Jan 16 mag

MAGAZINE

MC

Winter 2016

THE BIG BREW AND YOU

SMALL TALK BIG DIFFERENCE

Angela Samata: Break the stigma

Terry Waite: High Hopes

Pete Price: I’m Listening

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY

The Big Brew campaign sets out to challenge the stigma of mental health using the power of a cuppa.

Talking to someone you are worried about can be a real life saver. Reaching out to someone who is suffering may be the turning point they need.

In this issue Medical Director David Fearnley explains how to ask the difficult questions.

The Big Brew has everything you need to take those first steps.

Download the pack from our website – ideas, tips and recipes for getting together with people you care for.

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inside...

Welcome 3 No More Back to Black

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I’m Listening

6

High Hopes

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Reaching Out

10

Speaking the Same Language 13

Coping Can Start with a Cuppa

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Spiffing! The Baker-Smiths

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The Voice

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Global Exchange

23

Head Room

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Oddy Does Drugs

27

This is Intensive Care

28

We Need to Break the Stigma of Suicide

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Care to Celebrate

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Help Yourself to Free Self Help Guides

Speaking Out

32

16

Day in the Life...

34

Find the Big Brew in You

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Come and Join Us

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MC magazine team: Managing Editor: Steve Murphy Editor: Jackie Rankin

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Get the kettle on!

Join the Big Brew Crew

Contributors: Joanne Cunningham, Natalie Dunn, Graham Hignett, Myles Hodgson Editorial: Julie Crompton Photography: Rick Gem, Hayley Edwards, Joel Goodman, Steve Murphy Design: Jo Hadfield

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Reaching Out

How we serve refugees and asylum seekers

You can contact us at: communications@merseycare.nhs.uk MerseyCareNhsTrust Mersey_Care

People who come to us for their care have very different circumstances, but what so many of them have in common is the adversity they have faced in their lives.

Suicide’ in which she speaks movingly of the personal impact of suicide.

Angela’s story is heartbreaking. As a wife and mother I felt deeply for her family’s loss, but at the same time I was If you look up ‘adversity’ in a dictionary touched by her courage. She supports you’ll see that it can mean dealing with others who have lost loved ones to suicide a difficult event or situation, misfortune. and has an unstinting determination to But it can also go much further, to raise awareness. enduring distress, suffering, affliction, I regularly meet service users, carers, misery and heartbreak. staff and trust members who have had their own personal mountains to climb.

I spoke at our recent Zero Suicide Some of them are featured in this issue. launch to a remarkable woman whose Having overcome their personal adversity experiences of personal tragedy have they often want to tell their story, to put led to her becoming a campaigner for their journey into a perspective so people raising awareness of suicide. will understand; they want to help Angela Samata was featured in a BBC people facing similar crises.

TV documentary called ‘Life After

People will tell you that what kept them going was hope. It’s a little word with a big meaning. Here at Mersey Care we are hopeful for our future as a foundation trust. We hope you will join us, as a member, maybe by becoming part of our workforce or sitting on our new council of governors. Details of all these opportunities are in these pages.

Beatrice Fraenkel, Chairman

“Hope is a little word with a big meaning…”

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Stephanie Guidera has the voice of an angel‌ but off stage the classical singer battled against an eating disorder, depression, self harm and substance abuse.

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NO MORE

BACK TO BLACK Stephanie Guidera looks thoroughly at home in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall.

The bubbly 25 year-old mezzo soprano is preparing for forthcoming performances – St Mark’s Passion at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in spring and back to the Phil later this year to sing Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, “The Resurrection”.

felt like I’d lost my entire personality. I wore black because it felt to me like life was dark – I had no confidence to dress boldly. My voice and my personality slowly disappeared. It’s scary looking back.”

The specialist therapy Stephanie receives from Mersey Care’s Psychotherapy Service But for many years Stephanie’s stage has changed her life ‘beyond recognition’. persona only concealed the pain inside Mentalisation based therapy helps people her mind. Severe bulimia led her to with borderline personality disorder Mersey Care’s eating disorder service to differentiate and separate out their at 17. Later the promising young singer own thoughts and feelings from those dropped out of music and drama college around them. and was abusing substances.

“I get incredible support, the staff are “I began singing at age five. By 13 wonderful. They’ve taught me to slow I was studying under a Senior Professor down and think about why I have such at the Royal Northern College of Music strong feelings; I reflect a lot; that’s in Manchester. I got into the Guildhall crucial to maintaining relationships and School of Music and Drama in London keeping friendships strong. I keep track and toured Europe with the famous Monteverdi Choir. I had a televised solo at the BBC Proms and sang at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

of my progress in journals, it’s astonishing to see it on paper. I’m determined to reach my potential and I work hard… and these days I rarely wear black.”

For many years Stephanie’s stage persona belied what was happening in her mind.

“It was amazing, but all the time I was struggling to read the music. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia, which means I was unable to process and organise information. When I tried reading music my brain shut down.

“Having a diagnosis felt clearer, but there’s no cure and I became so depressed. I thought I was ‘stupid’. I had always felt different, this just seemed to confirm it. I used substances to take away my pain. I self-harmed. It

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“Nights are the loneliest time; people turn off their lights, draw the curtains and some people haven’t spoken to anyone all day.“

I’M LISTENING Radio presenter, author, columnist and all round entertainer Pete Price has experienced his fair share of stigma.

A growing realisation that Pete was gay is one of the many experiences he uses to support people on air.

“I totally understand stigma and how hurtful it can be because I’m a gay man. I also believe that there is an age stigma; older people grew up when prejudice was the ‘norm’.

He is using the airwaves to help Mersey Care encourage people to talk about mental health issues.

