o ffers g uidance, advi ce an d supp ort for sufferers and carers. The day centre is open five days each week and provides stimulating activities in a caring atmosphere. Contact the administrator at the Day Centre: 131 Golders GreenRoad London NW11 8HJ.

210 Burnt Oak Broadway,
Edgware, Middx HA8 0AP
Tel: (020) 8952 7062
The Sangram Centre offers a range of services for Asian people including an advice service.

Neighbourhood Centre
42 Church Lane
London N2 8DR
This is a group led by a social worker offering help and support to black mental health service users. It offers a chance to make contact with other people, and to discuss your concerns in a non-threatening environment. For details, contact the MentalHealth Social Work Department on (020) 8952 2381, or just drop in between 11am and 2pm on Mondays.

Mental Health Services
Michael Sobell Community Centre
Limes Avenue
London NW11 9DJ
Tel: (020) 8922 2155/(020) 8922 2222
This Day Centre, run by Jewish Care, offers a day programme of groups and activities for people from the Jewish Community who experience difficulties with their mental health. The programme is devised and regularly reviewed in conjunction with users of the service and may include Art, Home Skills, Drama, Life Skills, Photography and Cultural groups. The Out of Hours service includes a drop in two evenings a week, a Sunday and a traditional Friday Night (Shabbat) Meal once a month. You can contact the Day Centre yourself or be referred by your
GP, Social Worker or Community Psychiatric Nurse.

1 Friern Park, Finchley
London N12 9DE
Tel: (020) 8446 9897
This association can offer support for women suffering from depression or isolation. It runs a luncheon club and organises social activities, educational and religious activities; also arts and crafts, massage, meditation and mother tongue classes for children. There is a newly appointed mental health worker who can offer support & counselling.Contactthe Association for details.

Barnet Multi-cultural Centre
Algernon Road, West Hendon
London NW4 3TA
Tel: (020) 8202 0095
Day care centre for older African Caribbean people, including a stroke group. It also offers social activities including swimming, sewing, arts and games and hot lunches. The services are not specificallyforpeople with mental health problems. Open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am - 4pm.

Barnet Multi-Cultural Centre,
Algernon Road,
London NW4 3TA.
Tel: (020) 8202 4414
Barnet Asian Old People’s Association runs a day centre and advice service for older people from an Asian ethnicity. We offer Yoga classes, advice surgeries on health, pensions, monthly mental health surgery, hot lunches, and day trips. You may refer yourself or be referred by a GP, social worker or a health worker.

Barnet Multi-cultural Community Centre
Algernon Road
London NW4 3TA
Tel: (020) 8202 9311
BSCG runs an advice and information centre for asylum seekers from Somalia. They offer advice on housing, community care rights, legal rights etc. They run after school homework clubs for children and English classes for new immigrants.

Michael Sobell Community Centre,
Limes Avenue
Golders Green,
London NW11 9DJ
Tel: (020) 8922 2155
This day centre, run by Jewish Care, offers a range of therapeutic activities for people from the Jewish community who experience mental health problems. The programme includes creative writing, arts and crafts and men's and women's groups. There is also a members’supportgroup, a drop-in two evenings a week and a Sunday club. You can contact the day centre yourself or be referred by your GP, social worker or community psychiatric nurse.

28 Church End
Hendon
London NW4 4JX
10am - 4pm
This project can help asylum seekers and refugees (living in Barnet or placed by Barnet Council outside of the Borough) with-
- registering with a doctor
- finding and using health care facilities and services
- Housing problems
- Welfare benefits and getting support from social services
- Education and schooling
- Referrals to specialist or support agencies
- Other problems affecting physical or mental health.
Also provides information, support and training to refugee community groups, health professionals and other people working with refugees and asylum seekers.

954 High Road, North Finchley, London N12 9RX
Tel: (020) 8343 8001 Fax: 0208 446 3763
email:skylark@dabb.org.uk.
Counselling & psychotherapy for people affected by disability.

Drop-in centre, support and counselling, legal advice and advocacy. See Chapter 8, page 57, for details.
Carers
See also Chapter 3 for information on carers' rights, and Chapters 6 and 8 for crisis and cou ns el lin g h el p for c
are rs. See p ag es 43 /4 f or help f or car ers of p eo ple wi th dementia/Alzheimer's disease.
Caring can mean giving emotional, practical or physical support to a relative, a friend or neighbour. It can be difficult and painful, but it can also be very rewarding. Carers need all the help they can get, and information, support and acknowledgement can make a great difference. There are a number of carers' groups in Barnet. The Barnet Carers Centre (see below) will have up-to-date details.

