Last minute events updates

Dear Friends,

While we are getting ready for next week with our monthly meeting on Monday the 20th and the Open Dialogue on Friday the 24th, please find a few other forthcoming events we fondly wish to recommend.
We apologise if we cannot attend them all, including the CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle walk which is happening this morning (to reach organisers at any time call/text 07985 658443) and the clashing event of the RD LAING reading group on Friday!

Sending our best wishes and support to all dedicated groups and individuals that contribute in making positive changes in the mental health field aiming at an ideal safer and healthier world for us all. 

In Solidarity.

I Have a Dream Walk with CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle - Sat 18th April 11.45am – 4pm
Starting point: Tate Modern (outside The Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Ends: Walworth 
The walk will include talks about the campaign to abolish the slave trade, civil rights, the state of the NHS, homelessness, and will end at the Aylesbury Estate with a talk about the current housing crisis.  CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle is a guided, stigma-busting cultural walk, designed to encourage mental and physical wellbeing, through art, exercise, humour and history.  The walk is suitable for all levels of walking and is accessible to wheelchair users and people with disabilities. Join us for as long or as little as you like.  The walk leaders wear orange high-viz vests and rucksacks. Call CoolTan Arts on 07985 658443 if you cannot find the walking group on the day.

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YOUR SAY YOUR DAY -  Parity Esteem - Thursday 23rd April 15, 1.30pm - 5.30pmTalks & Workshops: Martin Bould representing Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)  exploring the mental and physical elements to ‘Parity Of Esteem’ & Antonio Moccia   representing The Love Project exploring the spiritual element of ‘Parity Of Esteem‘.   Get involved in the workshops, for the chance to make suggestions of ways   to improve the way services impact our esteem | Networking | Information
VENUE: Main Hall  Osmani Centre, 58 Underwood Rd, London E1 5AW ON: Thursday 23rd April, 1.30pm - 5.30pm (including hot lunch)
For more information phone: 0207 377 9353 or  email: suip@community-options.org.uk www.community-options.org.uk

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R.D. LAING IN THE 21ST CENTURY Reading Group - Fri 24th April 2015 6.30pm
25 years on from his death, the R.D. Laing Reading Group intends to bring fresh attention and understanding to the ideas of this influential psychiatrist. In the spirit of community and care, through lively, engaging peer discussion, we hope to bring connectivity and challenge to our understanding and experience of what it means to provide or receive support within a mental health context in the 21st century.
24th April 2015  Knots (1970) is a series of poems or dialogues poignantly describing how we bind ourselves within relationships.
Venue: Claremont Project, 24-27 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PD
Time: 6.30pm Cost: By donation. Wine and soft drinks provided.
Contact: Rebecca Greenslade E: rebeccagreenslade@hotmail.co.uk T: 07903 775 646

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The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities Speak - Friday 1^st May 2015 9.30am -4pm ITV studios, London.A few days before the 2015 UK General Election, Navigate Organisation Ltd (a micro business committed to well being for all and truth telling about disadvantage, racism and the need for meaningful effective change) is creating the platform for an innovative dialogue about mental health in and for BAME communities.  This includes identifying how we can help guide the NHS in deploying mental health budgets to responding to BAME service user needs. Our day time event, with breaks and lunch, recognizes that this is a systemic issue closely linked with concerns about racism and the micro-aggressions that impact service providers, communities and those in distress. Register HERE
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 RECOVERY Assistance Dogs for Mental Health
RECOVERY Assistance Dogs for Mental Health help individuals regain independence and wellbeing. The trained dogs are having great success in helping people to recover from Mental Health problems. RECOVERY Dogs give emotional assistance and help people to recover their wellbeing. They are registered support dogs and have an intensive training that helps to protect their owner from: * Anxiety * Loneliness * Panic Attacks ​ The RECOVERY dogs help with: * Social Inclusion * Exercise * Protection
We are raising funds for a Camper Van to train RECOVERY Assistance Dogs for Mental Health and to campaign for Freedom from force and fear. Please support this cause donating in aid of this wonderful initiative http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mental-health-unwrapped

April Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Last week David Kessel, FEEL founder and harbinger of Survivors movements in London, turned 68 and he deserves to have this newsletter dedicated to him.

“Fury”, a poem David read at the meeting of the Survivors History Group in March, can be found below. Attached there is also a photo of David with fellow friend Dr Peter Barham, while visiting the Mary Barnes exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow a few weeks ago and the Schizos Care flyer for those wishing to contact him. More poems and information about David can be found in our BLOG

We wish to congratulate with Nelsy Cristancho for her work and achievement, collecting together her autobiographic example of life struggle and recaptured wellness sharing her website standinguptomadness.wordpress.com

We are two weeks away from the much awaited Open Dialogue approach event on Friday the 24th of April at the Kingsley Hall. We look forward to hear and expand our understanding of the approach and how can Service Users can influence the system when requesting the type of care received.

Would have R D Laing be pleased to be there for our event? We will certainly remember him, specially as we are celebrating the 50th anniversary since his community seeded some ideas in that same building to what is slowly germinating into a variety of opportunities.

