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M OV I N G F O RWA R D
POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
HEADS P A C E WITH
THE VOICE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN POWYS
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Ex-Military A Soldier’s Story
Also Inside This Issue: POETRY EMOTION Poems from the heart MENTAL MATTERS What’s happening in and around Powys
Spring 2014
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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.
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.”
The Board of Trustees would like to welcome Louise Evans and Bob Short who were elected at the AGM in November 2013. Louise Evans is a member of Ponthafren Association in North Powys. She has enjoyed taking part in a variety of activities for the past couple of years, and is keen to take on this new responsibility with PMHA. Bob Short is an adult learning tutor from Newbridge-on-Wye who is also involved with several voluntary groups. “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!”
Kelvin Mills 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 Trustee Diane is now a full member of the board and has been attending meetings when possible.
Debbie Douglas-Matthews Trustee Debbie is on the board of trustees.
Go to page 18 to find out more about joining POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE 2
HeadSpace
front cover © Artem Rastorguev | Dreamstime.com
“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.
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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 o r ri n g 0 7 9 2 6 86 2 414
front cover © Artem Rastorguev | Dreamstime.com
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. Deadline for next issue: 30th May 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.
Inside this issue
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News, reports and updates from around Powys
PMHA AGM & OPEN DAY All the pictures from the event
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
Printed and distributed by Imprint, Newtown, Powys
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THE FEAR THAT NEVER GOES AWAY
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Ex-Service Personnel
One Soldier’s Story
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EMOTIONS IN POETRY
No Rhyme, No Reason, Just Poetry
Letters and emails18
20 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.
c o n t e n t s
SPRING 2014
HeadSpace Mental health and emotional well-being for all Spring 2014
Patient’s Council Report
JOIN PMHA
22 Back cover
21
Services Directory
GET YOUR FREE COPY OF ‘It’s The Inside That Matters’
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ED S PAC E
Carla Rosenthal Magazine Editor
This issue highlights the life of an ex-service man who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some men and women, many who have seen combat, continue to battle every day just to adjust to a ‘normal’ life after being in The Forces. Civilians cannot understand what images are in their memories; we leave it up to others to do the fighting. Let us remember those living ex-service personnel who have done their duty and continue to deal with the past – it affects their lives now. Charities such as Combat Stress need support to be able to continue the help they provide and Powys Mental Health Alliance have chosen to highlight this particular charity. Combat Stress will also be one of the Guest Speakers at the PMHA Open Day in May (more information on page 14) Emotions run high when thinking about your mental health and our magazine has sparked a poetic note in many of our members. As a result, this issue features some great poems submitted by members of PMHA. Keep sending in your contributions - this magazine is YOUR VOICE so shout loudly!
Local services at your fingertips
PAVO ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW LOOK
www.info-engine.org.uk
PAVO
are excited to announce the launch of the new and improved Info Engine, the online directory of services in Powys. With over 800 services Info Engine is the number one online directory to visit for information on a variety of organisations and services where you live.
From local luncheon clubs to national charities, we’ve got it covered! Already familiar with Info Engine? The new design will impress with improved features which make it simple to search and share information with friends and family. • Find activities and support in your community. • Need information on the go? Visit Info Engine on your mobile or tablet device • Create your own bespoke directories and share with others • Have confidence in the information Info Engine’s technology refreshes itself every four months. Info Engine in Powys is led by Powys Association for Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) in partnership with Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board and the third sector. The Info Engine Officer is available to give your community group a guided tour of Info Engine and discuss how it can help you in supporting your work.
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powysmha.org.uk
H
appy Spring Time! The days are getting longer and warmer weather might be closer than we think. However, for some of us, no matter what the season, life can still be an uphill struggle.
Carl Cooper, Chief Executive of PAVO, said,
“Being able to find up-to-date information on organizations and services is crucial to residents and those supporting them. Info Engine is a one-stop-shop about agencies and what they do in Powys and with more organizations registering it’s growing all the time. It’s great to enable community groups and agencies to promote their services and I’m delighted we can work in partnership to make sure it goes from strength to strength.” To find out what’s going on in your area then visit www.info-engine.org.uk
Info Engine relies on organizations and groups entering and updating information on their services. If you run a club, group or service and want to let your local community know about it then visit www.info-engine.org.uk and start promoting what you do. Contact Information: Claire Powell - Info Engine Officer PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) Email: infoengine@pavo.org.uk Tel: 01597 828649 Web address: www.info-engine.org.uk
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News, report and updates from in and around Powys
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STRUGGLING WITH MEMORY LOSS? Go to a Forget-Me-Not cafe!