3rd Floor
Global House
303 Ballards Lane,
North Finchley,
London N12 8NP
Tel: (020) 8343 9698
Fax :( 020) 8445 1193
email:admin@barnetcarers.org
Website: www.barnetcarers.org
All people who are carers can come to the carers centre for advice and information on benefits, illnesses and disabilities affecting the person cared for. Also available to carers is access to support groups, advocacy for
carers, entitlement to respite care, additional emotional support and reassurance, counseling (see page 56).

There are monthly relaxation days with Reflexology (must be booked in advance), head and neck massage (must be booked in advance), manicure, hand massage, foot spa, and lunch.
The day costs £2.50 all-inclusive. Please ring to book.
There are regular training and information days including:
- Assertiveness skills
- Managing stress
- Safe handling and moving
- caring for someone with a mental health problem
There are Welfare Benefit Surgeries on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Barnet Carers Centre 10-12.30pm, 2nd Friday of the month at the Multi-Cultural Centre, West Hendon 10-12.30pm. Please book for an appointment.

Trinity Church, Nether Street,
North Finchley, N12 7NN
Tel: (020) 8343 9698
2nd Monday of month 1pm-
3pm Run by Barnet CarersCentre

Barnet Multi-Cultural Centre
Algernon Road, West Hendon
London NW4 3TA
Tel: (020) 8343 9698
Run by Barnet Carers Centre

Avenue House
East End Road
London N3 3QE
Tel: (020) 8346 0055/0003
Office hours are Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Barnet Care Attendant Scheme offers a service to carers and users by providing trained care attendants to look after the user at home. This enables the carer to have some free time with the knowledge that the person they care for is being looked after. This service can be accessed privately or through Social Services if the carer and cared for are assessed as needing respite care.
Older People
See above for carers and below for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The
CMHT for older people is the Silkstream Unit at Colindale Hospital (see Chapter 5, page
27).

Springwood Crescent
Edgware
Middx HA8 8FT

Leaside Day Centre (for east of borough)
58 Holden Road
London N12 7DY
These day centres are for older people with mental or physical frailty, including dementia. They provide services for people with age-related memory loss including carers' groups and an outreach service. They can offer personal care including bathing and hairdressing, chiropody, dentistry and sight and hearing checks. A range of meals for dietary and cultural preferences is available. Transport is available for those who need it. Open daily Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.

The Meritage Centre
Church End
Hendon NW4 4JT
Tel: (020) 8203 5040

                Ann Owens Centre
Oak Lane
East Finchley N2 8LT
Tel: (020) 8346 0542

There is also a Handyperson Scheme, an Ageing Well Project (health promotion, exercise classes and activities), an intergenerational project - TransAgeAction - placing older volunteers in schools to help children with learning , an Information and Advice Project (which concentrates on welfare benefits), and Insurance sales. All these projects can be accessed via the Meritage Centre number.

Church House
Wood Street
Barnet
Herts EN5 4BW
Tel: (020) 8441 5678
Support for anyone inthe Chipping Barnetarea in needof practical help, including those caring for somebody at home. Helpwith transport,shopping and collecting prescriptions. Opening hours are 10am-1pm Mon-Fri.

East Barnet Baptist Church
Crescent Road
East Barnet
Herts EN4 8PS
Tel: (020) 8449 8225
Provides practical help and neighborly support and friendship for elderly and vulnerable people. Also upportforcarers, including Saturday respite care. The day centre is open Mon-Thur. The office is open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. There is a transport service.
People with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease
See also ‘Carers’ and ‘Older ‘People’ above.

Colindale Hospital
Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HG
Tel: (020) 8952 2381 extn3562 (offices)
(020) 8201 3828 (carer’s line) , (020) 8201 0842 (daycare)
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/Barnet
The society offers support, help and information to people with all kinds of dementia, professionals and carers. There is a carer’s support worker and two monthly carer’s groups - are on the first Tues-day of each month at The Community Network base (see page34) and the other on the third Wednesday of each month at 1.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Eversfield Gardens, NW7. All carers of people with dementia are welcome. There is a
specialist day care service at the Marillac Centre in Mill Hill for people with dementia who do not fit into other services, including younger people and those in the early stages of dementia. The Sunday Club is for people with dementia and their carers or families.