Bring your interest and questions for Dr Russell Razzaque (Consultant Psychiatrist, North East London NHS Foundation Trust) and POD (Peer-supported Open Dialogue) Nick Putman (Open Dialogue UK, Soteria) and be prepared to meet some of the Open Dialogue Experts and Training Team from Finland opendialogueapproach.co.uk

Date: Friday 24th April 2015 Time: 7.00 – 9.00 PM (doors open 6.30 PM)
Kingsley Hall, Powis Roads, Bow, London E3 3HJ

Electronic notaking has been arranged for the evening to aid the deaf/hard of hearing audience and we might also have a BSL interpreter.

Our monthly F.E.E.L. meeting will take place on Monday the 20th as usual at LARC, 62, Fieldgate St, E1 Whitechapel, 6.30-8.30pm.

Please find to follow a series of other interesting events to take place soon, while we wish the best of luck to Nick Waller with the launch of the Lifehouse Project next Tuesday the 14th.

Lifehouse Project - Opening Night
Tuesday 14th April 2015 at St Margaret's House 17, Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ
You are kindly invited to the opening of the Lifehouse Project on Tuesday 14th April 2015 at St Margaret's House 17, Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ. The venue is between York Hall and the Gallery Cafe (front building, ring the meeting room (middle) bell).
The Lifehouse Project is a drop-in group for anyone experiencing mental distress. We will be open every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and we hope to operate a 24 hour service in the future.

The Right Honourable Jeremy Corbyn MP has agreed to be a patron and will be attending the opening ceremony.
If you would like further information please do not hesitate to get in contact.

We hope that you will be able to attend the event. Please RSVP Nick Waller on 07926 886 372.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Wishes,
Nick Waller


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NSUN Members' Manifesto

With the general election approaching on the 7th May, NSUN has produced a Members' Manifesto setting out what the next government should do based on what our members have told us. Our manifesto draws on feedback from our AGM (January 2015,) the top ten list of issues identified by members in our annual survey (2013 and 2014,) and responses from members to a direct request asking what should be in NSUN’s manifesto.

Mental health care accounts for only 13% of the NHS budget and despite a growing need for services funding has been cut for three years in a row. There have been many calls for the next government to increase funding for mental health services and promote "parity of esteem" – the legal principle by which mental health is given equal priority to physical health. Investment in mental health services is vital and a theme that runs throughout our manifesto. But we also believe that “parity of esteem” should not simply apply to the equal treatment of conditions but to the equal treatment of people, which means paying attention to their views.

We want to thank everyone who contributed and commented and hope that this will be a powerful tool that supports members to challenge decisions and demand changes to improve services and support.

Read the full MANIFESTO here.

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Sanity, Madness and the Family / Family Life: An Urgent Retrospective

Apr 24, 2015 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM, School of Arts, Gordon Square Cinema, 43 Gordon Square, Birkbeck, University of London. Free entry; booking required

It is just over 50 years since the publication of Sanity, Madness and the Family, R.D. Laing’s and Aaron Esterson’s groundbreaking study of 'schizophrenia' in 11 young women. Birkbeck Research in Aesthetics of Kinship and Community (BRAKC) and the Birkbeck Guilt Working Group have organized a one-day symposium to discuss the lasting impact of that book. Contact name Dr Andrew Asibong
www.bbk.ac.uk/events-calendar/sanity-madness-and-the-family-family-life-an-urgent-retrospective

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The Expert View Micro Festival 7th and 8th of May 2015
Join Bobby and the Daily Life Ltd team for a two-day East London extravaganza exploring ‘expertise’ in arts and mental health, from the perspectives of all involved.

Thursday 7th May: Evening performance double bill at Queen Mary University, London: book
Friday 8th May: The Expert View Symposium Day at Bromley By Bow Centre: book
Friday 8th May: Cabaret evening at Kingsley Hall: book

dailylifeltd.co.uk/the-expert-view-a-micro-festival-save-the-dates/

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The Gandhi Foundation is proud to present

"An Evening with Muriel Lester" Wednesday

13th May 2015, 6 pm
Kingsley Hall, Powis Roads, Bow, London E3 3HJ

PROGRAMME

-6pm Guided tours of Kingsley Hall, Three Bees Cafe, Stalls, BOOKSALES

-7.30pm Distinguished historian Seth Koven will discuss his latest book “The Match Girl and the Heiress”· -8pm Three Bees Cafe, Stalls, BOOKSALES

-8.30pm A rehearsed reading of “Stone Hands”play based on the life of Muriel Lester, by Alexandra Carey

For more information contact: william@gandhifoundation.org or 07910215651

FREE tickets need to be booked via www.eventbrite.co.uk/muriellesterevening

Donations welcome on the evening.

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52ND MAUDSLEY DEBATE 13 May 2015
Does long-term use of psychiatric medications cause more harm than good?

The Maudsley Debates take place three times a year at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience in Denmark Hill, London.

Topics generally focus on issues that have a direct impact on mental health services, service users and mental health professionals.

These interactive, popular and exciting debates attract well known speakers and are attended by service users, carers, professionals, journalists and members of the public. The debates are free but booking is essential.