T
he fabulous success of Healthy Friendship’s Welshpool shop is down to the enthusiastic support of the people of Welshpool. If you have any news, Barbara Beesley who is Deputy Coordinator and Head of Retail at reports or updates, Healthy Friendships please send them to says, “Our Welshpool PMHA via email pmhamag@gmail.com shop is our most successful venture so far. The income generated will help us establish dementia cafés across Montgomeryshire. We are always looking for donations of clothing, furniture and computer games. We are delighted with the response to our request for volunteers but we can always use more help.” Healthy Friendships are also looking for new members to be on the Board of Trustees to assist in the management of the Charity. Full training will be given. If you think you would be interested in joining, please call HF to discuss. Healthy Friendships supports mainly older people who experience mental distress helping them live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives using a range of services. It is a small and wholly independent charitable association of its Members (registered charity number 1114905), established in October 2005. They provide a wide range of services which include befriending, small/medium/large group work, seated exercise, seated sport (such as Boccia and new age Kurling), exposure to new cultural experiences, opportunities to volunteer and opportunities to raise money for the organisation. They support and help any adult who has a mental health or emotional issue and the Caregiver of such a person. The current age range of Membership is 19 to 102, however they tend to specialise in helping older and elderly people DEMENTIA is now seen as the health and social care challenge of the 21st century and because the UK’s ageing population is substantially increasing, the current 800,000 figure given for people with this (so far) incurable disease is estimated to increase to more than a million sufferers by 2025. Someone is apparently diagnosed (globally) with the disease every four seconds and around the world it already costs an estimated £370bn per annum. Lewy
particularly in the more rural or isolated communities of mid Wales and rural south Shropshire. Healthy Friendship’s latest project is to set up a dementia café called “Forget-me-not” which will be a place where people with dementia (or those who are worried about their memories) and their Caregivers can come together in a safe, friendly and comfortable environment. This will enable them to socialise, share experiences, get information, practical advice and emotional support. The cafe will also run seated sport and exercise which is believed can sometimes delay the disease’s progression. There may be quizzes, reminiscence sessions, guest speakers, music and singing or even social evenings; in order to make the normal things of life, simply normal! Members are encouraged to make decisions and vote on what they want to do. Barbara explains, "A ‘Forget-me-not’ is a flower traditionally associated with faithfulness and enduring love. Caregivers driven by such emotions save the health and social care economy billions of pounds every year and get almost nothing in return – they need and deserve such a project desperately. Our Cafés will be informal and free of process, focussing on the person with dementia in a spirit of acceptance and love.” N.B.Although a secular organisation, the venue will typically be a church hall or community centre.
Please contact Barbara to find out more about this project. 01686 626221 or email: barbara@healthyfriendships.org.uk. www.healthyfriendships.org.uk
Dementia Facts Dementia takes many forms The most common is Alzheimer’s accounting for some two-thirds of cases.
All forms of dementia are progressive; as the brain becomes more damaged over time so a person’s symptoms will Named after the German scientist Alois Alzheimer who identified the condition over become worse. a century ago. Alzheimer had studied a Dementia is not part of patient who displayed short-term memory ageing naturally but caused loss and disorientation After her death an by disease – a healthy examination of her brain showed the body can help protect tell-tale protein deposits and tau your brain. tangles characteristic of Body Dementia Vascular Alzheimer’s. occurs when small Dementia structures develop in is recognised when nerve cells causing the oxygen supply Fronto-temporal degeneration of fails and the brain Dementia brain tissue. cells die. affects personality and Source: various behaviour more than Compiled by Christine Field memory. More on what the UK Government is doing about the situation in the next magazine.
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Powys Nurse awarded MBE in New Years Honours Nigel Broad, Senior Nurse, was rewarded for his years of dedication to nursing when he was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.
Nigel joined Powys Teaching Health Board last year, having worked for ABMU Health Board for 20 years. Nigel is based in Ystradgynlais but works with colleagues across Powys. The honour was given to him for his work improving patient safety and for helping to develop and deliver the 1000 Lives Plus ‘Skin Bundle’ – a project which saw an incredible reduction in pressure sores in patients and has gone on to be used across Wales and has been adopted by other countries as well. Nigel is keen to point out that he wasn’t working alone and said, “The work we have done for pressure sores
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
Benefits and Work
is a publishing company specialising in information, news articles and detailed guides on sickness and disability benefits. Our membership includes claimants, advice agencies and health professionals. We aim to give the most up to date and accurate information on government changes, as well as the most recent news and commentary on the effects of welfare reform. 6
HeadSpace
was as part of a team and this honour reflects the hard work and dedication by everyone involved. If it wasn’t for the great front-line nurses and the support from medical colleagues at all levels of the organisation, we wouldn’t have had the success we had. All of the people that I worked with deserve this honour as well.” Nigel joined Powys because he wants to help to reduce the number of patients being admitted to hospital unnecessarily and to help patients return home as quickly as possible. Nigel saw the work that has already been developed in Powys with the ‘Virtual Ward’ as a real opportunity for him to help in this work. Everyone at Powys Teaching Health Board is very pleased that Nigel has been honoured in this fashion and are pleased to have him working here with us. Press release from Powys Teaching Health Board
