OSHNCURRENT November 2014 Proud Member Oxford Self Help Network of the United Way Past, present, future of OSHN By Eric Schmiedl Looking back at where the Oxford Self Help Network has been and what the future holds for the organization was the focus of Laura Earle’s speech at Self Help’s annual general meeting on Oct. 17 “The past, the present and the future,” Earle, Self Help’s executive director, said of the thrust of her talk. In 1991, thanks to a move by the Ontario government to bring self help groups into being, the local chapter of Self Help was formed. At that time, the local organization was co-located with the Canadian Mental Health Association on Adelaide Street in Wood- stock. In 1992 the local Self Help held its first annual general meeting – at that time, its board of directors included Christine Hunt and Gord Pollock. “People helping people help themselves” was the motto the group adopted. Later, the local Self Help moved into 800 Dundas St. – “it was really small,” Earle said of those quarters. In July 1994, Self Help was incorporated and another move followed in 1996 – that was back to the Adelaide Street location, when the CMHA was moving out. “We were really happy about that move,” Earle said. Continued on page 2 Oxford Self Help Network 522 Peel Street Woodstock, Ontario N4S 1K3 519-539-8055 1-800-859-7248 Fax: 519-539-8317 www.ocl.net/ projects/selfhelp/ Inside This Issue Book signing 2 Support groups 3 Calendar 4 Look for activities pages In this issue Open Oxford Self Help Network does not provide professional counselling. It provides one on one peer support and social activities for people dealing with mental illness. We endeavour to treat all with respect and ask that we do not repeat or identify anyone or their experiences outside of OSHN. Confidentiality is a sacred trust. Monday Thru Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OSHNCURRENT November 2014 Self Help history and future Continued from page 1 Another move came in 2002, when Self Help was told it had six weeks to move out of its Adelaide Street quarters. That led to the shift to 554 Princess St., which Self Help occupied until June of this year – now, the organization is colocated with the Oxford CMHA at 522 Peel St. Part of that deal was that Self Help would retain its own programs and funding. “Oxford Self Help is still Oxford Self Help,” said Earle, adding the move was arranged in part so Self Help could choose its own partnership in the community rather than having one thrust upon it from up- per government tiers. As for the future, a survey will be going out with this newsletter to gauge the wants of the Self Help membership, she said. Thanks to Shirley M., Meghan M., Marilyn S., Edi S., Lori R. and WDDS for preparing food for the October annual general meeting. Book signing at OSHN 100+ at open house Woodstock author Eric Schmiedl is taking on the stigma associated with bipolar disorder in his new book, Don Quixote Versus the Devil. A book signing to launch Don Quixote will go on at the Oxford Self Help Network/Oxford Canadian Mental Health Association building Thursday, Nov. 13 from 2:30-4 p.m. Schmiedl, who was diagnosed with the illness in More than 100 people attended an open house marking the Oxford Self Help Network’s move into the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Oxford County branch building at 522 Peel St. The open house at the shared building was held Sept. 23 and included lots of food, a ribbon cutting and brief speeches by Laura Earle and Mike McMahon, executive directors of Self Help and CMHA respectively. There was plenty of media coverage for the event. Elizabeth Crawford won a draw for hockey tickets, to a Toronto-Ottawa game, at the event. 1998, relates the misadventures that he went through during his manic episodes over the years. His last manic episode occurred six years ago and he has been healthy ever since, so the book’s message is one of hope for people with the disorder. For him, keeping to a medication regimen and a good sleep schedule are paramount in maintaining his health. The book sells for $7.95. November membership meeting The next Self Help membership meeting will be held Nov. 21 at noon. A draw will be held for free cans of pop. Page 2 Free can of pop draw (enter your name in this box) Client lunch The next OSHN/CMHA client lunch will be held Nov. 6 at noon. Tickets for the lunch are $2 and can be bought at the reception desk. Call the office at 519-539-8055 for more information about any of our groups. OSHNCURRENT November 2014 Self Help support groups Schizophrenia Support Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. (NOTE