This Christmas we are launching a brand new Just Laugh service, which will continue to deliver regular Laughter Yoga workshops across the whole of Sandwell in the new year.

Everyone knows that Laughter is the best medicine, so why not come along and learn how to laugh for no reason. 

Laughter Yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh without relying on humour. The laughter
exercises combined with yoga breathing techniques stimulate your ‘happy hormones’ and makes you feel energised and uplifted.

If you would like to find out how regular laughter can enhance your wellbeing, uplift your mood and give you more energy then why not come along and have a laugh?

Sessions are free and for everyone regardless of age, providing young people under 16 are accompanied by an adult.

For the latest venues, dates and times check our Upcoming Workshops and Events calendar tab.  The first four sessions will take place at the following:

Saturday 10th December, 10:15am – 11:15am
Hillside Children’s Centre, Connor Road, West Bromwich, B71 3DJ
Session will be run at the centres ‘15 sleeps till Xmas event’

Monday 12th December, 14:00pm – 15:00pm
The Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road, Smethwick, B67 6EH

Wednesday 14th December, 13:00pm – 14:00pm
Greenacres Children’s Centre, Brennand Road, Oldbury, B68 0ST
Session will be run at the centres Christmas fun day

Monday 19th December, 11:15am – 12:15pm
Great Barr and Hamstead Children’s Centre, Eastwood Road, Great Barr, B43 5RR
Session will be run at the centres Christmas family fun day

Arty Party is a 5 week craft programme specially designed for families. You will learn how to make ‘art from scrap’ and how to ‘scrap from the heart’. 

Explore how to use everyday objects to make wonderful craft projects and have fun socialising with other adults and children. 

No artistic or creative ability is required, just a willingness to explore with your children and have some fun.  Everyone is welcome!

Download the full information leaflet to find out where the courses are taking place:  view Arty_Party_leaflet.pdf

For most up to date and detailed information on course times and venues please check our Upcoming Workshops and Events page.

One of the outcomes of the Happiness Celebrations has also been the production of the very first Sandwell’s ‘Book of Happiness’.  The book has been written by Sandwell residents and features inspiring poems and artwork all hoping to spread a happy ripple across the whole of Sandwell.  If you would like a free copy of the book please contact us on the number at the end of this article, or you may download it on the Information and Flyers page of this website.

Sasha Gelpi, Sandwell PCT’s Mental Health Promotion Officer says “each of us knows what brings us the most happiness and contentment, and most often than not it’s the little things in life that truly matter; things that do not cost any money.  This can be having a good chat with a friend, a bit of sunshine, watching our children laugh and play and getting a hug!  The events we promoted were an opportunity to come and meet new people, have fun with your whole family, and have a giggle and a laugh.”  The Happiness Week came to a conclusion on the 30th July with a group of 14 volunteers from various local organisations walking the streets of West Bromwich and Smethwick offering people ‘Free Hugs’. 

Photo of one part of the ‘Free Hugs’ Team in front of ASDA at Great Bridge

The ‘Free Hugs’ event was a huge success resulting in the team giving out a staggering 1000 hugs!  Sasha Gelpi says “speaking on behalf of the whole team, we truly felt we were a part of something beautiful.  Sandwell residents welcomed this idea with open arms.  We were touched by the stories that people shared with us during the day, many thanked us for having made their day, and some thanked us for giving them their first hug in 15 years.  We are definitely looking forward to doing this again, and the best thing about it is – hugs don’t cost a penny!”

Download the full information flyer here: view Celebrate_Happiness.pdf

Or see below for more information

To celebrate Mind Week 2011, Sandwell Mind will be hosting ?Move For Mind?, a 5k walk, jog or run event in Sandwell Valley Park.

The event will be held on Saturday 21st May 2011 at 10:30am to raise money and awareness of Sandwell Mind. The event is FREE to enter, and we are encouraging participants to gain as much sponsorship as possible! The money raised for Sandwell Mind will enable us to reach more people, and to continue our services across Sandwell, as well as achieving our aim of reducing the stigma attached to mental health.

To view and download the full programme, please click on the following link: view move_for_mind_leaflet_FINAL1.pdf

The Community Wellbeing Service offers a range of wellbeing activities including: therapeutic group work, complementary therapies, workshops & short courses and social & leisure activities for the people of Sandwell

You may download the full information leaflet by clicking the following link: [media]April_whats_on.docx

You may download the full information leaflet by clicking the following link:  view EFT_Leaflet.docx

The Confidence and Wellbeing Team are committed to developing services in response to the needs of our community.  In order to do this we rely on input from people who live and work in Sandwell.

This survey is all about what Sandwell residents like to do for fun.  The results of this survey will help to inform and develop future services in Sandwell. 

The survey should take no longer than a few minutes to complete, and you can take part by clicking on the following link:  Fun and Wellbeing Survey

Throughout February there will be a whole series of events put on in celebration of LGBT history month.

There is something for everyone, including movies and dancing!

To view and download the full programme, please click on the following link:  view LGBT_History_-_Events_Brochure.pdf

EFT stands for ?Emotional Freedom Technique?.  It is an effective therapy, used for a wide range of emotional issues.
Sometimes called ?tapping therapy?, it is increasingly being used in the NHS.  Many people within Sandwell have already been helped by EFT.

How does it work?

EFT is closely related to acupuncture, but does not use needles.  The patient taps on acupuncture points on the body (mainly on the head and hands), while focusing on a specific traumatic memory, in order to alleviate an emotional problem such as stress or anxiety.

EFT cannot cure diseases such as chronic illness, but it can reduce or even eliminate the stresses and fears surrounding the illness - and in the process, can ease symptoms.

EFT does not diagnose illness, and is not a remedy or substitute for medical treatment for acute illnesses.  Patients should therefore have been seen by their GP prior to referral where appropriate.

Who is EFT for?

EFT is useful for people with a variety of conditions, including:
? Painful emotions and memories
? Physical pain
? Fear, anxiety and panic attacks
? Depression and low mood
? Grief and loss
? Negative emotions
? Phobias
? Allergies
? Addictions (e.g. smoking, alcohol)
? Food cravings and weight loss
? Low self-esteem
? Compulsions and obsessions
? Sleeping problems
? Low confidence
? Traumatic memories
? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

This is not an exhaustive list, and EFT may well be helpful for other conditions. Please contact us for further advice.

The service is available to anyone over 18, who is not classed as a vulnerable adult.

You may download the full information leaflet by clicking the following link: [view EFT_Leaflet1.doc

To find out more or to book a session, contact the Confidence and Wellbeing Team on 0121 5574215.

You may download and view the whole programme by clicking on this link:  view WORLD_MENTAL_HEALTH_PROGRAMME.doc

Further details can also be found on the following flyers: 

For any further information and queries please contact Sandwell MIND directly at 0121 543 3934.