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Early Intervention for Psychosis Service Staying Connected Issue 2 | Sept 2015 www.kmpt.nhs.uk Physical and Mental Health Page 2 EIPS Pilot Wildlife Project Page 3 & 4 EIPS Wellbeing Group Page 4 A Message from our Vocational Advisor Page 5 & 6 The Charlton Activity Programme Page 6 Route 1 Sailing Trip Page 7 & 8 Psychiatry Explained Page 9 Books, Films, Television…. Page 10 Q&A, EIPS Artwork Page 11 How to Get Involved, Helpful Contacts Page 12 Welcome to the second issue of the Early Intervention for Psychosis Service (EIPS) newsletter, Staying Connected. The newsletter is edited and published by members of staff in EIPS, Dawn Ayres (Advanced Practitioner in Social Care) and Amy Jones (Assistant Psychologist). The newsletter is co-written by Keturah Paice and Serena Christie (Volunteer Editors and current service users of EIPS). We aim to include different perspectives throughout the newsletter, including articles written by various members of the multidisciplinary team, as well as quotes and articles from service users and carers. What will the newsletter include? The newsletter aims to provide useful and interesting information to service users and carers of EIPS. In EIPS we are keen to promote ways in which service users can improve not only their mental health, but also their overall wellbeing. As such, in this month’s issue we hope to introduce a range of ways in which you can look after your physical health, mental health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This issue includes articles from our Wellbeing Nurse and Vocational Advisor, and gives information about some of the initiatives running in the team designed to promote wellbeing. How you can get involved We are keen for as many service users and carers to be involved in the production of this newsletter as possible. If you have any ideas for articles to be included in future editions, or are interested in writing an article, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to be contacted about providing your opinion on topical issues, again, please let us know. Contact us: West Kent EIPS Canada House Barnsole Road Gillingham Kent ME7 4JL 01634 854 547 East Kent EIPS St Martin’s Hospital Canterbury Kent CT1 1AZ 01227 812 390

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Page 1: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Early Intervention for Psychosis Service

Staying Connected

Issue 2 | Sept 2015

www.kmpt.nhs.uk

Physical and Mental Health Page 2

EIPS Pilot Wildlife Project Page 3 & 4

EIPS Wellbeing Group Page 4

A Message from our Vocational Advisor Page 5 & 6

The Charlton Activity Programme Page 6

Route 1 Sailing Trip Page 7 & 8

Psychiatry Explained Page 9

Books, Films, Television…. Page 10

Q&A, EIPS Artwork Page 11

How to Get Involved, Helpful Contacts Page 12

Welcome to the second issue of the Early

Intervention for Psychosis Service (EIPS)

newsletter, Staying Connected.

The newsletter is edited and published by

members of staff in EIPS, Dawn Ayres

(Advanced Practitioner in Social Care) and

Amy Jones (Assistant Psychologist). The

newsletter is co-written by Keturah Paice

and Serena Christie (Volunteer Editors and

current service users of EIPS). We aim to

include different perspectives throughout

the newsletter, including articles written by

various members of the multidisciplinary

team, as well as quotes and articles from

service users and carers.

What will the newsletter include?

The newsletter aims to provide useful and

interesting information to service users and

carers of EIPS. In EIPS we are keen to

promote ways in which service users can

improve not only their mental health, but

also their overall wellbeing. As such, in this

month’s issue we hope to introduce a range

of ways in which you can look after your

physical health, mental health and maintain

a healthy lifestyle. This issue includes articles

from our Wellbeing Nurse and Vocational

Advisor, and gives information about some

of the initiatives running in the team

designed to promote wellbeing.

How you can get involved

We are keen for as many service users and

carers to be involved in the production of

this newsletter as possible. If you have any

ideas for articles to be included in future

editions, or are interested in writing an

article, we would like to hear from you. If

you would like to be contacted about

providing your opinion on topical issues,

again, please let us know.

Contact us:

West Kent EIPS

Canada House

Barnsole Road

Gillingham

Kent ME7 4JL

01634 854 547

East Kent EIPS

St Martin’s Hospital

Canterbury

Kent CT1 1AZ

01227 812 390

Page 2: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Physical health and mental health go hand in hand.