MC Magazine meets up with him and discusses why talking is one of the greatest therapies…

I remember my pal’s nan saying ‘I hate those queers’. I said ‘I’m a queer’ … she said ‘yeah but you’re different’. Where’s the logic in that?”

• Late Night City airs live on Radio City 2 (105.9 FM & DAB Digital Radio) and Radio City Talk (1548 AM) between 10pm and 2am, from Sunday to Thursday.

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Pete is best known for his ‘Late Night City’ phone in.

“I think people ring a late night show because its anonymous, they ring and change their name or say they are ringing for a friend when it’s actually for them. It’s a big step to say ‘I’ve got a problem’.

“Nights are the loneliest time; people turn off their lights, draw the curtains and some people haven’t spoken to anyone all day. They listen to the company and conversation on the show and I can get them through bad times.”

“One night a lady phoned me, her husband had recently died and she was thinking about taking her own life. We spoke at length while she dealt with her grief. It then came to me and I advised her to go to her wardrobe, pick out one of her husband’s suits and lay it on the bed next to her which would maybe give her comfort. The following day her daughters came in and told me that I saved their mother’s life. It’s experiences like that which make my job worthwhile.”

Need to talk?

Talk to us

Why do people talk so openly knowing the show is on air?

“It’s the art of one to one, people forget there are thousands of listeners and I make them feel comfortable. I’ve had so many life experiences so I can relate. I call the listeners my family.”

“Everyone has something different about them so why should they be labelled? If we wiped stigma out of the world it would be a better place to live.”

We offer access to talking therapies, practical support and employment advice quickly and easily and help with a variety of problems.

You must be 16+ and registered with a Liverpool city GP.

“I’ve never learnt how to leave the job at work; sometimes I’ve taken callers’ numbers and phoned them out of the studio when it’s more private to talk.”

I remember my pal’s nan saying ‘I hate those queers’. I said ‘I’m a queer’… she said ‘yeah but you’re different’. Where’s the logic in that?

For more information call: 0151 228 2300 or go online at: talkliverpool.nhs.uk 7

HIGH

HOPES

Terry Waite shares his thoughts and experiences with patients at Ashworth Hospital

In 1987 Terry Waite travelled to Lebanon as an envoy for the Church of England to try to secure the release of four hostages. He was himself kidnapped and held captive for five years. Earlier this year, he visited Ashworth Hospital to meet with patients and staff.

He may be almost 30 years older than when he was a household name, but Terry Waite still has presence. At 6’7” it’s hard not to be imposing. But his smile is gentle and his laugh fills a room.

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It’s hard looking at him to believe how little he’s been affected physically by these adversities. Even more amazing is how easy he is about revisiting his experiences. He lectures up and down the country – he doesn’t have a day free until next April - and has founded a support organisation for present day hostages and their families. He’s even written a comic book using characters he made up in his head while in captivity.

In strict isolation you have to keep your mind alive.

Terry Waite enjoys a light hearted moment with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips at Ashworth Hospital.

It was at the request of patients that he visited the hospital.

Senior Clinical Nurse Mark Chandley: “We’d felt for a while that inspirational speakers could help patients along their own roads to recovery. Terry was their first choice, they felt his experiences of confinement and seclusion, while stemming from different circumstances, were not unlike their own.”

difficult experiences. It was a bit like Ashworth, an enclosed community. Life is different, you lose the pattern.

I lived at Cambridge College for a while after my release, only going home at weekends, I was told to think like a deep sea diver. Take it slowly, don’t come up too quickly, one step at a time, listen and take advice.

“Throughout my captivity the words that kept me strong were ‘I will not be destroyed’

“It changed me, but experiences can enable you to discover talents and creativity, to look back and use those experiences to discover something new “I didn’t know if there was ever going to be any end to it. In strict isolation you and promising in yourself.” have to keep your mind alive. I wrote What’s he doing now? and created characters and talked to them – it was a coping mechanism.

“I keep young by keeping active. I wrote Patients and staff heard how Terry kept his mind sharp during long days and nights.

“The isolation was terrible but it’s given me empathy for others who have

do lectures on cruise ships and the book’s set aboard a cruise. When you deal with so many difficult, depressing subjects it’s important not to lose your sense of humour.

“When I first came out my job had been held open for me, but I decided I’d earn my own living with writing and lecturing and giving my time to various organisations.

I founded Hostage UK; we work with the Foreign Office, and returning hostages and their families. I’m a founder of Why Care, which helps young people overseas develop their own businesses; and I’m involved with Emmaus for the Homeless, which provides homeless people with a good standard of accommodation and helps them into work. I’m also a life patron of the Butler Trust which gives awards to those who work in penal establishments.”

my comic book, The Voyage of the Golden Handshake, for my own amusement. I

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“People who have been through such traumas can have flashbacks, they hear voices”

REACHING OUT We put the spotlight on our work with refugees and asylum seekers

At a converted church in Liverpool’s Edge Hill area, trainee social worker Mike Wilkinson is about to begin his caseload with the charity Asylum Link.

Men line the walls and corridors, women with young children sit waiting their turn – more than 100 people pass through here every day for a hot meal, sanctuary and hope in an uncertain future.

Mike is among students working with refugees in Liverpool as part of the City of Sanctuary movement, which brings organisations together to support asylum seekers and refugees.

Cases are complex, challenging and often distressing.

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“I met a young girl the other week, thinking she’d be safe. It’s difficult, she told me about things that had but it’s rewarding to be able to help happened to her during her journey empower people.” to this country: it was clear she’d been sexually exploited. I explained her rights and she’s getting help now; but it made me sad to think she’d set off

More than 100 people enjoy a free lunch each day

Mike Wilkinson (left) is gaining valuable experience from working with Asylum Link.

Complex Needs social worker Durani Rapozo explains why the relationship with Mersey Care is so valuable: “People who have been through such traumas can have flashbacks, they hear voices. Having social workers here lets us identify and refer people to help early. A social worker will start with tea, maybe some porridge, human kindness, and move on from there.”