Find out more about the next Maudsley Debate www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/news/special-events/maudsley-debates/index.aspx

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ECT protest press release

Activists Launch a Worldwide Call to Action to Stop Psychiatric Electroshock - Electroconvulsive Therapy – ECT.

A worldwide campaign kicks off on Saturday 16th May against psychiatric electroshock. This campaign was started by Debra Schwartzkopff in Oregon US.

List of protests can be found here: ectjustice.com/protest.php

Blog about the protest from Ted Chabasinski who was given a course of electroshock when he was 6 years old www.madinamerica.com/2015/04/ect-day-protest-progress-report-time-take-leadership/

Peter R Breggin MD says:
‘ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) involves the application of two electrodes to the head to pass electricity through the brain with the goal of causing an intense seizure or convulsion. The process always damages the brain, resulting each time in a temporary coma and often a flat-lining of the brain waves, which is a sign of impending brain death. After one, two or three ECTs, the trauma causes typical symptoms of severe head trauma or injury including headache, nausea, memory loss, disorientation, confusion, impaired judgement, loss of personality, and emotional instability. These harmful effects worsen and some become permanent as routine treatment progresses.’

WHO: ‘Speak Out Against Psychiatry’
WHAT: Worldwide protest against the use of Psychiatric Electroshock
WHEN: Saturday 16th May 2015, 2pm – 6pm
WHERE: London protest – The Houses of Parliament (Old Palace Yard - behind Westminster Abbey) London SW1P 3JY
NOTES: ‘Speak Out Against Psychiatry’ are a campaign group, started in July 2011, that believes psychiatry does more harm than good.

Website: speakoutagainstpsychiatry.org/
Email: speakoutagainstpsychiatry@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/speakoutagainstpsychiatry/

Twitter: @soapgroup

Part of www.networkagainstpsychiatricassault.org/

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The London Launch of Bonnie Burstow's book 'Psychiatry and the Business of Madness'

12th June 2015, Palgrave Macmillan, The Stables Building, 2 Trematon Walk (near Kings Cross Station), London, N1 9FN

‘The most hard-hitting and comprehensive critique of institutional psychiatry that has come out in decades’.
You will not be allowed to enter if you are not on the confirmed guest list so please RSVP to lauren8spring@gmail.com

Please forward to interested parties. Thanks.

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Westminster Health Forum Keynote Seminar
Thursday, 9th July 2015 Central London

Next steps for public health and Health and Wellbeing Boards: priorities, funding and integration with Robert White, Director, Health Value for Money Audit, National Audit Office; Abdul Razzaq, Director of Public Health, Trafford Council and Chair, North West Directors of Public Health; Professor Rosalind Smyth, Director, Institute of Child Health, University College London and Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer’s Society and Dr Jessica Allen, UCL Institute of Health Equity; Lara Carmona, Rethink Mental Illness; Steve Ford, Parkinson’s UK; Andrew Forth, Royal Institute of British Architects; Scott Matthewman, Barnsley Council; John Nawrockyi, Bracknell Forest Council; Dr Josephine Sauvage, Islington Clinical Commissioning Group and Robbie Turner, Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire

Chaired by:
Baroness Gould of Potternewton and Rt Hon the Baroness Jay of Paddington
This event is CPD certified Our Website | Book Online | Live Agenda

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Fury

There was a time when I was young
when I first learnt to face the sun

Grew in me a burning sight
bitter and lonely as the night

Held a girl in sweet embrace
and made her memory my life

Suffered patriarch's contempt
futility split my mind

Bore a son upon my back
and his sorrow broke my heart

Came to love London streets
and hummed an anarchist's lament

At heart-rending Peckham Rye
ask What, How and Why?

The kingdom of the dead
or living commonwealth?

David Kessel (Aldgate 2013)

March Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we are approaching our March meeting, on Monday the 16th at LARC 6.30-8.30pm, we would like to announce a forthcoming event we are planning for Friday the 24th of April 7-9pm, on the theme of the Open Dialogue approach. Certainly there is a lot to talk at our meeting and learn about it.

We now have received confirmation from Dr Nick Putman to be a guest speaker together with several members of his training team, as they will be happy to give us an introduction of the approach and answer audience questions in regards.
Full details will follow soon.

An initial Open Dialogue pilot in Britain has just completed the first year of training and this week the first national conference on the subject took place in London reporting on first impressions. Feedback of the event can be read here

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The RCP have put out a call for evidence on the status of inpatient psychiatric care in England and alternative options and it is likely this will become an election issue (the Shadow Minister for Health was asking questions in Parliament on Friday about the lack of beds in CAMHS). There is an opportunity here for those with experience of inpatient wards to write in about the urgent need to ensure people can have access to a safe, healing, therapeutic space if they ever need it. It’s a real opportunity for Soteria and Survivor Led Crisis Services to be raised. So, please consider submitting evidence to this (evidence is being submitted between 4 Feb and 18 March). More details rcpsych.ac.uk/policyandparliamentary/commission.aspx

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Some of you might remember the proposal to have a friendly and accessible after-hours drop-in centre for people in mental health distress. While the project is still being worked on The Lifehouse was launched this month and it will now meet every Tuesdays 6.00-8.00 in the Three Bees Café at Kingsley Hall, Bow.