Nigel Broad, Senior Nurse,
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. . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . .upda The Young Adult Peer Support (YAPS) project works to allow young people’s (YP) voices to be heard in the development of services by facilitating a peer support system for 16-25 year olds which helps build YP’s confidence and formally gather their opinions. YAPS is a service being offered through Ponthafren Association in Newtown and is part of the One Powys Connecting Voices portfolio which is monitored through the Powys Agency for Voluntary Organisations (PAVO). The project works on two levels: top-down and bottom-up. Firstly, a top-down approach allows the project to communicate with service providers, local authorities etc. to discuss the concerns of YP as a whole or to lend weight to points-of-view which a YP may be unable to convey themselves. Secondly, the project seeks any and all opportunities to empower and encourage YP from the bottom-up to use their own voices directly within the community to engage and participate in the development of services and decision-making. The one thing people are never short of is opinions and YP are no exception. The only barriers to the expression of these opinions are a person’s confidence in themselves, a feeling of their opinions validity/importance and the knowledge of how to communicate those opinions. The YAPS project aims to resolve all of these issues through its peer support approach. The project works on one level, as an amplifier of YP’s voices to better signify issues to service providers, institutions and
governing bodies, but more importantly, through the peer support structure the YAPS project aims to improve the confidence YP have in themselves and their opinions so they can more effectively voice any issue. Confidence, or the lack there of, has a significant impact on many different aspects of mental health; it can contribute to long-term mental health issues and/or be a side-effect of managing mental health. Considering this, the YAPS project will seek to alleviate young people from this additional concern by reassuring them of the facts around mental health and helping to remove any stigma around mental health to at least the YP in question. Through the peer support structure, mentors will be helping their mentees to progress through their recovery and aid them in building their confidence in themselves and are participating in activities that will promote their agency within the community. Additionally, throughout the project there will be a general culture promoted around the idea of the value of hearing YP as their opinions and thoughts on mental health really do matter. We and our mentors will be there to listen to YP in the first instance but we will also promote, to both organisations and YP, the importance of a two-way relationship between the wider community and YP through mutual voicing and listening of opinions. Engagement, involvement and confidence are three pillars to help avoid isolation, mental ill health and maintaining a feeling of belonging.
YAPS GET VOICES HEARD To find out more about YAPS:
Contact YAPS Coordinator Caroline Mercer 07792346519 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. yaps.project@ponthafren.org.uk.
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It’s all gone PINK!
MAN ON THE RUN
You’d have been forgiven for wondering if there was something wrong with your eyes at Ponthafren on Friday 25th October 2013. Almost everyone was indeed wearing pink . . .
It was all organised by Julia Gorman to raise money and raise awareness of Breast Cancer. Staff and members were encouraged to wear pink, and a raffle was organised where all of the prizes were … yes, you guessed it, pink! Julia also baked a delicious pink cake, of which pieces were sold to raise money for the cause. All together £31 was raised in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness. Thank you everyone who took part.
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Trustee Dan Thomas raised £810 for Ponthafren Association by running the Cardiff Half Marathon. Thank You Dan!
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Ponthafren’s Health & Wellbeing group, led by Julia Gorman, have been very busy of late. Not only have many members taken part in a Zumbathon, they’ve also been on a few trips recently. Recent outings have included a trip to the local gym, where members were shown how to use the machines and weights safely, a visit to the local library and even time to relax with a trip bowling. It’s great to see so many members eating well, getting active and enjoying it. Keep up the good work!
ZUMB ATHON Could you do two and a half hours of Zumba and Konga? Most people would say ‘No’, but that’s exactly what a group of members from Ponthafren did on Saturday 26th October 2013. It was all in order to raise money for Ponthafren Association and Marie Curie. The event was organised by Helen Edwards and the exhaustive efforts of all concerned raised £210 each for Ponthafren and Marie Curie. Ponthafren’s portion of the money will be put towards new computers in the Ponthafren library which will be available for all our members to use. We’d like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who took part and to those who organised the event.
Ponthafren Association Reg Charity No: 1035326 Longbridge Street Newtown Powys SY16 2DY Tel No: 01686 621586
www.ponthafren.org.uk Ponthafren Association is looking for people to become Trustees of the Organisation. If you have skills or knowledge of HR/H&S/Finance/Mental Health etc please contact us.
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POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE Jackie Newey reports on the event last November
A
t the end of November, Powys Mental Health Alliance held its Annual General Meeting and Winter Open Day at the Commodore Hotel in Llandrindod Wells. In July, I had travelled down to Brecon for the PMHA Summer Open Day to find out how the organisation was doing and this seemed like the ideal opportunity to catch up with activities.
Next up was Jane Cooke, DIY Futures Project Manager,to speak about the book, “It’s the inside that matters.” It features thirteen stories from people who came into contact with the DIY service since it started in 2009, alongside artwork described as visual poetry. People have responded very favourably to the book so far, as it is promoted with the aim of helping to reduce stigma around mental distress, with groups from Aberystwyth, Ystradgynlais and Llanfair, Caereinion expressing interest.