DAY CHANGE) Schizophrenia can be a frightening disease that causes some disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating to others. This support group provides an opportunity for fellowship and friendship with others who have had difficulties with this illness. The group meets Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. To ensure confidentiality and a level playing field you must be diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related psychotic illness by a psychiatrist to attend this group. Please speak to Elizabeth before attending. A phone call to 519-539-8055 is sufficient. Confidentiality, empathy, solidarity, positivity and a safe place to discuss with peers the challenges that these disorders can cause in our lives are the key components to this group. Please call 519-539-8055 and ask for Wes or Laura for more information. NOTE: An afternoon mood disorder group will be starting Tuesdays in November. Ingersoll Mental Health Support Group Thursdays 1:30 p.m. Lonely, sad, tired? You may be depressed or you may know you have other issues concerning mental health. Come and share your thoughts and feelings in a kind, accepting environment. You don’t have to be alone. Location: First Baptist Church-in the Annex Mood Disorder Group 235 Thames St. S. Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. Ingersoll, ON N5C 2T6 This is a peer support group for individuals diagnosed For more information please call the office @ 519-539 with depression, bipolar and anxiety disorders. -8055 or 1-800-859-7248. New at the library Now That I’m Out, What Do I Do? This book details changes that have faced the gay community. Yoga For Grief Relief Discovering the power of yoga to help tackle grief. Bipolar 101 A practical guide to identifying triggers, managing medications, coping with symptoms and more. Forgetting: When To Worry, What To Do For those worried about their memory or a loved one’s, this is a well-researched, informative book. We are now on Facebook. Check us out at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oxford-SelfHelp-Network/150925168436882?ref_type=bookmark Call the office at 519-539-8055 for more information about any of our groups. Page 3 OSHNCURRENT ACTIVITIES November 2014 Movies galore for November The Monday movie group continues. Popcorn is free and soft drinks are 50 cents a can. The November lineup is: Nov. 3: Sex Tape Nov. 10: Monument Men Nov. 17: The Book Thief Nov. 24: Mom’s Night Out New and coming soon to you * The One Stitch at a Time (knitting, sewing, crocheting group) Mondays at 1 p.m. * Beat the Boss… Come and play against Laura in dominoes or crokinole, or bring game suggestions, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. * An art group will be starting soon at Oxford Self Help Network. Dates and times to be announced soon. Winter crafts arriving at OSHN Welcome to OSHN crafts - held on each Tuesday of the week from 1-3p.m. We offer a different craft each week that will involve the theme of that month. If you have any crafts that you would like to see done, please ask for Karen Fava. Crafts can include - painting - felts - textiles - paper - decorative - fashion and functional crafts. We can look into accommodating your ideas. Crafts for the month of November will be winter related. OSHNCURRENT ACTIVITIES November 2014 OSHNCURRENT ACTIVITIES November 2014 Makeover days continue Makeover days will now be offered on the first Signup sheets will be at the office. Wednesday of every month. Nov. 5 is the next makeover day, then Dec. The groups will be smaller to help with time 3 will be the following makeover day. This is constraints. open to men and women. Bingo at Self Help Come join us for some fun on Fridays at 1 p.m. at Self Help for bingo. You can win a prize and join in for cards following bingo. Winners, winners, winners The hearts winners for SepWinners for the euchre were tember were Georgina, Mar- Sam, Dwayne, Elizabeth and garet, Dwayne and Sam. Margaret. D and D, C of C on a roll The Dungeons and Dragons group meets Fridays at 1-4 p.m. for gaming action. The group is limited to up to five players. And Call of Cthuhlu players meet Wednesdays at 1-4 p.m. If interested talk to Wes. Euchre tourney Hearts tourney The euchre tournament continues Thursdays from 1:30 -3 p.m. Monthly prizes can be won, so come and take some tricks and have a good time. For anyone who likes playing cards or is looking to learn a new card game to play, we will be playing hearts Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. OSHNCURRENT ACTIVITIES November 2014