Keeping in good physical shape is likely to improve

your mental state. Taking a well balanced, nutritious

diet and getting enough exercise is likely to improve

your brain function (cognitive abilities, level of

concentration, memory and mood), as well as your

fitness levels.

I think this makes sense to most of us. However, the

actual “doing” or achieving, say, an increase in time

spent exercising, or losing some weight, can feel like a

huge challenge. As well as working as a Mental Health

Nurse for 30 years, I have a diagnosis of Bipolar 2

Disorder. I have tried numerous combinations of

medication and talking therapies. I’m familiar with

various side effects of medications such as weight gain

and lethargy, also the difficulty with motivation and

energy levels that many mental health problems bring.

So any advice I give, I don’t give lightly. I understand

only too well how hard it can be. Some days just

getting out of bed or off the sofa can seem too much!

Beginning with small, achievable goals can work well

for many. Trying to change your way of life

completely, all at once, may feel overwhelming and

simply “undoable”! Little changes, increased gradually,

may bring success. For example: cutting down the

amount of high fat foods you eat, increasing your

intake of fruit and vegetables (aim for the 5 portions

per day if you think you can, if not, start with 3); try out

a new, healthy recipe once a week; take a brisk 10

minute walk every day.

As we’re all totally unique individuals, we all need to

find our own way, what works best for us. This can

take time; trying to remain open minded and to

consider the wide variety of options could be helpful. I

believe there is a way for all of us to improve our

wellbeing. Also, “don’t knock it till you’ve tried it” as

the saying goes!

As clients and carers you are entitled to a yearly health

check from your GP. All clients of EIPS should receive

a health check as soon as possible after you’ve been

accepted for treatment by our service. This may be

carried out by myself, your care coordinator, your GP,

or younger adult services. Together we aim to assess

and monitor all of our clients’ physical health, along

with their mental health. Through supporting you to

set and achieve realistic goals, we aim to facilitate

clients to improve their overall wellbeing.

The 5 Ways To Wellbeing

“Foresight”, a government think tank, compiled the

“Mental Capital and Wellbeing” report in 2008.

Through their research they produced the 5 Ways to

Wellbeing. These are:

1) Connect: with people, friends, family, community.

2) Be active: step outside, go for a walk, discover an

activity you ENJOY, and that suits your level of

mobility and fitness.

3) Take notice: be curious, notice the changing

seasons, your surroundings, savour the moment,

reflect.

4) Keep learning: widen your knowledge, perspective,

feel more confident, enjoy.

5) Give: do something for someone else, care for the

environment.

Article written by Sandra Simmonds, Wellbeing Nurse in East Kent EIPS.

Page 3: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

EIPS Pilot Wildlife Project

In conjunction with Kent Wildlife Trust I am aiming to

provide some of our clients with an ongoing

opportunity to achieve some or all of the 5 ways to

wellbeing.

Inspiration came when I heard a programme on Radio

4 about the Wiltshire Wildlife Wellbeing project. I

thought, “wow, I’d love to have a project like that in

Kent!” It sounded perfect, a chance for people to

improve their physical and mental health by getting

closer to nature and helping the environment. There is

considerable evidence to show that contact with

nature can help to prevent and reverse poor health

and wellbeing.

Wiltshire’s Wellbeing project is based on the “biophillia

hypothesis” (E.O.Wilson), which suggests that “human

beings are biologically and socially suited to an active

life outdoors in contact with nature”. The Wiltshire

Wellbeing Project is “a nature based recovery

programme supporting people facing mental health

problems. It is a person centred service that uses

outdoor activity in nature as a therapeutic measure to

prevent mental ill health, support mental health

recovery and help local people look after their

physical, mental and emotional wellbeing”. There is an

emphasis on early intervention and prevention and

supporting “mental, physical and emotional wellbeing

by developing healthy lifestyle choices through

engagement in practical nature conservation

activities”. So far their outcomes have been excellent.

(For more info go to

http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/what-we-do/

wellbeingprogramme)

I met with Sue Morris, Head of Volunteering for Kent

Wildlife Trust, and she was as enthusiastic as I was to

have a similar wellbeing project in Kent. Along with a

warden from the wildlife trust, I am now currently

running a small pilot project in woods near

Canterbury. I accompany interested clients to have a

look around, and have a go at joining other volunteers

to carry out various tasks.

