Maidstone Weald Wellbeing Blog

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-12-29T14:56:00.000Z

The Patients Consultative Committee provides an opportunity for service users and carers to work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT). The next West Kent PCC meeting will be on 17 January, from 11am to 1pm, at

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

at which Kim Solly, Liason Psychiatry Service Manager, will be talking about handling mental health presentations at A&E.

Please contact Louis Dereham on 0800 587 6757 to let us know if you are coming.

The Power of Telling my Story

2011-11-10T09:24:00.001Z

Help others learn from your experiences

Help services learn how to improve

A two day workshop for those who have a lived experience of mental health challenges. Those of us who have mental health challenges are strong, worthwhile people who have a story to tell which can encourage us, and those who hear it.

This two day practical workshop, led by trainers from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, will cover:

Recovery in mental health
The recovery journey that we are all making
The vital role and positive impact of ‘telling our story’
The skills of story telling
Opportunities for sharing our story to help further improve services

Building on your strengths and increasing confidence the course will equip you to tell your own recovery story; helping you to see the hero that you are.

Dates: 22nd & 23rd November, 2011
Venue: Trinity Foyer, 20 Church Street, Maidstone ME14 1LY
Time: 9.30 - 4.45 each day

Travel expenses will be reimbursed and lunch and refreshments provided. For further information, or to apply to join this training please call or email Nick on 01227 81202

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-10-19T14:48:00.001+01:00

The West Kent PCC is an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT).

The next meeting will be held at:

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

on

Tuesday 15th November 2011
11:00am to 1:00pm

and will include a presentation from Bob Ditchburn, Service Manager, Maidstone Access Team, talking about the Access Service.

Please contact Lois Derham on 0800 587 6757 to let us know if you are coming.

Coping with Life courses in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge

2011-10-04T20:11:00.002+01:00

Sevenoaks Area Mind are launching a series of "Coping with Life" courses. Each is a 6-week psycho-educational evening class based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principals. They are not therapy groups, rather they aim to help participants learn and develop coping strategies for themselves. The first three courses are:

Managing Depression
Managing Anxiety
Anger Management

Read more on their website, or see the flyer here. A fee is payable for these courses.

Mind Clens Camera Club

2011-08-09T08:10:00.000+01:00

For service users in the Maidstone area, this is an exclusive club on Facebook, to meet up, take photos, and generally chat..feel free to send a request to Jerry Newlyn, even if you don't wish to meet but want to exhibit your work.

Go to the Mind Clens Camera Club on Facebook. Please note this is a closed group. You will need to name your care co-ordinator,a nd you will then be checked to see if you are to be accepted into the group. We have various exhibition places to display/sell your work. We envisage in time that this group will be extended to further Kent areas.

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-07-12T23:44:00.002+01:00

The West Kent PCC offers an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the KMPT. The next meeting, on Tuesday 19th July at 11am, will be held at:

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

Including presentations from:

Roger Davies, Consultant Psychotherapist, Head of Psychotherapy at the Brenchley Unit
talking about this service for people with Personality Disorders

Sara Hutchinson, Rethink Community Development Worker
talking about the Trust's new Community Engagement Strategy

Please contact Lois Derham on '0800 587 6757 if you are coming.

Asperger's Information and Networking Day

2011-06-21T16:39:00.002+01:00

Sevenoaks Area Mind are pleased to announce further details of the Asperger's Information and Networking Day on

Thursday 7 July, 10am – 3pm, at the
Salvation Army Building
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Confirmed speakers include Dr Francis Harvey of the Kent & Medway Partnership Trust, with Jo Blamires and Des Walker of the Kent Autistic Trust. Lunch will be provided.

Download the flyer here or read full the details from Sevenoaks Area Mind here.

Please email or call 01732 744950 if you would like to book a place, as space is limited.