29 Babbington Road
London NW4 4LD
Tel: (020) 8203 0521
Fax: (020) 8203 6788
This is a day centre for Jewish people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other memory problems. It provides personal care, emotional support, stimulating activities and a carers' group. People may attend from anywhere in the borough, but their transport service only covers certain areas. Contact the service directly or via a referral from social services or Jewish Care. Opening times are Mon-Thur 9.45am-3.00pm, Fri 9.30am- 1.00pm and for clients Mon-Fri staff available 8.00am-5.00pm.

311-315 Green Lanes
London N4 2ES
Tel: (020) 8800 0278
Fax (020) 8442 8169
This is a day care centre for elderly Jewish people with mental health frailties including Alzheimer's disease. It provides activities such as reminiscence sessions and quizzes, personal care including bathing, chiropody, laundry, hairdressing and kosher meals. It has visiting dentists and opticians and is fully accessible for disabled people. Hours are Mon- Thur 8.30am-4.30pm, and Fri 8.30am-1.30pm.
Drug and Alcohol Problems
See also ‘children, young people and parents’, page 48

The Crossing
82 High Road
East Finchley
London N2 9PN
Tel: (020) 8815 1800
This free community service (run by Turning Point) offers advice, support, information and a place to talk for people with drug or alcohol dependency. The minor tranquilliser support group meets on Thursday from 6 -7.30pm and is run by a qualified addiction counsellor. Contact the group leader, who will arrange an assessment interview to discuss your needs. The group is also open to people who have withdrawn from tablets but are still recovering.

Woodlands
Colindale Hospital
Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HG
Tel: (020) 8200 9525/9575
This service is run by The Mental Health Trust and offers support for people living in Barnet with problems resulting from the use of alcohol, or illegal drugs.
The service provides advice, information, support and a full assessment of needs. They can help with detoxification, relapse prevention and work with GPs. They provide health information and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies / infusions.
Telephone for an appointment yourself lf, or ask a health professional to refer you.

Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 8pm
Tuesday 1.30 - 5.30pm
 Wednesday - Friday 10 - 5.30pm

Women
See also ‘Abuse/Violence’ (below) and Chapter 8 for counselling organisations

Run by AGP Therapy Services (see chapter 8, page 55)
101 Longmore Avenue,
New Barnet,
Herts. EN5 1SZ
(020) 8441 6905
A women’s therapy group, offering a confidential space for women to express and explore any issues that are affecting them such as relationships, eating distress, obsessions, low self-esteem, depression, phobias, jealousy, anxiety, addictions, loneliness and lack of confidence. The group is held on Saturday mornings from 11.00am-12.30pm. Telephone for more information or to arrange an assessment.

PO Box 391
Bristol BS2 8LL
Tel: Helpline: 0808 200 0247
Help for women suffering domestic violence. The re is a Women's Aid refuge in Barnet.

Tel: 01924 200799
Can provide written information and put you in touch with a local support group.
National Organisations for women

Tel: 0117 925 1119
National helpline for women in distress, particularly those who use self-injury as a way of coping with their problems. The service is open Fri-Sat 9pm-12.30am. Leaflets and booklets are available on self-injury, - send SAE for information.

Tel: (020) 7386 0868

Tel: 0870 777 2178
Website: www.pms.org.uk
Abuse/Violence

Avenue House
East End Road
London N3 3QE
Tel: (020) 8343 4435 (answer phone out of hours)
Victimsupportprovidesfreeemotionalsupportandpracticalhelp for victims of crime. It has a team of fully trained volunteers who can visit victims in their own home by appointment. The office is open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm.

Henry Featherstone Room (Ground Floor)
Wyllotts Centre
Darkes Lane
Potters Bar, Herts EN6
Open Tue 10am-12.30pm

Elstree Way (next to library)
Borehamwood.
Open Thur 10-12.30pm
Drop-in centers for victims of domestic violence. Information, support, and a chance to talk over the situation in a safe and friendly atmosphere.

Tel: (020) 7267 8713

Tel: (020) 8733 4465
Based at Colindale Police Station, this unit deals with incidents of domestic violence and racial and homophobic incidents.

