june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 30/5/13 12:07 M OV I N G F O RWA R D Page 1 WITH POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE HE AD S P A C E June 2013 The Beauty of Blackthorns HOW TO SURVIVE DUVET DAZE How nature’s debris becomes art NEWS AND REPORTS FROM AROUND POWYS june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 2 “We believe that everyone's life experience can make a difference to how we all think about 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. We are Powys Mental Health Alliance. A group of like minded individuals who have suffered, are suffering or are caring for those who suffer from mental distress. Bryan Douglas-Matthews Chairman PMHA Many people who fit these categories find themselves stigmatised and alienated from people around them and because of this, feel isolated and unable to talk to others, including those who work within agencies and authorities. We work to enable these people to have their voices heard through a variety of activities and strive to create opportunities for their participation on their road to recovery. My name is Bill Fawcett and I live in the north of Powys. I want to express some of the areas of Mental Health in the community that are of concern to me, these include; people with sensory issues; disabled people; housebound individuals; farming communities; ex-forces personnel; those with learning difficulties; minority groups; people living in rural areas and homeless people. I am sure you will appreciate there are many other areas of concern which I promise we will do our best to bring to the attention of the necessary authorities or departments for improving services. Bill Fawcett As a trustee for the charity, I look to volunteer in areas where I can make the best use of my skills and experience. I.T. is one area I am able to help with, whether it be assisting other trustees with any queries or working with computers to get different jobs done. For example, this can involve such things as designing posters to advertise and gain awareness for the PMHA; working on graphic design to produce different logos; or assisting and contributing to the production of this magazine. Lee Watmough Trustee PMHA 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. 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.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/home Editor, administrator and production: Carla Rosenthal Advertising: If your organisation is interested in advertising in HeadSpace, please email [email protected] Vice-chair PMHA I volunteered for many years with WRVS Meals on Wheels - then with the WRVS ViceChairs 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 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! HeadSpace is the magazine for anyone in Powys but particularly for those who have had experience of mental health issues, either personally or professionally. News: If you have an idea for a feature or an article for future issues, please contact the editor at [email protected] HeadSpace welcomes letters and emails and would like to hear from all people, particularly those who have experience of mental health issues, who can write articles, provide interviews about their experiences, provide photographs or illustrations and can help to contribute towards features and news for further issues. Email [email protected] or write to the address below. Powys Mental Health Alliance Ponthafren Longbridge Street Newtown Powys SY16 2DY HeadSpace and PMHA do not accept any responsibility for any unsolicited material including photographs or artwork. Christine Field Treasurer PMHA HeadSpace would like to thank the following for the advice and funding they have provided for this project. Diane Hart Derek Turner Advisor D e re k i s a n i nv a l u a b l e a d v i s o r t o t h e b o a rd o f trustees and his help is g re a t l y appreciated. Go to page 18 to find out more about joining POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE 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. 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.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/development-service/powys-mental-health-alliance/newsletters.html 4 News, reports and updates from around Powys Get to know Trustee Lee 8 SIGNS OF OCD? An interview with the artist Max Suffield 13 10 Hospital Corner Featuring Bronllys Hospital Good Days Bad Days Duvet Daze 14 Advice to help you get through the day 16 Co-optee. D i a n e i s i n t h e p ro c e s s o f becoming a t r u s t e e a n d t h e b o a rd a re e a ge r fo r h e r t o j o i n t h e g ro u p . JUNE 2013 c o n t e n t s POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE HeadSpace Mental health and emotional well-being for all. June 2013 Letters and emails JOIN PMHA 19 18 Services Directory EVENTS DIARY Back cover P r i n t e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d by I m p r i n t , N ew t ow n 2 HeadSpace HeadSpace 3 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 editorial E D S PAC E A word from the editor, Carla Rosenthal W elcome to HeadSpace. This magazine is for everyone but specifically for any of us who have had mental health experiences. This could be as a patient, a professional or simply as someone who has an interest in something which should be as important as physical health. This magazine aims to be a voice, specifically targeted at people who live in Powys, but a voice to tell our story - to say what is going on in our communities to support 'service users', and also the professionals who keep these services running. It also wants to hear from ANYONE who has something to say on this vast topic. Your views and opinions are important. This issue has all the updates from around Powys, a sensitive and insightful interview with Lee Watmough and an article about the work of artist Max Suffield who collects nature’s debris and displays it in fine detail. In addition, we have a feature on Bronllys Hospital and letters and emails from our members. Keep them coming in! We want to know what your life is like. How do you get up in the morning? What do you do in your day? How do you cope? What stops a duvet day and what effects your wellbeing? Want to see your name (or pseudonym) in print? Then write to us or contact us and we can interview you so your tale can be told. HeadSpace (Previously known as Powys Mental Health Allliance Newsletter) is the new magazine produced by Powys Mental Health Allliance who are committed to improving the lifestyle of anyone who is involved with mental health services for whatever reason. To find out more about the work PMHA do and how to get involved, go to pg 18. I hope you enjoy the articles and topics we have covered in this, our first, new magazine. We need your feedback to know what we're doing right and what you would like to see, so please send an email or write to the address on page 3. Be gentle on yourself. Carla Rosenthal Magazine Editor Let us know what you think by emailing [email protected] or by writing to the address on page 3 4 HeadSpace Page 4 . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . upda New Beginnings For Eleanor Eleanor Barrow says ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ to PMHA Eleanor takes the PMHA magazine to new heights on her visit to Mount Vesuvius. “After 2 and a half years working for Powys Mental Health Alliance, my time in Powys has come to an end. I have moved on from my role as Participation and Involvement Facilitator and taken a new step in my career to become a Mental Health Advocate. I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to every person I have met and worked with during my time with PMHA. I came into this job full of passion but with little knowledge of the mental health sector. I am leaving fuelled with the same passion, but equipped with experience; the experience of listening to the many people who have been generous enough to share their lives and stories with me. Experience of observing the way that my colleagues relate to people in an open, kind, respectful and non-judgemental way and being challenged about the way that we, as people, and as society, respond to mental distress. I feel very grateful to have met the people I have, in a county I have come to love. So, thank you.Thank you to the trustees of the Alliance for giving me the chance to work in such a varied, flexible and dynamic role, to PAMH and DIY Futures for making me feel like a member of the team, to Laura Gallagher, for mentoring me and encouraging me to always challenge and ask questions, to Derek Turner, for supporting me and sharing a huge wealth of experience, to Freda Lacey, for opening my mind to countless possibilities and to the volunteers of Patients' Council, for being the most incredible team. Thank you. It's been wonderful.” P M H A PLEDGES TO SHOUT LOUDER Chairman Bryan Douglas-Matthews writes his report on the latest PMHA event PMHA held an Open Day at The Brynich Barn, Brecon on the 28th March 2013. There was a very good buffet style lunch, lots of tea and coffee and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Groups attended from PAVO, Headways, DIY Futures and there were several individuals all of whom seemed to enjoy the day. The day progressed well from the Trustees Board meeting through to Jo Musson's workshop on, 'Mindfulness', which was an interesting taster session that allowed people to see and try a small piece of the work that Jo does. Jo was “articulating needs and lobbying” offering an eight week course if people were interested in following up on this session. We ran two smaller group sessions that allowed members to tell us what they think PMHA should be concentrating on. The end result of these were that members really want us to work on articulating needs and lobbying to those individuals and groups which can seem distant and aloof from us all. We have taken this on board and are now striving towards becoming a louder voice on your behalf in the areas and places that matter. The weather stayed fine, although the temperature was not as high as we would have liked, making life less than comfortable for those who had to go outside to have a cigarette! My feelings are that the day was more than average but personally, I would love to see more of you at our open days and would remind everyone that we pay any incurred travel expenses, supply a free lunch (which is pretty darn good) and there is no pressure on anyone to do anything. So, why not give our next Open Day on 25th July, a try? It will cost you nothing but a little time, you might get some valuable information from it, you will meet like minded people and it is possible that you may learn something that helps you in some way. Find Powys Mental Health Alliance on the website below and keep an eye open for up-coming events. www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk TRUSTEES AND PMHA MEMBERS THANK ELEANOR BARROW “We bid you a sad farewell from myself and all the Trustees of PMHA. In the time that you have been with us we have all shared in the many successes that were, in the main, through your efforts. It is with a certain sadness that we say goodbye and yet at the same time it gives us great pleasure to be able to wish you well in your new employment. We know that you will take your considerable talent and energy with you thus leaving a space that we, in ourselves, will find it hard to fill. Please accept our heartfelt wishes for your future success and remember us with the same affection we will remember you. Good luck and good wishes always.” Bryan Douglas-Matthews Chairman Eleanor Barrow HeadSpace 5 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 6 . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . .up NEW LOOK P M H A What do you think? P po ys the volunteers and professionals who work in this area. CARERS COUNT - PMHA is asking readers to contact [email protected] to give their opinions on the magazine and the new logo (see below). l health al nta e li m ce an w owys Mental Health Alliance are proud to be able to offer ‘HeadSpace’, a new look magazine for it’s members. Along with all the usual reports and updates regarding what is happening in and around Powys in the mental health sector, HeadSpace will bring you articles of interest and snipets of useful advice, plus humour and contributions from 10 YEARS SUPPORTING CARERS IN POWYS COUNT ME IN I f you are caring for someone who is ill, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems and you are not paid for your support, then you are a Carer and we are here to support you. The more Carers who are registered with Powys Carers Service, the stronger our voice will be to help you. BE RECOGNISED, BE VALUED AND local charities receive cash boost Tricia Jones, Branch Manager at the West Brom Building Society in Newtown, presents a cheque for £250 to Jane Powell of the Ponthafren Association, as part of the Society's recent Community Counts scheme to support local charities within the area. Ponthafren Association is looking for people to become Trustees of the Organisation. If you have skills/knowledge of HR/H&S/Finance/Mental Health etc please contact us. Longbridge Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 2DY