Brightstone Clinic

02/12/2024

A thank you & goodbye from Jessica & Ann 🙏🏻
Hope Street Social CIC/Brightstone Clinic

After five years of supporting the Sandbach community & beyond, we are sad to announce that Hope Street Social/Brightstone Clinic will close its doors on Friday 20th December.

Many local business owners will no doubt relate to the reason we need to close: despite trying everything, rising costs have meant the cost of remaining open is not an option for us. Most recently, the lift at the clinic which is vital for offering a fully accessible service has required a replacement pump at a cost of £3K.

Regardless of the financial difficulties, as a community of therapists, it has been a privilege to help people locally during a time of need, from the challenges of COVID to the present day.

And, as a CIC we were fortunate enough to receive grant funding from the Lottery that enabled us to offer:-

– Free support groups for Ukrainian people fleeing conflict
– Mentoring for individuals with ADHD and Autism.
– A calendar of workshops to combat loneliness and build connections

We are also grateful to have been part of a legacy – a therapy clinic has stood on Hope Street for over 25 years, and while it is sad to see this chapter close, endings make room for new shoots 🕊️

What’s next?

Although we won’t have a physical presence, our therapists are staying together as part of a new directory managed by our clinic manager Ann Lowe and her wife Lyn Lowe. This directory will allow you to search and connect with trusted therapists who know and support one another. The only change is that sessions will now take place in new locations.

One of these locations is The Wellspring and Yew, a beautiful new practice founded by one of Brightstone’s therapists, Siân Williams. Situated in rural Burland at ‘The Yard’, The Wellspring & Yew will offer therapy sessions alongside events, training days, workshops, book clubs, and more.

We want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Sandbach has been such a wonderful community to serve, and we will miss being part of it.

Jessica & Ann, Co-founders of Hope Street Social CIC

18/11/2024

So if you've been wondering about certain emotions that you can't explain, or even know if it's a 'thing' here's the word and description to explain it...

11/11/2024

Walking Home Alone? 🚶‍♀️

Strut Safe is a nationwide phone line which is run by volunteers to keep you company and help you feel safe on your walk home.
Their phone lines are open:

▪️ Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm to 3am
▪️ Sundays, 7pm to 1am
📞 If you don't feel safe on your walk home then give them a call 0333 335 0026

Their volunteers will help you feel safe until you are through the front door.

More info at 👉 https://strutsafe.org/

28/10/2024

Please share, you never know who needs this...

Travel to Refuge
Free rail and coach travel for those fleeing domestic abuse.

The Rail to Refuge scheme offers free train travel to women, children and men fleeing domestic abuse, who have been given an offer of a place in refuge.

Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.

If you or anyone you know need to access this, please click on the following link.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/supporting-our-members/travel-to-refuge/

10/10/2024

Your Free Virtual Self-Care Package for World Mental Health Day

It’s World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is ‘It’s time to do something about mental health at work’.

We are delighted to have pulled together this Free Virtual Self Care Package: designed to be your go-to toolkit if you're struggling with mental health at work. It includes a variety of tools for mindfulness, meditation, and stress management and we hope you can benefit, and also share with anyone who needs this right now.

1. Mindfulness Meditations and Classes
• Breathworks: Breathworks offers free guided mindfulness meditations designed to help with stress and anxiety. Some popular practices include the 'Tension Release Meditation' and the 'Body Scan for Sleep.' Explore these on their website: [Breathworks Mindfulness](https://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk)

• Oxford Mindfulness Foundation: Offers free daily mindfulness practice sessions at 1pm and 7pm GMT, suitable for all experience levels. These are excellent for employees to take a quick mental break during the day. Sign up for these sessions here: [Oxford Mindfulness Foundation](https://www.oxfordmindfulness.org)

• Mindfulness UK: Provides free weekly online mindfulness and compassion meditation sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1pm. These sessions are perfect for building resilience and practicing self-care in the workplace. Join the sessions here: [Mindfulness UK](https://mindfulnessuk.com)

2. NHS Mindfulness Resources
• NHS Mindfulness Resources: The NHS provides several free mindfulness resources, including beginner guides to meditation, audio guides, and advice on how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Explore these resources through the NHS website: [NHS Mindfulness](https://www.nhs.uk)

3. Mental Health Support and Tools
• Mind UK: Mind UK offers supported self-help resources along with a guided six-week programme designed to help manage mental health with professional support. This programme is ideal for those seeking structured support. More information here: [Mind UK](https://www.mind.org.uk)

• Mental Health Foundation: Offers various mindfulness-based programmes, such as MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy), which are recommended by NICE to help manage stress and depression. Find out more at: [Mental Health Foundation](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk)

04/10/2024

and breathe...

