Chaplain Yvonne

17/03/2026

17/03/2026

Dissociation can be hugely debilitating and confusing to experience.

There are lots of reasons why you might experience dissociation. It can be linked to numerous different mental illnesses.

For , share this post to help raise awareness of dissociative disorders. Find out more 👉 rethink.org/dissociation

16/03/2026

Today is World Sleep Day.

Many of us struggle with sleep, and that can have a huge impact on our mental health. Similarly, mental health problems can have a huge impact on our sleeping. Here we look at the cycle of sleep and mental health, and provide tips on how to get a good night’s kip.

Poor sleep can affect your mental health in a number of ways. It may make you more likely to:

Experience anxiety and depression.

Be impacted by symptoms of existing mental health problems, such as mania, psychosis or paranoia.

Feel lonely or isolated – for example, if you don't have the energy to see people, or they don't seem to understand what you're going through.

Struggle to concentrate, or make plans and decisions.

Feel irritable or not have energy to do things.

Have problems with day to day life – for example, at work or with family and friends.

Be more affected by physical health problems.

If you experience sleep problems, here are some things you can try. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Try to establish a routine. For example, going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day.

Find ways to relax, such as breathing exercises and meditation.

Fill in a sleep diary. Keeping track of what time you go to bed and what time you wake up may be helpful.

Make your sleeping area more comfortable. Try different bedding, light and noise levels.

Think about how screens and device settings may be impacting your sleep. Maybe reduce the brightness and try to stop using near bedtime.

If you’d like more guidance, you can check out our sleep and mental health page.

And if you're finding that sleep problems are having a big impact on your life, you might want to speak to your GP. They may be able to offer treatments for your sleeping problems such as talking therapies, medication or referral to a sleep clinic.

16/03/2026

Can Chaplaincy support people without faith with bereavement?

Yes. Chaplains are used to working with people of all faiths and beliefs. We always ask about how an individual understands death within their belief system and work within that to support the individual.

Chaplaincy provides spiritual, emotional, and pastoral bereavement care within healthcare settings, supporting patients, families, and staff of all faiths and beliefs. Chaplains offer a compassionate presence, listening, memorial services, and guidance through the bereavement process. They often facilitate grief support groups, help with funeral planning, and provide long-term follow-up for families.

Bereavement support is available throughout Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Chaplaincy for those on Psychiatric Units and those in Community. I also work alongside partner organisations for Hope Haven and referral to Chaplaincy is available for them also.

16/03/2026

🎉 We’re open today!

We are delighted to share that today is our first day open at Hope Haven, 40 King Street, Whitehaven Our team are here to welcome you today!

📍 Opening Days at 40 King Street this week:

We’ll be open on:

Monday 16th March
Tuesday 17th March
Thursday 19th March

🕒 9:30am–4:30pm

🌟 And then…
From Monday 23rd March, Hope Haven will be open at 40 King Street EVERY DAY!

🕤 Monday–Friday: 9:30am–midnight
🕓 Saturday & Sunday: 4pm–midnight
As always, all our support is completely FREE for adults (18+) across Whitehaven and Copeland — whether you need help with:

💚 Mental or physical health
💚 Housing
💚 Work or money worries
💚 Drugs or alcohol
💚 Or anything else that’s weighing on you
You can just drop in — no appointment needed.
We’re here for you.

Working in partnership
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation TrustThe Well Communities Cumbria Health ICan Wellbeing group CIO Everyturn Mental Health Home Group Whitehaven Community Trust

13/03/2026

We want to hear your views on our adult eating disorders services.

Join us for an online engagement event to share your experiences and ideas.

📍 Online
📅 17 March
⏰ 5.30 – 6.30pm

Your feedback will help shape future services across the North East and North Cumbria.

If you can’t join us, you can fill in our online survey https://forms.office.com/e/Zu6CKqRs3E

13/03/2026

Singing is beneficial to mind, body and spirit. Take a look at some of the benefits for joining a choir:

Body:
✅Respiratory & Cardiovascular Health: Singing is an aerobic activity that improves lung capacity, strengthens the diaphragm, and increases oxygenation.
✅Pain Management: The release of endorphins acts as a natural painkiller.
✅Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Singing activates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate heart rate and digestion, promoting a faster transition into a relaxed state.

Mind:
✅Stress Relief & Emotional Regulation: Singing triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and alleviating anxiety.
✅Cognitive Function & Memory: Learning and performing songs enhances brain activity, improves concentration, and acts as a therapeutic tool for memory, including in dementia care.
✅Mindfulness: The focused, rhythmic breathing required for singing acts as a form of meditation, helping to stop "brain-chatter" and keep you present. Those I work with who live with hearing voices find music and singing an important coping strategy.

Spirit:
✅Boosted Confidence & Self-Esteem: Overcoming the fear of singing, especially in a group, builds personal confidence.
✅Connection & Belonging: Group singing (like in a choir) fosters a sense of community, reducing isolation and creating a shared, euphoric experience.
✅Emotional Expression: Singing provides an outlet for emotions, acting as a powerful tool for catharsis and lifting one’s overall mood

West Cumberland Choral Society is one local opportunity to give choir singing a go.