www.ponthafren.org.uk 6 HeadSpace GET BETTER SERVICES In these difficult times it is even more important for you to know your rights as a Carer and to have access to help and support. We would encourage you to register with us to access this help. We offer Carers information, advice, advocacy, signposting to other support, a forum for their voices & opinions, trips and training. All our services are Free and Confidential. For more information or to register, call 01597 823 800 or email: [email protected] You can find us on facebook at Powys Carers Service and on twitter at Powys4Carers. more funding given for more fun Registered charity number 1114905 Radnorshire Healthy Friendships is extremely pleased to announce that they have been awarded a grant to run two new groups for older adults who endure emotional distress in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells. Both groups include seated exercise and Boccia (similar to crown green bowling) and aim to increase emotional well-being, improve physical fitness and promote an all-round healthier lifestyle. These are informal groups where members come together to relax and have fun! A charge of £1 per person is required per group and refreshments shall be provided. Shortly there will also be 'Bring and Share' lunches at these groups (dates to be confirmed). Groups are at the following venues: Mondays (11am) at Builth Wells Home Support Office, Builth (near the Groe car park)Fridays (11am) at Christchurch Court, LlandrindodWells. There are ongoing coffee mornings at 'The British Legion' in Llandrindod Wells from 10.30 -12.30. This is an informal group where people come for a chat, participate in quizzes and other activities. A charge of £1 per person is required and refreshments are provided. Healthy Friendships are always looking for reliable volunteers to assist at groups or provide transport throughout the Llandrindod Wells and Builth area. If you are interested to know more about becoming a member or the voluntary opportunities, please contact Helen Baynham on 07583711299 or email [email protected] Healthy Friendships have recently refurbished their community shop 'Whatever Next' with an award from 'Can Do' Community Grant. The shop is based at 18 Broad Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 2NA. Any donations shall be gratefully received. If you have spare time and wish to help in the shop, please contact Kayla on 01686 626221 or email [email protected] Please see the website for further information at www.healthyfriendships.org.uk or email the office at [email protected] CHALLENGE BEDROOM TAX DECISIONS Worried about bedroom tax? Get advice and information on the benefits you can claim if you’re disabled or a carer. Freephone: 0800 882 200 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Did you know that you can challenge bedroom tax decisions? There are a number of organisations that are promoting tool kits to support you with your challenges. Try an internet search using "bedroomtax toolkit" to find out more. Don't have the Internet? Then call Powys Mental Health Information Service on 01686 628300 or 01597 828675 and we will do the search for you and forward you a list of organisations and contact details. Powys Mental Health Information Service HeadSpace 7 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 8 I N T E RV I E W I N T E RV I E W MEET LEE, A TRUST E E , WHO LIKES A CUP OF TEA . . . S I T T I N G IN A TREE . . ? T . . . to learn and grow from one another . . . his regular feature aims to introduce the trustees. However, due to the magazine 'make-over' and the temporary appointment of myself (Carla Rosenthal) as chief journalist, the interview went a bit . . . off-track, so to speak. It had been a tough week all round but luckily, with Lee Watmough’s expertise in IT (of which he volunteers as part of his trustee role), he managed to conduct the interview without us even having to meet. As well as advising me on design aspects for the magazine, Lee kindly humoured me by supplying some excellent replies to my questions. How and why did you get involved in mental health services? I grew up with two parents considered to be severely mentally ill, so this area has always been a part of my life. Due to their problems and my own over the years, I have reached out to mental health services for help and due to that, I've been through the Psychiatric System. Having been in and out of hospitals over a period of years, I've looked to explore alternatives that are out there and I’ve educated myself as much as possible, discovering a broader picture. What do you do when you're not being a trustee? As little as possible! (he would have laughed . . . had we met) I spend a considerable amount of time at home, for a number of reasons, but 8 HeadSpace mostly due to my own difficulties with my mental health and emotional well-being. I enjoy watching films and different TV programmes, as well as playing video games, listening to music and reading. I spend time on the internet, keeping in contact with friends across the world and checking out a variety of websites. I try to get outside as much as possible for the exercise and do some different activities. One of which is to get together with a group of people to play a card game called 'Magic:The Gathering'. Generally, I do the nerdy kind of things. (I would have laughed . . . had we met) I also take care of a young kitten which I recently adopted, and he is quite a handful! How would you encourage others to access mental health services? It really depends on the individual. I feel it's important to get to know a person first and foremost, to get a sense of their opinions, beliefs, philosophy and so on.That way you can better find a way to reach out to the person and recommend the right kind of mental health services which would be most appropriate. Sitting with people in a social setting, to tell them your story and welcome them to share theirs, helps people feel less alone and more willing to explore what is out there. There's a greater chance of encouraging people to make use of what there is to offer. I once ran down the road wearing a pair of pyjamas and screaming for a pint of milk, a loaf of bread and bunch of bananas before being swiftly sectioned. Lee, has anything amusing happened to you in connection with bananas in pyjamas? Is there anything regarding mental health that you're passionate about? I'm passionate about people coming together to help one another, to help themselves and others. There's a common misperception that people who struggle with their mental health and well-being are less capable than those