Trustees Bill Fawcett and John Steadman
I was greeted in the hotel foyer by trustee John Steadman from Ystradgynlais alongside a roaring open fire. Days before there had been a christening at the venue and the decorations were still in place – it all looked very cheerful with bunting and colourful paper lanterns. The meeting kicked off with the formal AGM business. Chairman Bryan Douglas-Matthews welcomed all and we were straight into the Directors’ Report for the previous year followed by the finances. Two new trustees were elected to the Board on the day. Louise Evans is a member of Ponthafren Association in North Powys. She has enjoyed taking part in a variety of activities for the past couple of years, and is now keen to take on this new responsibility with PMHA. Bob Short is an adult learning tutor from Newbridge-on-Wye who is also involved with several voluntary groups. Louise Evans and Bob Short - new trustees
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Jane Cooke, DIY Futures Project Manager, and contributor Adam Payne
Free copies are available to organisations and groups which will set up an event which uses the book to start some discussion around stigma. “That could have been my story,” was the refrain I heard again and again as people chatted enthusiastically about the book.
“That could have been my story!” Magazine editor Carla Rosenthal is currently working on the third issue of Headspace, which is due out in early 2014. She said that PMHA is hoping to produce a book of poetry if funds can be sourced , “a huge amount of people love to send poems for the magazine.” There will also be a new poetry page on the website soon.
The art workshop
Workshops followed, with the option of art with Terri Sweeney, bead-making with Christine Brooks, and poetry with Carla. Then we enjoyed a delicious hot lunch, and a chance to catch up with friends and fellow members. The afternoon session started with speaker Penny Nicholson, who volunteers with the bereavement counselling charity Cruse – “somewhere to turn when someone dies.” Penny said that 10 – 15% of mental health issues are the result of unresolved grief. “I cannot take your grief away. It is a question of learning to manage it.” She compared it to learning to walk with a broken leg so that you don’t have a limp for the rest of your life. “It is a process of growth. You will flower eventually as a result of the pain and anguish and the pride of the relationship is still there.”
Penny Nicholson, on volunteering with Cruse
The talk was brought to life by Penny’s reference to her own personal experience of bereavement, as she was widowed unexpectedly at a young age with two young children to care for.
“I was cut in half and bleeding from one side.”
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AGM AND WINTER OPEN DAY 2013 “I was cut in half and bleeding from one side.” Penny described driving her MGB car with the hood down and screaming as she drove down the A3. This made her feel a lot better – “but Cruse would have been a softer and cheaper option!” There are about 30 Cruse volunteers providing counselling across the length and breadth of Powys. People self-refer, and others are referred by social services. The sessions are weekly for the first three weeks, then fortnightly, then once a month. The longest Penny has supported someone is just over a year – it depends on the age of the person and their personality. All in all it was a really interesting talk, with insights into the Cruse service, the nature of grief and how healing takes place.
The day was rounded off with a contrasting but equally valuable session; Diane Millbury spoke briefly about the natural healing therapies and techniques she practices before encouraging us to participate in a relaxing meditation session ourselves. Diane explained that she used to work for the health service, but that the medical model of the NHS did not suit her ethos in life. She learnt instead about meditation techniques which help people find their true potential by taking a holistic approach. Once we were all chilled out from the meditation, Diane asked us to stand. “If you’re feeling sad (or happy) move your body and it helps.” So we finished with two exercises, The Palm Tree and The Lion. One thing I can guarantee – you
can’t help smiling as you turn into a lion; my final photograph of the day sums it up really! Let us know what you thought if you were there and if you have any suggestions for future activities, I’m sure all at PMHA would appreciate feedback too! Read more from Jackie Newey and PAVO on the blog at: www.powysmentalhealth.blogspot.co.uk Find out about the next PMHA Open Day on page 14
‘The Lion’ exercise has everyone giggling
Diane Millbury & Penny Nicholson
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Free information, advice, support and counselling to adults, children and young people in Powys who have been bereaved Help in the relief of anyone who has become or is in danger of becoming mentally or physically ill, disadvantaged, marginalised, isolated or excluded because of their bereavement Offer support, information, and training to organisations and individuals caring for bereaved people through presentations or leaflets Increase public awareness of the effects of loss and bereavement and of the needs of bereaved people Recruit and train volunteers to deliver a high quality service to our clients Contact Details: Martin Jones, Area Administrator Cruse in Powys Plas Dolerw Milford Road Newtown, Powys SY16 2EH
01686 610220 Cruse.powys@btinternet.com www.cruse.org.uk National Helpline: 0844 477 9400 Charity Number 208078
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As an 18 year old Soldier, I had experienced death first hand.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
can occur to anyone who experiences some form of trauma in their lives but it can be particularly prevalent in ex-Service men and women who have been involved in warfare, whether or not they have witnessed direct combat. An ex-Soldier sent HeadSpace this moving account of life with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 12
