South London Listens - December Update
Hello,
This year, together we have made enormous strides to support the mental health and wellbeing of our communities as we all continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic.
We started the year listening to people’s stories and ideas, culminating in the community summit in June where we pledged our support. We reached another milestone in October with the publication of our two-year action plan setting out how we will deliver on our pledges, and we have already made significant progress in bringing the plan to life.
We look forward to working with you all in 2022 to help change lives and make a lasting impact across south London.
Best,
The South London Listens team
South London Listens Taskforce
We have now held three meetings of the South London Listens Taskforce, made up of community, NHS, and local authorities’ representatives. The Taskforce has been focused on our Champions programme, launching next month, and on pledges to build a culturally competent workforce. They have also been exploring how we can work with existing local initiatives. Finally, we are delighted that Rev Canon Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Archdeacon of Croydon, has agreed to become a Co-Chair of the Taskforce, alongside Ann Beasley, Chair of South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, and Sir Norman Lamb, Chair of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Calling all dads
Being a dad and juggling the pressures of modern family life can be hard, but you are not alone. We are offering the chance to join two free parenting groups, funded by South London Listens.
Being a Parent is an eight-week online group run in the evenings by experienced dad group leaders.
Being a Dad is online support delivered in weekly bit-sized nuggets and regular ‘Dad MOTs’ with a dad parent group leader.
The groups are open to all dads in Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon, or Lewisham with a child aged 2-11.
How to get help in a crisis
Rising cases of Omicron is putting even more pressure on NHS services and it is important that people avoid visiting Accident and Emergency departments unless they have a physical health emergency. Information about where people can get help if they are distressed or experiencing a mental health crisis is available on our websites below. You can also call 111 to speak to the national NHS helpline about anyone with an urgent healthcare need that isn't a 999 emergency. Please help us by sharing this information so people can get help before they are in crisis.