considered "normal". People who struggle with these difficulties are usually stronger than they'd give themselves credit for and have many talents which they may be unaware of. One of the activities I take part in and help out with is to do with a local general mental health peer support group. I've found that it doesn't matter what age a person is, whether they are male, female or of different ethnicity, there's something common to everyone with their personal experience.There's huge potential to learn and grow from one another, as part of the ongoing journey to move beyond what holds us back. I find that kind of experience life changing and I would want to help others to witness the power of this. Far too many people are isolated, alone with their problems and together we can make the change for the better. By the time I’d got this far with the article, it was Friday whine time, the dog was making his own supper and the children were bathing in glitter . . . I got silly and started thinking of turning the whole interview into a poem and hoped he would provide answers which included words such as knee, tea, pea, free, tree, etc So, Lee, being a trustee, is this voluntary or are you an employee? I offer my time for free, because I haven't found a way to market what I have to offer (he would have . . . Ed's note WE GET THE IDEA). Right now voluntary work is the best option for me. (I decided a poem could be too tricky so I moved away from rhyming questions and went onto the next point of interest.) While there have been no instances of bananas and pyjamas as such, I once walked around the town centre in my underwear, during the late hours of a cold morning. Fortunately, I had alcohol in my system, to take the edge off. Other than that, I have also seen a number of things that apparently were not there, although I hear this is quite common with the youth of today. It was Friday whine time, the dog was making his own supper . . . I think we are all more than aware of the seriousness of life with all its responsibilities, dark days, hopelessness and seemingly utter pointlessness. With this in mind, do you prefer X Factor or Britain's Got Talent? I would prefer to stare at paint and watch it dry, or make a phone call to get the exact time of day so I never miss a second of absolutely nothing happening. There's that saying "Don't take life too seriously. Nobody makes it out alive anyway.” So always remember to laugh and smile, especially at yourself. It's not easy to be flippant when talking about mental health issues so have you got any good jokes on the subject? Why did the depressed chicken cross the road? He didn't. Life is meaningless anyway, there's nothing on the other side which will be any better. What's the point of it all? Where's the chocolate? (I just make it up as I go along) Depression, anxiety, bi-polar, schizophrenia etc. tend to require medication. Having been on a plethora of drugs over the years, I finally settled on my favourite, Citalopram. Do you have a favourite drug of choice or do you just stick with harsh reality? If so, please could you sum up in 50 words how you do it because I'm b******* if I know. I take 50mg of humour and 1000mg of sleep. Now and again as a PRN I have 20mg of ice cream, but that tends to be more than once. I actually don't take medication any more. I also excel at being a hermit. :-) At this point we both decided we’d got the article in-the-bag and we went back to being irreverently serious. HeadSpace 9 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 10 art spot art spot could ordering berries according to size After seeing the work of artist Max Suffield, Carla Rosenthal gets nosey and tries to find out what goes on in the head of a man who can order ivy berries according to size. rows, crazy paving. I kept thinking, what goes on in that head? The patience, the detail, just incredible! 2012, I find myself back in the same church where he is exhibiting again. I can't afford it so I buy the one that jumped out, the spiral ivy berries, 'Tidy Ivy'. I decide to blame the dip in the ' e m e r g e n c y fund account' on bi-polar tendencies and figure that if my mental health is kept ok by shopping, there shouldn't be any emergencies. One painless plastic card moment later and it's mine! I talk to the curators, get the website address (maxsuffield.com) and email him to gush accordingly. I write how the order appeals to the perfectionist, Virgoen side of my nature and waffle on with too many exclamation marks. He politely responds and explains his birthday is on the cusp of Virgo and Libra - so that could be something to do with it. I'm not convinced. A close-up of Damson Stones Nibbled By Mice M ax Suffield's work first caught my attention back in 2011 after walking into a church in Discoed during an H Art trail (free art exhibitions in Hereford reaching into Powys). There amongst the paintings of landscapes, beautiful sculptures and local crafts, were framed - I don't even know how to categorise them - works of pure genius, items placed on a board and put behind a piece of glass. Not painted, not moulded or changed into anything specific - just order. A neat array of nature. Blackthorns meticulously arranged. Delicate pheasant feathers placed according to their hue. Twigs, fingernail sized to index finger length then back to minute again. Ivy berries stuck into an increasing spiral. Oh me, oh my - this was my kind of artist. Some might see this art as a sign of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but then again . . . I don't see any harm in cleaning the bathroom floor with a tooth brush at 2.00am so I'm not the best person to judge. However, there it is, on the wall, order, tidiness, beauty; all patiently glued into grids, layers, T idy Ivy gets placed above the chaos (see below) that is my 'office'; a small patch on the end of the kitchen worktop with drawers used as makeshift shelving to put the stuff above the layers of stuff on the surface. (I only get 'bouts' of OCD and unfortunately, I am currently not in one of afore said bouts and the house could qualify for a TV show with the words' house', ' clean' and ' yours isn't' in the title.) I look at the picture and calm descends. The preciseness, the beauty, the flow of the spiral, I get lost counting the berries until I realise I have to return to chaos. So I walk away from it and visit Max Suffield at his home. be a sign of ocd? Pheasant Fortunately, Max did know I was coming but whilst getting lost looking for his house, I worried about what I was going to walk into. A pristine, sanitised, minimalistic white box straight out of a