HEADS P A C E
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M OV I N G F O RWA R D
WITH
POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
autumn 2013
WRITING FOR RECOVERY HOW PUTTING PEN TO PAPER CAN BE A CATHARTIC EXERCISE
A SUCCESSFUL DAY FOR PMHA PHOTOS AND REVIEW OF THE OPEN DAY
CHANGE CAN HAPPEN IMPROVEMENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION
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MEET THE TRUSTEES
POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
“We believe the collective voice of individuals has the power to improve the world of mental health.” “P M H A ! W h a t ' s t h a t ? W h o a re t h ey ? W h a t d o t h ey d o ? ”
As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I hear these questions a lot. Powys Mental Health Alliance (PMHA) is an independent charity run solely by volunteers. Our aim is to ensure that individuals across Powys who have experienced mental distress and those around them, have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. PMHA will endeavour to ensure that all mental health organisations, and other providers, hear this voice.
Bryan
We will do this by creating authentic and innovative opportunities for people in contact with mental Douglas-Matthews health services, enabling them to articulate their voices, through lobbying, the publication of a regular Chairman PMHA magazine and the holding of Open Days. We also look to create these opportunities for those people outside of these service providers. My name is Bill Fawcett and I live in the north of Powys. The areas of Mental Health that are of concern to me, include; people with sensory issues; disabled Bill Fawcett Vice-chair PMHA people; housebound individuals; farming communities; ex-forces personnel; those with learning difficulties; minority groups; people living in rural areas and homeless people. There are many other areas of concern which I promise PMHA will do their best to bring to the attention of the necessary authorities or departments for improving services.
Kelvin Mills
Lee Watmough Trustee PMHA As a trustee, I look to volunteer in areas where I can
make the best use of my skills and experience. IT is one area I am able to help with, whether it be assisting other trustees with any queries or working with computers which can involve such things as designing posters to advertise and gain awareness for the PMHA; working on graphic design to produce different logos; or assisting and contributing to the production of this magazine.
I volunteered for many years with WRVS Meals on Wheels - then with the WRVS Vice-Chairs Committee for approximately 6 years. This branch acknowledged the work, time and energy delivered by the devoted volunteers presenting them with medals and certificates depending on number of Christine Field Treasurer PMHA years service. I joined PMHA in May 2012. I am the Charity's Treasurer, board member and am fully involved. I am also a frustrated trucker which is why my profile picture is of my daughter's road train!
Trustee PMHA
Kelvin is an essential member of the board of trustees and is an active volunteer for Powys Patients’ Council. Powys Patients' Council is a voluntary organisation committed to giving a voice to Powys residents wherever they are offered acute mental health services. They hold regular, patient-only meetings which give people an opportunity to express their views on the services they receive. These views are then passed on anonymously to staff so that solutions can be found. Alongside the other volunteers, Kelvin works hard to fulfil his duties within this role and has been working with Patients’ Council since it began.
John Steadman Trustee PMHA
John Steadman is an important member of the board as he is the sole representative from the south of Powys.
Diane Hart Co-optee.
D i a n e i s i n t h e p ro c e s s o f becoming a t r u s t e e a n d t h e b o a rd a re e a ge r fo r h e r t o j o i n t h e g ro u p .
Debbie Douglas-Matthews
Trustee D e b b i e i s o n t h e b o a rd o f trustees.
Go to page 18 to find out more about joining POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE 2
HeadSpace
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HeadSpace is the magazine for anyone in Powys but particularly for those who have had experience of mental health issues, either personally or professionally. HeadSpace believes that the stigma surrounding mental health needs to be broken down and that positive change can come about if individuals are well informed, especially from the viewpoint of people who have suffered from mental distress. HeadSpace is currently published twice a year and is available throughout Powys and online at www.powysmha.org.uk Editor, administrator and production: Carla Rosenthal
Advertising: If your organisation is interested in advertising in HeadSpace, please email p m h a m a g @ g m a i l . c o m or ring 07926 86 2 4 1 4
News: If you have an idea for a feature or an article for future issues, please contact the editor at pmhamag@gmail.com
HeadSpace welcomes letters and emails and would like to hear from all people, particularly those who have experience of mental health issues, who can write articles, provide interviews about their experiences, provide photographs or illustrations and can help to contribute towards features and news for further issues. Email pmhamag@gmail.com or write to the address below. Powys Mental Health Alliance, 3 Hafendeg, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0RU
HeadSpace and PMHA do not accept any responsibility for any unsolicited material including photographs or artwork. HeadSpace would like to thank the following for the advice and funding they have provided for this project.