01/10/2024

How to notice the early signs of stress in yourself and others.

Stress plays a big part in many of our lives – affecting our relationships our ability to concentrate and the likelihood of us reaching for unhealthy foods.

A little stress is OK, but a prolonged period of stress can lead to burnout.

The important thing is to be able to notice the signs of stress early and take action to take a break, slow down, delegate, and nurture yourself.

Here are the signs you can look out for in yourself and your friends, family and colleagues.

Physical Signs

1. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
2. Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines.
3. Muscle Tension: Tightness or pain in the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, or back.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or restless sleep.
5. Changes in Appetite: Increased cravings for unhealthy foods or loss of appetite.
6. Digestive Issues: Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Emotional Signs

1. Irritability: Increased frustration or mood swings.
2. Anxiety: Persistent feelings of worry or nervousness.
3. Depression: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
4. Overwhelm: Feeling unable to cope with daily tasks or responsibilities.

Behavioural Signs

1. Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or isolating oneself.
2. Changes in Work Performance: Decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, or making mistakes.
3. Substance Abuse: Increased reliance on alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope.
4. Neglecting Responsibilities: Skipping work, chores, or other obligations.

Cognitive Signs

1. Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or making decisions.
2. Memory Issues: Forgetfulness or difficulty recalling information.
3. Negative Thinking: Pessimism or a tendency to dwell on problems.

Social Signs

1. Conflict in Relationships: Increased arguments or tension with friends, family, or coworkers.
2. Decreased Interest in Activities: Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable.

Don't forget our therapists ar Brightstone Clinic are here to support you, should you need us. Take care of yourselves, everyone.

17/09/2024

Reflections from our founder & manager Ann on Identity & Fluidity

I wouldn’t usually write about an underwear brand here (bare with, this gets good) but I recently received a gift from Lemonade Dolls that included a fabulous postcard. I’m sharing my reflections because, firstly, the message on the card is beautiful and empowering—something many of us need to hear at some point.

It also gives us permission to be all things: tough and strong, radical and supportive, and I’d add empathic and boundaried.

In a world where we’re often quickly labeled or constantly searching for our true selves, this message is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to confine ourselves to one role or identity. We don’t have to choose between toughness and softness, leadership and compassion. We can embody all of these qualities as needed, and what a relief this is.

When we approach life from this perspective, we become 'response-able'—able to adapt and respond to what each moment or situation requires, rather than feeling pressured to fit a specific mold or role.

Thank you, , for sharing such a liberating, thought-provoking, and empowering message.

09/09/2024

This Saturday - 14th September 10am-4pm at Hassall Green Nature Reserve. Go along to Land Trust Family Open Day. There's so much to do, learn and explore, and a load of fun along the way!

This FREE family event will allow all members of the family to join in with some exciting, environmentally focused crafts throughout the day and reconnect with nature. You can also learn more about the Green Angels project!

We will have a huge range of free activities on the day such as:
Dry Stone Walling tasters
Willow Weaving
Natural Crafts
Wild cooking
Bushcraft skills
Mindfullness sessions
Wildlife explorer’s
Drumming circles
Yoga tasters
Face Painting
AND SO MUCH MORE!

Their famous cake stand and refreshments will also be returning. Any pennies raised at our refreshment stand will be donated to two local conservation organisations.

02/09/2024

Back to School & Work: Let's Talk About Bullying

While September can be an exciting time for many, we know that for some, it brings anxiety and fear. Bullying isn't just a schoolyard issue; it affects children, teens, and even adults in the workplace. Whether it's at school or at work, bullying can have a lasting impact on our emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.
If this is happening for you right now, you are not alone (although it may not feel that way). If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, there are resources and support available to help you:

Talk to someone: Discuss what’s happening with a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or colleague. Sometimes sharing your experience can be the first step toward finding a solution.
Learn some ways to handle the situation: Therapists and counsellors can provide a safe space to discuss your experiences and develop coping strategies.

Free resources and helplines:

Childline (for children and young people): Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk

NSPCC: Call 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance: Visit anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk for more information and resources.

National Bullying Helpline: Call 0845 22 55 787 or visit nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk for support for both children and adults.