design magazine or could it be the total opposite? Could he be a hoarder with feathers and dead crabs bursting out of every cupboard with his art being his only method of control? As it turns out, he lives in a very pleasant, red bricked house at the end of a small village outside of Hereford and despite my being late, his welcome is warm and without a lobster claw in sight. We sit in the light and comfort of his sitting room. I'm slightly disappointed to see a clean and tidy house with no signs of bonkers artistic obsession. Instead, it simply looks like a home. He makes proper coffee and asks if I mind if he smokes, at which point I pull out my tobacco and know we're going to get on fine. Five minutes later, I've brought my dog in and we start talking. There's little point in replicating what is written on his fantastic website (you really must go to maxsuffield.com) and the home page says it all brilliantly. Essentially, Max makes no pretensions about his work. He loves collecting large amounts of nature's debris, and as he says, "Having a small collection of something isn't worth it". He makes a picture that has been inspired from the colour or form of the natural material. Luckily for his wife, nature's debris is tiny and it is all carefully sorted and categorised and put into boxes on shelves (pictured right) in his surprisingly, chaotic studio (below). Blackthorns are his favourite. He tells how as a child, he used to watch his father hacking away at the brambles in the garden, year in, year out and it dawned on him that the seasons can't be stopped, we have no control over Nature. As a result, my lasting impression of Max’s philosophy is we can only do what we can within our own capabilities. To be selfish, instead of being seen as a negative, is to look after ourselves, to be responsible for ourselves before we can be responsible for others but in a positive way. He creates his art because it gives him pleasure and he is beginning to accept that it also gives pleasure to others. He is extremely modest and keeps reminding me that art is viewed both subjectively and objectively. I just keep drinking coffee, smoking, looking at his art and going "Wow . . . that is sooooooooooooo amazing". (cont. pg 12) HeadSpace 10 HeadSpace 11 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 12 art spot Max Suffield interview cont. E ventually, the dog needs a pee and I have to tear myself away from conversation where we discussed everything from our own obsessions about correct tea cups for the correct hot drink, how he doesn't have a security blanket tucked inside his pillowcase (only me then) and his favourite garment is his leather waistcoat which has been worn daily since February. We agree that possibly having to wear the same flat cap for more years than he can remember is maybe, a bit obsessional but hey, a bit of OCD appears to be healthy way to get things done - and if the results can look like Max Suffield's art then bring it on. Bronllys Every issue, HeadSpace will bring you an article providing information regarding the Mental Health care you will receive should you need to access hospital services in Powys. From a diagnosis of schizophrenia through to dealing with long term pain or an elderly relative with dementia needing medical attention, ‘Hospital Corner’ will bring you all the details you need to know. Even if you should be in crisis which results in being sectioned, we can give you the low down on the hospital where you might stay in Powys and what you should expect to happen, hopefully alleviating worries and helping you on your road to recovery. See Max Suffield’s work: 25th May - 22nd June 2013 Silk Top Hat Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow, 7th -15th September 2013 Herefordshire art week [H.Art] Venue to be confirmed in July. www.discoed.org or www.h-art.org.uk Black Thorns by Max Suffield Aerial photograph showing the layout of Bronllys Hospital courtesy of People’s Collection Wales 12 HeadSpace G HOSPITAL CORNER oing into hospital for the first time due to a mental health issue can be alarming for not just the patient but for those friends and family involved, partly because of the perceived nature of people suffering from mental illness and the types of hospitals in which they stay. This feature aims to break down the fears surrounding these institutions and to highlight the excellent work that is done for many patients in and around Powys. I t could happen to anyone; one minute you're busy juggling work, kids, responsibilities, finances and tomorrow's supper; the next, you're being questioned by the police about why you're wearing a leopard print kaftan, a false beard, clutching a baby doll and claiming you're an omnipresent being whilst handing out hardboiled eggs. Failing a psychotic episode resulting in a 28 day section, there are a number of other reasons why you might find yourself at Bronllys Hospital just outside Brecon. Bronllys is one of a number of community hospitals serving the people of Powys, however, it is the only one that offers residential mental health services in the south of the region. In addition to the Mental Health Unit, within the hospital's expansive 70 acre grounds are housed a number of buildings offering particular services all of which care for patients with both physical and mental concerns. The people staying on the In-patients ward and the majority of Out-patients tend to come from the older generation and the nursing care can accommodate those suffering from dementia (despite this not being a specific unit). The Pain Clinic offers courses, some residential, that attract people from all over the country who have to learn to live with long term pain. Then there is the Mental Health Unit and Felindre Ward, a building where people can recuperate on the patio looking out to the Brecon Beacons (sunshine or not, the view is spectacular). On the top of the hill is The Mansion House, a rambling country house with a rabbit warren of corridors and offices and the headquarters of Powys Teaching Health Board containing all the people who work hard to bring health services to everyone in Powys, mental or otherwise! The chapel at Bronllys The hospital was originally built between 1913 and 1920 to care for victims of tuberculosis and the buildings retain the atmosphere of this era. Walking down a low ceilinged, long corridor stretching for at least 200m, you are transported back to a time of nurses in starched uniforms and iron beds being pushed through French doors into the sunshine. Nowadays, the grounds are rented out to farmers so sheep and cattle graze alongside the meadows that