Hello and here we are approaching the end of another very busy but rewarding year for us at BFCN. 2022 has been a significant year for the history books with many key events taking place across the globe. It’s the year we saw the death Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch died aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year leading to a global crisis for both food and energy, as well as displacing millions of people. We also witnessed record breaking heatwaves and droughts around the world and Inflation rises around the world resulting in a cost-of-living crisis, with many families being forced to choose between eating or heating this winter. When reflecting on these global events it’s always good to give yourself the time you need to process your thoughts and feelings and build some personal goals to provide some direction for the coming year. BFCN can help you with these and support you in achieving them. We pride ourselves on the achievements of our clients and the great work they do in realising them. Please contact us at BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

In 2023, we have some new and exciting events and projects we hope to bring to you, so please keep an eye out for emails and other correspondence for more information. I hope you and your families have a restful and joyous Christmas and New Year. See you in 2023!!

Sheetal Tanna – Development Manager - Mental Health

Christmas is just a few days away…are you feeling the stress? I know I am! Christmas can be a stressful and lonely time. We’ve all seen the Christmas movies where everything is perfect, and everything falls into place in the end. Well, life isn’t a Christmas movie (sadly!), and Christmas isn’t perfect! If we really think about it, it’s just another day in the diaries. There is so much pressure for one day. Why not make this Christmas a self-care day for yourself? Do what makes you happy, even if that’s staying in your comfy clothes all day, eating all the chocolate, and watching whatever you want on the tele or reading a good book. Christmas is what you make it. Make sure you treat yourself…YOU DESERVE IT!

Mind have a few tips on how to help with Christmas Stress –

1. Honesty

Try to be honest with people if you’re finding things overwhelming and you’re not feeling up to getting involved in everything. Don’t be afraid to cancel plans if you’re not feeling up to it. Sometimes you need to put yourself first. 

2. Press pause

If you’re someone who has a tendency to take on too much, the demands of Christmas can make this even worse. Remember you can only do so much, stop if it’s becoming too much and just try to relax and look after yourself. 

3. Pajamas!

In between all the social arrangements, make sure you have a day to hang out at home in your pajamas. Christmas is the season of hanging out in your pajamas. 

4. Full moon

It’s a full moon on Christmas day, so have a look at that if the sky is clear. (It won’t happen again for 19 years.) 

5. Get unstuck

Make sure you’re not too house-bound and spend all the time eating and drinking! A brisk walk outside is a nice way to spend time with loved ones, or a day trip somewhere. Things can get quite intense if you’re stuck in the house all the time, and a bit of exercise helps too. 

6. Don’t believe the hype

Don't compare yourself and your Christmas with the representations of perfect Christmas moments on social media or on adverts. Remember that everyone is only sharing the good bits and that we don't know what is going on behind the scenes. Don't get sucked into measuring your experience against something that's ultimately fake. 

7. Bed head

Give yourself a head start – try to go to bed early on Christmas Eve so you feel well-rested on the day itself.  

8. Talk

If you are feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, talk to someone about it. If you are worried about how you might feel on the day, talk to someone else who will be there too so they can support you when needed during the festivities. 

9. Plug yourself in

If you are staying in an overcrowded house with people going to the loo at all hours, make sure you take earplugs to maximize your chance of a decent night’s sleep.

10. Give yourself a prezzie

Make sure you take some time out after Christmas to do something you really want to do, no matter how small. 

Think about what you want to get out of the Christmas break; don’t feel like you have to do or be anything because it’s expected. 

Follow the Link - Ten Christmas wellbeing tips - Mind

Take care of yourselves this Christmas. Focus on the positives.

For more advice and tips, please follow the links below - 

Coping with depression and anxiety at Christmas - Mind

‘Thank you for reminding me that I'm not alone.’ | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)

If you’re finding things hard this festive season | Samaritans

Top tips for Christmas 2022 | Combat Stress

How to: Get Through… | Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (thecalmzone.net)

The Happiness Hub Events have been growing and growing throughout 2022 and we are still going! 

