Letter to service users and carers

December 2023

Dear All, 

As we approach the festive season, I want to take a moment to send warmest wishes to each and every one of you.

Whatever you are doing, I hope you have moments of peace, love, and happiness. While the holiday season is traditionally seen as a joyful time, I know that it is not always the case if you are facing mental health challenges or are not in a position to share celebrations with family or friends. My thoughts are with you.

Can I also say a big thank you to everyone who is a carer. You play a crucial role in supporting your loved ones and ensuring they get the care that they need every day of the year. Your dedication and compassion is crucial, and we appreciate all the sacrifices you make.

Remember, if you need support or have any concerns over the holiday period, we are here for you.

Our crisis lines will be open 24/7 and are free to call:

Urgent help in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey please call: 0800 151 0023

Urgent help in Camden and Islington please call: 0800 917 3333

North London Mental Health Partnership launches new website

I am very pleased to let you know that the new North London Mental Health Partnership website is now live and replaces the separate Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and the Camden and Islington websites.

Its development has been a real team effort, with service users, carers and staff giving their input about what is most important to them. Thank you to all those who have been involved. 

Please do visit the website and let us know what you think by emailing communications@candi.nhs.uk.

Camden and Islington Choir bring festive joy to St Pancras hitting a high note with their performance

Christmas felt truly underway as the Partnership’s service user, carer, and staff choir performed their annual festive concert. The concert was just the latest in a string of performances for the choir which is led by Bee Ororo and Julie Harrington from the charity Key Changes.  Over two hours, they performed a medley of Christmas favourites and other songs from their repertoire.  Guests joined in and helped themselves to mince-pies, mulled wine and other festive snacks. To watch highlights from the performance on Twitter / X, please click here The choir meet each Tuesday evening for rehearsal and welcome new singers. If you’re interested in singing with the choir, please email: info@keychanges.org.uk.

Giving service users easy and quick access to their health records

Service users aged 14 years and above from our Child and Young People Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) can quickly and easily access their personal health records in one place via Patients Know Best. The digital platform gives service users secure access to their health record via an online portal. It can be used to store their medical and care information securely in one place. To find out more information please visit: Home - Patients Know Best or get in touch with your usual Trust contact. We're happy to answer any questions.

Free social tennis training in Haringey

The start of a new year can inspire some people to try to do things differently. If you would like to learn a new skill, get active, and meet new people, you can do so at a weekly social tennis session in Haringey - everyone is welcome!  These sessions take place at Chestnuts Community Centre, 280 St Ann's Road, London N15 5BN, on Tuesdays throughout 2024 from 1.30 - 3.30pm. When the weather is warmer and it's dry, these sessions will take place outside.  The sessions will be facilitated by local tennis coach, Lennie, and Jane, an Occupational Therapist working in Haringey.  Please complete this application form and share with jane.oneill4@nhs.net if you are interested in joining.

Whether you need tips on looking after your mental health, information on where to get support with your energy bills or advice on keeping warm in winter – this page has a selection of cold weather advice to help you stay warm and healthy throughout the winter months. Good Thinking UK have also produced their own winter wellbeing guide, signposting practical tips to help you stay mentally healthy in the months ahead. 

Please get in touch with your Trust contact if you ever feel in need of greater support. We are here to care for you. Please take look after yourself and support those around you when possible.

Dr Vincent Kirchner
Chief Medical Officer