patients are allowed to wander through, perhaps to walk down to the Arts and Crafts chapel, sadly no longer open, or to admire the Basil Webb building which is an excellent example of the municipal architecture of the time. The League of Friends has maintained a collection of the history of the site including many photographs dating back to these early days. For whatever reason you need to visit Bronllys, it is an example of a hospital like no other; one that has surroundings which help to heal the soul as much as the staff who help to heal the patients. Next issue: What to expect if you stay in Felindre Ward. Have you had first hand experience of working or staying in a Psychiatric Hospital? Tell us your story. Write to us or email: HeadSpace Po n t h a f re n L o n g b r i d g e S tre et N ew t ow n Pow y s S Y1 6 2 DY [email protected] HeadSpace 13 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 Page 14 7 ay s Y PP A H d ba o o g i .F W.C duvet daze W e all have them, our Good Days when we can tackle everything, our Bad Days when everything is an uphill struggle and then, then there arrives a Duvet Daze moment.This can happen when we forget to look after ourselves, get too tired, too stressed, too overwhelmed by life. On these occasions, it’s best to let someone know you’re struggling, cancel everything and go back to bed - if you have, of course, been able to get out of bed in the first place! Here are some suggestions, testimonies and humour from those who have been there and emerged on the other side of the duvet. HEALTHY STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE (for Summer) Serves 2 (8oz glass servings) Ingredients: 4 large strawberries ¼ cup low-fat plain yoghurt 1 cup fresh orange juice 1 tbls tahini 1 medium banana 1 tbls honey Tahini is a paste like peanut butter but made with sesame seeds. Directions: Remove stems from strawberries and wash Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Sent in by Chris Field PMHA “The funniest book I have read for years is ‘Starter for 10’ by David Nichols, the author of One Day. It tells the story of a teenager at college who finds himself on the team for University Challenge all because of a girl. Some of the excruciating situations the character finds himself in are told so hysterically that I laughed so hard, I wet myself. Definitely worth a read if you’re feeling blue but DO have a spare pair of pants available!” Library user, Knighton 14 day ry e v le e smi rt a a t S h “ wit et it g off ” and with r e v o elds s ay d d 6 T Y, O L N L CA RE I A T IS E S T A RV ST A W D 09:37 d UT O F O 5/6/13 HeadSpace cho A mu m col ate my c ove d a i Ar cha scov nd nu red er in t eol ogi ed in s has s be b Pha ts be Egypt een l . rao i h R eve it och ma e y EGGY CHEESY DREAM A c o m fo r t fo o d re c i p e n a u g h t y b u t e x t re m e l y n i c e ! You need: 2 slices bread 1 egg, beaten with seasoning to taste Cheese - any type Knob of butter and oil for frying Tip: Fenugreek goes great with egg and cheese Make a cheese sandwich, dip it on both sides in the egg turning it over until all the egg is soaked up. Fry gently on a medium heat until the cheese melts and the outside is golden brown. good days bad days duvet daze don’t get cross, get stitching “I'm Janet Hopkins and I've been doing cross stitch for 21 years, starting off small and progressing to larger projects. It's quite a cheap hobby and a good idea for anyone who wants to take it up. I have found it to be very therapeutic as it relaxes my mind and gives me something to focus on. Seeing my completed work is very satisfying.” “Cross stitching has benefited me with my illness more than some of the treatment formulations I have been offered through mental health services!” Hobbies are a fantastic distraction technique when feeling depressed. Finding time to do something enjoyable for ourselves can help our mental well-being stay on track. If you’ve got a hobby you would like to share with us and perhaps show photographs of the result, then send your stories to the magazine at the address below. Send your Good Day Bad Day Duvet Daze advice to: HEADSPACE Ponthafren, L o n g b r i d g e S t re e t , N ew t ow n , Pow y s S Y1 6 2 DY [email protected] HeadSpace 15 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 5/6/13 09:37 Page 16 LETTERS AND EMAILS . . . LETTERS AND EMAILS . . . LETTERS AND EMAILS . . .LET THE BULLY by R. Breeze British bulldogs, football and sweets, hiding at break time to skip the defeats. My life was a nightmare; I suffered sheer fright, your cruel mental torment, your mean vicious might. You caused me such terror by your sinister glare. My stomach did cartwheels at that venomous stare. The bruises, the cuts, the lumps on my head, not knowing your next move filled me with dread. In front of my friends, afraid and made small, punched and kicked, to the ground I would fall. Hey there brother, please give me a break, not tears, bloody nose and further heartache. Your fiery temper caused me to shiver. Your crude insults, inside made me quiver. Why was I chosen? Why was it my fate? Why were you all so filled up with hate? You did the crime and determined my life, yet I've done the time and caused myself strife. I've often tried to escape your spiteful hell, but soon slithered back to my prison cell. I've long been the keeper of my lock and key, till I found the courage to be better and free. Now time to forgive, just let go, feel complete, and be grateful for life and the beauty I meet. opinion matters HeadSpace believes in encouraging members to write in and give their voice to the issues that matter in their life. This page is dedicated to publishing these opinions and hopes that others will respond with insightful debate. Email us your views: [email protected] MENTAL HEALTH LACKS FUNDING A hundred years or so ago, if someone cut themselves they wouldn't always think of cleaning the wound, and an infection would set in, which meant loss of a limb or loss of life. Nowadays, if something is wrong with an organ you have to go on a waiting list for someone to donate their organ so you can get better which is not a happy thought but you have to accept it. If you get cancer you become a priority within the N.H.S and treatment starts almost straight away because Doctors know time is of the essence. But if you get a chemical imbalance in the brain causing mental health issues, you are first offered pills which make you physically ill and can cause organ damage or worse, push you completely over the edge. If you want or need alternative help i.e. therapy, this can take several weeks or in some cases, over twelve