The Community Development Workers' vision is that Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) communities in Barnet should have equal access to health and wellbeing services.
Chinese Oral History Project
Chinese Gambling Project
Gambling is a large problem in the Chinese community and CMHA trains up volunteers to offer support to people with a gambling addiction. 'Take a chance' is a short film promoting this project, click the picture above to view the film.
Our Art Gallery
FUFU Badges A selection of FUFU badges designed and produced by members of the Yao Yao Social Group.
Our Products
Translated Mental Health Leaflets With their kind permission, we have translated a set of 33 comprehensive mental health leaflets originally produced by MIND into Chinese language.
TV Documentary and Video - Mental Health Trio 'The Chinese Community' A 30-min TV documentary co-produced by the Chinese Channel TVB Satellite Europe and CMHA. The programme highlighted all major mental health issues affecting the Chinese community. Videos were produced in English, Cantonese & Mandarin.
Our Shops
EasyFundRaising.org.uk - support CMHA when you shop online
CMHA Social Enterprise - our online shop in ebay
Buyat Online Shop - we receive commission for our funds on everything you buy
Your Donation
CMHA relies on grants to deliver its work. If you would like to make a donation, please fill in the form and post it back to us. Thank you very much for your support.
You are welcome to send us a message
regarding to our services, your query or your thoughts.
Please complete the form below.
Mental health issues are a stigma in any society and none more so than in traditional Chinese society. Mental health problems know no bounds and can affect people from all walks of life; social, economic and racial backgrounds are no barrier to common afflictions such as depression due to the stresses that modern day life can bring.
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I got a 'C' for all my exams. I must be stupid. Now how i am going to get into university?
The highly publicized suicides of Hong Kong superstarActor / Singer Leslie Cheung and highly successful Asian American Writer, Iris Chang, have brought mental health issues to the forefront of many Chinese people's thoughts. If you are currently suffering from any mental health issues, remember, you are not alone.
The Chinese Mental Health Association (CMHA) specializes in providing community based mental health assistance and support to the ever growing Chinese community in the United Kingdom. From its inception in 1992, CMHA has been at the forefront of ground breaking progress in community mental health development, innovation and most importantly, education, all in an attempt to assist those in need.
CMHA. The heart of the matter...
Chinese culture has many aspects, nuances and beliefs such as the concept of 'face' and 'pride' which prevents people of Chinese descent from accessing help and advice; CMHA wants to break this cycle of ignorance and end the stigmas that prevent people from seeking help.
CMHA is fortunate that its management committee, medical advisers and staff team, collectively have a wealth of expertise in all areas of mental health issues. CMHA is also efficiently run by a dynamic and more importantly, caring, set of individuals for whom no case or problem is too large. A dedicated set of volunteers also selflessly contribute their skills and time on a regular basis; their constant efforts have made CMHA the success that it is.
26-Aug-2011
Sunday 10th July - The British 10K London Run - Raised ?1952.25
Everyone got ready around 6am after a sleepless night. We gathered in the baggage area not knowing where to go, what to do, not even what to eat! It didn’t help to see other runners with sponsored gear and looking professional. Months ago we informed the runners to make sure they have the right labels and tags on - the girls of course get them all mixed up XD. But it helps to relieve some of the tension and excitement as we join the queue for the start.
A horde of people were in front of us, but it’s not till we look back and see how far the runners stretched out to. Thousands upon thousands! It was such an exhilarating experience, a woman in a hotel above decided to pose naked! That definitely got the blood pumping!
The air was chilly but the rousing national anthem played and the countdown began for the professional runners. The next thing we see was a group of ‘Usain Bolts’ speeding past us, butterflies start appearing within us as the queue begins to shuffle along closer and closer to the start line. We give the last words of encouragement to each other and before we know it the run starts!
We're greeted with cheers throughout the course with over 50,000 spectators spurring everyone on. The sun begun to shine, hot and humid; breathing became heavier and harder, legs started to ache and calf muscles were giving way. There were so many runners that we spent more time dodging and overtaking runners in front of us than running properly. We soldiered on through the pain, 8k and over Westminster Bridge with an uphill struggle. On the verge of just giving up, we thought about all the people that have been supporting us through the training, on the day and who have sponsored us. We knew we had to push past the pain and the struggle, aim for the finish line!
