ACUMEN LIBRARY

ACUMEN has a small library of informative and self help books which members are welcome to borrow for a short term.  Examples include 'My Journey to Freedom - a collection of creative writing', 'Manage your Mind - a mental fitness guide' and 'No More Sleepless Nights'.

For further information and to view the full reading list please click here.  Alternatively please phone the office and we will be happy to post a copy of the list to you.

"Book lovers never go to bed alone"

* * * *

Healthier Scotland have produced a booklet and cd - Steps to Deal with Stress - both of which contain some practical way to start dealing with stress, and to stop it building up in future.

To obtain a FREE copy of the booklet and cd - contact the ACUMEN office

* * * *

'Message in a Bottle' Launched in Renfrewshire

Message in a Bottle provides emergency services with vital health information in the event of an emergency.  People who live alone or have health conditions may find it particularly useful.

Emergency details are stored in a plastic 'bottle' which is placed in the door of the fridge.  Emergency services will see the emergency sticker on the fridge door and can then locate the 'bottle'.

The 'bottle' is available free from Health Centres, Libraries and GP surgeries throughout Renfrewshire.

For more information regarding Message in a Bottle, please contact the ACUMEN office and ask for Shena.

* * * *

See me Photographic Competition

1st of June is the opening date for the 'See me' photographic competition and the theme for this year is support.  Photographers are encouraged to use their own imagination and personal experiences to interpret the theme.  We all give and receive support as we go about our everyday lives - from family, friends, neighbours, teachers, colleagues and everyone in between. 

For more information, contact

Paul Kodur

Audio Visual Manager

Reid Kerr College

Renfrew Road

Paisley

email: pkodur@reidkerr.ac.uk

01415873372

* * * *

Poets' Corner

What a fume.

Down the road,

Left in it's wake,

A cloud of smoke,

Made people choke.

 

Going places,

Up and downhill.

At your will,

Not to kill.

Over bumps,

Round bends.

Give them thrills and chills.

 

The engine roars,

Doing its chores,

Coughing and spluttering.

As winter came,

Isn't it a shame.

If that car had a brain,

It would go insane,

As if to complain.

 

Wipers don't work,

Running out of luck,

Windows dirty,

Paintwork rusty.

"Couldn't sell this car",

Mr. Claxton said in woe,

"The only thing that works,

Is the radio".

 

The door creaked,

The petrol tank leaked,

The boot springs open

The car is no hoping.

The brake, accelerator and clutch, don't work,

We'll have to get a car towing truck

 

The truck appeared off to the dump,

Clitter, clatter sighs of woe,

The dump is the place to go.

 

At the dump the driver stops,

He relaxes and sighs,

"That car has had its chances".

Tyres worn,

Metal torn,

Ages old, can't be sold.

 

The car lies there,

Like a lump

In all that pile

Of forgotten junk.

 

 

by John Bain

* * * *

Renfrewshire Mental Health Directory 2009/10

A new directory of local resources has recently been launched

and may be viewed by clicking here.  The directory was

 created in response to requests from members of the public.

To request a printed copy, please contact the ACUMEN office.

* * * *

 RENFREWSHIRE CARERS'

  Details of the services available at the Carers Centre can be viewed by visiting their website at

www.renfrewshirecarers.com

Renfrewshire Carers Centre

16 Silk Street

Paisley

0141 887 3643

* * * *

SUPPORT GROUPS IN INVERCLYDE

A series of support groups have been

established in Inverclyde.

 For more information contact Isabel Kerr

Your Voice Community Care Forum

12 Clyde Square, Greenock

 on 01475 728628

* * * *

 Inspirational Journeys of Hope

This is a booklet of short stories, poetry and artwork about recovery from mental ill health.  It aims to give hope and change expectations about recovery to others with mental health problems.

By sharing people's stories of recovery, it is hoped that the reader will be inspired and motivated.  Recovery is a reality.

Free copies are available by contacting Shena at the ACUMEN office on 0141 887 9103

  Alternatively click here to view online

* * * *

ACUMEN INVERCLYDE Skills Audit

ACUMEN commissioned an independent piece of research which was funded by Inverclyde Alliance through the Community Regeneration Fund.

The aim of the research was to focus on the skills and knowledge of people with mental health problems who are out of work.  The report highlights the potential of people and their contribution to the local community.  It has now been printed and can be viewed by clicking here.

Alternatively, copies can be obtained by contacting the ACUMEN office.

 * * * *