 Managers Update
Welcome to the first Bracknell Forest Community Network newsletter of 2023! We hope to bring you an information packed edition every quarter! Its only March and so much has already happened here in Bracknell with lots of new and exciting opportunities for our service users and others in the community, from Blue Monday to Animal Assisted Therapies and lots more in-between. We’ve continued to offer our successful Wellbeing sessions and Network meetings, and in partnership with Friends in Need we are still running our monthly Young Mindz events. The Happiness Hub drop-ins are gaining momentum and I am pleased to share that we have opened two more with the help of our Social Prescribing Service in Bracknell.
Information on all of this can be found in this newsletter below. We hope to bring you lots more exciting news over the year so please keep an eye out for our emails, flyers and newsletters.
Finally, I hope you are all enjoying the lighter evenings and trying to get out more now that the weather is starting to get warmer. I always find that the fresh air and natural surroundings really help my mental health and so this time of the year is always my favourite. Please do let us know what helps you get through a difficult time, its always good to share ideas and thoughts, you could help someone out who might be going through a tough time. Please contact us at BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or visit us at the Network meeting or Happiness Hub Drop in. We always love to hear from you.
Bracknell Forest Community Network
Wellbeing Session
“Understanding Social Anxiety”
It’s very common to experience feelings of anxiety in social situations – particularly when in large groups or meeting new people for the first time – but this can sometimes be overwhelming and can become a mental health problem if it impacts our ability to live our life as fully as we would like to.
In this session we’ll consider the impact experiencing social anxiety may have on us, some of the possible causes and explore some tips and treatment options that might help us cope.
Date: Thursday, 13 April
Time: 6pm until 8.30pm
Please ensure you arrive 10-15 minutes before start time
Venue: Bracknell Open Learning Centre
Rectory Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7GR
Sandwiches and other snacks will be provided, along with tea, coffee and water
To book a place for this session, please email BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
 Bracknell Forest Community Network
Network Meeting
Bracknell Forest Community Network invites you to join us at Bracknell Open Learning Centre for our Network Meeting.
Our meetings are a safe space for you to attend offering you the opportunity to put your views across in an informal and comfortable setting. There will also be guest speakers, fun interactive activities, hot drinks, and snacks.
This session, we will have a still life painting workshop run by Louise along with crafts and games.
Date: Friday, 28 April
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Bracknell Open Learning Centre
Rectory Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7GR
If you would like to join us email BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or let a facilitator know. Please let us know by Wednesday, 26 April.
PAWS
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For six weeks, starting in February, three BFCN clients were involved with animal assisted interventions, known as PAWS. The group spent time getting to know each other along with the support of Bailey and of course Rob his handler.
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The sessions initially started at Ryslip Kennels, with time talking through life experiences in the hut. Then moving outside to encourage Bailey to try some of the agility equipment. After two sessions the group visited other venues, these included South Hill Park, The Lexicon and Lily Hill Park.
During the sessions the group were able to support each other and enjoy the company of Bailey, who quite often would greet everyone at the start of each session with a “Hello” howl and a waggy tail. The group were all sad when the sessions had finished but continue to meet up for coffee.
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Here is some of their feedback:
“Loved being around Bailey, animal therapy is great”
“My confidence has grown and I have made some good friends”
“Got me out of my bed”
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 This year has already been a busy month for The Happiness Hub!
We joined a few wonderful groups in the community for a weeks worth of activities for January's Blue Monday -
Blue Monday the most depressing day of the year as it is often when most are struggling financially, the weather is far from optimal, and failed new year resolutions are commonplace, culminating in a low mood for many.
* On the Monday, we handed out about 300 goodie bags filled with information, note pads, sweets and more to passer-byers at The Lexicon as well as signposting about the rest of the activities going on during the week.
* Tuesday, Social Prescriber, Rehana was at the over 50's swimming club at the Bracknell Leisure Centre in the afternoon. Whilst Dee attended the lovely group, Knit and Natter in Crowthorne Library.
* Wednesday, Social Prescribers Rachel and Emma were at the fun Fit For All classes in Priestwood and Owlsmoor...both very much enjoyed the classes!
* Thursday, Aimee and Holly from the Wellbeing Service attended the weekly Sport in Mind mindful walk at South Hill Park during the afternoon, whilst Dee attended the Seated exercise class at Ascot Day Centre.
* Lastly, on a busy Friday, Kara joined The Sandhurst Health Walkers in the morning for a beautiful walk around the Balancing Pond, then Lisa attended a calming Tai Chi Session with Sport in Mind at The Morgan Centre in Crowthorne. Finishing off our week, Elouise from Friends in Need hosted a 'Healthier Habits for The new Year' session at Easthampstead Baptist Church.
A brilliant week of activities prompting exercise and self-care to beat those Blue Monday feelings! Keep an eye out for May Events happening in YOUR area!