Finally passing the 9k marker, they announced that the finish line is close! A flow of energy entered our body giving us that extra push, the Union Jack flags marking the finishing straight, masses of spectators cheering everyone on for the final stretch. It was time to give it all, overtaking about 50-60 people with a final sprint and passing the finish line! Relieved, it was finally over… we did it! It felt amazing to know that we managed to complete the race and raised so much for CMHA. We enjoyed the event so much that we all had thoughts to do the same next year and hopefully improve on our time.
We would like to express our thanks to everyone involved, we wouldn't have been able to do it without all the support that you gave us.
We have managed to raise a total of ?1952.25, exceeding our target and expectations.
Runners:
Time:
Placing:
Who am I?
Li Ling Song
00:57:08
2595
"Polly the Parrot"
Jennifer Sin
01:01:31
3739
"I am Mei"
Hon Bann Lau
01:01:57
3860
"Converse!!!!"
Ben Cheung
01:02:41
4017
"CHINA!!!"
Meichang Sin
01:03:14
4143
"I am Jen"
Trung Truong
01:08:09
5069
"Broken Leg"
I would like to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH once again and here are the embarrassing photos that everyone has been waiting for.
14-Jun-2011
Oral History Project – Trace the Memory of London Chinatown
Supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Chinese Mental Health Association (CMHA) is now conducting an oral history research project which aims to trace the memories of London Chinatown. You are invited to participate or volunteer in this fascinating project.
As London Chinatown was officially recognised as an important area in the capital city, this project will represent the contribution of the first generation Chinese migrants as a whole community to the history of London.
Leon Lee, chief executive of CMHA remarks: "This is the best time to capture the stories of the original pioneers in Chinatown, just before we lose them. We hope that their contribution will be recognised; and the whole community will celebrate the success with them."
Rebecca Tang, the development manager of the oral history project said: 'We aim to capture the memories and life stories of the people who have built, formed and defined the living image and character of Chinatown. We would like as many people as possible to participate in this project as the heritage of Chinatown belongs to everyone in the community.”
Aiming to promote learning and participation of the history of London Chinatown, the 2-year project will develop a range of multimedia resources. We require participation and support from all parties, groups, communities and individuals.
We are planning to interview 100 Chinese elders who were an integral part of the early development of Chinatown. If you are one of them, we sincerely welcome you to take part in the interview. We would like to hear your story.
We are also in need of an energetic team of enthusiastic volunteers to help in the following work:
Research and information development
Conduct oral history interviews (training provided)
Graphic design for publicity materials
Filming (training provided)
Post-production of a documentary
Digital archive and catalogue development (training provided)
Development of a bilingual website and a virtual museum
Translation, transcription, and proofreading
Coordination in exhibitions and community events
Coordination in guided-tour for young children
Promote the publicity of the project through social networks & e-marketing
If you are interested in sharing your story or any of the above volunteering opportunities, please contact Rebecca on 020 7613 1008 or email: rebecca@cmha.org.uk
15-Apr-2011
Carer's Support Project
This project aims to improve the quality of life of the Chinese family carers for people with mental health issues. Through a health promotion programme between February and June 2011, the project is to strengthen the carers' understanding of their role, and the services and support that are available to them.
The project has developed a Chinese Carer's Guide which documented a wide range of information, including early intervention, symptoms and treatments of mental illnesses, build up a therapeutic building with the cared for person, carer's rights, and the carer's health & wellbeing.
A series of 13 leaflets were also produced which cover different topics such as 'How to look after someone with Schizophrenia', 'Carer's Assessments, Services & Support' etc. in Chinese.
Apart from the written resources, a series of carer's workshops run by Chinese mental health professionals have taken place in different community centres in London.
The Carer's Guide, leaflets and the workshop powerpoint presentations are now available for distribution to the public. For more information please contact Ms. Tang, 020 7613 1008, or email rebecca@cmha.org.uk
7-Dec-2010
Chinese GamCare Project.