The Lifehouse is meant to be meeting a place for anyone suffering mental distress or acting as a carer; an anti-discriminatory open forum that encourages respect and sharing in a non-judgemental environment, where community and inclusion have long been practised. The Lifehouse is a peer group of user led participants, seeking and offering mutual support in a friendly and informal atmosphere. There is no charge to attend and meals and refreshments can be purchased at the reasonably priced cafe; contributions toward the meeting room are welcome. Kingsley Hall, Bow. http://osm.org/go/euu64iZMt Underground, Bromley by Bow; DLR, Bow Church; buses, Bow Church and other local stops. For enquiries contact Nick on 07926886372

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In the main time Eastbeat has been running regularly every first Tuesday of the month for over one year now, offering fine musicians and poets performances at our esteemed Kingsley Hall, Bow. This month a wonderful banner was created by David Amery dedicated to Mary Barnes and her fabulous choice of colours, to celebrate the current exhibition of her works at the Nunnery Gallery. A photo attached portraits the wonderful trumpeter Marcello Patruno, while Jazzman John Clarke, the compère in residence, has promised an ever richer bill for the next event on 7th of April 7-9pm, right after Easter.

There are still another couple of weeks left to visit the energising Mary Barnes show. For those unable to do this due to distance or disabilities, we'd like to thank Andrew Roberts and Dina Ibrahim for the comprehensive review they have put together and shared with us studymore.org.uk/marybarn.pdf
studymore.org.uk/marybarn.htm#BrisBarn

Mary Barnes will also be one of the discussion topics at the next Survivors History Group London meeting on Wednesday 25.3.2015 from 1pm to 5pm at Together, 12 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BE

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A new Channel 4 documentary about Bipolar Disorder, by Psychotherapist Philippa Perry, is available to be watched online for a few more weeks. Limiting to the very different experiences of three diverse patients, the documentary shows among other things the distinct symptoms that people might experience, compressed under a single limiting label. Once again it can be perceived how the necessity to treat and help each individual with delicate consideration is paramount to the beneficial results achieved www.channel4.com/programmes/being-bipolar

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Have you seen the SMILEY TEARY BADGE yet? The "ONLY US" campaign is being launched soon in order to sensity people on Mental Health Awareness Week which starts on Monday May 11th. This aims at breaking the stigma that separates the ill from the well. The leaflet attached says:

"There's "them" — and then there's "us". They are mentally ill and dangerous We are well, happy and safe"
Is this really true? Or is the uncomfortable truth that there's a continuum, a scale along which we all slide back and forth during our lives, sometimes happy, occasionally depressed or very anxious; mostly well balanced but with moody moments; usually in touch with reality, but at times detached or even psychotic. When we separate ourselves and imagine humanity divided into two different groups, we hurt those labelled as sick, ill, even mad. We allow stigma, prejudice and exclusion to ruin potentially good and creative lives. But we also hurt ourselves, because we stress ourselves out with false smiles and the suppression of our own vulnerabilities. Don't be afraid of your vulnerability, your sensitivity, your mad side. Be bold, and, if you've ever had your own experience of some kind of mental health issue, whether or not you were diagnosed....... get yourself the SMILEY TEARY BADGE

There is no them and us THERE'S ONLY US
- Order the badge at www.buttonbadges.co.uk — 20 badges for £10 (Just quote 'SMILEY TEARY BADGE' (you don't need to send them the image)
- Give the badges to your friends. Keep one for yourself. Think about the implications.
- Monday May 11th (the start of Mental Health Awareness Week) put on your badge. Wear it all week. Find other badge-wearers. And talk to each other. We all have something in common. They are ONLY US

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This Sunday the 15th we are invited to the "FIRST ANNUAL CONTINUITY MAD PRIDE PUNK TEA DANCE - A MATINEE" at The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Road, London N1

The show will launch the new compilation CD CONTINUITY MAD PRIDE featuring live performances by THE CERAMIC HOBS, HYSTERIA WARD and JOWE HEAD and 13 more bands, and all paying guests will be given a free copy. Advance tickets £6

Looking forward to see many of you at our monthly meeting on Monday as the discussions promise to be of great interest. Talking stick rule will be enforced and 10p penalties will be applied to those that fail to comply ;)

Open Dialogue Approach

The first national conference on Peer Open Dialogue unfolded with great enthusiasm this week in central London. Attended by a diverse audience of mental health professionals and clients, hosted by Dr Russell Razzaque, together with a large number of contribuitors, trainees and supporters, to share the progress of the first pilot Dr Razzaque (Consultant Psychiatrist, North East London Foundation Trust) started one year ago with the NELFT and three other trusts around the country.

Dr Razzaque appeared to be a kind and gentle man while conducting the conference and when I have had the chance to approach him for a few words during the lunch break. He is probably the ideal consultant a person in distress would like to be seen by, when receiving care.

Some of the mentioned core values of the Open Dialogue (OD) were unconditional warmth, openness and authenticity. It was mentioned the importance of being fully "present", for both patients and professionals, and mindfulness has been quoted several times. Being humane and compassionate seem to be the core of delivering an effective service, working toward constructive communication and connect families and networks around the people in distress to heal together efficiently.

