April 2008 Newsletter
Last month we said that Spring was on its way. Well, now it is really here. The daffodils are in their full glory and the trees are in bud, lambs are in the fields and there is an air of new beginnings and rebirth.
SPN AGM
Spring applies to SPN too as we are working hard to make the changes necessary so that we can achieve funding for a full programme of work in the coming years. So do look at the AGM section and seriously consider if you can help us by standing as an Executive Committee member. You will find it challenging but fun, and a different way to contribute to the understanding of the wider perspectives at play in mental health issues and recovery. In any case, make sure the AGM date of May 15th is in your diary and do try to come as it will be a very important milestone for our future. The meeting will give you an opportunity to be part of this new spring-like beginning. You can book your place online or email us here at SPN.
SPN Questionnaire
Have you completed the members online questionnaire? Please do as it will help us to drive the priorities that you help us to set. There is a draw for a £25 book token from questionnaires received.
Beyond the Smile Study Day
We ran a very successful Study Day in early March, "Beyond the smile: Working together for positive maternal mental health" You can read a report of the day here. This was held in Manchester and was very well attended. The issues of adult mental health and care for children and families being ever more separated by organisational changes has long been a concern for many of our members and SPN's involvement with running the Parental Mental Health and Child Welfare Network is a major contribution to bringing together the many different interests, professions and organisations. The study day considered these boundaries and aimed to link people for future networking as well as gaining a greater understanding of what the problems are and how some people are solving them. The study day report will be available soon, so look out for it as it represents new beginnings in this area of work and the actual relationships forged during the day.
Continuing Recovery Connections
"Recovery involves ongoing work, support through setbacks and recognition of hard work. It's about finding the life I want to live and at my own pace"
Follow this link to read SPN member Alex Williams' thought-provoking piece on recovery. SPN continues to hear mixed experiences and views concerning recovery: its ownership, meaning and interpretation by mental health services and service users.
In December Vicky and Raza took part in a MindThink seminar organised by Mind in association with SPN and UCLAN. The purpose of the seminar was to consider the strengths and limits of current understandings of recovery, and one thing that clearly emerged was that there is a genuine and passionate disagreement about the trajectory and prospects of 'recovery'. The report from this event will shortly be available from Mind via Alison Cobb in the policy department.
Meanwhile in May, there is another conference being organised by Pennine Care NHS Trust and Stockport Council on recovery. The organisers comment on a 'noticeable disparity between the reported experiences of people who use mental health services and the views of the staff who provide them'. Looks like this one will run and run .....
New CPA Guidance
In response to last year's national consultation, Refocusing the Care Programme Approach has been published to support implementation of CPA. SPN will be commenting shortly.
Making CPA work For You; a booklet and summary leaflet for service users and carers is now available, a supporting DVD will also be available from Department of Health from the end of April.
Registration of Care Providers
On 25 March, the DH launched a consultation on the framework for the registration of health and adult social care providers, which will be introduced in April 2010. The consultation seeks views on which services should fall within the scope of registration and the requirements service providers will have to meet in order to be able to provide regulated services. Read more
Social Care Eligibility Criteria Review
CSCI is carrying out a major review of the eligibility criteria that councils use to decide whether or not a person receives help from the council with social care services. The consultation stage of the review will close on the 9 May 2008.
Joint Committee on Human Rights - Report on use of restraint on children and young people in secure training centres
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published a report on use of restraint in young people's secure training centres which is highly critical of the Government's approach to 'Physical Control in Care'. It views the effect of current UK law as sanctioning techniques that involve pain, and that recent changes in response to the deaths of two young people detained in STCs have created more confusion and widened the scope for use of force in an unacceptable manner. It recommends abolition of all distraction techniques (which involve inflicting pain to thumb, ribs or nose) without delay. Full report.
Moving People Service User and Carer Advisory Group nominations now open
Moving People is a groundbreaking and diverse programme of national and local activity, led by Mind, Mental Health Media, and Rethink, that will reduce stigma and discrimination linked to mental health, and improve wellbeing.
We are looking for applicants to be part of the Moving People User and Carer Advisory Group. The advisory group is an integral part of Moving People and will be crucial to ensure that service user and carer views are at the heart of the programme. Group members will work closely with Moving People staff, and act as ambassadors for the programme. One group member will sit and vote on the Moving People Joint Management Group. Members will be paid for their time, with expenses covered, and will be provided with training and development opportunities.
We are looking for a diverse range of applicants from all over England, who have experience of mental health problems or of caring informally for people with mental health problems, and who can commit to regularly attending advisory group meetings.
A flyer can be found online advertising these positions, or more information is available on the Moving People website or by calling 020 8215 2356. Please distribute this flyer to anyone you know who might be interesting in applying.
Where will you be in September? Mental health professionals needed in Sri Lanka by VSO
Imagine helping build the future of mental health in Sri Lanka. Working for 1-2 years together with Sri Lankan colleagues and some of the most marginalised service users in the world. Supporting more to recover, and fulfil their potential as active members of their families and communities. Read more.
Your Say
SPN has added two new sections to the website, the Rollercoaster of Life, and Creative Space. There are some wonderful contributions here, and if you would like to write something or send us a photo of your artwork for publication, please send to Jean Healy, SPN Administrator
Upcoming Events
Find out what's on in your area
Spring
Spring is a happy and creative time for most people so enjoy it, and leave the spring cleaning until another time!
Home | Privacy policy | Terms and conditions | Printer friendly
Site built by Net Efficiency Ltd