Using bow saws, loppers, scythes, rakes and protective

gloves, we have been helping to clear a large area

known as Bigbury Camp. We have helped to reveal

the shape of what was once an ancient hillfort,

thought to have been invaded by Julius Caesar! In

May the area was carpeted in bluebells, to be replaced

by pink foxgloves in June. Clients have often remarked

on how beautiful the sites are and how good it feels

just to be there. They also report enjoying helping with

the work, having a sense of satisfaction and

achievement in being able to see the results of their

efforts.

I’m hoping this is just the beginning of a project that

will follow in the footsteps of the project in Wiltshire

and ultimately cover the whole of Kent.

Being in the woods, doing conservation work, is of

course not everyone’s cup of tea. (Please turn over)

Article written by Sandra Simmonds, Wellbeing Nurse in East Kent EIPS.

Page 4: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Wellbeing Group

A successful Wellbeing Group has recently been introduced in Dartford in West Kent EIPS. The group aims to

provide an overview of all that makes up a healthy lifestyle across eight weekly sessions. Topics covered

include healthy eating, how to make a change, stress management, and exercise and physical activity.

We aim to run the group once or twice a year depending on the number of people who are interested in

attending. If you would like to attend the Wellbeing Group in Dartford, please contact Dionne Ennels on 01634

854 547. If you are interested in attending the group in another area, please let your care coordinator know

and we will try to plan future groups around feedback of preferences and availability.

It is ideal for those who like to explore the outdoors and

their natural environment; those who want to do more

practical things and make a difference.

By coming along to the EIPS pilot project, you have a

chance to gain a new, positive experience. You do

things at your own pace; everyone is encouraged to

take regular breaks and stop when they wish. There is

no “fitness” or other regime; just an opportunity to feel

mentally and physically better, as a “by product” of

taking part in an enjoyable activity with others but

always being in control of your own activity levels.

EIPS Wildlife Pilot Project

The project takes place every Tuesday from 11am to

3pm. Locations so far have included Bigbury Camp,

Hunstead Wood and Thornden Woods. As the season

changes so will the tasks and Friday may become

another day available for us to take part.

If you would like to join us or have any questions,

comments or suggestions, please contact Sandra at

[email protected] or by phone on 01227

812390 or 07538670583. Alternatively you can write to

Sandra at East EIS, ECAO, St.Martins Hospital,

Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, Kent CT11AZ.

References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wwmcc

http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/what-we-do/

wellbeingprogramme

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/naturewellbeingact

“Bibliophilia Hypothesis” edited by Stephen R. Kellert

and E.O.Wilson

http://www.neweconomics.org/issues/entry/well-being

http://resolve.sustainablelifestyles.ac.uk/

http://www.naturalhealthservice.org.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-

30989105

Continued...

Quote of the Day “It always seems impossible until it’s done”.

Nelson Mandela

Page 5: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

A message from our Vocational Advisor...

Working as the Vocational Advisor for the EIPS has

been both challenging and rewarding. The role of the

Vocational Advisor is to support people to return to or

gain work, education or volunteering opportunities.

The Individual Placement Support model guides my

practice and it states that if a person is expressing a

wish to return to work then regardless of what others

may think they are ready to pursue this goal. In

addition, as a qualified Occupational Therapist I also

use the principles of occupational therapy in my work

which state that participation in meaningful activities

helps wellbeing. Research shows that work is beneficial

to health by giving people a sense of identity and

responsibility.

Not everyone is ready to start work immediately so

different options such as volunteering, training or

taking part in the Trust’s Job Taster programme can

be explored. The Job Taster offers a chance for

someone to gain work experience and prepare for

getting paid employment within one of the Trust’s

departments. Unfortunately I do not have jobs that

people can step into but I can support them to create

CVs, use job searches, complete applications and

prepare for interviews. Once they have a job, with their

consent, I can help them to liaise with their employer

to ensure reasonable adjustments are made within the

workplace or hours tailored to their needs.