The question here is to see how many consultants are actually prepared to drop their domineering roles and masks, in order to stand at the same ground as their clients. Often the conflict between doctor and patient, considered part of an illness, is not even merely a personality clash, but rather a matter of traumatised professionals attempting to help traumatised patients, when themselves need to heal and change first.

Relationship skills and the promotion of dialogue seem to be the key points for this healing process to work, rather than the knowledge of prescribing cocktails of often severely damaging drugs. Althought elimination of drugs should always be a discretion of communal decision between patients and doctors and in accordance to individual cases, the reduction of them seems a positively considered option by many OD promoters.

According to some of the speakers at the conference, with the introduction of this approach the Psychiatric system is now sorted. Brilliant, everyone would say. However for some "getting people out of benefits" seemed to be the priority of this approach, while I have not heard about examples of working with people with complex disabilities and severe chronic health conditions that might require constant ongoing support.

"The Open Dialogue approach is both a philosophical/theoretical approach to people experiencing a mental health crisis and their families/networks, and a system of care, developed in Western Lapland, Finland, over the last 25-30 years. Remarkably, Open Dialogue is not an alternative to standard psychiatric services; it is the psychiatric service in Western Lapland." www.opendialogueapproach.co.uk

Lapland is the home of about 3.4% of Finland's population, it extends on about one third of the total national territory and is by far the least densely populated area in the country, according to Wikipedia. Finland also seems to have one of the world's most extensive welfare systems, that guarantees decent living conditions for all residents, also according to Wikipedia.

Wondering how the system will adapt in different situations and realities where housing and services for specific needs are the issues affecting the mental health of the entire population, not just some individuals. But we are aware that nothing fixes ALL and we hold the hope that surely this is a gentle way forward much needed for many people using and offering the services.

We are now pleased to announce that both Dr Russell Razzaque and Nick Putman (Consultant Psychotherapist, Open Dialogue UK, Soteria) have accepted our invite: both will give a presentation and answer questions around the Open Dialogue approach, together with a few other members of the UK training team, at our next FEEL event on Friday the 24th of April, 7-9pm, at the historic Kingsley Hall, Bow. More details will follow soon.

In Solidarity

February Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We hope you have been keeping warm in what seem to be the coldest days of the year. Yet we have had a lovely bright sunshine today and Spring seems around the corner.

While reminding you about our next monthly FEEL meeting, taking place on Monday the 16th of February at LARC, please find a listing of interesting upcoming events.

The Mary Barnes exhibition at the Bow Arts Nunnery Gallery is resulting a valuable time for introspection not only for art lovers, but also for the local residents and the mental health communities near and far.

A walk from the Nunnery to Kingsley Hall is planned for tomorrow Saturday, February 7, starts at 2pm - 3:30pm. You might get your ticket here or just turn up.

We are also fervently looking forward the talk/interview on Tuesday 24 February 7-9pm featuring psychiatrist and personal friend Dr Joseph Berke (Boo-Bah), director David Edgar and actress Patti Love, about the life and works of Mary Barnes herself. Some tickets still available here. The event will be supported by live captions for the hearing impaired by Stagetext.
Address: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ

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Melancholy and Raving, a new quarterly mental health variety show is also taking place tomorrow Sat 7 Feb 7.30-10.30pm. Created and performed by people with lived mental health distress, will offer music, comedy and stand ups. MC Kym Being. Free entry and BYO. Leaflet attached to forward on to anyone that might be interested. Please note that the venue has two floors and there is no lift.

Address: The Pullens Centre, 184 Crampton Street, London SE17 3LL

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The Dragon Cafe will be celebrating their 100th on Monday on the 9th of February from 12 to 8.30 pm.

Special guests for the day will be Lord Victor, Bobby Baker & Maiuko. Also launching the DRAGONCAFE100 campaign to raise funds to keep the cafe running.

Address: The Crypt of St George the Martyr Church, Borough High St, SE1 1JA

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The Annual Plan Consultations for the The East London NHS Foundation Trust are being held this month:

NEWHAM Monday 9 February 2015 1:30pm - 4pm Circus 2 Stratford Circus Theatre Square E15 1BX

TOWER HAMLETS Monday 16 February 2015 1:30pm - 4pm Toynbee Hall (Lecture Hall) 28 Commercial Street E1 6LS

HACKNEY & CITY OF LONDON Wednesday 18 February 2015 1:30pm - 4pm Lecture Theatre St Joseph’s Hospice Education & Conference Centre, Mare Street E8 4SA

Trust Wide Annual Plan Meeting is planned for Tuesday 3 March 2015 5pm – 7pm Toynbee Hall (Lecture Hall) 28 Commercial Street E1 6LS Pose questions to Trust Directors about services and find out what local people want the Trust to focus on over the next year. www.eastlondon.nhs.uk/News-Events/Events/Events.aspx

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4Pi national involvement standards

The 4Pi National Involvement Standards have formally launched at the NSUN AGM 29 January. The next stage of the work is to look at identifying indicators for involvement based on 4Pi. You can read more here and find out how to share your views.

Support 4Pi We are asking organisations to support the standards and help to ensure effective involvement that leads to real improvement in our experiences of services and support.