Shelter for refugees is often a church, mosque; the spare room of a philanthropic donor. They can apply for a small subsistence but few are accepted.

In the queue are Abass and his wife Iman. An engineer for an American company, Abass was accused by a political faction of being a traitor and persecuted. After Iman had

three miscarriages they left everything and have arrived in Liverpool on the instruction of the Home Office. Their gratitude for the ‘humanity and fatherhood’ they have found here is evident in their faces. But aside from a hot meal and a social worker, what lies ahead is uncertain.

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Social worker Durani Rapozo says social workers let people get help early.

We’re Recruiting We continually strive for excellence and many of our service users tell us we give them their ‘life’ back and hope for the future.

Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life?

Asylum seekers share their story with Emad Lilo (right).

Volunteers are a vital resource.

Mersey Care’s Social Care Professional Lead Emad Lilo was instrumental in developing the initiative.

He acts as a link and supports students to use their experiences to develop guidance for other practitioners in working with asylum seekers and refugees. The Trust also supports social workers from other countries so each can learn from the other.

Emad: “It’s a valuable resource for people in great need and the experience changes our students’ perceptions beyond anything they could have imagined.

Want to join us?

View more details or apply directly on: jobs.nhs.uk/in/merseycare or phone recruitment: 0151 473 2992 option1 You can find our Staff Charter at: merseycare.nhs.uk

All posts will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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SPEAKING

THE SAME LANGUAGE A new team is helping people from black minoritiy ethnic communities understand what mental health is and how to get help early. A partnership between Mersey Care, Personal Social Services (PSS), and Mary Seacole House, the new Liverpool Community Development Service works in the heart of these communities, as well as helping mental health staff keep in mind differences in Western and non Western cultures when they develop services.

Equality lead Meryl Cuzak: “Our workers are members of the communities they serve; they speak many different languages, they appreciate the issues.

They can help people understand housing and benefit issues and to become involved with our Recovery College, or Talk Liverpool talking therapies service. They will work with our GP liaison team, who link with family doctors, to look at the particular difficulties people from BME communities might face.

“They are already working with our dementia teams to help older people understand dementia.

Mary Seacole House and PSS are experts in advocacy and community engagement, they have a long history of helping people at grass roots level.”

• Contact the team at Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre, 4 Princes Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L8 1TH. Telephone: 0151 708 7414.

Email: infolcds@nhs.net www.liverpoolcds.org

“Our community development workers are part of the communities they serve” 13

WE NEED TO

BREAK THE STIGMA OF SUICIDE

Angela Samata lost her partner Mark to suicide 11 years ago. She was so keen to encourage people to talk about their feelings and be honest and open about suicide that she filmed a BBC documentary ‘Life After Suicide’. The programme received 1.3 million viewers and she’s just won a Mind Media Award.

I want the children to remember how their dad lived – not just how he died.

Merseyside’s Woman of the Year hopes talking about her experiences will help break the stigma, that’s why she’s supporting Mersey Care’s ambitious plans to eliminate suicides among its service users. She also sits on an all-party parliamentary group for suicide prevention in England and Wales and has travelled around the country to meet the family and friends of other people who have lost someone to suicide.

Her sons Benjamin and Alexis were just three and 13 years old when they lost their dad. Shortly before his death Angela had spoken to him on the phone; there was nothing unusual about the phone call but 15 minutes later she came home to find “There are lots of people who don’t know how to speak to you, who treat you him. differently. I think the only way that we One of the biggest problems she faced can help to challenge the stigma and deal was explaining what happened to her with the legacy of this is to be really children. She recalls how her son Benjamin honest and open.” started off asking “Why did daddy die?” but as he grew older he would ask “How did daddy die?”

“When this happens to you as an ordinary person, an ordinary family, you very quickly become aware of the stigma attached to someone taking their own life.

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They talk as a family about Mark; she wants the children to remember how their dad lived – not just how he died. In the programme she talks to Downton Abbey actor David Robb, whose wife Briony McRoberts took her life in 2013.

“If I have one aim it is that, by doing the programme, by talking about this, my boys can grow up in a society where they can talk about their feelings, their health or their emotional state, without fear of being judged” she said.

You can watch the documentary on YouTube.

Mersey Care has committed to eliminate suicide among our service users as part of our drive towards Perfect Care. We launched our zero suicide policy on World Suicide Prevention Day 2015.

• What can you do to help?

See our feature on page 17.

BUSTING THE

MYTHS MYTH 1: You should avoid talking about suicide to someone who’s at a really low ebb because it might encourage them to try it.

BUSTED: Talking with someone who feels they have nothing to live for can help them express their feelings and can often be the first step on the road to recovery.

MYTH 2: Once someone has made up their mind that they’re going to take their life, there’s nothing you can really do to stop them.

BUSTED: Most suicidal people don’t actually want to die, they just don’t know what to do to make the pain stop. Encouraging them to talk can help them put their thoughts into perspective.

MYTH 3: If someone says they’re having suicidal thoughts they’re usually just attention-seeking and won’t really end up killing themselves.

BUSTED: People who die from suicide usually give some indication of what they are going to do before they go ahead and do it. Talking about it is a cry for help and should be taken seriously.

MYTH 4: You have to be mentally ill to think about killing yourself.

BUSTED: Not everyone who dies by suicide has mental health problems at the time. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer from mental ill health.

ASKING THE

DIFFICULT QUESTIONS “People sometimes don’t know what to say when it comes to talking to someone about mental health issues.

I understand that completely. You’re concerned but you don’t want to look like you’re prying – in many ways you could say this is a very normal part of our culture.

However, you don’t have to be a professional to talk to someone about their mental health.”