Short Film
8-Sep-2010
Trace Your Memory of London Chinatown photo contest 2010
The Charing Cross Library and the Chinese Mental Health Association are looking for photographs that capture the cultural customs, terrain scenery and life stories of London Chinatown, from Limehouse to Soho.
Whatever you feel represents the memories of Chinatown; both traditional and digital photography can be submitted.
Launch of Employment Project
Our innovative project working to help Chinese in UK to gain and retain employment, also to provide them with emotional support.
We provide service users free and professional help by:
Arrange and provide job counselling or advice, provide in-house employment related training program, help individuals to develop new skills for the workplace, i.e. time management, professionalism, communication etc, help individuals to overcome personal barriers to work, i.e. successful interview,
confidence building, positive thinking etc
We also provide individual and group interventions, guidance and support, help individuals to achieve employment goals and to set up links with local employers according to these goals and aspirations.
We work with the work placement candidates to support their needs, also support and motivate individuals into and maintaining employment on an on-going basis.
Looking for job? We are recruiting service users! Please call CMHA 020 7613 1008 contact the project coordinator Khim or e-mail khim@cmha.org.uk
Oral History Project - Media Update!
One of the biggest youth educational websites in the Asia Pacific has introduced CMHA's Oral History Project for younger generations!
Chris Lau, Senior Writer at iCUBED.us magazine reviewed the project and raised cultural and heritage topics for youths globally to think about. Link below to explore more: iCUBED.us magazine
8-Jun-2009
British 10K Run
CMHA (www.cmha.org.uk) is making an appearance for the third time in this year's British 10K run set for Sunday 12th July 2009.
Support please go to http://www.justgiving.com/cmha2009
All funds provided will support amongst many things:
U.K. National Youth Volunteer Project
Counseling services and a national helpline
Gambling advice
Legal advice to migrants and refugees
2-May-2009
CMHA webcam counselling has been launched!
This new feature has widened access to counselling for the Chinese community outside London
If you would like to receive our webcam counselling, please download the Skype here first Download Skype then add CMHA (account name: Wah Sum Association - CMHA) into your account, and call our coordinator Susan Shing-Williams in advance on 02076131008 for an initial assessment.
Please note that this is not a 24-hour online service, and therapy session is by appointment only
1-May-2009
CMHA LONDON MARATHON RESULT
CHRIS LAU 4 HOURS 7 MINUTES!
CMHA are proud to announce that their runner Chris Lau (No 33284) completed the London Marathon in 4 Hours 7 minutes! Chris has so far raised over £1700! With more donations to come, CMHA hope to hit their target of £2000 and possibly more! Well done Chris and thank you to all those who have supported this fundraising event!
If you still wish to donate, please click here: Justgiving
16-Mar-2009
CMHA (www.cmha.org.uk) is making an appearance for the first time in this year's Flora London Marathon (FLM) set for Sunday 26th April 2009.
Support please go to http://www.justgiving.com/cmhaflora2009
Our volunteer Chris Lau is running for CMHA whom provide amongst many things:
Counseling services and a national helpline
Gambling advice
Legal advice to migrants and refugees
From Chris:
"Once upon a time I could not run 200m without huffing and puffing! Luckily once upon a time was a while ago so I have decided to run that tough 200 metres again ! And then another 41,800 metres!"
12-Mar-2009
Welcome to join us for fabulous Karaoke Competition on 19.April.2009!
No matter you are singing King or Queen, or just enjoy listening to great songs, we would like to hear from you!
CMHA is organising Fundraising Charity Dinner Night for all the Chinese young people in London, U.K. (Sunday 5pm to 9pm, 19.April.2009), plenty of the good singers, lucky raffle draw, VIP singers and mouth-watering dinner are here waiting for you! It’s a great chance to networking, and does something good for the community. It would be great to have you around! email: perry@cmha.org.uk for registration form
The book describes the evolution of the Chinese Mental Health Association; the only community based organisation dealing solely with the mental health needs of the Chinese community in Britain. It charts the journey of the voluntary sector organisation from a small London Borough based service, to a regional and ultimately a nationwide body. The publication commemorates 10 years of growth and expansion of the Chinese Mental Health Association since the first national publication describing the nature of mental health issues facing the Chinese community in Britain.
