Converge newsletter 5 go for it by Converge York

CONVERGE GO FOR IT!

ISSUE NUMBER 5

INTRODUCTION

Spring/Summer 16 Welcome to Issue 5. This issue is themed ’Go For It’ - to celebrate those that have taken first steps or huge strides, completed Converge courses or applied for Higher Education. From students to tutors, YSJ to Converge, old to new—if you’ve given it a go, we salute you. Enjoy!

COLLABORATORS Editors: Laurie Farnell, Polly Gibson, Matt Harper and Christina Stipetic Writers: Debbie Thompson, Pat Miller, Laurie Farnell, Jane Allanach, Martin Bond, Polly Gibson, Elizabeth Sykes, Paul Gowland, Lucy Coleman, Christina Stipetic, Esther Griffiths, Sophie Kilmartin, Emma McKenzie, John Manby, Paul Birch

Me and My Artwork We were on holiday one year and while I sat on the beach, my husband, son and daughter took themselves of fishing for the day. And I found myself picking up my son’s sketchbook…

I have been drawing and painting pictures now for over twenty years, and most recently I started creating children’s stories using some of the characters within my artwork.

I began to draw. It was just a pencil drawing but when my husband came back and looked at it he said it was good and suggested I take up evening classes, and so art classes followed.

Look out for Rocky the robin, Ollie the baby owl, Pippa the mouse and Vegas the tawny owl, all character’s in my books based on and around my main book called Fairy Island, the first book is called Buttercup the fairy meets Rocky the robin, coming soon.

I initially started drawing with charcoal and chalk, but found myself trying other mediums in order to really capture the true character of my subjects.

I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on my work?

Over the years while at evening classes, there was the odd exhibition, sales and a few commissions.

Commissions taken Contact details below

However due to ill health and work commitments, I found myself giving up on my artwork. But I have recently had to give up work, and now find myself being able to concentrate once more on my paintings.

E: debbit4@gmail.com T: 07944173417

As you can tell from the work displayed-I am enjoying trying to capture the life and personality of animals within my art.

Words by: Debbie Thompson 2

Visit from Oregon In January , eight occupational therapy students and a tutor came over from the Pacific University in Oregon to visit Converge, they brought with them a fresh, vibrant, new energy and outlook, they joined us in many activities such as choir, music and theatre, for example, together with Converge students they created a play in a day which was a resounding success (see front cover).

In Memorandum A Poem by Laurie Farnell Once beneath all this brick and concrete dust Stood a beautiful ornamental garden With carefully trimmed hedges, and seats just Tucked out of view, and many times I often Come to sit, and join the slow moving clouds Away from the pressure and bustle of learning

The powerful emotions that Playback Theatre generated came spilling out in a wonderful session one afternoon. I would like to thank them all for their tremendous contribution, and all the Converge students who worked so closely with them, long may this friendship continue.

To soak up the silence, or admiring the flowers Or talk to a friend, perhaps just returning It inspired me to think, and soak up the sun A counterbalance to the bustle of the day A Pillar in the centre and seated upon A brass sundial stood aligned to its ray

The Pacific University students have stayed in touch and the picture above is of their latest postcard to us.

A reminder of time, and this place forever And a garden that helped put the pieces together Words by: Laurie Farnell 3

Going for it! Before starting Converge I was very nervous because I knew I was stepping out of my comfort zone and socialising with other people. I have always found it easier and less stressful doing things on my own. The idea of mixing with others filled me with dread. I think this was because I didn’t know the people I was going to be around or what they would think of me. In order for me to start getting myself out of this place I’d been stuck in for the last few years I knew things had to change.

introduced me to Paul who is the course leader, so I could find out a little more about the course and help me feel less anxious when I started. I knew after talking with Paul that this was definitely the course to start with (although I never admitted that to anybody). I used to have a love for music, but somewhere over the last few years I went through a tough time and I lost my love for it and even forgot how to play chords on the guitar. I was hoping now that the Rhythm and Percussion course would reignite that love I once had.

I was introduced to the Discovery Hub this year and I was allocated a Peer Support Worker who would be there to support me in my next steps moving forward and helping me break down the barriers that had been holding me back for so long. my Peer Support Worker explained a bit about what they could do to help me and talked about Converge and what sort of things they offered.