Angela’s story highlights the impact suicide can have on families. Here Dr David Fearnley, Medical Director, emphasises the importance of talking and the role we can all play in reaching out to someone who is suffering.

Research tells us that talking to someone about suicide does not mean the risk of suicide increases – quite the opposite; it can save someone’s life.

The best approach is to be sensitive yet direct by asking questions such as: • Have you thought about harming yourself?

• Are you even thinking about suicide?

Try to avoid statements such as “I know how you feel” or “Try not to worry about it.”

Give them the chance to talk freely and openly…You being there and allowing them to talk may be the turning point they need.

• Are you thinking about ending it all?

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FREE

Self help guides

direct to your smartphone or tablet New self help guides for a wide range of mental health issues now available to download for iPhone, android and windows phones.

Find out more at merseycare.nhs.uk

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FIND THE

BIG BREW IN YOU In the next few pages we look at how you can get involved. Our pack can help you make yours a Big Brew event.

Help us tackle the stigma of mental health‌ get the kettle on!

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ain br y do e s tiv se all Ac relea t re od. our a go ep e th sy u Ke ercis als feel ost g yo c o Ex emi you e b lpin l ch ke activ , he fee a d m ing ence an k e d o B nfi lo co ep, sle tter. be

Broadcaster Adrian Chiles takes a Big Brew break.

COPING CAN Talk About Your Feelings Talking or ‘getting it off your chest’ can really help you to deal with times when you feel troubled.

When a person feels at their very lowest they may want help, but feel unable to ask for it. Cue The Big Brew.

Research shows that talking can be the first step to getting back on track. And bringing people together over a biscuit and a brew can be just the excuse they need to begin to open up.

If you have family, friends or colleagues you think may be suffering in silence, getting together over a cuppa is a good way to reach out to them.

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START WITH A CUPPA Why not host a Big Brew event or if you’re part of a group you could rename your next meet up or social event The Big Brew.

That way you’ll encourage others to speak out and do your bit to tackle the stigma associated with feelings of hopelessness.

We can help.

Our Big Brew pack gives you everything you need to promote your event.

Download yours at: merseycare.nhs. uk/getting-involved/bigbrew

Drink Sensibly Some of us turn to alcohol to change our mood, others to take away pain and loneliness - but the effect wears off. Get help in another way.

Eat Well What we eat can affect how we feel. Caffeine and sugar give you a boost but it wears off leaving you low. Try to eat foods that give you longer lasting energy.

CELEBS SAY

‘BOTTOMS UP’ FOR A GOOD CAUSE

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN...

SEND US A MUGSHOT A mugshot?

It’s a Brewfie – a selfie of you with your favourite brew.

Or even a shot of your favourite cup or mug.

Don’t be shy, show your support today and upload your Mug Shot to the Mersey Care Big Brew Facebook page or tag @The_BigBrew in your Twitter picture.

Show the world that you care.

Together we can stamp out stigma.

Above: Michelle Keegan who played Coronation Street’s Tina (or should that be ‘tea’ – na?) McIntyre tweeted her glamorous brewfie with the message: “Help stamp out mental illness stigma, I am.”

Right: Chat show host and Radio 2 regular Paul O’Grady raises a mug.

JOIN THE

BIG BREW CREW Top Row: Real life Disney Princess: The voice of Mulan, Ming Na Wen, My Mad Fat Diary actors Danny Kelly and Nico Mirallegro’s #brewfie, Vampire Diaries star Michael Malarkey, BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Tony Snell. Bottom Row: Mr Selfridge star Sacha Parkinson’s Big Brew dunk, Finding Neverland actress Laura Michelle Kelly and all the way from LA – Marvel’s Agents of Shield share a group brewfie. Great Mug Shots One and all.

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Spiffing!

FOLLOWING THE

WIT AND WISDOM

OF MR AND MRS BAKER-SMITH on YouTube as they create an interweb storm (in a teacup!)

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What can I do for the Big Brew?

ce to

N I W an r a ch

Fo

you can take a portrait of yourself with your favourite drinking vessel

ew ig Br B n o r iti ou ed edend us y BigBrew t i m i l s _ mug to @The your e n si s. wfi #bre or tag uk picture oo Faceb

We will be giving away Big Brew mugs every week until March. T&C apply.

In it to win it.

Look out for Mr and Mrs Baker-Smith as they create a social media storm with their short comedy films and encouraging messages.

Why is it so splendid?

We’re on social media!

Follow us for updates and don’t forget we want you to tag us in your pictures!

Twitter: @the_bigbrew Facebook: TheBigBrew Instagram: The_BigBrew

It’s a great way to reach out to friends, family and work chums

YouTube: Follow MerseyCareNHSTrust for Mr and Mrs Baker-Smith You can show your support in the time it takes to boil the kettle, Don’t delay post your mugshot today!

Where can I find out more?

Find out on the World Wide…

Watchamacallit

The Big Brew 21

Alexandra with Josh in the studio recording I’ll walk with you.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM

MY FRIENDS e Th ig w B re B

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Merseyside singer songwriter Alexandra was so touched by the Big Brew campaign that she decided to write The Big Brew song “I’ll walk with you.”

and the film will give people the hope and strength to talk to someone.”

Helping friends and family members through tough times had inspired the student undergoing an Artist Development Programme to write the song which she hopes will encourage people to talk about mental health.

Alexandra will join musicians from across the city to produce a video for the track, in which members of staff, service users and carers will also feature.

“When you’re having bad thoughts it can be hard to see a way out. I hope the song

She believes the power of the song will allow listeners to connect with the music in their own way and raise the profile of the campaigns message.

The song which was recorded with musician Josh Woods will be available for download from our website in early 2016.