You are more than welcome to request this book for free, but it would be greatly appreciated if you could make the suggested donation of £10 per copy to help sustain our charity and voluntary work. Please call or email for details on 020 7613 1008 or info@cmha.org.uk
For a PDF image of the book cover, please click here ( PDF format, size: 628kb)
1-Aug-2008
Counselling fee charge
Our counselling service has started a payment scheme in July 2008. The payment structure is based on the financial income of the client. Payment is from a minimum of £7 to a maximum of £40 per session. Such fee is set out to cover our administrative cost and not for profit making purpose. For the details, please free feel to contact us.
19-May-2008
CHINA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
TO DONATE TOWARDS TO THE CHINESE EARTHQUAKE APPEAL, PLEASE GO TO THIS REDCROSS LINK
DONATE
8-May-2008
Chinese Youth Volunteering Project - Discover and Learn!
Chinese Youth Volunteering Project is looking for young people aged 16-25 to join this exciting project where you can learn more about yourself and gain accreditation!
This youth project is run by CMHA (Chinese Mental Health Association), aiming to provide learning opportunities to young Chinese people aged 16 to 25 through volunteering and community work.
Volunteers will also have an opportunity to receive accreditation such as U.K. National Youth Volunteer Certificate or V50 award.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Joseph Chen on 020 7613 1008 or email joseph@cmha.org.uk
For more information please click on "Our Services",then "National Youth Volunteer Project".
27-Mar-2008
'The Concept and Function of Counselling' - A Chinese leaflet (in both traditional and simplified version) is produced in association with the London Heads of University Counselling Services (LHUCS) is now available for order. This leaflet is particularly useful for Chinese students to understand the concept and function of counselling. For more details please email wahsum@cmha.org.uk.
18-Jan-2008
Chinese GamCare Project
Is gambling ruining your life, yet you can’t walk away? Are you spending time and gambling amounts that you can no longer afford? Is someone else’s gambling harming you and those around you?
We provide face to face, telephone, internet counselling or outreach support for anyone who is experiencing gambling problems. The service is confidential and in your own language (i.e. Cantonese, Mandarin or English).
“The Chinese Gamcare Project is not solely aimed at stopping problem or pathological gamblers, or to bring their gambling under control. This project aims to improve health and social aspects of everyone who is in need of support services in or to maximise their potential to enjoy a productive life.”
For more information or referral, please call the “Chinese GamCare Helpline” on 020 7613 1008 or contact Perry Fung via email perry@cmha.org.uk
This Project is organised in partnership with GamCare and funded by the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT)
For more information, please download chinese poster ( PDF format, size: 702kb) and chinese leaflet ( PDF format, size: 395kb).
Welcome Information Booklet for Chinese Mental Health In-Patients (1-Nov-2007)
CMHA is delighted to announce the publication of “Welcome Information Booklet for Chinese Mental Health In-Patients”. This booklet has been funded by The Goldsmiths’ Company, The Mrs. Smith & Mount Trust and the Mercers’ Company, with assistance from the East London and The City Mental Health NHS Trust.
This 28pages booklet is designed to assist Chinese mental health inpatients during their stay on mental health wards in the UK.
As you are aware, admission to a mental health ward is a stressful and difficult time, which can be compounded by language barriers. This booklet aims to help Chinese inpatients understand the hospital environment, terms such a CPA (Care Plan Approach), the roles of different staff members who are there to help them, and patients’ rights and responsibilities while on the ward in Chinese language. Also we have included an 11pages basic translation chart for simple communication. You can download a sample version of the booklet from CMHA website.
For more information or to order a full version of the booklet please call 0207 613 1008 or Email Order
For more information, please download the following file(s): Welcom Pack (Sample Version) ( PDF format, size: 895kb)
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PDF
I got a 'C' for all my exams. I must be stupid. Now how i am going to get into university? 
CMHA. The heart of the matter... 
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download registration form here