Peer Support - learning the lessons

2011-06-17T15:46:00.000+01:00

A meeting for service users looking at how peer support – mental health service users supporting each other - is being developed in mental health services in the UK and beyond. KMPT has commissioned a user led review of current research on peer support. This meeting will highlight the results of this review and seek support in taking this important aspect of service improvement forward.

SPEAKER - Carolyn Anderson, KMPT Expert by Experience

Thursday 30th June
11.30am – 2 pm

Maidstone Community Support Centre
Marsham Street,
Maidstone ME14 1HH

A sandwich Lunch and refreshments provided. Transport costs for service users can be reimbursed; please call Nick on 01227 812020 for further info, to discuss your needs and to reserve a place.

Open to all users of mental health services and supporters.

Aspergers Day workshop

2011-06-08T23:58:00.000+01:00

Sevenoaks Area Mind are pleased to announce that the much anticipated Aspergers Day workshop is now scheduled for

Thursday 7 July, 10am – 3pm, at the
Salvation Army Building
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Lunch will be provided. Further details will follow shortly.

Peer Support - the way forward

2011-05-26T16:23:00.000+01:00

KMPT are holding an event aimed at both service users and staff considering how peer support is transforming mental health services in the UK, and how it can be put into action across Kent and Medway.

Thursday 7th July 10.00am - 4.00pm at

Lenham Community Centre, Groom Way,
Lenham, Near Maidstone ME17 2QT

For further information and an application form, see this flyer.

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) meeting

2011-05-04T08:28:00.001+01:00

The West Kent Patient Consultative Committee offers an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT).

On Tuesday 17th May 2011 at 11:00am, the next meeting will be held at:

Kingswood CMHT
180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

Rebecca Lowe, Care Programme Approach (CPA) & Care pathways Lead KMPT, is due to talk about

“The new CPA”

Please contact Tony Peploe or Lois Derham on 0800 587 6757 to let us know if you are coming.

Changes to your Wellbeing Blog settings

2011-04-14T15:14:00.004+01:00

Some improvements have been made to your local wellbeing blog.

Firstly, anyone can now comment on any of the posts. You do not have to be a registered user. So if you have something to say about anything you read here, let the rest of us know!

Secondly, there are now two new ways to stay up-to-date with your local wellbeing blog, using two new options on the right hand menus, "Subscribe to" and "Follow by Email".

"Subscribe to" allows you to pick up a news feed with, amongst others Google Reader, My Yahoo and Atom RSS.

If that sounds complicated, the really easy option is "Follow by Email". Enter your email address, follow the simple verification instructions, and henceforth you'll get an email every time there is a new post!

Hitchhikers Guide to Recovery and Wellbeing - for mental health carers

2011-03-19T20:57:00.003Z

“Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT) is committed to providing a service that is recovery-focused – supporting recovery and wellbeing.” (KMPT Recovery leaflet, March 2010.)

Carers FIRST have developed a 4 x ½ day training programme to unpack what this means in practice, both for carers themselves and their loved one. Delivered in partnership with KMPT over 4 consecutive weeks, it is hoped that the programme will enable carers to embrace the recovery approach, equip them to take an active role in supporting their loved ones recovery, and promote their own recovery.

Key themes being explored include:
·         The concept of recovery
·         Implications on service delivery
·         The role of carers in recovery
·         Promotion of wellbeing
·         Impact of recovery approach on carers role
·         Carers own recovery journey

The full schedule can be read here. The programme is open to all carers living within South West Kent and Maidstone, and is held at the Blackthorn Trust (Garden Room) in Maidstone and the Carers Centre in Tonbridge on Tuesdays 22 March to 12 April 09:30 - 13:00. There is no charge to attend, but participants are asked to book their place with Carers FIRST.

For more information or to book a place, call Vivienne or Fiona at Carers First on 01732 357555

Changes in the NHS - What will it mean for YOU and your doctor?

2011-03-09T19:27:00.001Z

This Kent LINk Community Engagement Event is your chance to find out what is happening to your health and social care services.