See page 47
Children, Young People and Parents

3rd floor
Finchley Memorial Hospital
Granville Road
North Finchley
London N12 OJE
Tel: (020) 8349 3121
Run by The Mental Health Trust CAMHS offers a service to children, young people and families on matters related to their emotional and mental health. The service is based at Finchley Memorial Hospital (above) and Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middx HA8 0AD, Tel: (020) 8905 6679/6693.

East Road Vale Drive Clinic
Burnt Oak Vale Drive
Edgware Barnet
Middx HA8 OBT Herts EN5 2ED
Tel: (020) 8359 3733 Tel: (020) 8440 8451
Barnet Council's Educational Psychology Service offers advice and assessment for children and young people from birth to 19 years who may have sensory, learning, emotional or behavioral difficulties. Parents or carers can contact either of the two centers direct.

Edgware Community Hospital
Burnt Oak Broadway
Edgware
Middx HA8 OAD
Tel: (020) 8732 6400
This is a residential clinic funded by the NHS and run by The Mental Health Trust for young people with mental health problems. It offers help and advice to young people, their families, carers and professionals. There are two clinics: one for 12 -16 year olds (Junior Clinic) and another for 16 -21 year olds (Senior Clinic). The length of stay varies from one month to nine months. All admissions to the clinic are voluntary. Referrals are accepted from professionals concerned with young people.

Young Peoples Drug & Alcohol service
1st Floor
35 High Street
Barnet EN5 5UW
Tel: (020) 8440 4889
e-mail: info@barnetimpact.org.uk
Barnet Impact is a harm reduction project targeting vulnerable young people (under 18’s). This includes children in care or leaving care, excluded pupils, young offenders, those in touch with mental health services, homeless hildren and children of drug misusing parents. The project aims to help these young people realise their potential by promoting their resilience and reducing their vulnerability to problematic drug use. You canrefer yourself or be referred by a professional.

Local telephone numbers: (020) 8368 6019 or
(020) 8449 2152. National helpline: 0117 953 9639.
An organisation offering support and friendship for bereaved parents and their families by those similarly bereaved. Local support group meetings are held at St Mary's Church Hall, 30 Hendon Lane, London N3.

Barnet Council's Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS) provides a range of support at different locations in the borough for schoolchildren with emotional and behavioral problems, including those who have been excluded. The Primary School Team is contactable on (020) 8952 0900 and the Secondary School Team are on (020) 8446 4085.

102-108 Clerkenwell Road
London EC1M 5SA
Tel: Admin (020) 7336 8445
Parents Information Service: 0800 018 2138 (Mon & Fri
10.00am - 1.00pm Weds & Thurs 1.00 - 4.00pm)
 
Young Minds is the national charity committed to improving the health of all children. Services include the Parents Information Section, free, confidential telephone helpline offering information and advice for adults with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person. Young Minds also offers consultancy, seminars and training, leaflets, booklets for young people and publishes a Young Minds Magazine.

Tel: 0800 1111 (free) or (020) 7650 3200
Helpline for children or young people.

There is a project for young people, runby the Barnet Carers
Centre, which holds activities and provides support across the
Borough.
Fun Club (East of the Borough)
1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Angels Club (West of the Borough)
2nd and 4th Fridays of the months 5.30pm - 7.30pm
The groupies for young carers (under18 years) and enables them to have respite as well as time to address their own needs. There are also monthly outings. The purposes are tobreak the isolation and meet the needs of young carers.
Siblings Group Covering the whole of the Borough
Over 9s on 2nd Sunday of the month 2.30pm-4.30pm
Under 9s on 3rd Sunday of the month 2.30pm-4.30pm
The Old Barn, Taring Road, East Finchley

Tel: (020) 8343 9698
Website: www.barnetcarers.org

TALKI NG TREAT MENTS ARTS THERAPIES AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

You may want to explore ways of dealing with mental distress without drugs. Talking treatments can be used alongside other treatment, such as medication n, and are often helpful for people with anxiety and depression. Some counsellors and psychotherapists are happy to work with people diagnosed as having severe mental health problems or those on medication, while others prefer to work with you after you have come off medication.
Some might be able to help you do this.

Talking treatments are for people who want to explore and understand themselves better and are feeling strong enough to do so. Users of mental health services often prefer talking treatments to drugs, but it can be hard to find them, especially if you cannot afford to pay. There is some low-cost and free counselling in Barnet (see below). Mind in Barnet, for example, offers low-cost individual or group counselling.

