Group Therapy 'Beats Depression'

Group-taught meditation is as effective as staying on drug treatments for stopping people slipping back into depression, say UK scientists. Compared to one-to-one sessions, or medication, "mindfulness-based cognitive therapy" (MBCT) is cheaper for the NHS, they say. The trial of 123 people found similar relapse rates in those having group therapy and those taking drugs. The study was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Recent years have seen much more evidence that so-called "talking therapies" can be as effective as drugs in alleviating mild to moderate depression, and health secretary Alan Johnson recently announced millions in new funding for the treatments.

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Chanting Could Help us All Live Longer, Says Medic

Chanting has been associated with certain religions for centuries, but many now believe it has a role to play in improving both our physical and mental health. Dr Clive Wood, who will run a 10-week course next year to teach people how to chant, explains its origins, its benefits and how to do it. ASK most people what they mean by chanting and they might think of a choir of monks, or perhaps a football crowd. But recent research has found that chanting has a more surprising effect that has nothing to do with either religion or sport it can also help to keep us healthy physical and mentally.

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Latest News - Lower Childhood IQ Associated With Higher Risk of Adult Mental Disorders

Researchers have hypothesized that people with lower IQs may have a higher risk of adult mental disorders, but few studies have looked at the relationship between low childhood IQ and psychiatric disorders later in life. In a new, long-term study covering more than three decades, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that children with lower IQs showed an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders as adults, including schizophrenia, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lower IQ was also associated with psychiatric disorders that were more persistent and an increased risk of having two or more diagnoses at age 32.

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Dapper FM Radio Interview with Jason Samuel - 17 October 2008

Picture above shows Jason Samuel and Leighton Owen with Dapper FM Presenter Donna at Cana Centre, Penywaun

Dapper FM Invited a member of staff to speak about the latest events happening within the world of Mental Health Support. The interview with Jason Samuel (Mental Health Support) covers the

• Mental Health Support Website
• Hillary Jones (GMTV)
• The New Horizons Centre at Aberdare
• How to Get Support

The interview went very well and we would like to thank Donna and all the production staff at Dapper FM. (http://www.dapperfm.co.uk/)

The Full Radio Interview can be heard by clicking here.
(.MP3)

Instructions on Use

To listen simply click link above to download and play with Window Media Software.

New Horizons Aberdare Open Day was a great success

The New Horizons Open Day which took place at New Horizons, Aberdare

The guests included: -


















Dr Hillary Jones (GMTV) Patron of Mental Health Support Website and Boyd Clack (Boyd Clack, writer for the top comedy show High Hopes) who is the patron of New Horizons.

It included the new relaunching of the Mental Health Support Website.

Live Music by the New Horizons Band

Poetry read by the Poetry Group

Offered many exciting activities including Armchair Arobics, Prize Draws offering prizes of Digital Camera, HP Printer, Cardiff City Signed Football, A Dart Board Signed by the Welsh Darts Team, Meal for two at Glancynon Inn, Hirwaun.

You could Name the Bear , Make Jewellery.

Fruit Co-op was here offering fruit packs at low prices.

Valleys Radio was operating from the New Horizons Centre from 11 AM - 6 PM.

Warm food and beverages were available throughout the day.

You can see more photographs of the day by clicking here

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week was a great success and went really well.

The week covered many different events including

'Reading the Signs' plays

Routes to Recovery Event

An audience with… for carers

New Horizons Annual open day in Aberdare with Valleys radio 11am – 6pm

Interlink Service User Involvement Project

Quiz Night

New Horizons Music Event

To read more about what went on that week visit here

Welcome to Mental Health Support Blog

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to Mental Health Support Blog!

This area will be used to keep everyone up to date on what has been happening within our area

Look forward to adding more information very soon!