The day the course started I had a few doubts in my head but I pushed through and made it. I even managed the whole session and joined in with everyone else. I am slowly beginning to see progress with the changes I am making in life and I know that in order for me to keep moving forward I have to challenge myself from time to time and go for it. With the help of my Peer Support Worker and the Converge programme I know eventually I will get where I need to be.

Having found out a bit more about Converge I decided to challenge myself and push myself into doing a short course in Rhythm and Percussion. I was determined to give the course a go and despite how I felt, and the sleepless nights I had stressing about it, I knew I needed to challenge myself and not let my stress and anxiety define me. A couple of weeks before Rhythm and Percussion started I met with my Peer Support Worker and they

It's great to be part of Converge in the setting of York St John University where everyone accepts you for who you are. it's also nice to be able to be known as a student as well—the title which I now live by.

Words by: Pat Miller 4

Community of Learners Initiative The Discovery Hub and Converge at York St John University also offer free signposting advice and guidance to anyone who has experienced mental health illness and is interested in looking into new learning opportunities. Get in touch to arrange a free appointment to explore new ideas and opportunities and to receive information regarding local resources and courses, we are also happy to give information over the telephone or email. To become part of our community of learners and to book a one off signposting and advice appointment please contact: Emma McKenzie at: discoveryhub@yorksj.ac.uk or leave a message at 01904 876069

The Discovery Hub Website www.higheryork.org/discoveryhub The aim of the Discovery Hub is to support people with experience of mental health illness to gain access to learning experiences as part of their recovery journey. The virtual Discovery Hub is a space where you can find information about courses in York and the surrounding areas that act as a start point to begin a new learning journey. In addition, the Discovery Hub Resources page provides useful links for social contact / leisure pursuits / hobbies / interests and support. Please either visit our website above, contact discoveryhub@yorksj.ac.uk or leave a message at 01904876069 for more information.

COURSES

ARTICLE IMAGE What’s in a Name? We are a new group yet to name ourselves, so to begin with we were known as Out of Character Intermediate Group, but now we are…

short piece on what the group would like the new mental health hospital in York to be like. This is a good opportunity for us as it gives us a voice in the community, and a clear focus for developing as a group. Everyone keeps coming back so we must be doing something right

Out of Character: In The Moment Theatre Company We are part of Out of Character and focus on learning/ honing theatre skills and giving ourselves space to create and demonstrate our talents. We are a collaborative group so any projects going forward will be generated from within the group and steered by myself and Anna - a post graduate Theatre Student.

Message from Paul Birch (Director, Out of Character) ‘It’s been an exciting and very busy term with more on the horizon. We’ve spent many fun rehearsals devising our new satirical comedy show ‘Retail Therapy’ which has its first performance at York St. John on the 20th of July. Before that we are very pleased to be performing ‘Time Out of Mind’ as part of the Festival of Ideas. Then after all that is done we will begin work on an exciting new collaboration with York Theatre Royal for sparkling new show in the Autumn! Come and support us - we’d love to see you!’

It is currently a very exciting time for us as we have just finished our first eight weeks together which culminated in a prop driven ‘fashion show’, with various members strutting their stuff on our imaginary catwalk! Prior to that our focus was a little more serious looking at how to work as an ensemble, and how to create something from nothing. We are really looking forward to working on our first performance for York's Festival of Ideas; a

Words by: Jane Allanach 6

COURSES

Healthy Body Healthy Mind YSJActive have recently delivered a 12-week

ment Circuits on Thursdays 1200-1300; these are

Healthy Body Healthy Mind (HBHM) programme

exercise classes specifically designed for people

for converge students. HBHM aims to improve

with mild to moderate physical and/or mental

physical and mental wellbeing through sport and

health issues. The first session is FREE, so why

exercise; the students enjoyed a variety of differ-

not come and see what all the fuss is about! Ses-

ent sports and exercise classes, which included a

sions are ÂŁ3 per person, per session thereafter.

bizarre combination of basketball and netball!

For further details about this course or any of

The emphasis of these sessions is to have fun

the other projects that YSJActive deliver, please

and perhaps try something new in a supportive

visit our social media sites:

environment. The programme was well received Facebook: YSJActive

with 21 participants taking part and average attendance at each session reaching double fig-

Twitter: @YSJActive

ures.