GLOBAL

EXCHANGE In Somalia the stigma of mental illness is so powerful that people who are mentally unwell are put in chains and locked away. Even Somali communities in this country would rather seek spiritual help or suffer in silence than be seen to use traditional services.

Both communities are benefiting from a pioneering Mersey Care programme and the amazing goodwill of a group of staff.

“The Somalian government heard about what we do at Mersey Care and asked to collaborate with us” Yasir Abbasi (centre with Business Development manager Lefteris Zabatis, left, and Abdi Ahmed) is delighted at impact of the Somali project.

Foundation, needed our help in every area and at every level. Our staff have a wealth of skills but we knew we would be entirely dependent on volunteers to offer the online training we had in mind.

We put the word out and hoped for five or six, but the response was overwhelming.

These were busy people yet they were giving up their free time to help.”

Project Manager Abdi Ahmed takes up the story: “The Habeb Mental Health Foundation gave us a classroom and Divisional Lead Psychiatrist Yasir Abbasi we set up links for live tutorials. Word explains: “The Somali federal government spread fast in Somalia and we were heard about what we do at Mersey Care hearing tales of clinicians coming and asked to collaborate with us. hundreds of miles and travelling for Liverpool has a large Somali community days to be at the seminars. so this was a chance for us to learn more about cultural differences and the specific “To see clinicians talking animatedly to each other on a screen from halfway health conditions that affect them. across the world about issues they both “The Somali team and local mental feel passionate about is truly humbling. healthcare provider Habeb Mental Health But the highlight for me was when

Terhemen Adamu a healthcare assistant at Scott Clinic finished his presentation – he was given a standing ovation! He’s never taught before, but his knowledge is so deep and so much appreciated.“ The programme is expanding; the Habeb Mental Health Foundation has implemented the World Health Organisation’s ‘no chains’ policy, sharing the principles of Mersey Care’s No Force First initiative.

Yasir is delighted: “The best part of this programme is that so many people are benefiting and learning from each other and it’s free for everyone.“ • For more information contact Michelle McNulty.

Telephone: 0151 330 4138 Email: michelle.mcnulty@merseycare. nhs.uk.

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Sharing the Walton Library proposals is ADT Design and Delivery Team (from the left) Phil Shepherd, Stacey Charlesworth and Tammy Edwards (right), with centre, Mersey Care’s Deputy Director of Social Inclusion and Participation Michael Crilly and Strategic Estates Project Manager Jo Minogue Sharp.

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Design images: ADT Workplace.

HEAD ROOM Mersey Care is driving to put services people need in places where they feel welcomed. We look at how one of Liverpool’s oldest and best loved libraries is to take on a new life as a place where people can go, without stigma, to get help with all aspects of their lives.

Life Rooms: What the new centre will look like.

Walton library is beautiful. It was designed that way, a legacy of one of the world’s most famous philanthropists.

Scottish - American Andrew Carnegie paid £8000 at the beginning of the last century as part of his global plan to create places of beauty for people who faced challenges in their lives.

The building, whose centrepiece is a stunning dome, has been a much loved library to the people of North Liverpool from 1911 until its closure at the end of 2015, as part of a reduction in council funded library services.

Now Mersey Care is ensuring the aspirations of Carnegie to encourage learning and wellbeing go on. The Trust is developing the library as a place of beauty where people can go to get help with recovery from mental health problems, and whatever support they need to help them move forward in their life.

“The centre really will offer life opportunities. It’s one of the most exciting things I have ever been involved with.”

“It will be home to our Recovery College so people can come to courses and workshops; there’ll be advice on staying physically well and on housing and money.

We can help people get into volunteering, to prepare for work, find jobs or start up new businesses using their gifts and talents.

“The IT suite will be there for anyone to use and we are keeping sections of the library for health and learning, a children’s and schools library and a classical and local history library, all in line with the Carnegie vision.

“People have been scared they’d lose their library so it’s good to be able to reassure them that this building will be staying.”

Mersey Care’s Director of Social Inclusion and Participation Michael Crilly explains: “As a Trust we are very good at providing all sorts of interventions and services, but in this venture we recognise that services are not the whole story for people facing the challenges of mental ill health. Those challenges come in all forms; mental health problems often stem from social problems, such as poor housing, unemployment, debt, or family difficulties. If we can help people get a job, increase their self respect, feel better physically and provide for themselves and their family, they will stay well, or if they are unwell, recover more quickly.

THE LIFE ROOMS • An employment and enterprise hub will help people get back to work, through volunteering opportunities and further education • People will be able to get physical and mental wellbeing health advice and advice on money, housing and community services, including sessions for Liverpool City Council and other agencies • A library for health and wellbeing, learning, literature and poetry

CAN A BUILDING REALLY

MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER? Michael Crilly thinks so. “When you’re facing challenges it’s crucial to have somewhere where you feel valued. So when you step through the door, there’s a sense of welcome, a feeling that reminds you that you matter…we want it to be a ‘happy building’ that people want to visit, where they look forward to coming back.

“Carnegie believed a beautiful building would lift people’s spirits, give them hope and provide a horizon of learning on which to move forward in life. We want to be true to that vision. A lot of thought has been given to preserving the building. We will accentuate the historic features and enhance what is already a place of beauty.”

“We want it to be a happy building.”

• A children’s and schools’ library area • Mersey Care Recovery College classrooms for people who want to come to our wide range of courses and workshops. Look at the Recovery College on our website • Meeting spaces for community groups • A free IT and media suite for everyone to use • Interview areas for private one-to-one conversations enabling confidential support • An open area for community events, art exhibitions and cultural activities for everyone.

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GRAND

DESIGNS?

A new Design Board sees service users help influence the designs of Walton library and other ambitious projects.