months to start the treatment. You wouldn't ask someone with cancer or a broken limb to wait this long before they can get help so why must someone who has a broken head have to wait this long? I know this type of help doesn't come cheap and unlike other treatments you can't put a set time on recovery, so what is the reason for the lack of funding to get the help we need? Are we kept back in hope that either we will make a miraculous recovery or we give up trying to get the help and end up six feet under? I feel strongly about this as I've contemplated taking my life several times over the last few months and in the last two years have over-dosed three times. Maybe this is the reason my liver is having problems or maybe it was the weight I was carrying or even the anti-depressants I had to take to make me feel better. All I know is that over-dosing was not the quick peaceful painless way out I thought it would be. The thing is that with mental health you may feel you are suffering alone but it has a knock on effect on others around you. If you could get the treatment sooner maybe people with mental health would get better sooner and wouldn't feel as if they were a drain on society. Diane Hart via email A R E C OM MITTEES JUST TOKENISM? “I have had an interest in mental health services in Powys for over twenty years. Indeed, there was a time when I was on the board of many and various groups, including Powys Mental Health Alliance and Powys Agency for Mental Health. I also played a big part in founding my local service user's group. An ever busier schedule meant that over time I gradually had to take a back seat in matters of mental health. However, demands on my time were not the only or main reason I stood back. It was also because I did not think that mental health service users were being taken seriously and that our presence on various committees amounted, in the long run, to tokenism. I am retired now, (more time?) and I still receive the magazine online although I am no longer in contact with any of my former 16 HeadSpace colleagues. That said, from what I can gather, not much has changed all these years later. In my day, (because I am sure there are those that regard me as a dinosaur - especially my grandchildren!?), our message was: 'Mental ill-health is just that; ill health. It is no different to other forms of illness in that, at its most severe, it stops you from doing things that good health would allow, e.g. working.' What we were offered were days out, craft classes, our own magazine etc. I don't believe we were offered jobs or responsible positions, although, thankfully, on a personal level, I was always able to secure both. I admit that many service users were their own worst enemies and were often traumatised by the thought of getting in Society's face by sticking our message to them. From what I can see though, the stigma of mental ill-health is just as prevalent now as then, and those representing service users and their carers, while mostly well-intentioned, have, without their realisation, become, in many cases, box-tickers. I know there will be many that disagree with my message and, although a very active 67 year old, I had determined to keep my head down and let others deal in controversy from now on. However, everyone is entitled to an opinion and my message to anyone who suffers, or has suffered, from depression, anxiety, bi-polar etc. is that you are as valuable as any other member of society. Don't be fobbed off with a flower arranging class when you are capable of so much more! “ Via email New Look Magazine Thank you to everyone who sent in photographs and suggestions. Here are the submissions. TAKE-OFF TOGETHER n Br ya hews from las-Matt g Dou MEN P O W TA L YS title su gges ‘Chin tion n e r s from ’ Thanks to John Cooper for this photograph and title suggestion The magazine title HeadSpace was finally decided on by the trustees of Powys Mental Health Alliance. The cover photograph was taken by ‘C J’ from Knighton in Powys and shows the dawn breaking over the River Teme. Please send your letters, opinions, articles and photographs etc. to: Powys Mental Health Alliance Ponthafren Longbridge Street Newtown Powys HeadSpace SY16 2DY 17 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 JOIN 5/6/13 09:37 Page 18 PMHA FOR FREE AND RECEIVE ALL UPCOMING ISSUES OF HEAD S P A C E “We believe that everyone's life experience can make a difference to how we all think about mental health.” Our objectives •To build a sustainable organisational structure that can articulate, and give purpose to the many voices of people across Powys who may have reason to use, or rely upon, Powys mental health services in the past, present or future. •PMHA will facilitate meaningful participation by individual people in shaping all aspects of mental health policy and service delivery. •PMHA will provide opportunities for individual people to design, develop, and deliver pioneering and innovative services that support pathways for recovery. •PMHA will encourage and enable people to use the learning from their experience to contribute to everyone thinking differently about mental health and mental distress. SECRETARY NEEDED Can you volunteer your skills to be secretary for PMHA? We require someone to take notes, type-up minutes etc. Travel expenses paid and meals provided when necessary. Please apply via email: [email protected] or ring Bryan Douglas-Matthews 01938 811 261 MEMBERSHIP FORM PMHA (Powys Mental Health Alliance) Please Complete in Block Capitals Full Name: directory 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: [email protected] www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk Mind Infoline The leading mental health charity for England & Wales and works for a better life for all who experience mental distress. Tel: 0845 766 016 www.mind.org.uk Journeys National organisation for people affected by depression. Provides symptoms and treatments for depression and details of local groups Tel: 0292 069 2891 www.depressionalliance.org [email protected] 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 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, Ponthafren, Longbridge Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 2DY OR Ring the PMHA Chair Bryan Douglas-Matthews on 01938 811 261 18 HeadSpace 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: [email protected] www.apni.org Young Minds Help and advice for young people who are worried about the mental health of a parent, carer, or other family members. Tel: 020 7336 8445 e-mail: [email protected] www.youngminds.org.uk No Panic Helpline A charity that specialises in helping people suffering from anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and tranquilliser withdrawal. Tel: 0808 8080545 (Available 10am – 10pm daily) www.nopanic.org.uk [email protected] Hafal Family Support Service Hafal provide a flexible support network throughout Powys for families and carers coping with serious mental illnesses. Tel: 01686 621 266 e-mail: [email protected] www.hafal.org Small Steps Project For young people 16-25 struggling with mental health Tel: 01686 621 266 e-mail: [email protected] 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 [email protected] Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) One of 19 Councils for Voluntary Service in Wales. Membership is open to all voluntary organisations and community groups in Powys. 