The Happiness Hub are very proud and excited to announce 2 NEW drop-in Sessions in Ascot and Crowthorne!
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Ascot
Our Ascot drop-in will be on the first Tuesday of every month @ The Sun Café
(17-19 High Street, Sunninghill, SL5 9NG) from 10am - 12pm.
This session will run very much like our Cup of Rosie, Bracknell drop-in session...treat yourself to a cuppa and cake whilst having a chat and finding out what is going on in the area.
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Crowthorne
Our Crowthorne drop-in will be on the third Friday of every month @ Crowthorne Fire Station (High Street, Crowthorne, England, RG45 7AP) from 11am -1pm.
This session will be more focused on games, puzzles, crafts, free teas and coffees whilst having a chat and seeing what is happening in the area. The Crowthorne Market runs every Friday in the Morgan Centre carpark. You are more then welcome to bring any treats from the market to the drop-in session!
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Dates for the next Drop-in sessions -
- Ascot - Tuesday, 4 April - 10am until 12pm @ The Sun Café
- Bracknell - Thursday, 6 April - 10am until 1pm @ Cup of Rosie
- Crowthorne - Friday, 21 April - 11am until 1pm @ Crowthorne Fire Station
We look forward to seeing YOU there!
Lets Make Happiness a Habit!
ichooseME is a collaboration of local services and 18 to 35 year olds.
We are working together to co-create WITH YOU, better ways to support the
mental health and wellbeing of young adults in Bracknell Forest.
You are invited to attend an informal discussion and this is a great opportunity for
YOU to have YOUR voice heard……..
(and get a £10 Costa Coffee voucher as a thank you for attending the discussion!)
Dates -
- Bracknell - Wednesday, 5 April - 6pm until 8pm @ Stepping Stones Recovery College
- Crowthorne - Thursday, 13 April - 6pm until 8pm @ Crowthorne Fire Station
- Sandhurst - Wednesday, 19 April - 6pm until 8pm @ Sandhurst Park Café
Young MindZ monthly social events for 18 - 35 year olds.
Dates -
- Pool and Games night - Tuesday, 4 April - 7pm until 9:30pm @ Hollywood Bowl at The Point
First 3 games of pool for FREE! £1.50per game after the 1st three games
- Family Fortunes Quiz Night - Thursday, 20 April - 7:30pm until 9:30pm @ Peacocks Farm Pub
£1 per person to enter the quiz.
Rachel (Social Prescriber) and Elouise (Friends in Need) collaborated to set up the activity with Phil from Jealotts Hill.
They made stars and wreaths for Jealotts to decorate and sell in the festive season.
The members really enjoyed and it was lovely to see them helping each other – peer support in action!! Members were also able to take home one of their creations and there was lots of snacks too!
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We are thrilled to share with you our Summer 2023 Booklet, full of great courses and workshops.
We will be re-running many of our very popular courses and also introducing some new ones. Please do check it out.
If you are not yet registered as a student please do so via our website.
Attending Stepping Stones is completely FREE and open to anyone aged over 18, who lives or works in the Borough of Bracknell Forest. We are an independent charity but work closely with all local services and charities. You don’t need a referral from anyone – it’s entirely up to you to decide.
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Herby spring chicken pot pie
Preparation and cooking time
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Serves 4
Minimize your washing-up with this delicious one-pan chicken pie with spinach and herbs and topped with crispy filo pastry. It's ideal for busy weeknights
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp. olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing over the pastry
bunch spring onions, sliced into 3cm pieces
* 250g frozen spinach
* 6 ready-cooked chicken thighs (or see tip, below)
* 350ml hot chicken stock
* ½ tbsp. wholegrain mustard
* 200g frozen peas
* 200ml half-fat crème fraiche
* ½ small bunch tarragon, leaves finely chopped
* small bunch parsley, finely chopped
* 270g pack filo pastry
Method
Step One
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large, shallow casserole dish on a medium heat. Add the spring onions and fry for 3 mins, then stir through the frozen spinach and cook for 2 mins or until it’s starting to wilt. Remove the skin from the chicken and discard. Shred the chicken off the bone and into the pan, and discard the bones. Stir through the stock and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 5-10 mins.
Step Two
Stir in the peas, crème fraiche and herbs, then remove from the heat. Scrunch the filo pastry sheets over the mixture, brush with a little oil and bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown.
Recipe Tips
Use Shredded Chicken -
Use 400g shredded roast chicken if you have leftovers from Sunday lunch.
Press the button for the BBC Good Food link -
This newsletter especially for YOU, and we would love to involve you as much as we can! Accomplished something you're proud of? Why not share it with us and we will add it to our newsletter. Found a recipe that everyone loves? Share it with us! Read a good book recently? We'd love to post about it! Any suggestions on a post? Or would you like to write something for us? We'd love that! We would love to hear from you! Email BFCN@bracknell-forest.gov.uk with your suggestions, ideas and more
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