If your organisation wants to find out how you can support the standards then please visit the website and download the Statement of Intent.

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Human Rights & Mental Health learning event

Would you like to learn more about human rights and how they can be used to improve mental health services?
NSUN have partnered with BIHR (the British Institute of Human Rights) on a new project looking at how human rights can help ensure people using mental health services are treated with dignity and respect. The project is called 'Care and Support: A Human Rights Approach to Advocacy'. NSUN and BIHR are pleased to invite you to attend a learning event on 12 February, 2-4pm about human rights and mental health. Please email or telephone 020 7820 8982 to book a place. There are other events being held around the country. Read more here.

This learning session will look at:
What are human rights?
How are our rights protected in law in the UK?
Key rights for mental health service users
How can human rights be used to challenge poor practice?

Address: The King's Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN

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Sanctions and mental health: a call for testimonies

Jessica Bell is making a Channel 4 Dispatches about benefit sanctions. Dispatches: The Truth About Benefit Sanctions will explore whether sanctions are being fairly, transparently and proportionately used to make sure claimants are doing all the things they can reasonably do each week to find work or improve their chances of getting work. Jessica is looking for case studies of people who are willing to tell their story about their experience of sanctions. She is particularly keen to hear from Jobseekers and/ or disabled people who feel they have been unfairly sanctioned and from people who feel that their mental health has been severely impacted by a sanction. All information will treated in the strictest confidentiality and with the greatest sensitivity.

Telephone 0161 832 2007 or email

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The Hearing Voices Network is hosting a one day event ‘Time for (Real) Change? Is it time for a revolution in mental health and society?’ on Mondya 20 April 9.30am- 5pm, to bring together people and organisations who also seek change. This includes organisations that focus on human rights and social change, as well as those of us who’s remit is more closely linked to mental health. We are hoping that the day will explore what changes need to happen and - importantly - what can we do differently to make it happen.

To book places at the conference, see: www.hvn-time.eventbrite.co.uk
www.hearing-voices.org | info@hearing-voices.org

Address: Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 25 New Inn Yard London EC2A 3EA

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Following the consultation that took place over last summer, the revised Code of Practice: Mental Health Act (1983) has been published in Parliament in January. Subject to parliamentary approval, it will come into force on 1 April 15. The revised Code aims to provide stronger protection for patients and clarify roles, rights and responsibilities. This includes: involving the patient and where appropriate, their families and carers in discussions about the patient’s care at every stage providing personalised care minimising the use of inappropriate blanket restrictions, restrictive interventions and the use of police cells as places of safety.

The main changes to the code include: 5 new guiding principles new chapters on care planning, human rights, equality and health inequalities consideration of when to use the Mental Health Act and when to use the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and information to support victims new sections on physical health care, blanket restrictions, duties to support patients with dementia and immigration detainees significantly updated chapters on the appropriate use of restrictive interventions, particularly seclusion and long-term segregation, police powers and places of safety
further guidance on how to support children and young people, those with a learning disability or autism.

The news story can be viewed here:
www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mental-health-act-code-of-practice

Please see the link to the revised Code here
www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-mental-health-act-1983


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A mental health Survivors movement of "Un-recovered" that opposes the Recovery model has been operating online under the name of "Recovery In The Bin". A new document was released today with 18 Key Principles adopted by the group members
Recovery In The Bin 18 Key Principles, agreed and adopted by group members on 6th February 2015.

* We oppose the ways in which the concept of 'recovery' has been colonised by mental health services, commissioners and policy makers.

* We believe the growing development of this form of the ‘Recovery Model’ is a symptom of neoliberalism, and capitalism is the crisis! Many of us will never be able to 'recover' living under these intolerable social and economic conditions, due to the effects of social and economic circumstances such as poor housing, poverty, stigma, racism, sexism, unreasonable work expectations, and countless other barriers.

* We believe "UnRecovered" is a valid and legitimate self-definition, and we emphasise its political and social contrast to “Recovered”. This doesn't mean we want to remain 'unwell' or 'ill', but that we reject the new neoliberal intrusion on the word ‘recovery’ that has been redefined, and taken over by market forces, humiliating treatment techniques and atomising outcome measurements.

* We are critical of tools such as "Recovery Stars" as a means of measuring ‘progress’ as they represent a narrow & judgemental view of wellness and self-definition . We do not believe outcome measures are a helpful way to steer policy, techniques or services towards helping people cope with mental distress.

* We believe that mental health services are using 'recovery' ideology to mask greater coercion. For example, the claim that Community Treatment Orders are imposed as a "step towards recovery".

* We demand that no one is put under unnecessary pressure or unreasonable expectations to 'recover' by mental health services. For example, being discharged too soon or being pushed into inappropriate employment.

* We object to therapeutic techniques like ‘mindfulness’ and “positive thinking” being used to pacify patients and stifle collective dissent.

* We propose to spread awareness of how neoliberalism and market forces shape the way mental health 'recovery' is planned and delivered by services, including those within the voluntary sector.

* We want a robust 'Social Model of Madness', from the left of politics, placing mental health within the context of the wider class struggle. We know from experience and evidence that capitalism and social inequality can be bad for your mental health!