“It gives me a warm buzz to share this whole experience. Mersey Care is especially good at involving people like me; things have changed so much from the days when mental health patients were treated like poor relations in places that were dreadful because ‘they wouldn’t know the difference.’ Walton library is a great example and hopefully can be replicated – in five years we’ll have the rest of the country coming to see what we’ve done; it’s very exciting!”

Don Bryant who, together with other service users and carers, took part in design workshops with architects ADT Workplace.

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Design images courtesy of ADT Workplace

Beatrice Fraenkel can see the comparison between Mersey Care’s new Design Board and Grand Designs, the Channel 4 programme in which a team of rookie home owners face endless setbacks, ending up with a magnificent and enviable ‘living space’ - but that’s where the similarities end.

Beatrice, Trust Chairman and Design Champion said: “We want to have beautiful buildings where people will enjoy spending time – but where the TV programme has setbacks on a huge scale is often because of lack of knowledge.

“We have set up a Design Board that includes people who use our services and know what makes them feel good about the environment. Together we understand and share a variety of unique perspectives on things that are important to everyone coming to use our buildings.

“Take dementia as an example. We know that people with memory problems can have difficulties with certain patterns and colours – so two of our memory service users who are on the board act as experts in that area for the rest of us.”

Members of the Board, which also includes clinicians and estates staff, will receive specialist skills training from the Design Council.

Beatrice continued: “This is not just a whim. It’s part of our governance which has been approved by the Trust Board as Mersey Care policy. It’s another example of the way we work at Mersey Care – everything we do is to ensure people coming into our service have the best experience and recover more quickly.

The spaces we experience have a major impact on our emotions and levels of stress. If they are properly accessible, beautifully designed and safe to be in without inappropriate barriers we know service users are less likely to cancel appointments and will recover more quickly.

“It makes financial sense to involve people at the earliest possible design stage; if we get it wrong it can be at huge cost and we have to go back and put it right.”

“People are telling us don’t make us feel hidden or excluded, don’t organise us like objects. Give us our services near where we live and in places where we can easily get to. My vision is to create places where people come to an appointment early because they are coming to a lovely place, somewhere where the whole community comes together”.

“We want a beautiful building where people will enjoy spending time.”

ODDY DOES

DRUGS

A hard hitting film is tackling young people’s mental health issues.

Photo: Clapperboard UK.

Oddy’s home life is in tatters. His mother has died, his friends have turned their backs on him and his younger sister is agoraphobic and depends on him. He’s in deep with drug gangs - and it’s messing with his head.

It’s won five gongs at the Clapperboard annual awards, whose judging panel included Life on Mars actor John Simm, novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce and Queer as Folk producer Nicola Shindler.

For the team who wrote, filmed and starred in the short drama, art mirrors real life. The storyline is entwined with their personal stories – including one member who dealt drugs for the same reasons as in the film, leaving him with depression.

Neil Tunstall who co-ordinated the project with Clapperboard, said: “It was a daunting but empowering experience.

They had master classes with eminent people in the industry and a chance to be both in front and behind the camera.

“It was incredible to watch the group dynamics change as the plot unfurled.

While the script placed friendships under scrutiny, real life relationships within the group become stronger.

“The natural support networks that have The entire cast uses Mersey Care services. grown organically are as important as None of them are older than 25 and the film and the awards; they have bared they’ve all had more than their fair share their souls to each other, the bonds are strong. Recovery from a mental illness of tough times.

It was incredible to watch the group dynamics change as the plot unfurled. is about having hope, control and opportunity. These young people have been able to tell their story in such a way that all three elements become a living and powerful reality.”

ODDY AWARDS: Best Film Best Original Music Best Young Actress - Amy Woods Best Young Actor and Liverpool Echo Best Young Achiever Award: Julian Sudbury

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THIS IS

INTENSIVE CARE He put himself on the line for me.

We believe people in our care who present with challenging behaviour should be supported through methods other than physical and medication led restraint.

Our No Force First initiative was developed with the aim of eliminating restrictive intervention on our inpatient services, unless absolutely necessary.

“One time I’d barricaded myself in a room and started cutting my arm quite badly. A response team stood outside, waiting to deal with the situation. That made me on edge even more.

But what does this mean to a patient?

“A member of staff who had come on shift came to the door and said: ‘If I come in are you going to be safe and am I going to be safe’? I said ‘yes’ and he took his tie off and came in.

Ashley spent time in Ashworth Hospital.

“No-one likes being restrained. Force is something that people are frightened of. But I wasn’t the sort of person who thought ‘I’m getting restrained so I’m going to stop now’. Hands on meant ‘game on’ and I was up for it.

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“He put himself on the line for me…it was like a light went on in my head, I thought there are people who care and trust and worry about what happens to me.”

• No Force First has also been internationally recognised.

Dr Ed Coffey, an eminent neuro psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Wayne State University School of Medicine said: “Mersey Care is leading the world in their efforts to eliminate the need for seclusion and restraint – the ‘No Force First’ programme is a benchmark for everyone else.”

THE TEAM THAT GIVES HOPE...

Within Ashworth Hospital there is a small group of patients who are among the most stigmatised men in the country’s psychiatric system. Some are resistant to medication. A danger to themselves and others, they are nursed in segregation for weeks, months, sometimes years.

The Ashworth Hospital PIPS Team.

A highly specialised unit works with ward staff to improve their lives. The PIP (Positive Intervention Programme) team is passionate about giving patients who are segregated hope, purpose and the means to move forward.

Having that interest can motivate a patient to leave his room, move into the ward and garden area for fresh air and exercise and eventually into rehabilitation areas; they might take part in a team sport to build their social skills.

Modern Matron Danny Angus: “They are sometimes seen as mythical monsters because of their violent behaviour, but they are violent because they’re ill.

These are human beings in crisis.” Living in seclusion can have a profound effect on someone’s health, and staff exposed to aggression and violence can become anxious, demoralised and traumatised; “If someone was physically extremely unwell we would give them specialist care.”