Our Drop-in sessions have become a firm favorite in our calendars each month. One of our lovely regulars shared what they thought - 

"Happiness Hub is fantastic, it has helped me to get some vital support whilst providing a safe and friendly environment.
The drop in on the first Thursday of the month is where I first started attending. Everyone was so lovely. I found out about a number of other supportive groups Friends in Need and Stepping Stones.
I want to thank everyone at Happiness Hub for their support because it makes a huge difference." 

Look out for our Blue Monday Event starting on Monday, 16 January. More information to follow soon...

We finished off our last Network meeting of 2022 with a BFCN Festive Crafternoon. Painting wooden tree decorations, making Christmas cards, and colouring. A relaxing afternoon with a few treats along the way. Thank you to all who have attended our Network meetings this year. 

We have had some brilliant people and organisations join us this year for our meetings and look forward to planning even more in 2023. 

Do you have any ideas for our meetings? We would love to hear from you!

The Bracknell Forest Community Network Wellbeing Sessions are continuing to be popular with our clients, as well as with clients that receive support from Friends in Need, Stepping Stones Recovery College and Bracknell Forest Social Prescribers.

In November the topic was “Getting a Good Nights Sleep”, during this session it became clear that we are not alone with our struggles with getting a good nights sleep, suggestions on how to help with this were shared within the group and people offering tips on things that have worked for them.

Last week, the session covered “Coping with Anniversaries and Celebrations”, which gave everyone an opportunity to share how they are feeling with Christmas nearly upon us.  Again, people were supportive of each other and shared how they are feeling about Christmas and other anniversaries that can be difficult.

Feedback from clients:

“I learnt from the session, how common sleep issues are”

“I enjoy the social aspect and the no pressure atmosphere”

“Made me think to plan ahead for Christmas, think of the potential issues and how to remove myself from the situation”

“I have learnt how to cope and help protect my mental health”

“Everyone is very friendly and Jo, the facilitator, is very good”

The next session is - 

“Improving Mental Wellbeing”

Mental wellbeing doesn't have one set meaning. We might use it to talk about how we feel, how well we're coping with daily life or what feels possible at the moment.

We all experience periods of good and poor mental wellbeing. It’s not always easy to start caring for our wellbeing but there are lots of things we can try and small steps we can take to look after it.

In this session we’ll explore The Five Ways to Wellbeing and how we might implement them into our day-to-day life

Date: Tuesday 24th January 2023

Time: 1.45pm – 4.15pm

Venue: Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7GR

Easy cheese straws

Something easy, cozy and warm! 

Michel Roux's really easy cheese straws are perfect for starting a party! With only 4 ingredients, you'll be whipping these up ahead of every bash! 

Ingredients
300g/10½ oz. all-butter puff pastry
4 egg yolks, beaten with a splash of water
150g/5½ oz. cheddar, grated
paprika, for sprinkling

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.

2. Roll out the pastry to a 30cm/12in square.

3. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg mixture all over the pastry. Sprinkle over the cheese and press down lightly. Cover with cling film and chill the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the cheese with paprika, cut in half, then cut each half into 1cm/½in strips.

5. Twist each strip into a cheese straw shape and place onto the lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden-brown and crisp.

Recipe from BBC Food. Follow the link for more recipes - Easy cheese straws recipe - BBC Food

Do you have a recipe you would like to share with us? Send your recipes to BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Looking for a new 2023 goal? Why not give volunteering a go. 

Our Heritage Parks team is appealing for volunteers in the new year, to help them look after the lovely gardens at Lily Hill Park and South Hill Park. No experience necessary.

Please get in touch with them in the new year if you're interested, and like the idea of:

• getting involved in your local community
• spending time outdoors with like-minded people
• enjoying fresh air and exercise
• putting your gardening skills to good use
• learning new skills from our experienced team

Contact: heritage.parks@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 351875

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