* We demand an immediate halt to the erosion of the welfare state, an end to benefits cuts, delays and sanctions, and the abolishment of 'Work Capability Assessments' & ‘Workfare’, which are both unfit for purpose. As a consequence of austerity, people are killing themselves, and policy-makers must be held to account.

* We want genuine non-medicalised alternatives, like Open Dialogue and Soteria type houses to be given far greater credence, and sufficient funding, in order to be planned & delivered effectively. (No half measures, redistribution of resources from traditional MH services if necessary).

* We demand the immediate fair redistribution of the country’s wealth, and that all capital for military/nuclear purposes is redirected to progressive User-Led Community/Social Care mental health services.

* We need a broader range of Survivor narratives to be recognised, honoured, respected and promoted that include an understanding of the difficulties and struggles that people face every day when unable to ‘recover’, not just ‘successful recovery’ type stories.

* We oppose how ‘Peer Support Workers’ are now expected to have acceptable ‘recovery stories’ that entail gratuitous self-exploration, and versions of ‘successful recovery’ fulfilling expectations, yet no such job requirements are expected of other workers in the mental health sector.

* We refuse to feel compelled to tell our ‘stories’, in order to be validated, whether as Peer Support Workers, Activists, Campaigners and/or Academics. We believe being made to feel like you have to tell your ‘story’ to justify your experience is a form of disempowerment, under the guise of empowerment.

* We are opposed to “Recovery Colleges” and their establishment, as a cheap alternative to more effective services. Their course contents fall short of being ‘evidence based’, and fail to lead to academic accreditation, recognised by employers.

* We want a robust 'Social Model of Madness', from the left of politics, placing mental health within the context of the wider class struggle. We know from experience and evidence that capitalism and social inequality can be bad for your mental health!

* We demand an immediate halt to the erosion of the welfare state, an end to benefits cuts, delays and sanctions, and the abolishment of 'Work Capability Assessments' & ‘Workfare’, which are both unfit for purpose. As a consequence of austerity, people are killing themselves, and policy-makers must be held to account.

* We want genuine non-medicalised alternatives, like Open Dialogue and Soteria type houses to be given far greater credence, and sufficient funding, in order to be planned & delivered effectively. (No half measures, redistribution of resources from traditional MH services if necessary).

* We demand the immediate fair redistribution of the country’s wealth, and that all capital for military/nuclear purposes is redirected to progressive User-Led Community/Social Care mental health services.

* We need a broader range of Survivor narratives to be recognised, honoured, respected and promoted that include an understanding of the difficulties and struggles that people face every day when unable to ‘recover’, not just ‘successful recovery’ type stories.

* We oppose how ‘Peer Support Workers’ are now expected to have acceptable ‘recovery stories’ that entail gratuitous self-exploration, and versions of ‘successful recovery’ fulfilling expectations, yet no such job requirements are expected of other workers in the mental health sector.

* We refuse to feel compelled to tell our ‘stories’, in order to be validated, whether as Peer Support Workers, Activists, Campaigners and/or Academics. We believe being made to feel like you have to tell your ‘story’ to justify your experience is a form of disempowerment, under the guise of empowerment.

* We are opposed to “Recovery Colleges” and their establishment, as a cheap alternative to more effective services. Their course contents fall short of being ‘evidence based’, and fail to lead to academic accreditation, recognised by employers.

January Newsletter

Dear Friends

We hope you have had a good holiday season and have started the New Year in good health, happiness and peace of mind.

Personally not a big fan of the Christmas period, to celebrate that all the frenzy is over I wish to share Dolly Sen's "Madvent Calendar" for those that have not seen it yet.

It can be found in her blog, within the DAO website.
Next Monday the 19th we are returning to LARC for our first FEEL meeting of the year. Please join us between 6.30-8.30 pm at the LARC Centre 62, Fieldgate Street. Whitechapel E1 1ES, 6.30-8.30pm.

2015 is already buzzing with a rich programme of events and we wish you'll participate in contributing while shaping it.

Find to follow a list of forthcoming events:

Last night the much attended Mary Barnes exhibition opened at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow. A very kind and humorous Joe Berke offered a few recounts of those shared days back in the '60s, at Laing's community at the Kingsley Hall.

Dr Berke and playwright David Edgar will be back for "In Conversation: Mary Barnes" on Tuesday the 24th of February to discuss life and works of Mary Barnes. Tickets are limited and can be purchased HERE

The exhibition runs up to the 29th of March at the The Nunnery, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ


The first Recovery College in Tower Hamlets was also launched yesterday.
Look Ahead Toward Recovery Project will be delivering a series of 10 open learning sessions (FREE).

The sessions developed collaboratively between service users and professionals will focus on coping strategies and self-management, in an environment in which everybody can learn & share their experiences together as equals.

Look Ahead Recovery Centre is located at 53a Barnsley St, London E1 5RB

For more information email or telephone 07522051124 Ross Robinson.