AUTUMN 2013
Inside this issue
News, reports and updates from around Powys
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WRITING FOR RECOVERY Putting pen to paper is good for the soul
PMHA OPEN DAY
All the pictures from the event
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Hospital Corner
We reserve the right to edit the material to suit the presentation and available space, but wherever possible the author will be consulted on any additions or changes. Online versions of the magazine can be found at: www.powysmha.org.uk
P r i n t e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d by I m p r i n t , N ew t ow n , Pow y s
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How change can happen
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PATIENTS’ COUNCIL Get involved
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Nothing in this magazine can be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed by individuals in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PMHA.
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c o n t e n t s
HeadSpace Mental health and emotional well-being for all Autumn 2013
JOIN PMHA
Letters and emails 18
16
Services Directory
PMHA AGM AND Back OPEN DAY DETAILS cover
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Carla Rosenthal Magazine Editor
ow! What a fantastic reaction to our new magazine! Everyone wants to get involved – from the man at The Department of Work and Pensions who emailed us about benefit changes - to Mrs Brown in Presteigne who sent in a hand written letter telling of her experience as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital in the 1940s. This is what HeadSpace is all about – your news, your stories, your voice. Keep it coming . . . ! This issue gives you all the information about what is happening in and around Powys, dates for your diary and events that are happening in your area. Plus, we encourage you to get writing to tell your story – then send it in to HeadSpace! Whether you want to get involved with Patients’ Council at Bronllys Hospital or just send us a poem or a joke – we want to hear from YOU! Something driving you MAD? Let us know – we can help lobby on your behalf – personally I’m thinking of waging my own little war against packaging - I couldn’t open a ‘bottle’ of salt (what’s that all about?) without enlisting the help of a friend! On my own, it could have tipped me over the edge . . . it had been a difficult week. But enough of my worries, if only that was all there was to think about . . . ! So sit down, grab a cup of something and enjoy your Autumn issue of HeadSpace. Cover photograph taken by CJR ‘Sunset Over West Wales’
Deadline for next issue
FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER
MEDIATION TO HELP THROUGH THE HEARTACHE
RESOLVE CYMRU
pmhamag@gmail.com
W
E D S PAC E
Resolve Cymru is a mediation service covering Mid Wales. The main area of work is with separating and divorcing couples.
With the cuts in Legal Aid many people no longer have the option of going to Solicitors and don’t know where to turn at this stressful and upsetting time.
RESOLVE CYMRU CAN HELP
We can offer mediation (for which Legal Aid is still available), Mentoring and Parenting courses aimed specifically at separated parents and counselling.
Many people going through separation can find it socially isolating and suffer from depression due to the stress of the ending of a relationship. We are waiting to help them, no matter who they are. Our Parenting Apart courses started in the Summer If you or anyone you know needs help managing the challenges of posttseparation parenting contact us.
www.resolvecymru.org.uk Lindslade House Middleton Street Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5ET info@resolvecymru.org.uk
01597 825123 4
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News, reports and updates from in and around Powys
If you have some news, reports or updates, please send them to PMHA via email pmhamag@gmail.com
www.powysmha.org.uk PMHA Website Launch @ DIY Futures Event 9th October
(see the next page for further details)
MOVING NEWS
Powys Teaching Health Board is pleased to announce that the first stage of the new Health and Social Care facility, ‘Glan Irfon’, opened in Builth Wells in September.
Many services currently offered at the Builth Wells Hospital have transfered to Glan Irfon and in-patient services, which were temporarily moved to Llandrindod Wells earlier in the year, will be moving to Glan Irfon in the second stage, which is due to take place later this Autumn. Glan Irfon represents an exciting example of how health and social care can be combined to provide the best services for the local community. The project has been designed and developed jointly by Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board to provide modern facilities that can give the necessary services to meet the needs of the people in and around Builth Wells. Services moved in September included: Age care, bladder & bowel, cardiology, dermatology, eye screening, falls, leg ulcers, lymphoedema, memory, mental health, physiotherapy, podiatry and pulmonary rehabilitation.