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Image Š Dmitrii89rus | Dreamstime.com
A SOLDIER’S STORY
© Sergeyussr | Dreamstime.com
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Image © Dmitrii89rus | Dreamstime.com
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t only happened five minutes ago. The high pitch in my ears, the dull scream of men - boys, who are all around me. The thud of explosions still reverberate through my feet like shock waves and I can smell burning flesh in the pitch black as blood trickles down my neck, under the collar of my shirt and onto my back. My head feels like it‘s ripped in two. Panic, confusion and fear of death immediately tell me to run, escape and get away. But there‘s nowhere to run. My leg is trapped and I’m frozen in time . . . In fact, it’s been nearly eleven and a half thousand days since that day, yet I still experience every graphic detail of that event, from the ever frequent holding my breath to stop myself breathing in the toxic acrid smoke that chokes me, to seeing the people around me, so animated that I can touch them. I can hear them speaking - every word, seconds before we’re hit. Intrusive thoughts and memories haunt my every waking day, yet when I do get to sleep the screams and the smell of burning shatter into the reality that I’m awake, here in bed, drenched in sweat and fighting for breath. I analyse, assess and relive it frequently. I’m constantly exhausted, still fighting. Everyone around me is suffering. As an 18 year old Soldier, I had experienced death first hand. After the event there was never a mention of help or a suggestion that you were damaged, mentally scarred by what you had seen and done, or that you would enter the civilian world as a ’loose cannon’. It was a ’boys together’ mentality that got me through the coming weeks and years. Alcohol was the favoured choice of ’self medication’ then, drinking to oblivion, drowning out the reality of being so close to death. It wasn’t discussed that things were wrong, unchecked, and dangerously out of control. We had become more aggressive collectively so we had no idea. The drinking put my demons in a box with the lid temporarily shut until the next time - when I’d drink it shut again. That wasn’t the last time I would see life through the bottom of a pint glass before leaving the army. Alcohol played a very large part in everything and I began to make irrational life changing decisions, one of which was to purchase my Voluntary Release. After just six years (fifteen months of which I had been a ’boy-soldier’) and without so much as a handshake from my commanding officer, I bitterly set off, uneducated, unprepared and with what I now know was an untreated mental disorder, with the expectation that I would adapt to civilian life without problem. It wasn’t long before my world was falling down around me even more. Civilian life seemed to lack discipline. The recession meant too few jobs for too many people yet I still found the ability to cope with my new-found misery with alcohol. The thought of going back to soldiering was out of the question even though it had been my mainstay during adoles-
cence, but my decision making processes were blighted by the constant drinking. I joined the Police aged 22 through necessity. I had been courting and needed the work by then and it was only a short time before I dealt with my first civilian death as a Police Officer. I’d seen worse but it seemed unnatural to witness a dead civilian, someone not in the service of the Crown, no uniform worn and lying alone for the world to see, here in England. Strangely, war and my own near death experiences had failed to prepare me for it, yet those around me looked to me expecting resolute behaviour due to my past life. There was no discussion, debrief, or talk of it afterwards. Just a simple statement: ‘It’s what we do!’ It became the norm. That sentiment is still as strong today, but the memories are still there flooding into your mind when you least expect it. Each and every time you deal with a tragic death, trying to give some small comfort to a distraught family by attempting to explain the inexplicable as they search for answers as to how their loved one has died, leads you into an unseen place. Their stress and anguish becomes your own and each additional event adds to the multitude of irrational and macabre thoughts as you unwittingly store a mass of a devastating facts and images in the mind, unlocking yet another box inside it to push the demon that is the horror and stresses of the incident inside it, slamming the lid shut seemingly closing another ‘portfolio of horror’. They say they’re ‘alright’, but you can see it in the eyes of a colleague. The ‘thousand yard stare’ in a moment’s tranquillity when the radio is quiet, or when they sit in the car and let out a never ending stream of sighs, or that sudden display of irritability, impatient and anxious without realising why. Counselling is available but it rarely has an impact because it’s hard to pick up on the fact a person is suffering. Very few seek help because they believe they’re immune to the horrors of death and want to portray themselves as strong characters. Mental illness is still a taboo subject and there are too many Police Officers who would prefer not to be ‘labelled’ for fear of being thought of as weak. The misguided concept of ‘self discipline’ and ‘control’ shows in the lack of communication about how they feel. It‘s hidden. It‘s endemic. I‘m more aware of my own fallibilities now having been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Post Disorder. I‘m not a medical professional but I have a little more understanding as to how mental illness manifests itself, its tell tale signs. So, once again I am party to an environment of suppressed emotions and I see the negative affects of this debilitating illness when I’m with colleaguess we have a drink together and I know they take no heed of what tomorrow holds. The reality is though, that tomorrow might be the day that their demons force the lids open on their boxes . . .