The formal meeting will start at 10.45am although refreshments will be available from 10.00am to give people an opportunity to socialise and network. See full information and book your free place here.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011, 10am - 3pm

The Camden Centre,
Royal Victoria Place
Market Square
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SW

Art Uniting People - Spring Exhibition

2011-03-08T20:03:00.001Z

Art Uniting People is a non-profit organisation who have run two successful annual exhibitions in 2009 and 2010 to promote the talents of artists around Kent, including professionals, amateurs and those with mental health and physical disabilities. This year, for the first time, there is also a Spring Exhibition at

County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ

from 14th -28th March, 10:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Entry is FREE

Learning from Experience 2 - How are we doing?

2011-02-25T16:15:00.001Z

This event is for service users and carers and is a follow up to the actions that the Kent & Medway Partnership Trust have put into place since the National Patient Survey of last year.

Tuesday 15 March, 10:30am - 3:30pm

Upstairs lounge, The Salvation Army
74-80 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1ED

Lunch is provided. Registration is required, so for more information see the flyer here or call Maria Duran on 01227 812034.

Resourceful Recovery conference

2011-02-24T19:23:00.003Z

As mental health care providers, service users, families and carers are encouraged to develop partnerships, you are invited to join the West Kent & Medway team of the Early Interventions in Psychosis Service for a day of new learning, networking and refection to explore how resourcefulness supports recovery.

Thursday 24 March, 0900-1630 at
Hilton Hotel
Bearsted Road, Weavering
Maidstone ME14 5AA

For full details and the registration form click here, or call Amy Draper on 01622 721800.

Personal Development Fund - up to £500 for service users & carers!

2011-02-18T11:07:00.002Z

A reminder about the Personal Development Fund, which is intended to promote the personal development of individuals living right across Kent whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by severe or persistent mental ill health.

The fund has been able to pay for things like conferences and training courses, travel and accommodation for such events, art materials, Reiki training, laptops, printers and so on.

A panel of service users, carers and voluntary organisations meet every three months to decide on awards. For more information, see this flyer. To apply, download an application form in either Word or PDF format.

The scheme is funded by Kent County Council and administered by Sevenoaks Area Mind.

Your feedback on community mental health in Kent and Medway

2011-02-16T12:47:00.001Z

Medway PCT, who lead the development of mental health services across Kent and Medway, are asking for your help in looking at how these services can be improved. They would like to ask service users and carers six simple questions about the services they are using - including what works, what doesn't work, and what are the key factors that make a good service.

This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard!

The survey can be completed very simply online here, or alternatively you can download the survey in Word or PDF format to complete and return by post or email.

Please make sure your voice is heard by Friday 18 March!

West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC)

2011-02-16T12:16:00.001Z

The West Kent Patient Consultative Committee (PCC) is an opportunity for carers and service users to come along and work in partnership with the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT). The next meeting will be at the Kingswood Community Mental Health Team at:

180/186 Union Street
Maidstone ME14 1EY

on Friday 18 March at 11:00am, when Heather Penn, Vocational Services Manager, will talk about help and support available for those considering returning to work.

Please let Tony Peploe or Lois Derham know if you are coming, on 0800 587 6757.

No Health without Mental Health

2011-02-05T00:05:00.001Z

The government have published "No health without mental health - A cross-government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages." A news item on the Live It Well website gives details of where you can read this, and a sample of responses from relevant organisations.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing - followup

2010-12-29T10:57:00.002Z

On Monday 13th December a workshop evening was held by representatives of both the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and the Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust. Among the attendees were NHS professionals, members of the Transgender community, representatives from GIRES (the Gender Identity Research and Education Society) and other interested private bodies. The workshop aimed to find out how to provide more and better access to support and information for Transgender people.

Many topics were discussed, and several priority areas emerged for future work. The need to provide more education regarding Transgender issues in training NHS staff was highlighted, alongside the importance of working with General Practitioners to encourage willingness to provide medical care for, and a more ethical treatment of, Transgender people. The workshop established links with individuals and organisations eager to participate and take the agenda forward.