If you would like further information about the move, please use the new telephone number 01597 827 770
LO B B Y LO B B Y LO B B Y
Oi . . .Oi . . . Oi!
PMHA Chairman Bryan Douglas-Matthews appeals for lobbying ideas
Over the past 12 to 18 months, PMHA has taken on board loads of ideas about the things you would like us to do. It might seem we have forgotten about these things or that we don't really care but let me reassure you all, this is not the case. We have taken everything that you have said at our AGM and Open Days and we have seen that in the main you want us to 'Lobby' on your behalf. The good news is, we are ready to do that but now we need you to tell us the specifics of what you want us to lobby for. Print size on medicines for the elderly and those with eye problems is already one of the suggestions submitted.
Please, write to us at the address contained in the magazine and tell us what it is that you want us to lobby about in detail. Your involvement will be in confidence. We are then in a position to be able to address our aims in more detail. Thank you all sincerely for your input.
What do you want us to lobby for?
Which drugs are these? Which drugs are these? Which drugs are these? Which drugs are these? Which drugs are these? Which drugs are these?
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. . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . .
DIY FUTURES LOOKS BACK
DIY Futures is drawing to a close. After more than four years of working across Powys, funding is coming to an end. To celebrate our work and achievements we are holding a one day event in Llandrindod Wells on October 9th.
Places are free, but please book. At this friendly and welcoming event we will be launching our beautiful book of life stories and visual poetry, ‘It’s The Inside That Matters’ and everyone at the event will have a free copy. We will be having lots of interesting and thought provoking discussions and giving you the chance to find out what else is going on. We would love to see you. There will be plenty of friendly faces to welcome you and we are hoping to run free transport from the main towns. If you cannot come – or see this too late to come we would still really like to hear from you, especially if you have had any contact with or support from DIY
(Tony, Mel, Mary, Tim & Gill) You can add your experience to our evaluation, any comments or reflections will be welcome. If you would like to have your experience (positive or negative) reflected in more depth as a case study please contact: jane.cooke@pavo.org.uk 01597 822191.
To book a place on the conference please contact Glynis Luke glynis.luke@pavo.org.uk 01686 628300
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT replaces DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE
Get informed now! To find o ut more go to: www.gov. uk/pip
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. . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . .upd
EVEN MORE MOVING NEWS
Changes are taking place at Brecon & District Contact Association, which exists to help, support and empower people in the Brecon, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth area affected by mental illness and distress to move towards recovery. On Thursday 5th September, the Association opened its doors at a completely new home on the ground floor of St David’s House, Free Street (the entrance is at the back of Morrisons). The former government building is also used by Careers Wales. The Association has moved from Bell Lane Loft near the library. There are other changes at the Association. It is affiliating to Mind Cymru and is changing its name to Brecon & District Mind. It also has a new service director, Val Walker, who,
along with the staff and volunteers, is very much looking forward to welcoming people at the new centre.
Anyone is welcome to call in for a chat during opening hours (Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, noon to 4.30pm). A wide range of healthy and creative activities and supportive training will continue to be provided in the attractive and spacious new premises. The services complement those provided by the community mental health team and other voluntary sector agencies. See: www.breconmentalhealth.org.uk The new premises have been made possible by major grant funding from the Tudor Trust along with additional funding from the Morel Trust, the Gibbs Trust, the Barnard Kenneth Hufton Charity, the Friends of Brecon & District
Contact Association and funds raised by a garden party at Cui Parc held by former Powys High Sheriff Lady Large.
The Association, which is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, receives core funding from the Welsh Government, Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys Social Services. The official opening will be later in the year. St David’s House, 48 Free Street, Brecon Powys LD3 7BN 01874 611529. brecondistrict@btconnect.com www.breconmentalhealth.org.uk
LOGO NO-GO CAN YOU HELP? Our new logo has been well received but needs some more work to fully reflect the vision of PMHA.
Do you enjoy logo design? Have you got Adobe Photoshop skills? Can you spare some time to liaise with the editor (via email or phone) to help amend the logo?
If you can, please contact Carla at pmhamag@gmail.com
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WRITING FOR RECOVERY
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Write something EVERY DAY. Journals are a brilliant way to start.
Check out www.knockknockstuff.com for some great writing stuff to get you started.