As many people under EIPS are still in education, I

help them to consider their next options and to

encourage them to think about what they would like

to do in the future and how they can reach that goal.

Their experiences of mental health difficulties may

mean that the route they have intended to take is now

not possible and together we can explore alternative

ways. I strongly believe that there is always a way –

maybe not the one you intended and perhaps you will

be diverted into something unexpected along the way.

Getting Maths and English qualifications is often not

the most exciting prospect for people but it is the key

to most opportunities. SkillsPlus run free Maths and

English courses and unlike what people may have

experienced at school they allow people to work in

their own time in a relaxed environment.

The way I work with each client is tailored to them. We

discuss what they would like to do, what they have

done in the past and how they can ensure that work

aids and does not hinder their recovery. People that I

have supported have gone onto university to study

subjects including Film Studies and Psychology and

others have gained employment in areas including

accountancy, hospitality and retail. Clients have

embarked on college courses or decided that

volunteering is the first step for them. Volunteering

allows you to build confidence and test your abilities

without the pressure of paid employment.

Motivation is the key to recovery and can be elusive!

Job searching can be tedious and my role is to be

there to discuss options, to think of other ideas or to

commiserate and, of course, congratulate.

Lisa Greenhead has worked as a Vocational

Advisor for the West Kent EIPS since qualifying as

an Occupational Therapist. Sadly, she has recently

moved on to work in a new team. The service

recognises her valuable contribution to the team

and have recently appointed a new Vocational

Advisor, Laura Briggs. Before leaving, Lisa wrote

this article giving an insight into her role.

(Please turn over)

Page 6: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

I would urge anyone to start slowly and if

returning to work to think about starting with part

time hours or use volunteering as a way of

building up skills. By building a strong foundation

and measuring how you are coping with the

stresses of commuting, being around people and

managing a workload you can ensure you are

looking after your mental health.

Think of it as a pair of scales with your work on

one side and on the other your wellbeing and

these two need to be balanced. As a Vocational

Advisor I can support you to find opportunities

and to prepare you for them but you are the only

person who can decide to take the first step.

There will be ups and downs and EIPS are there

to help you so be ready to try new things.

Continued….

Job searching tips

The more applications you put the higher your

chances of success!

Relate your application to the job specification.

Don’t be put off if you don’t meet all the criteria – it’s

still worth applying if you can do 80%.

Ask friends and family to let you know about any

vacancies.

Treat job searching as a job – set yourself daily tasks.

Think about how many hours you can work, your

commuting distance, your transport issues, the wage

you expect, the work environment- be realistic!

Question and Answer Question: What is a Care Coordinator and what do they actually do?

Answer: Every individual who receives support from the Early Intervention for Psychosis Service is allocated a

worker, known as a care coordinator, who will work with you to identify your needs and create a care plan. They

are responsible for your care and will be your (and your family’s) first point of contact. The job of the care

coordinator is to make sure each individual gets the package of care that has been decided, and answer any

questions about treatment. Care coordinators may also be able to provide practical, social, psychological and

medical support and advice.

Top websites for jobs and voluntary roles

https://do-it.org/

http://www.indeed.co.uk/

The Charlton Activity Programme

Charlton Athletic Community Trust works in collaboration with KMPT to provide

regular activity programmes for EIPS. Since 2008, these programmes have given

EIPS access to fun and exciting opportunities aimed to promote social inclusion. This

work has been recognised and won the Kent nomination for the Regional “Best of

Health” Awards in 2008 and has been featured on a Department of Health DVD of

best practice.

The recent summer programme has included water sports, tag lazer, indoor curling and trips to Thorpe Park

and Howletts Zoo. If you are interested in attending events, please speak to your care coordinator. Please be

aware that the programme is very popular and therefore spaces are limited. Offers of attendance are based

on need and individuals’ ability to commit to the programme.

Page 7: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Route 1 Sailing Trip

The four day trip took place in Falmouth and across

the Cornish coast, aboard an 85 foot ketch named

“Grace”. Five clients and two members of staff from

EIPS attended – some of us knowing one another,

some meeting for the first time. The trip was organised

by Karl and Terry (well known to many of us in their

roles in the ongoing Charlton Activity Programme)

who were also responsible for driving us the 6 hour

journey from Dartford down to Falmouth in their

minibus. During this trip they became known fondly as

“Terry & June”! All clients had attended a presentation

about the trip prior to deciding to go, but there was

understandably some apprehension and anxiety

around as no one being

sure exactly what to expect.