It may be small steps but they are gaining some control over their lives and developing a sense of hope for the future.”

The team evolved from a group of staff whose physical activity programme for a small group of men saw improvements even in those with complex illness.

How does it work?

Danny: “We work with ward based staff to help patients find an interest; it could be music or sport, anything that helps them recognise and appreciate their strengths and the person they want to be.

The Trust’s No Force First initiative means that patients are no longer restrained physically or with medication unless absolutely necessary for their own and other people’s safety.

Danny Angus sums up the team’s ethos: “We are relentlessly positive. No matter what a patient says or does he’ll be respected. It’s challenging work and we regularly face verbal and physical aggression, but we are supported by the Trust and by colleagues; it’s the culture here that keeps us going.”

“There is much to learn from the passionate attitudes shown by the PIPs team...”

Joe Rafferty, Chief Executive.

Danny: “This has had a huge impact on the way we do things; we know from talking to patients that restraining someone in crisis can traumatise them even more.”

One of the three original team members and the only woman in the team, Elaine Watkins says a mutual trust among team members is crucial.

“We have a lot of respect for each other. Having a woman can calm things down, but it’s my experience that’s most useful.”

Modern matron Danny Angus: ‘The culture here keeps us going.’

We know from talking to patients that restraining someone in crisis can traumatise them even more.

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Pete and Rossie brought their inimitable brand of humour to the event.

Shadow mental health minister Luciana Berger received rapturous applause.

CARE TO

CELEBRATE Radio City’s Simon Ross and City Talk’s Pete Price took to the stage at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel to host the Mersey Care Positive Achievement Awards.

Luciana Berger MP, the shadow minister for mental health was among guests who witnessed standing ovations and a moving tribute during a posthumous award to nurse Julie Clitheroe.

The awards spotlight commitment to caring, so we can keep improving services as we strive towards providing Perfect Care.

Here’s looking at you...

Lifetime Achievement Award winner Carol Bernard enters the Mersey Care Hall of Fame to a standing ovation.

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Mossley Hill Hospital’s Acorn Ward won Team of the Year. The team cares for older people with mental health problems.

AND THE

WINNERS ARE Barbara Welch accepts her award from Pete Price

Julie Clitheroe’s brother Paul collected her award

Winner of Winners Early Intervention Team Manager Julie Clitheroe, who passed away earlier this year, was described as having compassion, understanding and empathy. (Julie also won the Your Choice award).

Recovery Champion

Team of the Year

Addictions Nursing Assistant John Sloan also voluntarily runs R-Space recovery group using his passionate belief in the power of recovery to engage patients.

The Care Quality Commission specialist advisor was ‘completely bowled’ over by the care on Acorn Ward, Mossley Hill Hospital, which includes human rights based care plans, where staff get to know the person and not just the illness.

Health and Wellbeing Campaigner (joint winners) Early Intervention team members Phil Laing and Mark Bell’s Mind Zone board game, developed with patients, educates and stimulates discussion among young people about psychosis.

The Health and Fitness Team at Scott Clinic runs a stream of health activities to motivate service users. One said: Innovation “They have had such a positive impact Patients and staff at Ashworth Hospital on my life, encouraging me to use the developed Dr Feelwell, a health promotion gym and motivating me, even when I resource for patients in secure hospitals. didn’t want to go!”

Improving the Service User Experience

Young Achiever

Barnardo’s Young Carers give their time The Trust’s Integrated Frailty Team aims to raise the profile of young carers and challenge stigma. They’ve presented at to assess and discharge people within 72 hours and visit them within five days, conferences, and even appeared live on helping them return more quickly to life Adrian Chile’s radio show and on TV. at home.

Lifetime Achievement Award Carol Bernard, Director of Commissioning is described as a rare breed; a leader who has won both loyalty and hearts.

Never afraid to stand up and be counted she values and respects her teams, and will be remembered for her lifelong passion for improving services, infectious enthusiasm and sense of fun!

Chairman’s Award Service user volunteer Don Bryant’s inspiring determination empowers service users and carers and makes him one of the Trust’s most respected and loved leaders.

Commitment in Clinical Care Outstanding in Support Services Barbara Welch, Personal Assistant to the Trust’s Chief Executive, readily shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, and is respected by colleagues, stakeholders, service users and carers alike.

Christine Fisher is Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Mersey Care Local Division. She always listens to what people who use our services have to say and is hardworking in fact she never stops!

Young Carers from Barnardo’s with Pete Price.

Thank you to our sponsers whose generous support made the awards possible: 31

SPEAKING OUT Formby GP Niall Leonard – how I’d change mental health training for family doctors.

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I’d give trainee GPs six months of psychiatry training.

What’s the most useful training I ever did to prepare me for being a GP? I’d have to say it was the six months I spent as a senior house officer in psychiatry back in 1990.

If I could influence the training of GPs today I’d give them six months of psychiatry training. I don’t think junior doctors can acquire these skills by going on courses - there really is no substitute for getting experience in the field. In fact why not go further and give doctors who have face to face What did I learn? Simple but critical contact with the public some basic things that are still helping me support post graduate training in psychiatry? people. I learnt that recognising mental health problems is not No one wants to miss a serious straightforward. Text books can’t diagnosis or get a risk assessment always help you recognise when a wrong, but conversely, over referral patient has psychosis or a personality and over enthusiastic intervention can disorder. You need to look inside the be harmful to the patient and take person before making a diagnosis. It’s up limited resources. the same when assessing whether I’ve also learnt along the way that someone is at risk of suicide, or most mental health professionals have harming themselves or others – it’s a pragmatic view of the world. They never straightforward but I learnt have courage, and the ability to go the what to look for. extra mile to get the best outcome for Most of all I learnt the impact mental vulnerable people. health problems have on physical They are an easy target for criticism health and vice versa. in the media when things go wrong.