Instagram: ysjactive Words by: Martin Bond

YSJActive currently facilitate Health Improve7

COURSES

We Gave it a Go, Joe! I have to admit it was a spur of the moment de-

spontaneous and not have too much time to

cision to go to this class. It was a really cold win-

think and as a group you’re in this together,

tery Wednesday night, telly was good, and I

everyone is interacting and willing each other

very easily get cold feet about meeting new peo-

on to do well. My advice is next time you see

ple especially in situations I don’t feel confident

the course advertised don’t hesitate, Give it a

in. But how can you talk yourself out of not try-

Go Joe!

ing a drama improvisation class with such a quirky title ‘Give it a Go Joe’? Tom and Karen who ran the class got us all to introduce ourselves and we got stuck into the exercises they had mapped out. Over the weeks, we had a lot of fun and I think that’s one of the main memories I came away with, was the fun and laughter we all built together. You get used to being

Words by: Polly Gibson 8

CREATIVE WRITING The Monkey Thief

And you think we’re strange?

By: Sophie Kilmartin

I head to the monkey enclosure and enter their habitat which is designed for them to roam free causing no barriers between us or the monkeys. I enjoy watching the monkeys scurry along the branches and swing from vine to vine however due to mimicking the monkeys’ natural habitat and me wearing a coat it’s sweltering.

Walking through the countryside is fun, taking a pet along is more fun, but my family’s never being conventional so when everyone is taking their dog for a walk my family takes the household moggy. Now some may think it’s a coincidence and my cat is just heading in the same direction as me, that I could say if it wasn’t for the lead. We pass a fellow walker who accepts the cat on the lead, but her dog seems more gobsmacked that his owner and can’t understand why the other creature smells like his enemy, but has a lead like him and looks at us strangely.

I decide to take off my coat so I remove my bag dropping it to the floor. Unknown to me one of the monkeys has taken a liking to my bag and started to open the zip reaching in deep inside and discovers my phone. Both shocked and amazed I’m just about to reach for my phone when the monkey climbs up a tree. I try to bribing the monkey while hoping it doesn’t make any long distance calls as I’m only on a simple monthly plan. After a while I go off in search of a security guard hoping for help with my monkey thief

My cat also is ginger so people assume you have a fox on a lead when they greet you. However when they get up close they are more shocked to discover he is a cat, apparently a household pussycat on a lead is more strange than a fox on a lead. And they think we’re strange.

“Ok miss can I get a description of the thief” “Brown hair and eyes and a long tail” I try to say calmly “A tail? Was the thief dressed as a zoo animal?” “No” I say slightly embarrassed “He wasn’t dressed as one because he is one” The security guard gives me a long stare before bursting into hysteric laughter making me feel such a fool

CREATIVE WRITING The Past

Donald Trump

By: John Manby

When we were young,

Oh Donald, Oh Donald,

Playing out was fun,

Your hair is everywhere,

No worries at all,

Some people can’t believe

Not even in the sun.

You’re a self-made billionaire.

Now times have changed,

You want to build a wall,

It’s all computer games,

To keep the Mexicans out,

Have our youth lost out?

That’s not very smart,

Or is this what life is all about?

One may turn up and give you a clout.

Tom and Jerry were on the box,

You’re running for president

Nowadays there’s such a lot.

Giving Hillary a fright,

We would spend our money on toys and sweets,

But most people don’t know

While parents watched “Coronation Street”.

How you can sleep at night.

Our children now surf the net,

Just imagine all the children

Is it safe? We parents fret.

You would kill

Should we have invented the internet?

If you had your way on The abortion bill.

Is it too late? To change the fate,

Oh Donald, oh Donald,

Let’s think together,

There is no doubt

And save our race.

You’re not well liked, So please bow out. 10

CREATIVE WRITING

Evening Thoughts in Spring A tyre-tread of cloud across a blue sky

Always looking, always hoping … And then Death – but who knows when

Birds bouncing, gliding, soaring, singing …

And who knows how?

Going home.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may Enjoy Life, in all its glory

Home is where the heart is.

Notice the small things

Do birds yearn for home –

Be grateful for your senses

Home, that place humans long for … or run from?

Smile and rejoice!

The distant sounds of DIY Nagged into it (probably!) Though some enjoy it, I believe.