All feedback from both the participants and facilitators was very positive and when asked for their thoughts of the evening, one participant remarked “I am so happy to see that there are people within the NHS committed to improving the experience Transgendered people encounter”.

A working group will be formed and another meeting will be held in January 2011.

For more information, please contact either Sheree Bell, Community Engagement Officer for the Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust, or Adam Lott, Equality and Diversity Manager for Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust.

Mental Health Commissioning and Contracting Team - Christmas 2010 newsletter

2010-12-13T22:35:00.004Z

Kent County Council's Mental Health Commissioning and Contracting Team have published their latest newsletter. Amongst the many interesting items is a brief article introducing myself, Brian Pugsley, as the new Live It Well webmaster, and a report on the opening of the Live It Well centre in Ashford.

KMPT Community Engagement Workshops

2010-12-13T19:20:00.000Z

The Kent and Medway Partnership Trust are holding a series of workshops as part of their search for an improved approach to accessing expertise within the community and the development of a Community Engagement Strategy. Local people, particularly those that use KMPT services, will be vital to the success of this strategy. Anyone interested in becoming involved is invited to attend one of the workshops.

The workshop in Maidstone is on Wednesday 15 December, 10am-2pm (lunch provided), at

Trinity Foyer
20 Church Street
Maidstone
ME14 1LY

Further information can be seen on the KMPT website, where you can also download a workshop booking form.

A Woman's View - exploring mental health experience through an artists eye

2010-12-13T15:11:00.002Z

This free one day event will take place at

Tonbridge Baptist Church
Darenth Avenue
Tonbridge
TN10 3HZ

on Monday 10 January 2011, 10am-3pm (lunch provided)

A day for women to discuss, share and learn from each others experiences, giving women a voice and influencing support services. Using art work especially produced for this event to stimulate discussion, the workshop will focus on the theme of "The 3 phases of womanhood" (18-35, 35-60, 60+).

The event is promoted by the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust. To find out more, see this flyer or call Sheree Bell, Community Engagement Officer at KMPT on 07949 037401. To register and obtain a booking form please email or call the Equalities Team on 01732 523347.

Live It Well summary published

2010-11-22T13:18:00.001Z

A summary of the final version of the Live It Well strategy for improving the mental health and mental wellbeing of people in Kent and Medway has been published, and you can read or download it here.

Calling all organisations and Community groups!

2010-11-22T07:52:00.001Z

A chance for you to promote how you help people with their mental wellbeing.

Signpost Me! Promoting mental wellbeing in Maidstone

Sunday 5 December, 11am-3pm
Hazlitt Arts Centre
Earl Street
Maidstone ME14 1PL

Signpost Me events help people find out what is available in their neighbourhood to help them with their mental wellbeing. The emphasis is on interactive and fun activities and exhibitions linked to five wellbeing zones to mirror the five ways to wellbeing.

To learn more, contact Jo, Katie or Venetia at Signpost Kent on 01622 688003

See the flyer here.

How health walks transform lives

2010-11-22T07:39:00.001Z

An article in The Guardian discusses the benefits of "health walks." Groups were established by professionals and are now self-supporting. Walkers are convinced that, in addition to the obvious physical benefits, their morale and mental health is lifted.

Maidstone Mind website launched

2010-11-10T18:33:00.000Z

See the new Maidstone Mind website to learn about the services they offer, which include

an open access drop in service for anyone over 18 years living in the area experiencing emotional and mental health issues

self help groups for anxiety/depression, OCD, and DIY

social activity groups including a ladies group

In partnership with other agencies, free counselling is offered to those over 50 years living in the Borough Of Maidstone.

Regulator says it will drive improvements for mental health patients

2010-11-05T15:02:00.001Z

The Care Quality Commission today (27 October) highlighted areas of poor practice in mental health services for patients who are subject to the Mental Health Act, and pledged to use its regulatory powers to lever improvement.