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Founded in 1919, Combat Stress is the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans’ mental health. The charity’s work saves lives and is vital today as it has ever been. Combat Stress is currently supporting more than 5,400 ex-Service men and women suffering from mental health conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. This includes almost 400 Veterans living in Wales. To help Veterans rebuild their lives, the charity provides specialist traumafocused treatment at three centres in Ayrshire, Shropshire and Surrey, as well as practical and clinical support in the community. Combat Stress also operates a 24-hour Helpline for Veterans, serving personnel and their families.
0800 138 1619
PMHA OPEN DAY GUEST SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE:
Wednesday 14th May 2014 The Hotel Commodore, Llandrindod Wells. 10.00 am - 4.00 pm FREE LUNCH
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pmhamag@gmail.com
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provided Transport ry if necessa ses n e p x e Travel paid
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
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No Rhyme, No Reason, Just Poetry Poetry is an excellent way to give a voice to emotions in ways that reach to the heart of the matter. If you write, recite or read poetry, a poem will use its words and sounds to express those inner thoughts and feelings. Some readers share their poetry.
The doctor said my brain was an organ with deficiency, It wasn’t operating at maximum capacity, He said it’s like a pancreas, not at full efficiency “Your brain needs certain chemicals, to give it some clarity.” I said to him “But where’s the similarity?” My pancreas doesn’t have to deal with life’s day to day banality, My mind interacts with other minds in perpetuity Don’t try to limit, my capability . . . ! Written by Philip, Owen, Eleanor and Freda at the DIY Futures Conference
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Duvet Days by Anne Watmough Under the cover afraid of dawn The thought of stepping out terrifying To face the day seems impossible Those hours when you can hear a pin drop When your emotions are battling along In your mind No peace No sanctuary Only loneliness And empty days You punish yourself Over and over Because you know you Are inflicting this on yourself The wish somebody would knock at your door The wish someone would call your mobile This wish never happens Alone in life It is a 21st century trend And then one morning Out of the blues Something changes Your thoughts become kinder You begin to stop detesting yourself And the love that was buried That seed has started to grow In the garden which is your life You take those first steps The same first steps You took when once a toddler And you find solace In your troubled mind And loving yourself once again You can face your world
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How would you describe yourself as a poet? As a poet, I tend to take in all that I see or feel and try to let it flow out into verse. Be it either something that matters to me personally or something I see in the world that touches me, I'll draw from it and hopefully transform it into a poem.I find that my writing process usually starts with my interpretation of my muse, so I start from my own perspective, then I try and go over it transforming it into something just as personal but that others could easily find themselves in. Hopefully both universal and uni-sexual, so to speak, so that any girl, boy, man or woman can read it and take a trip along the way.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? As far as my inspirations go, it's usually, if not always, found by something stirring up my emotions or wanting me to take a deeper look, to take a step through the looking glass and see what comes out the other side. From the places I've been, the situations I've found myself or loved ones in and what that moment evokes inside me, inspiring me.
Can you tell us about the book you are compiling? The book I'm working on, "Chameleon Boy" is drawn from relationships. To me, relationships come in four parts in a cycle. The beginning, the foundations on which that relationship is formed. The second being where that relationship is settled, it's not all new and sometimes, it might simply be not working. The third, is post break up, the part where you strip yourself away or attempt to, the belonging, the yearning, the pain that is felt. I feel this is a the darkest part emotionally; where you're single again, that new found world, a world without your one, seeing your one with another. The parts of relationships that haunt us, that put some of us off from seeking another, we've all been there or at least seen a friend through that part. The final part is where you find a new relationship blooming, the uncertainty that comes with that, relaying those foundations and thus the cycle continues. The book itself will be composed of poetry I've written about those parts of the cycle, theemotions that flow through with process."
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Shaun Williams discusses his poetry Somebody Nobody Somebody I never knew you'd be the one the one I'd dream about at night Waking from nobody's somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody Basking in your light Drinking you in Addicted to your smile like hard candy You smile at a nobody who wants to be somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody a new found modus operandi Can you hear me My words they pour lost and silent on their way Speechless nobody, searching for somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody To know what to say Show me please What its like to be caught now that I've fallen for you reach out for this nobody, falling for somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody What do I have to do? I'm listening to this sweet girl, we both know who we are A crazy maybe nobody lost in somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody The most beautiful by far I'll keep this part to myself Secrets will remain the things I think at night I will remain a stranger, a nobody to somebody Oh to be somebody's somebody I hope I'm right I will miss that smile Cheeky yet in my mind it would light the way Feeling from nobody to somebody Oh to be your somebody, yeah somebody like this secret, in my heart you shall stay
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Fish Out Of Water Like a fish out of water I shall scream to the stars For some silence nailed inside my head As my world is on fire Weight of the world on these shoulders seeking a quiet mind before this neck bone goes snap Unable to breathe a sweet release yet somehow you are still there for me All in wait to see through this divide Feeling like he is lost in the crowd Yet behold the last man standing god his mentality is so unique still you pull the sirens in hope to stop the sun from setting I see the world keep moving and yet I stumble with intent to upkeep sat in this four cornered room The beginning of a fade to grey The start of another show a jump off point, to stand or let go Though I can’t deny I get this way when I try to get beyond vision held by you Beyond this defect deficit I am pushing through Self deliverance, that single way back The punishment of faith my self dissolution of humanity An unresolved condemnation condition my power cycle through attrition seeking to go above and beyond this fall I want it all I will take all till I find my way let the chaos reign You can’t tear apart what is already undone Hold witness to what is real before it has begun I shall see this war through burning emotion
To see more of Shaun’s work, go to www.storywrite.com/topic/268867411-Chameleon_Boy where you can see an outline of the book and the poems listed in the order to be read. www.storywrite.com/poems/by/Blunta has Shaun’s poems and further work he has produced.