01686 628 300 [email protected] Powys Mental Health Alliance [email protected] Rethink The UK based organisation associated with Hafal. Offers help and advice to all affected by severe mental health, including schizophrenia, to recover a better quality of life. Advice Line: Tel: 020 89 746 814 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10am – 3pm, and Tues & Thurs 10am – 1pm) e-mail: [email protected] www.rethink.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 CALL Helpline (Community Advice and Listening Line) A confidential listening and support service. Tel: 0800 132 737 (weekdays 7pm – 11pm and noon – midnight weekends) e-mail: [email protected] www.call.dial.pipex.com 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 [email protected] Powys Against Workplace Bullying 01597 825020 [email protected] This information has been taken from Powys County Council w w w. p ow y s . g ov. u k and Powys Mental Health w w w. p ow y s m e n t a l h e a l t h . o r g . u k See websites for updates If your organisation would like to be included in this directory, please email [email protected] Please write or email in with your comments about HEADSPACE and send in any contributions you would like to see printed. HeadSpace 19 june 2013 imp v3.qxp:Layout 1 30/5/13 12:08 Page 20 diary JUNE Light the Way meeting Tuesday 4 June 2013 1.30 - 2.45pm, at The Welshpool Outreach Centre, Ponthafren Association, The Enterprise Centre, Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 2RR tel: 01928 552770. How to get a great Care and Treatment Plan Diary Marker Thursday 6 June 2013 Hafal training for adults using mental health services and those close to them Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells. Programme and delegate booking information will be available soon. Brecon Mental Health Carers' Group Monday 10 June 2013 The Brecon Mental Health Carers' Group meets at: Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon 2 – 4pm For further information call Clare Lewis on 07875 373 525 Impact of Caring Event Wednesday 12 June 2013 The Pavilions, Spa Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD15EY. 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. Digital Storytelling Festival Wales Cardiff Friday 14 June 2013 see website for details Is prison the right place for our mentally ill? Thursday 27 June 2013 Former Prison Chaplain, Richard Walker, asks if prison is the right place for people experiencing mental distress. George Hotel, Brecon 7.00pm £5.00 (friends £2.00) For further information contact BDCA, telephone 01874 611529 or email: [email protected] The Spiritual Crisis Network Network Conference with Rufus May Friday 28 June 2013 see website for details JULY Training for Carers - Mental Capacity Act Tuesday 2 July 2013 Do you understand what this is and how does this affect the person you care for? Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown 10am – 12 noon Refreshments provided To find out more please email [email protected] or call 01597 823800 Challenging behaviour in dementia Tuesday 2 July 2013 9.30am - 4.30pm Neuadd Brycheiniog, Brecon The course is designed for all staff working with people with dementia For more information and to book a place please email: [email protected] Training for Carers - Mental Capacity Act Wednesday 3 July 2013 Do you understand what this is and how does this affect the person you care for? Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown 10am – 12 noon Refreshments provided To find out more please email [email protected] or call 01597 823800 Bereavement and Loss, End of life training Wednesday 3 July 2013 Neuadd Brycheiniog, Brecon 9.30am - 4.30pm Refreshments will be provided. Please book a place free of charge email [email protected] or tel 01597 827507 Tea on Top Sunday 28 July 2013 Organised by Brecon and District Contact Association. Join us as we once again walk to the TOP of a hill for TEA & merrymaking. Meet at Brecon Cathedral car park at 2.00pm. For further information contact BDCA, telephone 01874 611529 or email: [email protected] www check .po o for u w y s m e n t ut pdate alhea s and l furth t h . o r g . u k er de tails AUGUST Light the Way meeting Tuesday 6 August 2013 The mid summer meeting takes place on Tuesday 6 August, 1.30 - 2.45pm, at The Welshpool Outreach Centre, Ponthafren Association, The Enterprise Centre, Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 2RR, tel: 01928 552770. Community Food and Nutrition Skills Course Monday 12 August 2013 see website for details Brecon Mental Health Carers' Group Monday 12 August 2013 Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon 2 – 4pm For further information call Clare Lewis on 07875 373 525 Flintshire Lights Camera ACTION Event Thursday 15 August 2013 Lights! Camera! ACTION! is a national campaign led by service users and carers with a focus on the delivery of new mental health legislation and policy. Please contact Hafal by 14th June 2013 to let them know if you can attend. Call Janet Fletcher, Karen Jones and Jan Archer on 07966017647, 07813658032 or 07805665527 SEPTEMBER Brecon Mental Health Carers' Group Monday 9 September 2013 Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon 2 – 4pm For further information call Clare Lewis on 07875 373 525 Alcohol A.U.D.I.T and brief advice Thursday 19 September 2013 1.15 - 4.30pm The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells To develop techniques to help individuals to adopt sensible drinking behaviour For more information and to book a place please email: [email protected] or telephone 01597 827507 OCTOBER Brecon Mental Health Carers' Group Monday 9 September 2013 Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon 2 – 4pm For further information call Clare Lewis on 07875 373 525
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