Publishing its first annual report on the use of the Act, CQC said its findings raised important concerns about how some care providers, in both the NHS and private sector, were adhering to the principles of the Act and its Code of Practice.

The commission identified three priority areas where services needed to do much better:

involving patients in decisions about their care and treatment;
assessing and recording patients’ consent to treatment;
minimising restrictions on patients and avoiding ‘blanket’ security measures.

Read the full press release or download the full report.

Working with Transgender people to improve health and wellbeing

2010-11-04T12:39:00.001Z

You are warmly invited to an evening of discussion and social networking in a confidential and respectful space. The aim of this event is to engage transgender people further in helping to improve key areas such as access to support and information, getting help with substance misuse concerns and enabling staff to deliver better services through improved awareness and training.

Refreshments and a buffet meal will be provided on arrival.

Please come along and get involved – your views matter!

Monday 13th December 2010 5.45pm – 8.30pm at

Music for Change
Chaucer Technology School
Spring Lane
Canterbury, CT1 1SU.
www.musicforchange.org

To register: contact Deana Cook
To discuss: please call Sheree Bell 07949 037 347

See the flyer here.

Ways to Wellbeing Workplace Workshops

2010-10-29T13:50:00.002+01:00

The NHS is funding free Ways to Wellbeing Workplace Workshops as part of the Live It Well Strategy.

Organisations are invited to arrange for workshops covering issues such as stress, anxiety, low mood and the sorts of work-related and financial worries that are becoming everyday realities as more people face coping with the impact of the economic downturn.

The free Ways to Wellbeing workshops are run by professionals from KCA’s Psychological Therapy team and employment specialists mcch. They aim to help people survive uncertain times by introducing them to strategies designed to build up their resilience and help them thrive. The workshops are run by professionals from KCA and mcch.

To arrange a workshop for your organisation or find out more, call Don MacLeod, KCA’s Programme Co-ordinator on 01634 406087.

If you were in charge, where would you spend the money?

2010-10-29T00:04:00.002+01:00

After the recent spending review all Kent Adult Social Services are expecting cuts, meaning some difficult decisions. Service users and others can make their views known at this free event on Thursday November 11th, 10:30-2:45, with lunch.

Ashford Enterprise Centre
Towers School, Faversham Road,
Kennington, Ashford
TN24 9AL

A Kent LINk Community Engagement Event

October KENT LINk Bulletin

2010-10-28T23:06:00.001+01:00

This months bulletin has two articles of particular interest. "Transforming Mental Health Services for Children in Need" introduces Wintrop Hall in Staplehurst, near Maidstone, which is being transformed into Kent's first dedicated specialist children's mental health centre.

"What is Big White Wall?" introduces the revolutionary mental wellbeing social network Big White Wall. A number of places are available to Kent residents on this site, funded by the Kent and Medway NHS Social Care and Partnership Trust.

Read the bulletin online here.

Collaborative working workshops

2010-10-26T09:54:00.001+01:00

The Maidstone and Malling Strategic Provider Forum for Community Based Services are holding workshops on

Opportunities for Collaborative Working

focusing on the health of people receiving social care services, avoidable A&E admissions, and hospital discharges.

11th and 17th November 2010 1:45 - 4:00
The Grange Moor Hotel
St Michaels Road
Maidstone ME16 8BS

Registration and refreshments from 1:30pm

If you wish to attend please respond via email to: cmadminbishopterrace@kent.gov.uk

Live It Well final strategy published

2010-10-14T13:56:00.001+01:00

October 10th, World Mental Health Day, saw the publication of the final Live It Well strategy for improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in Kent and Medway. The draft strategy was circulated earlier this year, and changes were made as a result of feedback received.

Read the final Live It Well strategy

Read about the consultation exercise

GP commissioning

2010-09-30T09:40:00.001+01:00

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has written to GPs to clarify the implications for GP commissioning in the July white paper on health.

