We are a community for people with lived experience of mental health to campaign for change.
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 – where the theme was movement for mental wellbeing – we sought the advice of IMHN members to give handy tips and support for getting active!
YOU CAN ALSO READ MAY’S SPECIAL MHA WEEK 2024 NEWSLETTER EDITION HERE
May 15, 2024 at 10:28 am
May 15, 2024 at 10:13 am
Dear Members, Supporters and Friends of the Independent Mental Health Network,
We write to you today to deliver The Independent Mental Health Networks statement of intent for 2024 to 2025.
Over the past year, our organisation has faced unprecedented challenges, marked by the loss of a dear colleague and friend. The aftermath of these events has undoubtedly shaken the trust and confidence within our community. However, never has it been truer that it is in times of adversity that resilience and strength emerge. Over the past eight months since joining IMHN, I have been deeply impressed by the dedication and perseverance displayed by each member. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of our small community as we work together to break down barriers and champion mental wellness. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead such impactful work.
Looking ahead to the promising year of 2024-2025, our work will be shaped by a steadfast commitment to a path of healing, growth, and progress. Central to this journey will be dedication to our core values of inclusivity, bravery, respectfulness, determination, and innovation. These values are not just words on paper; they are the guiding principles that shape every decision and action we take. You will have already noticed the dedicated efforts of the Engagement Co-Ordination team to re-centre Inclusivity and Respectfulness into our work. The new fully co-produced Code of Conduct will be instrumental in ensuring that going forward we foster an environment where diversity thrives, and every voice is heard, valued, and respected. This work to re-centre our core values will only continue over the next year.
As we commit to this path of healing, growth, and progress, we are pleased to announce the introduction of several new members to the Board of Trustees. Among these is Mark Dale, our newly appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and fresh perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to our collective vision of the future. Together with our existing board members, Mark and our new trustees will play a pivotal role in guiding IMHN. I would like to thank them for their expertise, dedication, and passion in advance. This having been said, I would like to invite each one of you to join us in this endeavour. Only with you continued contributions can we build a stronger, more resilient Independent Mental Health Network – one that embodies our values, fosters trust and confidence within our community, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness.
Catrin Beynon,
IMHN Head of Operations
April 25, 2024 at 6:59 pm
We are looking for 3-5 Lived Experience Reps!
If you have Lived Experience of Chronic Pain, Chronic Conditions and Mental Health, you might be interested in applying.
If you would like to find out more about the role, click here to read the role description
Please find the application form here
Should you need any guidance writing your application, we have put together a document you may find helpful.
To apply, please fill in the above application form and return it to – the closing date for applications is 11.59pm, on 18.02.2024
February 6, 2024 at 11:01 am
PLAIN TEXT VERSION:
“We are incredibly concerned to hear that the Government plans to cut £4bn from the welfare budget, citing that they aim to get people “back into work”. We are worried that these cuts will disproportionately affect those with mental ill-health resulting in them losing their benefit entitlement and forcing them back into work, against their wishes.
We are clear that for some individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, work can be fulfilling and aid recovery. However, that is not true for everyone, and it should be for the individual and their medical teams to make that assessment – not civil servants or Government ministers.
During a cost-of-living crisis, which has had a detrimental impact on both the finances and the mental health of millions across the UK, we believe it would be grossly irresponsible for those with disabilities and mental health conditions to bear the brunt of the Government’s drive to save costs. Indeed, the fear of losing welfare support could exacerbate poor mental health further.
We urge the government to rethink this decision.”
This statement has been approved by IMHN’s Lived Experience Representatives.
November 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm
CLICK TO READ OUR OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER HERE
November 8, 2023 at 11:25 am
The Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) is looking to appoint a Chair of the Board of Trustees.
We are looking for an experienced, inclusive and thoughtful Chair who understands the IMHN’s vision and values, is able to support our future plans and strategy as well as helping us to build financial resilience.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a Chair who is excited about our work but also happy to challenge us in order to help us grow. They will contribute to our thinking, strategy and charity planning and be naturally aligned to our values.
We would particularly like to hear from individuals who can demonstrate experience in any or all of the following:
- Strategic resilience: to support us in building a sustainable charity for the future
- Income generation: particularly to support our fundraising efforts beyond NHS contracts
- Advocacy: to help us demonstrate our values and tell our story more clearly
Ideally the Chair of BoT should have lived experience in the mental health sector, as well as being committed to inclusion and having good communication skills. They will understand the tensions and challenges of balancing ambition with operational reality and fixed resources and how to build consensus in an interdisciplinary setting.
Please note that this is a voluntary position, requiring attendance at typically 4 to 6 board meetings a year of 2 hour duration, plus some occasional ad-hoc meetings.
Our new Chair doesn’t have to have worked with an organisation like the IMHN before.
We welcome questions from anyone who is interested.In the first instance please email us via to arrange a chat.
October 13, 2023 at 1:07 pm
You can read our September newsletter by clicking here
September 13, 2023 at 10:01 am
Throughout September/October – Bristol Wellbeing College
3rd, 10th and 17th October – The Peer Partnership – various courses
Boundaries in the Health and VCSE Workplace Tickets, Tue 3 Oct 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
Group Dynamics and Facilitation Tickets, Tue 10 Oct 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour Tickets, Tue 17 Oct 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
How to Design Peer Support Tickets, Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
August 24, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Click here to read August’s Newsletter!
August 15, 2023 at 2:09 pm