Counselling
Counselling focuses on your current concerns, and is often centered on a specific problem such as bereavement. You are encouraged to talk about the feelings you have about yourself and your situation, and the counsellor helps you find ways to tackle them.
Counselling can be short-term, lasting weeks rather than months or years. It can be one-to-one, couples' counselling, or where the whole family is involved. Many GPs now employ counsellors in their practices. You may also be offered counselling by a CPN, a social worker or occupational therapists (see Chapter 2, page 8). If your GP does not offer you counselling but you feel you would benefit from it, ask them if it is available on the NHS in your area and if he or she could refer you.
Mental health workers may use counselling skills as part of their work, though they may not have full counselling training.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists listen to people's experiences, and look for connections between their present feelings and things that have happened in the past. Some psychotherapy is similar to counselling, and vice versa, but generally, psychotherapy lasts for years rather than months, and may require more than one session a week.
Psychotherapists have different styles of working. Some may seem detached and analytical, while others seem more friendly and supportive. Some therapists will take the lead and ask lots of questions, while others will leave it more up to you. Sessions are mostly one-to-one, although some therapists work with groups of people or families.
It is worth asking your GP if you can be referred for psychotherapy or counselling on the NHS. NHS psychotherapy in Barnet is a limited service with a long waiting list.

Safeguards
Counsellors and psychotherapists do not have to meet any national training standards before they advertise their services. To safeguard yourself, go through a reputable voluntary organisation or are counsellors who have been accredited by a prescribed body and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, whose members subscribe to a code of ethics and have minimum training standards for membership (page 58). To meet these standards all counsellors or psychotherapists should have regular supervision, during which they meet an experienced colleague to discuss their work.
If you are offered free or low-cost counselling or therapy, you may not have a choice in which you see but you can still ask about your counsellor's training, experience and approach. A good counsellor or therapist should be happy to explain to you how he or she works.

Local sources of Counselling or Psychotherapy
See also Chapter 7 for support for specific groups of people
Mind in Barnet
2 Schoolway
London N12 0RY
and
Dove House
1 Dove Close
Bunns Lane
London NW7 2AQ

Tel: (020) 8343 5700 for both centres

Mind is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and as such abides by its code of ethics and practice. The following counselling services are available to people resident in the London Borough of Barnet.

Drop-in counselling
Mind in Barnet provides the only drop-in counselling service in the London Borough of Barnet. Initially it offers one-off sessions and is open to anyone over the age of 18 living in the borough. Sessions last for up to 50 minutes and take place at either of Mind’s centres (see above). No appointment is necessary and you will be seen on a first-come-first-served basis. If you agree, you may see the same counsellor for up to 8 sessions. You will be asked to give a contribution towards the cost of each session. Please telephone the above number for opening times and days.

Long-term counselling
A long-term, individual counselling service available Mon-Fri (daytime and evening) by appointment only. An initial
assessment interview is arranged to discuss how counselling may help you. Counselling can continue for up to two years. Suggested contributions are in the region of £5 if you are unwaged & up to £35.00 dependent on personal circumstances, but all contributions are negotiable. Counselling is available Mon-Thur 10am-9pm and Fri 9am-4pm at both Mind's centres (above). Occasionally 9am slots are available. Phone the above number to make an assessment appointment.

PO Box 6748
London N3 3BX
This project offers individual counselling and support to people who have been bereaved. Counsellors are trained volunteers and are professionally supervised. Where possible counsellors visit bereaved clients in their own homes. The service covers north, north-west and central London.

St Pauls Centre
102a Church Street
Enfield
Middx EN2 6AR
Tel: (020) 8367 2333 (answer phone)

The service offers individual counselling, couples’ counselling and group therapy. There is also a training programme for people who want to become counsellors. Contributions are according to income, with a minimum fee of £10. The service is affiliated to the Westminster Pastoral Foundation and follows its code of practice. Messages on the answer phone will be responded to promptly. Initial assessment costs a minimum of £12.

12 Evelyn Road
Cockfosters
Herts EN4 9JT
Tel: (020) 8441 6905
E-mail: agptherapy@hotmail.com
This organisation offers individual and group work, both short and long-term for addictions, relationship problems, obsessions, phobias and bereavement. Fees are negotiable. Registered with the UKCP (see page 58).

