General FAQs

If I don't live in the Borough of Brent, can I use your services?
Unfortunately we are not able to offer services to people who do not live in the London Borough of Brent. For details of your local mind please go to the National Mind website (www.mind.org.uk)

Can I park at Brent Mind offices?
No, unfortunately there are no parking facilities. At Brent Mind offices and the immediate surrounding areas, it is permit parking only.

Is Brent Mind the same as national Mind?
We are a local Mind association which means we are affiliated to national Mind and abide by national Mind standards and guidelines, however we are an independently managed organisation.

Community Housing FAQs

Where are your houses and what are they like?
Brent Mind manages houses in Willesden, Kilburn, Cricklewood, Neasden, Brondesbury and Harlesden. They are all street properties (i.e. terraced houses or semi-detached houses) of a good standard. They all have separate bedrooms with shared use of common areas including bathroom, kitchen, living room and garden. All houses are fully furnished with cooker, fridge, washing machine, kitchen equipment, television and bedroom furniture provided. All houses have between 3 to 5 people sharing. Some houses are men or women only and some are mixed. Some are also ethnic specific. All have good public transport links by tube, train or bus.

What support will I get?
All tenants receive support through an allocated keyworker who will meet with you once a month to discuss your Support Plan (This looks at your goals and any issues you want help or support with).

You will also receive weekly or twice weekly visiting support from our experienced staff team. (Depending on the support levels offered at each house) In addition, assistance and advice is given on benefits, independent life skills, training education and employment.

In addition, we provide weekly House Meetings where you can comment on any issues in the house, liaison with your social worker, CPN or Psychiatrist and ensuring your views are heard at any meetings to do with your care and also a full Repairs and Maintenance service for your home.

What does it cost?
Our average rent is £105 per week. This includes service charges, which cover the costs of things like cleaning, and heat and light. Assistance with applying for Housing Benefit to cover the cost of the rent is given if you are eligible for welfare benefits. In addition there is an average tenant charge of £7 per week to cover costs that Housing benefit do not pay for.

How do I apply?
Brent Mind requires all applicants to complete an application form. You will also need your Care Manager (i.e. your Social Worker or Community Psychiatric Nurse) to complete a form and provide additional documentation relating to the care you have received in the past. Refer to the Housing section for further information, and to download application guidance documents.

How long would I stay with Brent Mind?
The house is not a home for life as we aim to support people become more independent so they can move on to more independent housing. For people in higher support houses, we aim to move people on within 2 years to a lower support house if appropriate. This is subject to vacancies being available. In a further 2 years we would seek to move people onto independent self-contained accommodation. (People in lower supported houses would be considered for self-contained accommodation within 2 years).

However, this is not always possible due to the shortage of affordable housing in London. Brent Mind is seeking to increase its move-on options in this area. We currently receive four self-contained flats for move-on each year. We have criteria for deciding who moves on each year, which we will inform you about.

Contact Service FAQs

Will it cost me anything.
No, definitely not. The Contact Service project is funded until 2010 by the Big Lottery fund.

Can you help me out with money.
Sorry, No. We can listen to your concerns and may be able to point you to, or help you contact services that can address your needs.

Will you come to my place.
It may be appropriate in certain circumstances for a staff member to accompany you to another agency or service. We call this outreach work. We will not be able to meet with you at your home.

Can you help me with my housing /benefits /finding work.
We know that mental illness carries a lot of stigma that is reflected in these and other areas. We can advise and direct you to those services that should be able to help.

I am worried about somebody who I do not really know. They seem to be very low /very loud /acting strangely and out of character. Am I being a busybody? Should I contact you?
Everyone is entitled to their own privacy and to behave as suits them if they are not causing harm. However, the fact that you are concerned shows you care. Why not call us for an informal chat and air your concerns in confidence.

I do not have permission to stay in this country. What can I do.
Do call on us if you have concerns on any mental health matters. We will treat your disclosures in confidence. Do not let language be a barrier. We will find a way to communicate.

Counselling FAQs

How do I apply for counselling?
At present all counselling clients at Brent Mind are referred by their GP. This is because of the way our service is funded. To obtain counselling at Brent Mind you will need to find out if your GP can refer you.

How long will I have to wait before I see a counsellor?
Waiting times vary a lot depending on individual circumstances. The more flexible and available you are, the easier it will be to match you with a suitable counsellor.

How many counselling sessions will I be offered?
When you start counselling you will usually be offered 6 sessions. However, the number of appointments offered can range between 4 and 24. Anyone who needs more than 24 sessions will usually be referred back to their GP who will consider a re-referral.

How long are the sessions?
The sessions will be approximately 50 minutes long.

Do I have to pay for counselling at Brent Mind?
You do not need to pay for counselling at Brent Mind. Donations are welcome.

When do you offer counselling?
We offer counselling on weekdays, and on Tuesday evenings.

I am experiencing a crisis now and need help immediately, what do I do?
If you are experiencing a crisis and need to be seen urgently click here to find emergency support information.

Befriending FAQs

How long can I keep my befriender for?
Your befriender will visit/meet with you for a whole year. You will then be matched with a new befriender if you wish to continue using the service.

What kind of things can I do with my befriender?
You both decide together how you want to spend your time. You may wish to sit and chat, or choose to go out somewhere like the cinema or a shopping trip depending on your interests.

Can I change my befriender if I don't get on with them?
The befriending worker will introduce you to a prospective befriender, you will then both have a week or so to decide whether you want to proceed with the relationship. Once you are matched with somebody you like, you can contact the worker to discuss any problems or issues.

Social Club FAQs

How do I join the social club?
At present the social club is a drop-in service and is open to anybody who is experiencing mental distress who is living in the Borough of Brent. However we do ask you to fill in a short application form with basic information and contact details.

When does the club open?
The social club is open on the following day and time:
Tues: 4-7pm

Can I get involved with the way the club is run?
The social club has a service user meeting where people who use the social club can give direct input into how the club is run. You can also speak to members of staff at any time if you have any feedback about club matters.

Are there any activities run outside the club?
Yes, ask staff for more details.

The Rainbow Club FAQs

How do I join?
You can join by ringing 020 8451-3200 and asking to speak to the Rainbow Group Co-ordinator. Alernatively, you could ask a GP, a mental health professional or a family member or friend to ring on your behalf.

How much will I have to pay for transport?
If you use the mini cab service we organise you will have to contribute £5.00 for your return journey.

Can I bring my carer?
It is possible for you to bring your carer with you, however we ask that your carer contact us prior to attendance to discuss the matter with the Rainbow Group Co-ordinator

I have mobility problems can I do keep fit?
Our qualified instructor has devised a special programme that is suitable for all levels, so you can join in sitting down or standing up.

Can I have a say about what activities are run?
Yes, we regularly ask your views about the club activities, how the club operates and what activities you would like to see happen in the future.