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ave you ever thought that you had achieved nothing, done little and got nowhere? I surely did, until I began to write about the first fifteen years of my life. OK, it was not startling or fancy; it was not clever and full of wonders and yet, as I read it afterwards, I could hardly believe that it was my life. I had seen more, done more, been part of more than I ever knew or realised. I sit here now, completely amazed at what I read. Could this really be me?
Writing is good for the soul.
It can help to express emotions and inner thoughts. Putting pen to paper whether for yourself or others can be a powerful way to release hidden feelings.
Bryan Douglas-Matthews explains his writing experience.
I called my book ‘Requiem For A Childhood’ and I’ll bet you have a book and title of your own locked deep inside you. Why don’t you try writing?
You never know, it might really help
Please, do not ever think that you are nothing and no one for I now know that I am something and someone. If in doubt, I go back and look at what I have written and I see people, places and events, I see love and dislike, I see truth and lies and I see the hurt and the pain and the joy and the happiness that all were mine.
When I first set out to write about my life I did it with fear and apprehension now, I can laugh, cry and see again all the good that came into my life and weigh this off against the hurts and pains.
Writing as I did then, and now still do, even though it is only for me and for anyone else who may be interested, it is my life, my story and my truth. No one can change anything it was or may lead to, unless that someone is me. Writing released me from the nightmares and the fears and doubts that have plagued me all my life.
If you would like a FREE copy of Bryan’s book, we have 3 to give away to readers. Write to: PMHA, 3 Hafendeg, Llanfair Caereinion,Welshpool, Powys SY21 0RU or email pmhamag@gmail.com
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JACKIE NEWEY GIVES A REVIEW OF THE PMHA OPEN DAY Lee and Bryan ge t down to business after wor k ing out the techn ology!
O
g ivin arr s t r sta get ple ne peo agazi ck e r m ba Mo the feed and great e som
ne Thursday back in July I made a scenic detour around the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth to attend the Powys Mental Health Alliance (PMHA) Open Day at Bishop Bevan Hall in beautiful, sunny Brecon. The day was attended by individuals and also staff working for the following organisations - Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Brecon & District Contact Association, Hafal, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (DIY Futures project, Powys Befrienders' project, and me - the Powys Mental Health Information Service) and Ponthafren Association. People had travelled from further afield than me including some from Welshpool and also Ystradgynlais. The first session was an update from the PMHA trustees about recent developments within the organisation. A new logo was presented and Chair Bryan Douglas-Matthews explained that the charity had gone through a radical overhaul of late. The eight trustees running the charity have recently developed a new vision "We believe the collective voice of individuals has the power to improve the world of mental health."
HeadSpace
more colourful, vibrant and light-hearted than the previous incarnation, and Lee said that he hopes it draws together the collective voices of not just individuals, professionals and carers, but everybody "Everyone is touched in some way by mental health or emotional difficulties." Carla encouraged people to submit articles, poems, photographs and artwork for the magazine. "We want to give a platform to your voice. We want to let people who create services change the way they offer them by listening to the people who use them."
"We believe the collective voice of individuals has the power to improve the world of mental health."
Trustee Lee Watmough was joined by magazine editor Carla Rosenthal to talk about the revamp and relaunch of the PMHA magazine now called Headspace. The first issue (1,000 copies have been circulated throughout Powys, and an online version is available) has been extremely well-received, and plans are now under way for an Autumn issue. The magazine is
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Ca rl He a Ros ad Spa entha the l, E ma ce, p di r ga zin oudly tor of e fr s om hows off PM HA .
Lee and Carla also explained that a brand new website is currently being developed. It is viewed as an opportunity to talk about mental health issues in Powys and break down stigma. The launch date is 9th October.