I got the post in a rather shameful way. I knew the clinical director was interested in teaching and didn’t have as many patients as his colleagues. I’d like to pretend it was the teaching that attracted me, but if I’m honest I was looking for a quiet six months.

But when many of us are feeling weariness brought on by continuous change and rising demand I still find in our local mental health service so many enthusiastic, cheerful, committed and humane individuals.

We could all learn from them.

Mental health problems have an impact on physical health and vice versa.

• Niall Leonard is a GP Partner at Roe Lane Surgery. He is the Clinical Vice-Chair of Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE...

DAVE MULLINS

NURSE ASHWORTH HOSPITAL I work on a high dependency ward, where each patient’s care plan is personalised to give them what they need to recover; it’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

Before I came to Ashworth 15 years ago as a healthcare assistant I’d worked in the business sector. But something was always missing. Nursing came naturally to me. I grew up as a carer and the experience has instilled strong values.

Today a patient has found out he’s been considered too unwell to leave the ward for the foreseeable future.

I’ll help him to start picking up the pieces, instilling hope that life’s worth living; I’ll spend time with him, listening and helping him focus on the positives – it’s providing care and support when he needs it most.

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I don’t ever think about why someone is here; I treat the person in front of me. The ultimate reward is when a patient recovers enough to move to a less secure environment. You think ‘wow, I’ve been a little part of that.’

Another patient has arrived back to us from prison. When he’s well he wants to be in prison but then he stops taking his medication and becomes unwell again.

His illness makes him mistrust people and he’s refusing to accept a drink.

I’ve been talking to him over a few days. I offer him a drink of milk, taking some myself to prove it’s okay and

I grew up as a carer and the experience has instilled strong values. telling him to challenge the voices he hears telling him not to drink it. When he refuses I try another approach, giving him another drink in a sealed bottle – finally he takes a sip.

In that moment everything changed, the trust has returned. I’ll go home feeling I’ve achieved something good.

It’s often the little things that have the biggest impact.

The end of the day is spent writing up reports – someone comes in with a hot drink to keep me going and I’m finally ready to go home. It’s been a busy shift, but we are ready to go again tomorrow…

We’re moving towards becoming an NHS Foundation Trust, and if our application is successful, we will gain FT status from 1 April 2016. We now need Trust members to nominate themselves for election to your council of governors, which helps oversee the Trust on behalf of FT members.

What’s a Foundation Trust?

COME AND

JOIN US

Q A

There are a small number of people who can be a member but not a governor, further details Foundation trusts are a different can be found on our website type of NHS organisation, which are at merseycare.nhs.uk/about-us/ftaccountable to local communities application. To check whether you’re through their members and a member, or for further information, governors and have more please email membership@merautonomy from Government. seycare.nhs.uk or call 0151 471 2303.

Governors may resign at any time, or may be removed by resolution of the council, passed by a three-quarter majority of the remaining governors. This might be if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria or have a poor attendance record at meetings without good reason, as well as in certain other circumstances.

How much time will The council of governors is made up I have to give?

I’m interested.

What do I do next?

of 24 elected governors (representing different constituencies – public, service users, carers and staff) and five appointed governors (nominated by groups such as local authorities, health commissioners, universities and voluntary groups).

Its role is to hold the non-executive directors individually and collectively to account for the performance of the board of directors.

You would be expected to attend a minimum of three council meetings a year, each up to three hours long, as well as committees set up by the council, and hold ‘governors’ surgeries’ to engage with our members.

In addition to this there will be a programme of engagement sessions, training and visits to services.

The nomination process for governors runs from 23 December 2015 to 25 January 2016. You will need to complete the nomination form and submit it by the closing date. The nomination form and our Governor Awareness Pack are available:

Will I be paid?

• by emailing FTNomination.

Enquiries@electoralreform. co.uk

What is a council of governors?

As an elected governor your role is to represent the interest of members as a whole and the interest of the local community in ensuring the services we provide meet the needs of our communities. The board of directors has a duty to listen to the council of governors.

What qualifications or experience do I need?

To stand for election, you need to be aged 16 or over and be a member of the Trust.

Governors are volunteers and so are not paid. Travel expenses and reasonable expenses, by agreement, will be paid.

How long will I serve?

• to download from our website at merseycare.nhs.uk/ about-us/ft-application

• by ringing 020 8889 9203.

Once the closing date for nominations has passed, the Trust will publish a list of candidates and announce further arrangements for the elections.

As this is our first election to the council, some governors will be elected for a two year term and If you have any queries either others for a three year term. You ring 0151 473 2778 or email will be eligible to seek election ftenquiries@merseycare.nhs.uk for more than one term of office.

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If you see something you’re not happy about act and act now!

Seen something untoward? Any form of negligence or inappropriate behaviour to vulnerable adults or children? Have you seen signs of sexual, financial, physical or psychological abuse?

Think it’s unacceptable?

Don’t turn a blind eye. Don’t keep it to yourself. Act. And act now.

First things first, talk to your manager and/or local safeguarding ambassador.

Remember, what you say will be in total confidence.

Safeguarding is everybody’s business merseycare.nhs.uk/contact-us/see-think-act

Contact Details Got some news you’d like to share?

Mersey Care NHS Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Merseyside L34 1PJ

Contact us at the following addresses.

Telephone: 0151 473 0303 Email: communications@merseycare.nhs.uk

MC MAGAZINE is published by Mersey Care NHS Trust and produced by the communications team, Mersey Care NHS Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Merseyside L34 1PJ T: 0151 473 0303 E: communications@merseycare.nhs.uk W: merseycare.nhs.uk. MC MAGAZINE is available in other formats on request.

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