Sitting in the back yard, drinking wine Destroying my brain cells (I’m told) But relishing it anyway

Bees pass, searching, searching for nectar As we search for love From one place to another

Poem By: Hilary Bailey 11

Artwork: Christina Stipetic

CREATIVE WRITING

The Forgotten Voices of our Society When I see my great kingdom rav-

right way, not the wrong - with compassion and empathy, with a caring heart, who are willing to listen and interact with their patients. This is not rocket science peeps, it's common sense of care to a human being which is not being met and the services have been ravaged by so many cuts. The cuts are very deep which will leave mental & physical scars what will really hurt the people who need help the most with a supportive hand to steer them back on a better pathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; to achieve their potential in this big bad world we all live in.

aged, o lord, by an evil wolf not in sheep's clothing but in thy own human skin, with a ruthless heart of stone which never beats and who has been whipped and scorned. Who lives and trembles in his deep forest of fear (Their Mind) by concealing their dark troubles within their own rage of vengeance. I'm being destroyed by my own fragile disturbed mind of life's forgotten

We have all got hidden talents with-

people. In thy core sir, is this a bless-

in us all, its just bringing them out

ing in disguise as I hear my heart in

by the right methods - health &

thy own shackles has they shake.

wellbeing through the arts. I shouted out , why am I trembling o lord (Let down) but it is time sir to set me free from my shackles and not to leave me undone and broken. I think of the millions of people like me who are in the bin bottom of life's strifes with the story of a mental health society which is very weak because it has been cut by a blade, by the wolf, that's why it hurts me so much; it's a never ending story of a mental health society which has let us down all the time. I think it's a crime when I say this rhyme but the reason for this massive fiasco of the mental health services is because it's become very fragile and unstable, as there's no money going into it to improve mental health existing facilities and to train new staff the

I have observed in front of my eyes which isn't a surprise as they go down the slide of life's forgotten people who are in the dark shadows of thy minds inner maze, but it's time for all of us to shine bright again.

By: Adam Francis Bell 12

PEOPLE

Elizabeth Sykes: My Placement seen mental health services string together a group My working life has predominantly been in mental

in some dark, cold old room by someone who once

health settings and my passion and interests are im-

taught something similar some 10 years ago. It is so

bedded within the arts, so naturally I was excited

refreshing to see high quality courses ran by people

about undertaking my Occupational Therapy practice

who know what they are doing and in a theatre, an

placement with Converge. Within just weeks I was

art studio, a dance studio. Perhaps this is the point,

walking around the theatre studio catching beanbags

Converge is not a mental health service, it is an en-

and recreating scenes form the weeks gone by; my

riching educational opportunity for people that have

first time in a dance studio, my hands and face cov-

used these services and it is just as exciting for all the

ered in charcoal from drawing and singing as part of

staff and mentors that work here too. There is no

a 20 person choir… in a round with 3 parts! I felt part

them and us, but a shared learning environment

of something very exciting and innovative whereby

where everyone feels appreciated, supported and

the appreciation of this project was felt widely. I

free to be creative and explore themselves and their

have often tried to pinpoint what it is about Con-

identity. As much as my placement here has come to

verge that forms the foundation for its success and

an end, I am hopeful that the ethos harboured here

here is my analogy; both Converge Learn and Discov-

will stay with me and grow; in the meanwhile you

er hold a set of core beliefs and values that are mir-

will probably see me around campus singing away…

rored in the service they provide. Too often I have

“wasn’t it good, oh so good”. 13

PEOPLE

Running the York 10K to raise funds for York in this year’s York 10K.

The Jane Tomlinson’s ‘Run for it all’, Asda Foundation, York 10K starts on the 7th August. A flat, fast course taking runners on a tour past the York Minster, the city walls and attractions such as Clifford's Tower and the Shambles. Starting and finishing at the Knavesmire, the York 10K is a fantastic challenge for all abilities.

This will be quite the challenge as I don’t normally exercise, plus I am asthmatic! I am currently training for the run and have the support from York St John’s Active with the guidance from Martin.

This year our very own Converge student, mentor and facilitator Paul Gowland has signed up to take part and is raising funds for the fantastic charity York Mind. Here is what Paul had to say:-

The biggest problem so far…. Shin Splints! Owch! So I have to keep resting up for several days and then continue again, but I am getting there.” If you would like to sponsor Paul you can donate via online through his JustGiving Page where you can also add gift aid. Paul’s JustGiving page is titled ‘I Volunteer as Tribute!’ and had a profile photo of a pair of trainers. Alternatively you can directly contact the Converge office where there is an available sponsor form and collection jar.