Lee then described some of the future projects the charity hopes to focus on, including Powys Patients' Council in the Community, teaching others how to lobby effectively, reaching out to the rural community including farmers, helping people deliver a message through innovative drama and fundraising with a difference. Events featuring inspirational speakers and debating topics such as medication are also part of the proposed mix. Before lunch, and our chance to sample trustee Diane Hart's amazing artwork, there was also a long discussion about the
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The day inclued a question and answer session with two Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) from the Brecon area Andrew Stephenson (Team Leader) and Dawn Carey. They talked about a variety of issues, including: disparity • Working alongside the Home Treatment Team in the South between mental to ensure people have a supported transition from hospital to health services available in the home, and also to reduce admissions. North and South of the county, • Outlining the referral process and distinguishing between with a focus on crisis teams. Primary Care Services (GPs, nurses and counsellors based at Whilst there was acknowledgement of the health centres) and Secondary Care Services (CPNs, important developments in both areas (we have psychiatrists and support staff in Community Mental Health written previously about the Home Treatment Teams). Teams in the North and South), it was clear • The impact of the Mental Health Measure that there are still gaps in provision for on the ability of an individual to self-refer out-of-hours which need to be addressed. back to a Community Mental Health Team for further treatment. Following lunch, the main speaker of the • The new Care Treatment Plans which were day, Reverend Dr Melanie Santorini, launched in June 2012 and the role of a Care An dre outlined the Time to Change Wales Co-ordinator (nurse, doctor or social worker wS pro tep v hen the ided campaign, "Don't be afraid to talk for example) in developing them with an individual. son lot ir q so ues an fi dD tio n a nform aw about mental health." The campaign is Paper and electronic copies are available - and nd nC ati o an are swe n du y rin r sl jointly run by three mental health Shropdoc can access these via the Home g ot. charities - Gofal, Hafal and Mind Cymru, and Treatment Team staff as appropriate. funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Comic Relief and Welsh • Out-of-hours support as provided by Shropdoc Government. So far about 150 Welsh champions have been and possible referral to out-of-county 24 hour recruited by the campaign to challenge stigma, perhaps by assessment units. writing a blog post, or talking to the media, or volunteering at • The pros and cons of having three different health events. Locally, there will be an event in October in boards providing mental health services Llandrindod Wells to coincide with World Mental Health week throughout Powys. and the aim is to boost the number of champions to 200 by • The involvement of advocacy the end of the project. services to support inpatients at Bronllys Melanie also spoke about the importance of talking about Hospital. mental health with family, friends and colleagues, and politely I found this session challenging those who stigmatise people experiencing mental particularly useful as it is distress. The campaign regularly refers to the 1 in 4 people a real luxury to have staff who supposedly experience a "mental health problem". providing mental health rt her a about However, it was good to hear challenges from the audience at services in a 4specific area a t chats r e v a a H by nd g Diane er hob ork a this event - "it's not 1 in 4 it's everyone!" and Melanie herself to be available to fill in the how h raft w lling and c ssion te e r n p o e d tati referred to people who "think they don't have the many gaps in our out of presen t her at rough others s lp experience." She told us a personal story of explaining to knowledge in such a complex has b e h e sh l o ow lshpo and h in We someone she knew recently, "I have a mental health diagnosis". and ever-changing area. afren Ponth The man nearly fell off his chair. He then said, "But you look normal!" All in all a really interesting and useful day and I look forward to the next one that PMHA organise!
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Do you have personal experience from the past as either a patient or a member of staff, that you would like to share?
ot very long ago, if you suffered from mental distress, you would end up in an asylum.
Overleaf see how PMHA and Patients’ Council have helped bring about change at Bronllys Hospital.
pmhamag@gmail.com
THE J OIN LUNA T COUNTI E TIC A SYLUM S
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images courtesy of Dreamstime.com/google images
How times have changed!