ACAS (for workplace bullying): Call 0300 123 1100 or visit acas.org.uk

Remember, bullying is never okay, and help is available. At Brightstone, we're here to support: whether in school, at work, or in the community. Email us at info@brightstoneclinic.co.uk to explore how our therapists may be able to support.

29/08/2024

A little reframe with a big impact

Today, our clinic manager Ann wanted to share with you a story with an insight from a conversation with a friend that was tiny... but really impactful (and which has the opportunity to help make life feel a little more joyful).

Ann says: “I was talking to a friend recently who has been caring for her mum for the last few months. She was describing her weekend ahead and said ‘I’ve got to go and see my mum’. She really quickly caught herself and said ‘Actually... I ‘get’ to see my mum’. She didn’t say much else, but that little change stayed with me for the rest of the day: from ‘got to’ to ‘get to’ is so much more than a word, it helps us to have gratitude and even excitement for things we can often see as chores. I’ve been noticing the difference between ‘I get to go for a walk with our dogs today’ or ‘I get to go food shopping’ is about so much more than language, my body feels differently. I feel more relaxed and open hearted…”

If you’d like to give this a go, the first thing to do is catch yourself in the moment of saying ‘I have to, or I've got to’… and gently switch the wording. You may notice yourself relax, soften, or feel better about your day ahead, or you may start to feel gratitude. If you do give this a try, we’d love to hear how you get on.

27/08/2024

This morning, we are thrilled to hear that NHS 111 is now offering a new mental health service, making it easier for people in crisis to get the urgent help they need. With rising numbers of people struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, it's more important than ever to have accessible support options.
This new service provides a direct line to trained mental health professionals who can offer assessments, crisis intervention, and guidance on local resources, all available 24/7. Just call 111 and press 2 for mental health support.

We fully support initiatives like this that make mental health care more accessible. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You can also visit us at Brightstone for additional support and resources. Let's continue to support one another and make mental health a priority.

Remember, you're not alone. Reach out today. 💙

08/08/2024

FREE 1-2-1 Sound Therapy Hope Street Social CIC, Sandbach on Sundays, August-December
45 minute appointments available between 10am and 2pm

Our Sound Therapist Katy Holdcroft is looking for 20 people who would like to experience her services for free. You must be willing to be a case study for her British Academy of Sound Therapy training.

If you are interested, please take the time to fully read the information below.

All enquiries to go to Kate directly at katy-holdcroft@hotmail.co.uk
...............................

Hello! My name is Katy, I am 28 and I am currently training to become a Sound Therapist with the British Academy of Sound Therapy. BAST was founded by Lyz Cooper, who has contributed to over 25 years worth of research into the field of therapeutic sound. As part of my training, I am currently looking for 20 individuals to work with me on a 1 to 1 basis as a case study for my portfolio. This will consist of four 1 to 1 sessions, once a week, for four consecutive weeks.

You may be thinking, what on earth is Sound Therapy? Well, it is complementary therapy that uses sound and specialist instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, drum and percussion instruments (among others) played in therapeutic ways, combined with self-reflection techniques to improve health and wellbeing. It differs from Sound Healing in that it offers a self-reflective process/talking element in addition to the sound. Sound Therapy can help improve emotional and mental wellbeing but can also help with pain management. I am able to work with clients who are experiencing pain in their day-to-day life and are looking for different ways to manage their symptoms. I have one space available for a chronic pain study as part of BAST’s ongoing research into the ways in which therapeutic sound can help with pain. So please get in touch if you experience chronic pain and would like to be part of the study as well.

It is therefore important to say that if you are interested in being a case study, then you need to be willing to discuss/share any issues/difficulties that you are currently experiencing in your life (as much as you feel comfortable to). However, please note that Sound Therapy is a complementary therapy, therefore it is not to be used as a substitute for any medication or talking therapies such as counselling or psychotherapy. It can however, work well in conjunction with them.

Similar to a soundbath, you will simply be required to lie on a treatment couch (chairs can be provided as an alternative if necessary) throughout the session lasting approximately 45 minutes and close your eyes. I will be using various instruments such as gongs, crystal bowls, Himalayan singing bowls, drum, rainstick, Koshi chimes and other therapeutic percussion instruments, each with their own characteristics and benefits. I will be using instruments that I feel will be most beneficial for you, and will be playing them in a variety of ways to suit you and your needs.