Once finally on board Grace

we discovered our petite

and bijou accommodation

below decks – tiny cabins containing bunks (not made

for tall people)! Height and space was restricted so we

had to get used to living closely together. Meals were

cooked and eaten together in the small galley and

communal dining area. Showers were taken in a nice

facility at the harbour, but the two toilets on board

(known as “heads”) had to be hand pumped 20 times

each time you went! Very glamorous!

We met the two lovely crew members – the Skipper,

Sim (who fortunately doubled as a chef) and first mate,

Mike. Mike seemed to do most of the hard work and

running around, his sausages weren’t bad either. Mike

was fond of telling stories and bad jokes! (e.g. Why are

pirates called pirates? Because they aaaarrgh!).

Despite there being a

mixture of physical fitness

and ability levels amongst

us, we had to work

together as a group to help sail the boat and get the

most out of the activities. We got to hoist, lower and

fold the sails; correctly tie the many ropes; and helmed

(steered) the boat. Helming was also a great cure for

sea sickness, as one client discovered. We were also

able to fish over the side of Grace, and one client

caught two large mackerel, which were later

barbequed and eaten on the beach. Delicious!

One of the main activities was

“coasteering”. I thought that perhaps

meant helping to steer the boat . . .

but no, something quite different!

After squeezing into wetsuits,

buoyancy aids and helmets, we were led on a long

walk to some rocky coastline. We then proceeded to

climb up, down and around rocks before being invited

to jump into the sea. Quite a scary thought for some,

particularly those who couldn’t swim or feared going

underwater, but the training and instruction we were

given beforehand was very helpful and the support

and encouragement given by each other was even

more so. People jumped in from ever increasing

heights, including those who never before believed

themselves capable of such a thing. Climbing out of

the sea back onto slippery rocks was also no mean

feat for anyone. Swimming into a cave together was

also pretty frightening but fantastic!

(Please turn over)

“Exhilarating,

enjoyable, eventful,

relaxing, sociable”

“Great fun,

confidence

boosting”

“A great experience,

a once in a lifetime

chance”

The Charlton Athletic Activity Programme also

regularly organise sailing trips to Cornwall. In

partnership with the Sea Sanctuary, EIPS service

users are given an opportunity to continue to

challenge themselves and progress their recovery

during a week long sailing and activity trip. Sandra

Simmons, with help from some of the service

users who went to Cornwall in July, tell us more

about their experiences in this article.

Page 8: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Route 1 Sailing Trip continued...

Another major activity was “paddle boarding” (like a

cross between surfing and canoeing). By keeping your

balance you were able to first kneel and then stand on

your board, before paddling yourself around. A great

way to travel, but falling in seemed mandatory to begin

with for most of us! One client who needs to use a

crutch to walk with was particularly pleased and proud

of himself for managing to stand on his board. Being

out in the sea in the natural environment seemed to

bring out the best in people.

We were given good, clear training for all activities and

the instructors stayed with us the whole time. There was

an emphasis on safety and working together which

seemed to enable people to feel safe and secure

enough to push themselves that bit further and to

overcome their fears. As a group there was a great

sense of camaraderie, everyone giving support and

encouragement to each other – a feeling amongst all of

us that “we’re in this together”.

The result of all this was a group of very tired but

happier people who had all achieved so much, whilst

having a lot of fun along the way! Having faced and

overcome many varied challenges everyone involved

reported an improvement in their mood, confidence,

self esteem and feeling of wellbeing. It was a unique and

rewarding experience. As a member of staff who has

now been on this trip twice, I count myself very lucky

indeed.

A very special trip, one from which I imagine the

wonderfully uplifting, positive feelings and memories will

remain for a very long time.