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EMAIL YOUR JOKES, RECIPES, OPINIONS PHOTOGRAPHS ETC. TO:
pm ha m a g
g m a il.c o m
Many thanks to Stan Wilson who sent in this poem after being inspired by the weather and the poetry workshop at the PMHA Open Day. Stan is a regular attendee at the PMHA Events and has promised to entertain us next time with his guitar! Apologies to Stan that this poem was not shown on the poetry pages but unfortunately, there was no space by the time it was submitted. However, Stan’s story is published in ‘It’s The Inside That Matters’ and the back cover shows how you can obtain your free copy of this beautiful book.
RAIN
Please send your letters, opinions, articles and photographs etc. to:
PMHA
3 Hafendeg, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0RU
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Piddlin’, piddlin’, piddlin’ rain, Oh no, oh no, oh no, not again, You know the birds and the bees, The flowers and the trees, Depend on what you provide, But don’t you think with all you’ve done, Please change your mind. Even the Sun in his majestic grace Has found it best to hide. I wish, oh I wish we could, Take all the children down to the beach With their buckets and spades, So now, please your majesty the Sun, Make it a day of all days. Been thinking! We should put on a smile, We can always keep dry And ‘Sod off’ to this piddlin’ rain. Perhaps we could grow some gills and a flipper. Oh, it’s going to be one piddlin’ pain And one big, big shiver. We could watch the kids Splashing and laughing and they know it’s got to be wrong. “God help them”, I’m thinking, “when they get home”. You’ve got to kick your dog out in the pouring rain, Doesn’t like it – what a pity, what a shame. When he comes in you rub him down And you’re just as glad it not the other way round! Oh, piddlin’, piddlin’, piddlin’ rain Oh, piddlin’, piddlin’, it’s at it again, Oh, piddlin’, piddlin’, piddlin’, It’s nothing more than a piddlin’ pain.
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www.powysmha.org.uk
Debate With Doug Douglas Jones spoke to HeadSpace about some ideas that he would like to put to other members. HeadSpace would love to hear your responses to these opinions. Do you agree or disagree? Have you had a similar experience that you would like to share? If so, contact HeadSpace and we can either arrange an interview or you can write in, email or call.
What irritates you and drives you mad? Douglas Jones wanted to get his voice heard so he contacted HeadSpace and Powys Mental Health Alliance regarding his issue with print sizes on medicines and other products that have very small type. He told a story about how, after getting some dirt in his eye, he bought some eye cleaning fluid but the instructions had to be read through the fluid itself!
Have you had a similar experience?
LET HEADSPACE KNOW Douglas went on to argue his case for certificates for telephonists. He explained that we have certificates for bakers, solicitors and on garage walls for mechanics but believes that people answering the telephone either at banks, building societies or emergency help lines cannot be understood clearly. They also take too long to put the caller . through to the correct person and this is usually at the caller’s expense. The frustration of getting through to an answering machine, compounds the situation.
Have you had a difficult experience dealing with a business over the telephone? Have call centres and complicated ‘options’ caused you to give up on an important call?
Mr Jones was previously a member of the BBC’s Listening Panel and believes that these days, the general range of programmes on the radio is not catering for those suffering from depression. He feels that the programmes should be aimed at cheering people up. He also is appalled by the grammar and language on some shows and feels that there are too many American accents. He proposes that BBC Radio Wales, “should have a team of listeners to analyse what is to be recorded.”
WHICH RADIO PROGRAMMES DO YOU LISTEN TO? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CONTENT ON RADIO? Doug uses the expression, ‘jump leads for the soul’ when discussing the benefits of someone putting their arms around you and giving a loving hug. The appreciation felt from the recipient, boosts the soul as jump leads would boost a battery.
What brings you out of the doldrums? How do you express your needs to those who can help? Next issue: Doug’s thoughts on modern day education and why the Ten Commandments should be learnt off by heart and recited weekly.