“York Mind is fantastic charity organisations who offer support and guidance for individuals as they recover from a variety of mental health conditions and help them achieve outcomes that will progress them to a brighter future. Being an individual who has and still does, experience my own personal mental health problems and who has used York Mind’s courses and counselling services in my recovery, I felt that I am now in a position to “give back” a little something in return. So I decided to challenge myself and raise funds and awareness of mental health and of York Mind’s work by taking part

The race starts at 9.30a.m. Sunday 7th August and it would be fantastic to see as many people there to cheer him on.

Words by: Paul Gowland 14

PEOPLE

Welcome Back Lucy! Hello everyone at Converge. Some of you may

If you need to get in touch my email is

know me and some may not. To those who don't

l.coleman@yorksj.ac.uk or call 07415 709035 or

I'm a Support and Progression Worker with Con-

the office.

verge or the female version of Matt Harper mi-

Matt Harper, who has been with us since last

nus the theatre plus the music. I've been away

August will be staying, so the role of Support and

on maternity leave and look forward to coming

Progression will be split between Lucy and Matt.

back part time at the start of June. Working at

Matt will be coordinating the Student Buddy

Converge is brilliant and I've missed everyone in

Scheme and Lucy will be coordinating the Men-

between the nappy changes and sleepless

tor group. Everything else, depending on work-

nights. You will probably see me around campus

load and availability will be assigned to either

and in case you don't know what I look like there

Lucy or Matt and you will be given a contact for

is a picture of me included!

whoever will be supporting you. Words by: Lucy Coleman 15

PEOPLE

INTERVIEW IMAGE Ave Maria and the Pink Violin It isn't every day you get into conversation with someone who owns a pink violin. Well, someone who once owned a pink violin! Therein lies a story. It is part of Ave Maria's fascinating life story. I met Ave by arrangement in the lounge area near YSJ's restaurant. Ave is a very stylish lady who has found a new energy and interests since she came to Converge. Her social worker mentioned Converge to her. (Sometimes social workers can be useful!) It also seemed that at YSJ there was an orchestra ( this is where the pink violin comes in, but you have to wait a bit yet!) The idea of the orchestra intrigued Ave who had played the violin in her school orchestra. Ave decided this would be a wonderful opportunity. A chance to play in an orchestra once again. Ave quickly went to a shop in York where she purchased a violin. Amazingly violins now come in various colours. (Stradivarious!) Ave chose a pink one. Armed with her pink violin Ave set off to join the orchestra. Unfortunately there were already enough fiddlers in the YSJ orchestra and so Ave knew she would have to wait. She laughed and said that she promptly sold her pink violin. But the story won't end there. One day

when Ave joins an orchestra she will buy another violin. Will it be pink? Probably. Since being with Converge Ave has been to Songwriting and Creative Writing classes which she has thoroughly enjoyed. As a member of the Choir she is again recalling her schooldays. One day she may enrol to do a degree in music. At the moment Ave is looking forward to her B.A. Creative Writing option. Ave was a radiographer at York District Hospital and became disabled in 1992. At that time she considered training to become a teacher. She was offered a place at YSJ on a degree course. She was interested in social and language studies. She had to decline all offers because her father became seriously ill and she opted to help her mother nurse him. Eventually Ave became an advocate with Mind. She was part of the group that helped to raise a grant of ÂŁ80,000 from Comic Relief which meant Mind could obtain their premises at Clifton in York. Ave, as a single parent, raised her daughter from the age of three. Her daughter is now a social worker. Ave has a lovely photo of herself standing next to her daughter, who is wearing her cap 16

PEOPLE and gown, on her degree day. Ave's ambition is to have a photo of herself, when she obtains her degree, this time with her daughter standing next to her on her degree day. Ave has tried to help others throughout her life. In her own life she has to cope with multiple allergies, which affect daily living. She has recently discovered a hair dye which does not cause her (hair?) problems and this has given an attractive colour to her smart hair cut. Osteoporosis and two strokes have caused problems. So where does Converge really fit into all this? There came a point in Ave's life when several factors resulted in her being diagnosed with a bipolar illness. For seven years she had a very difficult time. Often she did not want to leave her home. She became an 'inside' person. Agoraphobia became her lot. For someone who had worked in the health service it was particularly difficult when she found there were people, who should have known better, who were of the, "pull yourself together," brigade. It was hard to believe some social workers had this attitude. Another thing was the availability (or non availability) of suitable groups for people experiencing bipolar symptoms. Ave found groups she and others were recommended to join often meant they were just sitting around drinking coffee and 'having a chat'. At the time these groups did not offer the structure or motivation that was needed to promote confidence and physical and mental wellbeing. With such groups 'recovery' was perhaps not the main aim, but they did at least provide 'a safe place to be.' But we all have mental health. So something else was required. But what?.... And who would provide it? The history of Converge is documented elsewhere. This is Ave's story and her experience of Converge. This is how Ave sees the positive impact of Converge on her life. Ave had found that nurses and social workers often didn't understand the real impact of bipolar. Only those who actually experienced the illness could truly be aware. This would surely also be the case with other 'mental' illnesses. At Converge Ave found a non judgemental attitude and the freedom that came from being with others who had experienced similar trauma. People who'd actually experienced the truth of it, not just read about it. They had knowledge by personal experience. In this supportive environment people were realising their potential. For Ave Converge has been a road to her recovery. Interaction with students and friendships