Email HeadSpace
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images courtesy of Dreamstime.com/google images
T:
TIEN F PA
What are your experiences of staying in Felindre Ward? Have you noticed improvements or are there things that can be made better? Tell us your story by writing to HeadSpace: 3 Hafend eg, Llanfai r Caerei nion, Welshp ool, Powys SY21 0RU or email:
pmhamag@gmail.com
Arts and c raft classe s are on offer for p atients to try out new skills
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’ C S OU T N N E I T
owys Patients’ Council has I wish I could have longer visiting been running for some times with my family. And it would be time now and the project nice to do things like cooking more is focused on helping ensure often. I like making chocolate cakes! that the “voices” of people from ‘Becky’ Powys, who are voluntarily or involuntarily admitted to acute mental health in-patient units, have difference the opportunity to speak about their for patients as a experiences and issues whilst being result of their own on the ward. The Powys Patients’ shared experiences. Council is led by three volunteers, Some of the most who themselves have had experirecent issues raised include, access ence of being hospitalised. to vending machines which have The current volunteers are Janet been removed recently from the Hopkins, Rhydian Parry and Kelvin ward, the continuing issue Mills, with a recent offer of support over access to mobile as stand in whilst some volunteers phones (although we may are off on holidays, by Jill Dibling. have a breakthrough with I help facilitate Patients’ Council and this issue), clearly indicated facilitate most of the logistics of information about Patients’ organising our visits to the ward, the Council, access to the new TV subsequent meetings with ward (and the missing remote control!), management and reporting the recycling and access to money due issues we’re gathering and ensuring to the need to pay for phone calls these are followed up and move since people do not have access to towards being resolved. their own mobile phones. The volunteers are really taking These issues are all documented and responsibility for ensuring that raised as part of the management patients on the ward know they can meetings I facilitate between come speak to us, anonymously, volunteers and ward staff and senior about any of their concerns or hospital management. The issues are issues and that we will ensure these also raised during the Powys get passed on to senior Stronger-in-Partnership meetings to management. progress and receive feedback. Since taking on the project In the next couple of months, we several months ago, I am somewhat will also be exploring if there are in awe of the passion, clarity, care similar projects running in other and attention the volunteers give to in-patient units where people from their roles with Patients’ Council. Powys who live in the North and They are really focused on making a South of the county may be admitted.
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Have your say If you are interested in seeing the latest notes or progress on issues raised on Felindre Ward, Bronllys Hospital, please go to www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/fileadmin/PAMH/ docs/PAMH/Powys_Patients_Council /minutes_or_notes/PCouncil_Notes _24072013__2_.pdf.
I’ve been able to identify several breaches of health and safety during my time in Felindre Ward. Some have been sorted out like the showers but there is still stuff that need to be looked at. ‘Paul’
Please contact me on 01597 822191 or email Freda.Lacey@pavo.org.uk, if you have any questions about Patients’ Council or are interested in volunteering with the project.
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JOIN
PMHA
FOR FREE
AND RECEIVE ALL UPCOMING ISSUES OF
HEAD S P A C E
“We believe the collective voice of individuals has the power to improve the world of mental health�
We work to ensure that individuals across Powys who have experienced mental distress, and those around them, have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. PMHA will endeavour to ensure that all mental health organisations, and other providers, hear this voice.
We will do this by creating authentic and innovative opportunities for people in contact with mental health services, enabling them to articulate their voices, through lobbying, the publication of a regular magazine and the holding of Open Days.
We also look to create these opportunities for those people outside these service providers.
SECRETARY NEEDED
Can you volunteer your skills to be secretary for PMHA?
Volunteer wanted for minute taking/secretarial work within PMHA. We can make a small hourly payment and pay travel allowances. Meetings held about once a month taking from 2 to 6 hours. There is a free lunch if the meeting is over two hours
Please apply via email: pmhamag@gmail.com or ring PMHA 07926 862 414
MEMBERSHIP FORM PMHA (Powys Mental Health Alliance) Please Complete in Block Capitals Full Name: Address:
Contact Tel No: E-mail:
Age/date of birth: (optional)
Where did you hear about PMHA? (brief info) Skills/expertise you can volunteer: (brief description) Please send completed form to:
Powys Mental Health Alliance, 3 Hafendeg, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0RU Ring PMHA on 07926 862 414 HeadSpace
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EMAIL YOUR JOKES, RECIPES, OPINIONS PHOTOGRAPHS ETC. TO:
pmha mag
gmail.com
REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THE NEW PMHA WEBSITE FROM 9TH OCTOBER
www.powysmha.org.uk
TOP TIP
Honey remedy for skin blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a plaster over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing.
I SPY PIES
Looking toward Christmas I have a recipe that I always use for making a sweet shortcrust pastry that gives great results for homemade mince pies:
8 3 3 1
oz / 22g oz / 85g oz / 85g x
plain flour unsalted butter caster Sugar large free range egg
Dice the butter and add to the flour, rub the butter into the flour with hands as cold as possible. Add the caster sugar and rub in well. Break in the egg and mix to a good dough, (if a little too dry, add a tablespoon of milk) This will freeze well.