What do we in Kent think about the planned changes to the NHS?

2010-09-21T13:48:00.003+01:00

In their recent white paper, Liberating the NHS, the Government have set out their plans for improving the NHS. They are interested to hear from members of the public about how these plans should be carried out.

The Kent LINk (Local Involvement Network) has produced this summary of the biggest changes and would like to hear what you think about them. You can give your views by answering the questions in this online survey.

The Kent LINk will then put all the views together and give a combined response to the Department of Health on behalf of the people of Kent.

Or, if you prefer, you can go to the Department of Health website to see the full white paper and give your feedback directly. The deadline for giving your feedback to Kent LINk is Wednesday 22nd September.

The Care Quality Commission publishes the views of 17,000 community mental health service users

2010-09-21T13:16:00.001+01:00

This substantial survey has recently been published, and a short extract from the press release is shown below. Read the full report here, or the entire press release here.

Some people who use community mental health services in England are still not getting the care and support that fully meets their needs, according to a survey published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) today (Tuesday 14 September).

The CQC survey captures the views of more than 17,000 people aged 16 and over who had contact with specialist community mental health services between July and September last year. They had been referred to a psychiatric outpatient clinic, local community mental health team or other community-based service. The survey covered 66 NHS trusts.

People were generally very positive about the health and social care workers they had seen most recently for their mental health condition. The vast majority said workers listened carefully to them, gave them enough time for discussion and took their views into account. Also, most people said they were treated with respect and dignity and had trust and confidence in their health or social care worker.

But many reported that they had not been involved as much as they would have liked in some aspects of their care. Significant numbers of people said they would have liked more explanation of, or more say in, their treatment and support, such as their medication or care planning. Nearly half of those surveyed did not know who to contact in a crisis outside normal office hours. Of those who said they wanted some form of talking therapy, 73% had received it but 27% had not.

CIH Level 3 in Supporting Homeless Persons Certificate

2010-08-26T15:15:00.001+01:00

Dear Colleague

You may be interested to know that Porchlight is running another “Engage to Change” course, starting in October 2010.

Porchlight was the first centre in the country to be accredited to deliver this course, which leads to the “CIH Level 3 in Supporting Homeless Persons Certificate”. It has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Homeless Link and Broadway as part of the government’s “No-one left out: communities ending rough sleeping” strategy. This new level 3 qualification has been developed specifically for people working directly with homeless people. It covers the mainstays of key working and aims to support workers in developing their approach to gaining successful outcomes for their clients. It is aimed at staff who are experienced in this sector, and is therefore not an induction programme.

We are offering places on the course to external agencies at a cost of £495.00 per student, which includes all course materials, support, CIH registration and student membership.

Course dates are 12th and 13th October 2010, 17th November 2010, 19th January 2011 and 23rd March 2011 and it is essential that students are able to attend on all five dates. The course will be run at our offices in the centre of Canterbury.

For further information about the course content, individual modules, support that students can expect and what we expect from the students, please follow the following link:

http://porchlight.org.uk/about/training/engage-to-change/

As we are expecting more interest than available places, acceptance on the course is by application. An application form is available from the above link.

Applications must be returned to us by Monday 13th September 2010. If successful at this stage, we will invite candidates to come into our Head Office on Monday 20th September 2010 to discuss their application and complete a literacy and time impact assessment.

If you still have any queries about the course, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beverley Callaghan
Interim Head of HR

Porchlight
2nd Floor Watling Chambers
18-19 Watling Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2UA
Direct Line: 01227 813195
Reception: 01227 760078
Fax. 01227 453331

Research Volunteers Wanted

2010-08-26T14:33:00.001+01:00

Hull University - Research Volunteers
Would you like to help to improve our understanding of mental health?
Have you a few minutes to spare?