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BOOK TALK
'Capitalism is Bad for Your Mental Health' with Robert Dellar, Alistair Kemp, and the Association of Musical Marxists
Date: Wednesday 21st January, 7pm
Venue: Housmans Radical Booksellers 5 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX London

Entry £3, redeemable against any purchase

Robert Dellar's Splitting in Two: Mad Pride and Punk Rock Oblivion, a book of memories and fantasy by one of the founders of Mad Pride has opened the door on a new kind of politics. Being published by Unkant, publishing wing of the Association of Musical Marxists - a group set up by rebel SWP members - is a sign of the left's regroupment, since Mad Pride was heavily associated with Hackney anarchism.

The AMM persuaded Dellar to read Psycho-Politics by Peter Sedgwick, doyen of the early, libertarian SWP, and this meeting will allow Dellar to talk about what he found. We have invited Alastair Kemp, editor of The Newhaven Journeyman ("where music, politics and madness meet") to speak as well. There will also be musical interludes by the AMM All Stars. This will be an unusual night of genuinely unpredictable conversation and laughs. ammarxists.org/ben-watson-sedgwick-psycho-politics-and-poiesis-via-daleks-dialectics-and-the-swp/

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West London Mental Health NHS Trust are holding a co-produced Conference:
Shared Decision Making in Medication - Evidence, Efficacy and Alternative Paradigms

Date: 28 January, 9am - 5:30pm
Venue: Double Tree Hilton, 2-8 Hanger Lane, Ealing, London, W5 3HN
Question Time style debate with:
Dr Pat Bracken
Dr Joanna Moncrieff
Dr Michael Maier
Prof David Taylor
Prof Mike Slade
Dr Suman Fernando
Dr Florian Birkmayer
Eleanor Longden
Pete Bullimore
Hosted by Lord Nigel Crisp
To book a place please email alma.hector@wlmht.nhs.uk

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NSUN (National Survivors User Network) are having their annual general meeting and Members event
Date: 29th January, 10 am -5.30 pm
Venue: Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn
Places are limited and need to be book in advance here.

"We want to look at the future of mental health from the direct lived experience - no organisational agenda! It will also provide an important opportunity for members to have direct input into how they want the network to progress and develop".

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“Spirituality and Hearing Voices”
Date: 12th February 2015, 2 pm -4 pm
Venue: Essex Unitarian Church, 112 Palace Gardens Terrace, London, W8 4RT
Presenters/Facilitators: Professor Simon Dein & Dolly Sen - Chair: Satyin Taylor

Professor Simon Dein is a consultant psychiatrist with long-standing interests in psychiatry and religion. He holds academic appointments in Durham University, University College London and Goldsmith's College and his research and publications include several books and many academic articles. His recent work includes study of the experiences of Christians hearing G-d's voice. He is in demand as a speaker both nationally and internationally.

Dolly Sen is a writer, artist, film-maker, health consultant and trainer, with lived experience of psychosis, mood disorder and PTSD.

She is an engaging and inspiring speaker: "I have no religion, but I do see voices as the soul's story told in metaphor and that if you take a holistic approach to voices and listen to the soul, it will tell you your road home."

Chaired by Satyin Taylor, NHS mental health professional, member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, founder of the London Group of www.SpiritualCrisisNetwork.org.uk, lived experience of psychosis.
Booking HERE
spiritualitymentalhealth.org.uk/whatson.html

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Obviously sad about what happened in Paris, instead of blaming anyone or any religion I would say that weapons makers are the first to be blamed.

EAST LONDON AGAINST ARMS FAIRS (ELAAF) presents a Musical Protest tomorrow, the 17th of January outside the ExCeL Centre, which threatens to hold another "DSEI" Arms Fair in 2015.

ELAAF Musical Protests aim to raise awareness of the arms trade and campaign for the cancellation of all arms fairs at ExCeL or anywhere else.
More supporters are needed. Just turn up and be welcome, More singers, musicians, also jugglers, dancers, mime artists... Even if you are not musical you will still be welcome.
From Custom House DLR station or Victoria Dock Road just follow the signs to ExCeL. We will be at the end of the walkway just before you get to the entrance to the exhibition centre www.elaaf.org/#events

December Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Another year it's coming to an end and we would like to thank all of you that have helped and supported us, contributing to FEEL's activities throughout the year.
Meetings have been steadily well attended and engaging and we have shared some interesting times during our events.

Our last monthly meeting is next Monday 15th December at LARC 62, Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel E1 1ES, 6.30- 8.30pm. It will be good to hear the feedback after last month 'Sanity for Beginners' event and discuss plans for 2015.

The most recently circulated BPS document "Understanding Psychosis and Schizophrenia" is a sign that changes are in motion in the mental health system and public engagement is crucial in speeding up the process. Read and share the document widely, please. It is brilliant that initiatives as the New Paradigm Alliance and Open Dialogue are taking shape more readily. The first British conference on Peer-supported Open Dialogue is happening in central London, next year. Set for March 11th from 9.30am-5pm, tickets are free and can be reserved here: www.peersopendialogue.com

Recommendation for this weekend is the closing of the Schizo-Culture: Cracks In The Street exhibition at Space Studios with a series of events and discussions 12–14 Dec 2014 SPACE, 129–131 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 3RH

To conclude we leave you to enjoy the latest beautifully edited copy of the Survivors Poetry Express Newsletter wishing you a safe, relaxed and sober season.

Best wishes & Happy 2015!