built has been important. Mixing with young people from many backgrounds has been a plus. The normality of being in a place which promotes integration and gives freedom to choose which subjects and interests may be followed has shown that 'a coffee and a chat' somewhere once a week should not be an end. Ave has found in Converge all the experiences and motivation she needs. She now has the confidence to embark on a degree course. It will be her first degree course but there will probably be others. Ave also wants to help people to become a part of Converge. In future she hopes to support individuals who will benefit by becoming students. Ave's daughter works with young people. Ave is proud of her daughter's achievements. Marriage is on the horizon for her daughter. Recently Ave attended her daughter's 'hen do.' One of her daughter's friends told Ave that she, Ave, was more stylish than her daughter and she really knew how to dress well! I've never met Ave's daughter, or her friend, but I can confirm Ave is a woman of style and her dress sense is impeccable. (Do you detect a note of envy here? You should!) So what about this pink violin? First to Andre Rieu. The famous violinist has sent his good wishes to Ave. it is one of Ave's ambitions to visit Andre in his fifteenth century castle in Maastricht. Another ambition is for Ave to write her life story. I have only given tantalising(?) glimpses. What is the mystery of Ave's name? Ave Maria? How did it come about? We've all heard of Madonna. Well, Ave Maria told me that she is not the first Ave in her family. Read on.... And the pink violin? One day Ave will have her violin. She is determined and brave. Ave, one day I may hear you play Bach/ Gounod's Ave Maria. I hope so. And it will be a privilege.. It is part of Ave Maria's fascinating life story.this would be a wonderful opportunity. A chance to play in an orchestra once again. So what about this pink violin? Ave, one day I may hear you play Bach/ Gounod's Ave Maria. I hope so. And it will be a privilege.

Words by: C Stipetic

PEOPLE

NEW FACES Esther Griffiths Hello, I'm Esther Clare and I am a singer songwriter. I have been lucky enough to discover Converge over the past year, and I have just finished running a singer songwriting course with Converge students, which has been so rewarding! Having bipolar disorder has been destructive to my life, but it has also given me insight and helped fuel a creative passion for writing and singing. I love music and it has been inspiring to hear Converge students starting out with their songwriting - I am looking forward to hearing their Cd at the end of May! I have also enjoyed singing in the Converge choir, Communitas. I released an album (after many years!) in December 2014 and you can listen to my songs at www.estherclare.co.uk

EDITOR PHOTO

CONNECT WITH CONVERGE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/converge.york/

Twitter: @convergeyork

Youtube: Converge York

PEOPLE

Mentors Steph Pratt

I have been a student at Converge since 2013, and I sing with the Communitas Choir. For the past eighteen months I have also been a Converge mentor, offering support to other Converge students at courses, and acting as an ambassador at a wide range of events-which I enjoy very much. I have a keen interest in music and it has played an important part in my recovery from illness. I am very committed to supporting Converge, which I believe sits right at the cutting edge of both higher education and health science. I am immensely grateful for all the support I have received from staff and students at Converge. Adam Bell Hello, I’m Adam. I’ve been at Converge for nearly five years now and it’s been the best time I’ve ever spent since my breakdown in 2009. I am a Converge mentor, which I love; supporting new students who attend the classes at Converge. I’m also an ambassador, so I go to different places to talk to services to promote and tell them about this great thing called Converge. I’m also a member of Out of Character Theatre Company, which is so great; acting and performing at universities in York, Clifton House, Bootham Park Hospital, York Theatre Royal etc. Laurie Farnell My name is Laurie Farnell. I began here as a Converge student some five years ago. I am now a mentor and tutor. I help edit the newsletter and am a member of Out of Character Theatre Company.