Bryan Douglas-Matthews
Please send your letters, opinions, articles and photographs etc. to:
PMHA
3 Hafendeg, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0RU
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Joking aside . . . !
t urren the c s . . . o t risi Due mus mic c f Hu o o n o n c o i e duct ll pro ata. a g n lli sal cance Tarama s i ce sion and Gree reces p i d ble a dou It's ke bra
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ime d to ny t icte a d t d a op a I'm n st a c I But
I s t in S art a n eou l ne ew jo I t b xt hou wee ght k. it w Kor a s ea a g mov ood e
IF THE AUTUMN DAYS ARE GETTING YOU DOWN, HERE’S A POEM FROM DIANE HART TO CHEER THINGS UP. BECAUSE SUMMER CAME
In the mist of winter summer came. It was not expected It was not planned, But it came one morn. The sun was shining, The birds were singing And the flowers were parading their beauty. Because summer came.
I awoke that morning from a dream To see the beauty I’d never seen. I felt so light I felt I could fly. My face ached from all the smiling, For no other reason than being alive, And this was, Because summer came.
Just like holidays, You want to make the most of it And cram all you can in. You know the holiday will come to an end, You don’t want to think about it, so you make the most of it And wear yourself out. Because summer came.
It was so great when the sun was out. I felt invincible, I could do anything. No obstacle could get in my way or stop me. Because summer came. My daughter asked for a pet spider for her birthday. So I went to our local pet shop and they were £70
“Blow this,” I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web!
WEATHER MAKING YOU DEPRESSED? NEED TO PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP?
LY ON 2.54 £14
Don’t let the cold, wet, miserable, dull, grey, dark, long, lonely count-the-days-to-Christmas get you down. SPRING INTO ACTION WITH THESE FUNKY BOOTS!
You’ll be jumping out from your warm duvet and into these in a flash!
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direc I manage the mental health team in Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO). Powys Mental Health Alliance asked us to compile a short list of local services that might be of interest to their magazine readers. This is just a selection of organisations though and there are many more services across Powys and further afield that might be of interest to you so if you don’t see the information you want here then please get in touch with us. • Getting in touch! Call us on 01686 628 300 or 01597 822 191 or email us at pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk. We are available Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm. • Just ask! We are here to try and answer your questions about mental health and wellbeing. We will try to get you the information you need and if we don’t know then we will do our best to find out. • Tell us your news! Got something that you want to tell others about? Then get in touch. • Take a browse! You can access information on our website anytime at powysmentalhealth.org.uk •Get Involved! Interested in finding out how you might get involved in shaping mental health services across Powys and Wales, contact us. • Join the debate! You can access our blog at http://powysmentalhealth.blogspot.co.uk/ or follow me on twitter @powysmh We hope to hear from you soon. Laura Gallagher MONTGOMERYSHIRE
Ponthafren Association Newtown, Welshpool and Llanidloes. A member led mental health charity for people who experience mental health issues, those who are socially isolated or excluded, or those who may just wish to make new friends or gain new skills. Tel: 01686 621 586 www.ponthafren.org.uk email: admin@ponthafren.org.uk. Mind Aberystwyth Machynlleth. Working to improve the life of people affected by mental distress. They are an independent charity in their own right, run by local people, for local people. www.mind.org.uk/help/mind_in_your_ar ea/279 Email: info@mindaberystwyth.org. Tel: 01970 626225 RADNORSHIRE AND BRECKNOCKSHIRE
Mid Powys Mind Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Knighton, Rhayader,and Presteigne. A local charity running services in Radnorshire and North Brecknock that offers advice and support to those who may have mental distress. Tel: 01597 824 411. www.midpowysmind.org.uk e-mail: info@midpowysmind.org.uk.
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Brecon Contact and District Association Brecon, Talgarth, Hay-on-Wye, Crickhowell. Brecon & District Contact Association ia a local charity that supports people in the community affected by mental illness diagnosis and mental distress. Tel: 01874 611529. www.breconmentalhealth.org.uk. E-Mail: brecondistrict@btconnect.com Ystradgynlais Mind Works to improve the life of people affected by mental distress - this includes the people themselves, as well as carers, family, friends and supporters - based on the 'Wellbeing' framework. Tel: 01639 841 345 www.minditv.org.uk. E-mail: info@minditv.org.uk POWYS
Powys Independent Mental Heath Advocacy Service. Provide a free, confidential and independent advocacy service for people with mental health difficulties. Tel: Brecon & Radnorshire 01874 624 206 Montgomery 01686 627 632 www.advocacy-in-powys.org.uk Powys Carers Service Provides services to carers of all ages throughout the County. Tel 01597 823800 www.powyscarers.org.uk. email: info@powyscarers.org.uk.