(See page 81 for address)

Skylark - counselling or psychotherapy for people affected by disability a project by DABB. (see page 41)
Boarding School Survivors
6 Chester Court
Lissenden Gardens
London NW5 1LY
Website: www.boardingschoolsurvivors.co.uk
E-mail: info@boardingschoolsurvivors.co.uk
Counselling and workshops for people who have emotionally suffered as a result of being sent to boarding school as children. It runs weekends at 6 Chester Court, Lissenden Gdns, NW5 1LY.

To make an appointment, call (020) 8346 0941 (self-referral) A group of trained counsellors which sees people of all ages living or working in Barnet and surrounding areas. Barnet Community Counselling can help you deal with your feelings in relation to all sorts of problems, from family breakdown to unemployment and low self-esteem. Counselling is free to those not able to pay. You can telephone the above number at any time. If you leave a
message they will contact you.

The Barnet Carers Centre offer a series of 6 one-hour counselling sessions by trained counsellors. The charge is £5 per person (free for carers on income support) This service is available Monday-Saturday. See pages 40/41 for contact details and for other support groups run by Barnet Carers Centre:

177 Leicester Road
New Barnet
Herts EN5 5EB
Tel: (020) 8441 3572
Personal counselling following bereavement, it can be either at your home or at the office. No referral necessary. Available to all.
Monday-Thursday 10.00am-4.00pm. Answer phone at other times.

Newly House
309 Chase Road
Southgate
Tel: (020) 8447 8101
Counselling for couples or individuals. Relate also run counselling groups, psychosexual therapy, and a family mediation service.

East Finchley Neighbourhood Centre
42 Church Lane (1st floor, Room 3)
London N2 8DR
Tel: (020) 8883 2691 (24 hours)
ADCS is a counselling and training service that works with black and minority ethnic communities, refugees, asylum seekers, and others who wish to use the service.
 Our services take into consideration the multi-cultural, ethnic and racial mix in the community, belief systems, religious practices, spirituality and their influences on the individuals’ holistic health, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
 The service is open to all nationalities and age groups although focus is on black and minority ethnic communities, asylum seeker,
refugees and other people with emotional, physical and psychological problems and others.
 We provide Advice and information on varied issues and subjects Bereavement,
culture and coping Counselling Children and family support Mediation and support Mental health and illness Emotional, psychological, spiritual well-being Home care, counselling and visits Hospital and prison visits The ageing process and retirement, home alone Trans-cultural communication and counselling skills Trans-cultural relationship and counselling Workshops run on varied important issues.

Rectory House
Rectory Lane
Edgware
Middx HA8 7LF
Tel: (020) 8922 2000
Offers social work and counselling to Jewish families who are experiencing social difficulties. Contact the area manager.

Tel Helpline: 0208 690 6195
Bereavement support and information for lesbians and gay men, or anyone who is bereaved or preparing to be bereaved by the death of a lesbian or gay person. Also support for parents, siblings and other family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues. The helpline is run by trained lesbian and gay volunteers. Face-to face counselling is available in Islington. Contact the administration office on (020) 8200 0511 Mon-Thur to make an appointment. The group runs workshops and talks for all people working with death, dying or bereavement. A free 'will pack' is available if an SAE is sent.

and Psychotherapy (BACP)
1 Regent Place, Rugby
Warwicks CV21 2PJ
Tel: 08704 435252
www.counselling.co.uk
Details of trained counsellors and psychotherapists throughout
the UK. Also publishes a leaflet, Choosing a Counsellor

Tel: (020) 8830 5173
List of trained psychotherapists.

2 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7LT
Tel: (020) 7014 9955
Information on trained psychotherapists.

Helpline: 08701 671 677

262 Holloway Road, London N7 6NE
Tel: (020) 7686 8666
Therapy for people from ethnic minorities.         

Tel: (020) 7700 1323
Counselling for lesbians and gay men.

Tel: (020) 7622 6334
Support and advocacy for people who have experienced abuse by a therapist.

ARTS THERAPIES
(Dramatherapy, dance movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy)
 Arts Therapies are forms of psychotherapy hat make use of artistic media as a vehicle for non-verbal and/or symbolic communication. Arts therapists encourage people to express and deal with feelings and emotions through the arts, i.e. music, visual arts, dram