Paul Mountain Hello my name is Paul. I have been a Converge mentor for two years. I have experienced mental health and love spreading awareness and giving something back to the world.

Paul Gowland I have been on a few Converge courses and always found myself taking a supporting role, even as a student, so I thought I’d join the mentor team. It’s great that the mentor scheme helps to give students a voice and that it’s mental health service users helping one another. All the different mentors have different skills as a team; some are brilliant ambassadors, whilst others (including myself) enjoy providing that one-to-one help and giving assistance in class. Whenever we go to conferences as ambassadors, it is clear that Converge shines the brightest. I am now also the tutor of Introduction to Rhythm and Percussion. Wayne Hurton Hello my name is Wayne. I’ve been with Converge for five years and I am now a peer mentor and a member of Out of Character Theatre Company. Converge has changed my life for the better; I love it here.

WATCH THIS SPACE Have you ever thought of being a Mentor? Converge needs you! Would you like to gain experience as a Peer Mentor? We are looking for new Mentors to welcome people to Converge, support others during courses and act as an ambassador. If you are interested in joining our team please contact Lucy Coleman - l.coleman@yorksj.ac.uk tel: 07415 709035 or any of our Peer Mentors- Steph Pratt, Wayne Hurton, Laurie Farnell, Paul Mountain, Paul Gowland and Adam Bell.

The CAFÉ is Transforming The CAFÉ has transformed itself into an exciting once a month ‘Show and Tell’ event, which all Converge students will be very welcome to attend. The idea is that you can perform a song, or read a poem, or perhaps show a picture, or simply come along and enjoy. Combined with this will be a regular discussion session. Everybody will be contacted about future dates. Upcoming Events On Tuesday 14th June The Discovery Hub will be hosting their official launch, to celebrate their fantastic work and them becoming a permanent service. This will be in Temple Hall Foyer between 5.30-7. This will be followed by a performance lecture by Out of Character Theatre Company, titled ‘Time Out of Mind’. This is will look to the future for a new design for mental health. The performance includes dramatised accounts from the past and present performed by the theatre company members who have lived experience of mental health problems with guest appearances from Dr Steve Wright, consultant in Community Psychiatry and Early Intervention and Patrick Kaye, retired G.P. Contact converge@yorksj.ac.uk for tickets 20

Summer School Do you want to try out a different course over the summer or do you know of people who are interested in Converge and would benefit from coming to a taster? Well have a look at our summer school programme below and if you are interested contact Hilary on converge@yorksj.ac.uk or 01904 876902

Date

Time

Tutor

Covering

Tuesday 7th June

1-2.30

Chris Bartram

Choir

Lucy Coleman

QW 003 (Theatre 4) Reading Music

Miles Salter

MB 004 (Music Room) Creative Writing

Paul Birch

QE 002 (Learning Room) Play in a Day

Matt Harper

QW 003 (Theatre 4) Facilitation Skills 1

Tuesday 14 June th

Wednesday 15 June th

Tuesday 28 June th

Wednesday 13 July

1-2.00 10-3 10-5 10-3

Wednesday 27 July

10-3

Paul Gowland

QW 007 (Theatre 1) Big Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Session

Wednesday 10th August

10-3

Nick Rowe

MB 107 (Music Room) Public Speaking 1

Wednesday 17 August

10-3

Nick Rowe

QE 002 (Learning Room) Public Speaking 2 (must have attended Public Speaking 1)

Wednesday 24th August

10-3

Laurie Farnell

Drawing on Life

Venue tbc Wednesday 7thSeptember

10-3

Matt Harper

Facilitation Skills 2 (must have attended Facilitation Skills 1) Venue tbc

Reading Music Ever wondered what the dots on the page mean? Can't find your treble clef from your bass? Then come to our new choir! Lucy Coleman and guest conductors will teach you how to read music whilst singing at the same time! This is a relaxed choir and no previous experience in singing is required just enthusiasm and some of your time. Please come along to our first rehearsal on Tuesday 14th June at 1pm. Meet in Holgate reception. 21

CONVERGE CROSSWORD

Enjoyed reading the Newsletter? Would you like to help us make the next edition? Whether you’re an artist or a budding photographer, or if you’d like to write or gather articles… We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at m.harper@yorksj.ac.uk or 07572 112 404

Web: yorksj.ac.uk/converge Tel: 01904 876902 Email: converge@yorksj.ac.uk