An NHS mental health professional is seeking volunteers to complete some online questionnaires. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have experienced problems with your mental health – everybody can make an important contribution and anyone aged 18 or over can take part.
Payment is not offered but you will be entered into a free £250 prize draw.

To request more information, please email
volunteer4research@googlemail.com

A new play about the mental health sysytem

2010-08-09T11:19:00.001+01:00

'Blue/Orange', Arcola Theatre, London

Tiata Fahodzi is a professional theatre company presenting drama representing the experiences of Africans in Britain. An experience which is statistically more likely to afflict Britain’s Africans, in line with other Black groups, is spending time in the mental health care system; a topic explored in Joe Penhall’s award-winning play ‘Blue/Orange’.

From Wednesday 27 October – Saturday 20 November 2010 a radically new, all-female, tenth anniversary production of the play will be staged at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, East London.

‘Blue/Orange’ is a passionate, witty and ultimately devastating exploration of institutional politics, mental health and race. Unfolding like a game of human chess the drama centres on a patient alternately bewildering and beguiling her medical consultants. Her stories of a damaged childhood in thrall to Idi Amin and a precarious urban London upbringing are plausible but are they true?

Is it more dangerous to keep her inside than to set her free?

Tickets are available from the theatre on 020 7503 1646 or by visiting their website.

Tickets start from £10 and the theatre also operates a Pay What You Can scheme on Tuesdays. Please visit the website for more information.

Mental Health Related Programmes

2010-08-04T12:42:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Take a look at this website:

http://www.swuf.org.uk/7.html

It has details of mental health related radio and TV programmes!

Carers Reference Group

2010-08-03T11:59:00.001+01:00

Dear All

We would like to invite all Carers to attend the next meeting of the Carers Reference Group when the topic will be "Carers having a life of their own alongside their caring role". The details are as follows:

Date: 18 August 2010

Time: 12.30 - 3pm

Venue: Billiard Room, Oakwood House, Maidstone

Regards

Barbara

Barbara Seaman
Kent Carers
Admin Officer
Policy & Service Standards
Tel: 01622 221460

Don't miss Radio 4's Discussion of Mental Health Budgets....

2010-06-28T11:24:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Don't miss Radio 4's discussion about mental health budgets tomorrow at 9pm (Tuesday 29th June) - plus the programme joins in with a Walk and Talk in Shrewsbury.

Take a look here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sv5bk

Raising Voices, Raising Spirits!

2010-01-26T10:26:00.001Z

Click HERE to see a fantastic report by BBC Kent on the Mustard Seed Choir! Complete with interviews with members of the choir! They sound fantastic!

Article on Live It Well!

2010-01-21T14:27:00.001Z

Check out this article on the new Live It Well site!

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/New-website-will-help-to-boost-mental-well__being-newsinkent32030.aspx?news=local

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

2010-01-18T12:26:00.001Z

Free Training on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.... Click HERE for more information.

Kent and Medway Funding Fair

2010-01-18T12:05:00.001Z

Click HERE for more information relating to the Kent and Medway Funding Fair - booking is open now!

Interviewers Wanted!

2010-01-18T11:29:00.000Z

Do you know any mental health service users who would make a good interviewer for a trust project to look at our systems for service user involvement.

If so please encourage them to apply to this exciting opportunity. Deadline for applications is 21st Jan so please encourage people to act soon.

Click HERE for more information.

Thanks for your help.

Kind regards, nick

Nick Dent

PALS Manager (East)

Kent & Medway Partnership Trust

Interviewers Wanted!

2010-01-18T11:27:00.000Z

Love Shouldn't Hurt Conference

2010-01-18T11:25:00.001Z

Canterbury District Domestic Violence Forum
invite you to Love Shouldn't Hurt 2.
A one day conference on domestic abuse and its
effect on children and young people.
St Mary Bredin Church, 59 Nunnery Fields, Canterbury
26 February 9am to 4pm

Click HERE for the invite, HERE for the agenda and HERE for a booking form. RSVP by 26th Jan 2010.

Pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme - An Update from Vanessa Fowler, Head of Specialist Commissioning, Secure Services

2010-01-04T15:31:00.000Z

Hi All,

Vanessa Fowler, Head of Specialist Commissioning for Secure Services, has forwarded an update of the Pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme to be posted to the blogs. If you have any questions regarding the scheme you can email the Medway Mental Health Commissioning Team via Claire Martin whose email is claire.martin@medwaypct.nhs.uk

“A pilot Police Custody Suite Diversion Scheme began in the 6 police custody suites in Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT and the one Police Custody Suite in Medway PCT in October 2009. These services replicate that in West Kent PCT. The results and evaluation of this pilot service will be used to advise the future service model across Eastern and Coastal Kent and Medway.

Members of the Kent and Medway population detained in prison who meet requirements for transfer under the Mental Health Act 2007 are transferred from prison to hospital in a timely manner and never experience unnecessary delay over 28 days. We have indeed negotiated a bespoke 6 week transfer programme with a low secure hospital provider, dedicated to working with transferred prisoners. The health economy is committed to this group of often acutely ill people getting rapid access to the right treatment in the right place at the right time.”

Community Development Worker Newsletter

2009-12-07T13:11:00.001Z

Click HERE to see the Rethink Community Development Worker Newsletter

Signpost Kent News

2009-12-07T12:52:00.001Z

For those of you who have not yet seen a copy, click HERE to see the first edition of Signpost Kent News!

Live It Well Launch Drop In

2009-11-22T21:44:00.001Z

Hi,

The www.liveitwell.org.uk site will launch with an open day on the 8th of December at Canterbury Umbrella, St Peters Place, Canterbury, CT1 2DB

We will be there from 10.00am to 4.30pm and will be happy to answer any computer related queries. We could help you get more out of email, set up your own blog or website or learn how to use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The press will be there and there will be sandwiches provided!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Carers to be priortiy group for swine flu jab

2009-11-22T21:30:00.001Z

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson has said that carers would a priority group for vaccinations against swine flu. This is to protect the welfare of those being cared for who may be at risk if their carer falls ill.

To read more click here:

http://www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/News/1258713040

NHS Staff to transform patient care

2009-11-22T21:28:00.001Z

Twenty new projects, designed by frontline NHS staff to transform patient care were announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope on Social Enterprise Day. All frontline staff working in Primary Care Trusts can set up a social enterprise to improve their services under the 'right to request' scheme. Projects include a wide range of services, including those for homeless people, children and young people and mental health services.

To read more click here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_108865

Anxiety mistaken for flu!

2009-11-22T21:14:00.001Z

Anxiety UK is calling for detection, awareness and treatment of anxiety after an anxiety disorder was diagnosed as common flu.

Read the press release here:

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/news/?entryid17=76144

Credits for Caring Scheme

2009-11-22T21:11:00.001Z

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has called for the introduction of a ‘Credits for Caring’ scheme. One million carers would get extra support and over £0.5billion new money would be available for carers if the system were adopted, say experts at The Trust.

For the full press release click here:
http://www.carers.org/news/credits-for-caring-scheme-could-save-millions,5274,NW.html

Credits for Caring Scheme

2009-11-22T21:06:00.000Z

Sainsbury Centre welcomes government plan to implement Bradley report

2009-11-22T21:02:00.003Z

Sainsbury Centre welcomes government plan to implement Bradley report

The Government has issued a comprehensive five-year action plan for improving the support people with mental health problems get in the criminal justice system.

See the full press release by clicking here: http://www.scmh.org.uk/news/2009_welcomes_plan_to_implement_bradley.aspx

Welcome to your Live it Well blog!

2009-11-22T21:02:00.001Z

Welcome to your Live it Well blog!

You can use this blog to keep up to date with the latest information on mental health and wellbeing and to share information with others. You can post anything to the blog that you think will be of interest to others from news links to service updates - just email heather.wells@kent.gov.uk