Sea Sanctuary

“Sea Sanctuary” is the only charity of its kind that

provides this type of experience in the UK. Their aim is

“to use the setting of the sea to promote, develop and

maintain sustainable positive mental health and

wellbeing”. For more information see http://

www.seasanctuary.org.uk/

Page 9: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Psychiatry Explained

Care Plan

Psychiatry’s definition: A care plan is an agreement between you and your health professionals to help you

manage your health day to day. It can be a written document or something recorded in your patient notes.1

Service user’s definition: Literally does what it says on the tin! A care plan is usually documented in some way

and is a method, idea or plan to help with management or recovery. They are usually worked out between the

patient and one of the professionals working with them and can be anything that could be considered

helpful.

Trigger

Psychiatry’s definition: Triggers are external events or circumstances that may produce very uncomfortable

emotional or psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, panic, discouragement, despair, or negative self-talk.2

Service user’s definition: This can be anything that could set off - or 'trigger' - a negative feeling, symptom or

other aspect of a mental illness. This could be anything from a word to an activity to a scene on TV. For

example, many people with psychosis might find that a certain word could trigger voices. One of the most

important steps in recovery is working out what your triggers are, and learn how to either avoid or manage

them.

One challenge that many face, as they enter mental health

services, is attempting to understand the clinical language used by

health professionals to describe a range of mental health

problems. Psychiatrists often use descriptions from medical

manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) or

the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which can be

difficult to understand and do not fully explain somebody’s

experiences.

In this newsletter, we include definitions provided by service users

and carers. These definitions are based on their own experiences

of mental health difficulties. Please contact us if there are particular

terms that you would like explained in a different way, or if you

have an alternative way of describing your difficulties,

1. www.nhs.uk/Planners/Yourhealth/Pages/Careplan.aspx

2. https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/triggers/

3. http://health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-p-mono-toc~mental-pubs-p-mono-rel~mental-pubs-p-mono-rel-def

Relapse

Psychiatry’s definition: Returning to a diagnosable state of mental illness i.e. where symptoms have returned

to the point where the threshold has again been reached for diagnosis. Relapse is evident by recontact with

services in the form of another acute episode of illness that requires service intervention, often

hospitalisation.3

Service user’s definition: Relapses are unfortunate, but are often an important step on the road to recovery. A

relapse can occur after somebody experiencing symptoms starts to get better, and then starts to experience

negative symptoms once again. A relapse can be a difficult time, but is a very common situation and will

usually pass and get you back on the road to recovery.

Page 10: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Books, Films, Television….

Henry’s Demons: Living with

Schizophrenia, a Father and Son’s Story by

Patrick and Henry Cockburn

Review written by Jane Hetherington, Psychological

Practitioner, East Kent EIPS

The book is written by father and son, Patrick and

Henry Cockburn. Patrick is an award winning, veteran

war correspondent who spent much of his time in Iraq,

thus he is no stranger to the complexities of the

human condition and the suffering experienced and

inflicted on the individual. Henry (his son) experiences

his first psychotic breakdown in 2002 and his shorter,

concise chapters describe his experiences and his

delusions. It is interesting to compare the experience

of the father and son in their observations of events.

“Henry’s Demons” is of particular interest to those of

us from KMPT as Henry was hospitalised in St Martins,

Canterbury and some of our team had contact with

him. Many of those involved in his care are

recognisable and the vignettes do not always provide

a flattering picture of either the system or the

individuals involved.

Prior to Henry’s first psychotic episode, Patrick had

given little thought to mental illness or, as he admits,

to his family who were mainly brought up by his wife

in his absence. The book includes entries from his

wife’s journals which adds to our understanding, in

particular in relation to Henry’s refusal to comply to a

regime of medication, which he feels attacks his sense

of self and meaning. This is a loving family as there

are strong bonds between the parents and their

children, in spite of their acknowledgement of Henry’s

inability to comprehend the distress his behaviour

unwittingly causes, something they wryly accept.

This book is written mainly through Patrick’s eyes as he

investigates mental illness using his journalistic skills.

He describes what a diagnosis of schizophrenia means

in the current mental health climate, whilst explaining

the history of the condition and how treatment had in

the past been perceived. He also elucidates the

complexities of psychiatric classifications and how this

relates to law and social policy. All this is explained

with a sceptical attitude to current mental health

service provision as he attempts to find a place that

will accommodate and contain his son, whose has an

ability to escape from incarceration with ease in order

to express himself by running naked through the

freezing countryside.