Sessions are free of charge as this is part of my training period. No previous experience with Sound Therapy, Sound Healing or soundbaths is necessary.

I will be offering appointments in Sandbach on Sundays between 10am - 2pm and in Middlewich on Mondays between 1:30 - 8pm. I have various starting dates from Sunday 18th August until December, so please do get in touch even if you may not be able to start until later in the year.

I am fully insured as a student and I am a student member of ITSA (International Therapeutic Sound Association) which is currently the only official representing body for Sound Therapy. I also have First Aid training.

Unfortunately, if you are currently in your first trimester of pregnancy or are currently experiencing a severe mental health condition, I will not be able to work with you at this time. Please contact me if you would like to take part but are unsure if this applies to you.

If you would like to be a case study or have any questions, you can contact me by email at katy-holdcroft@hotmail.co.uk.

Look forward to hearing from you😊

Katy

29/07/2024

What does strength look like?

It isn't one size fits all. Whilst for one person it can be assertiveness, for another, strength could be holding your tongue in that moment, or having boundaries in place. Here is an insight into the various ways people can demonstrate strength. Can you resonate? Are there any you think we may have missed? Place your thoughts in the comments...

19/07/2024

CHANGE OF DATE:

Many apologies to those wishing to attend Sundays Hope St Hope Street Social CIC workshop 'Recovery from Trauma'. Due to unforeseen circumstance we have had to postpone. But we have set a new date for:

Sunday 8th September - 9:45am-12pm

If you have registered for attending this event, we will also inform you by email. If any additional people wish to attend the September date, please contact us and we will add you to the workshop. hopestsocial@gmail.com

15/07/2024

⚽️🏆 Post-Match Support: You're Not Alone 🏆⚽️

Hey everyone, (please share)

We know the excitement and emotions run high during the European football finals. While for many, it’s a time of joy and celebration, unfortunately, for some, it can be a time of fear and distress due to an increase in domestic abuse incidents.

According to the National Centre for Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence and the World Cup are closely linked, with reported incidents increasing by 38% if England Lose.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it's important to know that help is available and you are not alone. Here are some crucial resources in the UK that offer support and assistance:

1. National Domestic Abuse Helpline: domes
•⁠ ⁠📞 Call: 0808 2000 247 (24/7 Free Helpline)
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk](http://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Confidential support, safety planning, and referrals to local services.*

2. Refuge: Refuge
•⁠ ⁠📞 Call: 0808 2000 247 (24/7 Free Helpline)
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.refuge.org.uk](http://www.refuge.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Emergency housing and support services for women and children escaping abuse.*

3. Women’s Aid: Women's Aid
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.womensaid.org.uk](http://www.womensaid.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Information on local services, advice, and support groups.*

4. Men’s Advice Line:
•⁠ ⁠📞 Call: 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm)
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.mensadviceline.org.uk](http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Support for men experiencing domestic abuse.*

5. Galop (LGBT+ Anti-Abuse Charity):
•⁠ ⁠📞 Call: 0800 999 5428
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.galop.org.uk](http://www.galop.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Support for LGBT+ people facing domestic abuse and violence.*

6. Respect Phoneline (for those concerned about their own behaviour):
•⁠ ⁠📞 Call: 0808 802 4040
•⁠ ⁠🌐 Website: [www.respectphoneline.org.uk](http://www.respectphoneline.org.uk)
•⁠ ⁠*Help for individuals who want to stop being abusive.*

Immediate Danger:
•⁠ ⁠🚨 *Call 999* for emergency assistance.
•⁠ ⁠If you cannot speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted to signal you need help without speaking.

Additional Tips:
•⁠ ⁠Stay Connected: Keep in touch with trusted friends or family members who can offer support.
•⁠ ⁠Safe Spaces: Pharmacies like Boots and some independent shops offer Safe Spaces where you can access support and information.
•⁠ ⁠Silent Solution: If you’re in danger and unable to talk, call 999, listen to the operator, and press 55 when prompted.

Remember, it's not your fault, and you deserve to feel safe and respected. Reach out, get help, and take the first step towards safety and support.

Stay safe and look out for each other 💙


Domestic Violence Awareness
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Please share this post to spread awareness and let others know that support is available.

04/07/2024

We love this poem – Sometimes the Wolf Cries Girl – by S.R.W. In a world where we are increasingly aware of misinformation, AI and fake news, this poem is a gentle and fun reminder of the importance of thinking for ourselves.

02/07/2024