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’ C S OU T N N E I T
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i! My name is Rhydian Parry and I have been a volunteer with Patients’ Council for about a year and a half. I have first hand experience of what life on the ward is like, having been a patient at Bronllys several times over the past eleven years. I know how tough life can get on the inside and how big an impact seemingly trivial stuff can have. I’m lucky to be in a position where I can try and use my experience of being on a ward from the age of 17 in order to help others and ensure that the voice of the Patients at Bronllys is heard and represented. We had a very productive meeting on the 11th December. It gave us a huge amount of information to take forward and highlighted the importance of some issues that have been consistently coming up. Some are in the process of being dealt with at the appropriate levels, such as the lack of activities on the ward. It is an issue we have been working closely with senior and ward managers for a while and are now at a stage where discussions are taking place with Brecon and District Mind (formerly The Loft) amongst others to provide structured activities on the ward as well as some in the community.
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The need for a quiet room is another prevalent issue which, sadly, still hasn’t been sorted. We are currently waiting for walls to be painted, this needs to be done before anything else in the room and is holding the whole project up. I just hope that work can begin early in the new year. Many people raised issues around the weekly Case Conferences. It was felt that these were already very intimidating and that being asked whether patients minded Student Doctors being there when they had already arrived was too late. People found it very difficult to say 'no' face to face with the students. Having a tick box on the Pro Forma was suggested by a patient and passed on to the ward manager. She agreed that it was a good idea and will be adding one to the form straight away. Concerns were also raised around a perceived neglect of patients’ Physical Health, these were passed on and I was informed that a ward based Doctor will start on the 23rd December, hopefully, alleviating the situation somewhat. It's also important to recognise some of the actions that have been completed over the past year. Good examples of
Have your say
these are having a decent television, wall mounted and working well making a big difference to the Dayroom. The Mobile Phone Policy was put in place as previously patients only had very restricted access to their phones and it was a difficult issue to overcome. But after a lot of hard work we now have a new Mobile Phone Policy which does allow patients to have access to their phones.
I would also like to thank the Staff on Felindre ward at Bronllys. Not only do we hear a lot of good things said at meetings (although people would love more staff!), we are made very welcome when we visit, ensuring we have the ideal room etc. and we also have a healthy working relationship. Without this effective co-operation, positive action and changes would be very hard to come by. By Rhydian Parry
Please contact Freda Lacey 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. 20
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“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 Email pmhamag@gmail.com HeadSpace
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direc t Powys Mental Health Information Service Directory of Services My name is Laura Gallagher and 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 services that may be useful and of interest to readers. This is just a selection of organisations and there are many more services across Powys and further afield so if you don’t see the information you want, please get in touch. Laura Gallagher 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 Powys Seibiant Family Support Service Supporting carers of people with a mental illness diagnosis in Powys. http://powysmentalhealth.blogspot.co.uk/ Tel: 07875 373525. Email: powys@hafal.org. Hafal website at http://www.hafal.org/hafal/index.php and their Powys page at http://www.hafal.org/hafal/powys.php 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.
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Powys Mental Health Alliance PMHA 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. www.powysmha.org.uk Tel: 07926 862 414 email: info@powysmha.org.uk headspace@powysmha.org.uk pmhamag@gmail.com Healthy Friendships Aim to support people who experience mental health distress live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. Tel: 01686 626221 www.healthyfriendships.org. e-mail: info@healthyfriendships.org Kooth Online and face-to-face support and counselling to people under 25 across Powys. www.kooth.com TOWIP An interactive website that aims to help young people get all the things they are entitled to as a young person in Powys. www.towip.co.uk 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 Powys Against Workplace Bullying 01597 825020 vbxllandrindod@tiscali.co.uk 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.
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 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 Cruse in Powys Bereavement counselling 01686 610220 Cruse.powys@btinternet.com www.cruse.org.uk National Helpline: 0844 477 9400
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c tory Powys Online Service Directory – One Place to Find Everything You Need to Know About Services in Powys. Powys Info Engine is an online database of voluntary and community groups in Powys and the services and activities that they offer. If you want to find out about more services across Powys or if you want more people to know about the service you have to offer then visit http://powys.info-engine.org.uk/ If you have any questions about Powys Info-Engine or the contents of these Directory pages then please email pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk or call the PAVO Mental Health Team on 01686 628300.
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 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 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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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 or 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 us on twitter @powysmh Get 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.
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It’s The Inside That Matters is a beautiful, at times
challenging, new book that has been published by PAVO, through the PMHA project DIY Futures. The book is a collection of thirteen personal counts of life, of surviving times of challenge and pain. The stories are interspersed with ‘visual poetry’ art work. Layered work that both tells and hides the stories and emotion behind the work The Powys Library service has received the book enthusiastically, each library in Powys now has a copy of the book and a series of launch events took place in libraries across Powys in February.
To order your FREE copy, please send your name and address with a cheque or postal order made payable to PAVO for £3.50 p&p to: Jane Cooke DIY Futures Manager 30 Ddole Road Industrial Estate Ystrad Ddiwydiannol Heol Ddole Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 6DF For any further information: Email: Jane.Cooke@pavo.org.uk PAVO Tel: 01597 822191 07771950899