Hafal Carers Support Supporting carers of people with a mental illness diagnosis in Powys. More at http://powysmentalhealth.blogspot.co.uk/ 2013/08/introducing-tim-skelcher-ofhafal.html Tel: 07875 373525. Email: powys@hafal.org Healthy Friendships Aim to support people who experience mental health distress live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. Tel: 01686 626221 www.radnorshirehealthyfriendships.org. e-mail: info@radnorshirehealthyfriendships.org BEAT Cymru Supports people from all walks of life to beat eating disorders. Tel: 07581208935 www.b-eat.co.uk/beat-cymru/. E-mail: s.llewellyn@b-eat.co.uk.
Powys Mental Health Alliance They aim to ensure that individuals across Powys who have experienced mental distress, and those around them, have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. Website: www.powysmha.org.uk Tel: 07926 862 414 email: pmhamag@gmail.com
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tory Powys Agency for Mental Health Information Line Offers information on local mental health services and mental health issues. Self-help booklets on anxiety, depression, etc. Tel: 01597 822191 e-mail: pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk Hafal Family Support Service Hafal provide a flexible support network throughout Powys for families and carers coping with serious mental illnesses. Tel: 01686 621 266 e-mail: rekindle@hafal.org www.hafal.org
Powys Against Workplace Bullying 01597 825020 vbxllandrindod@tiscali.co.uk GENERAL
Mind Infoline The leading mental health charity for England & Wales and works for a better life for all who experience mental distress. Tel: 0845 766 016 www.mind.org.uk
Journeys National organisation for people affected by depression. Provides symptoms and treatments for depression and details of local groups Tel: 0292 069 2891 www.depressionalliance.org information@depressionalliance.org Bi Polar Organisation Cymru A user-led mental health charity providing help and support to all affected, whether sufferers, family or friends, with bi-polar disorder. Tel: 01633 244 244 www.mdfwales.org.uk
Association for Post Natal Illness Can put you in touch with other mothers who have come through Post Natal Depression Tel: 0207 3860868 e-mail: info@apni.org www.apni.org
Young Minds Help and advice for young people who are worried about the mental health of a parent, carer, or other family members. Tel: 020 7336 8445 e-mail: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk www.youngminds.org.uk No Panic Helpline A charity that specialises in helping people suffering from anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and tranquilliser withdrawal. Tel: 0808 8080545 (Available 10am – 10pm daily) www.nopanic.org.uk ceo@nopanic.org.uk Small Steps Project For young people 16-25 struggling with mental health Tel: 01686 621 266 e-mail: smallsteps@hafal.org
Rethink The UK based organisation associated with Hafal. Offers help and advice to all affected by severe mental health, including schizophrenia, to recover a better quality of life. Advice Line: Tel: 020 89 746 814 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10am – 3pm, and Tues & Thurs 10am – 1pm) e-mail: advice@rethink.org www.rethink.org
CALL Helpline (Community Advice and Listening Line) A confidential listening and support service. Tel: 0800 132 737 (open 24/7 365 days a year) e-mail: callhelpline@dialpipex.com www.callhelpline.org.uk Benefits Enquiry Line Contact details for the Benefit Enquiry Line which provides advice and information for disabled people and carers on the range of benefits available. The person taking your call will not have your personal papers but will be able to give you general advice. Please visit the Directgov page detailed below to learn about these benefits first 0800 882 200 bel-customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Health at Work Advice Line A pilot service providing managers in small businesses with easy access to professional occupational health advice over the telephone to help you support your employees. All calls are confidential and advice is free. 08001070900 The Samaritans The service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. 08457 90 90 90 jo@samaritans.org
If your organisation would like to be included in this directory, please email p m h a m ag @ g m a i l . c o m
Please write or email in with your comments about HEADSPACE and send in any contributions you would like to see printed. HeadSpace
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POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
AGM AND OPEN DAY
TEL O H E OR D O M M LS L O E C W E TH OD D N I R LLAND
3 1 0 2 R BE M E V O M N P 0 H 0 T . 4 27 L L I T M 10.30A
Contact PMHA on 07926 862 414 or email: pmhamag@gmail.com for more details
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FREE ENTRY!
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