The book ends with a closer understanding between

father and son, whilst appreciating that this

relationship was gained through circumstances neither

would have desired.

In light of the growing coverage of mental health problems in popular culture, we would like to include a book,

film, radio, app or television programme review in each edition of the newsletter. If you have read or seen

something which touched on any issue that you think may be faced by a service user or carer of EIPS, please

contact us—we would love to include your review!

Page 11: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

Art from EIPS

We know there are many talented individuals in EIPS

and we are keen to include art work from anyone

who would like to share their work with a wider

audience. Please contact us if you would like a piece

of your art work published in the next issue of the

newsletter.

This issue’s art work, is provided by Rachel Grace

Perry, who has been working with EIPS for the past

year, and has recently completed a degree in Fine

Arts.

Rachel is holding a solo exhibition of her work on

Tuesday 15th September to Sunday 27th September

2015 10.00am to 4.00pm at Sun Pier House, Sun

Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4HF.

Entitled ‘Botanical vs. Anatomical’, it will include a

collection of drawings, mixed media illustrations and

photography prints. This exhibition is open to

anyone interested in viewing more of Rachel’s work.

The artwork below is named ‘The Tree of Life’ and is

based on a Christian perspective of the tree in the

Garden of Eden described in Genesis in the Bible.

Rachel describes that, “instead of the fruits of the

spirit, growing from the tree are real hearts of various

sizes. These hearts relate to the good we possess in

growth still in the love of the Father. From being

connected to the Him even the rebirth of man and

surrounded by sin cannot perish our pure hearts. The

deeply interlocked roots of the tree denote the

growing relationships formed through various

churches and individuals, nourishing back to the

source”.

Page 12: Staying Connected, Issue 2, September 2015

How to get involved

This newsletter is available online at http://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/services/early-intervention-for-psychosis-service-

west-kent-and-medway/7016 for West Kent and http://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/services/early-intervention-for-

psychosis-service-east-kent/6937 for East Kent.

If you wish to receive the newsletter via email, please contact Megan Buck ([email protected]) if you live

in West Kent or Ruth Jacob ([email protected],uk) if you live in East Kent. We will also produce a small

number of paper copies for those who cannot access the newsletter online.

We welcome any feedback about any of the articles included in this newsletter. If you would like to contribute to

the newsletter, please contact Beccie Newman ([email protected]). We are keen to include articles,

stories or photographs from service users, family and friends, or members of staff.

Helpful Contacts

EIPS is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. There is a

duty worker to take referrals and deal with any urgent

matters, if your care co-ordinator is not able to.

If you need help in a crisis, call your local Crisis Team or

Home Treatment Team.

If you would like to talk to someone outside of mental

health services, or if you would like to access additional

information, please try the following websites and

phone numbers.

Mental Health Matters Helpline

0800 107 0160

[email protected]

A confidential service staffed by highly trained and

experienced Telephone Helpline Workers, offering

emotional support to anyone calling. Ongoing support

is available, and they are also there for carers in need

of support.

Mind Infoline

0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm)

[email protected]

Details of local Minds and other local services, and

Mind’s Legal Advice Line.

Live it Well (including Live it Library)

http://www.liveitwell.org.uk/live-it-library/

An online resource of stories of individuals who have

experienced or are experiencing mental health issues.

Is anyone else like me

http://www.isanyoneelselikeme.org.uk/

A website designed by service users to give information

to young people experiencing psychosis for the first

time. It was developed as part of a research project that

KMPT EIPS was involved in.

Rethink Mental Illness

0300 500 0927

https://www.rethink.org/

Information and support for people with mental health

problems.

Be Mindful

http://bemindful.co.uk/

Information on mindfulness, and details of local

mindfulness courses and therapists.

Carers UK

0808 808 7777

http://www.carersuk.org/

Information and advice for carers.

Hearing Voices Network

0114 271 8210

http://www.hearing-voices.org/

Local support groups for people who hear voices.

NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care

Excellence)

https://www.nice.org.uk/

Evidence-based guidelines on treatments.