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Greetings and salutations to you our

cherished reader and welcome to

the second instalment of ‘On the

Horizon’ for 2015. Anyone keeping

track will be aware that this edition is a little late and we apologise for this.

We would have got you a new edition sooner but my fortune teller advised

against it….honest!

Anyway, we have some great stories and articles for you this issue. How did

the second round of the Big Blue Music Festival go at Cygnet Hospital

Bierley? Did Cygnet Lodge Brighouse pull out a corker with it’s Live Laugh

Lodge laughter day or was it heckled off the stage? Not only that but

Cygnet Hospital Wyke have been getting fit and focused with it’s recent

health promotion day.

This time, we have assuredly packed in a wealth of fun and interesting

things that people across West Yorkshire have been getting involved in.

Don’t’ forget you can submit your own articles for the newsletter too! Just let

Adam know when he sees you on the ward.

Until next time,

Adam Stewart

(Editor, Involvement Co-ordinator)

If there is one thing I love to do more than most things, it is laugh… whether that’s tell

jokes, make eye-rollingly bad puns or just say something witty; I try shoe horn comedy

into every aspect of life, wherever possible. Of course, when appropriate, it would be no

good me making jokes at inappropriate times (christenings, funerals, interviews etc.).

It feels good to laugh and it’s physically

and mentally good for you. Did you know it

stretches muscles, burns calories and gives

you energy. Not only that, but it helps you

to stay focused and concentrate more

whilst relieving tension you might be feeling.

So the next time you see me telling some

terrible jokes, remember that it might be

good to have a chuckle.

With this in mind, working with service users at Cygnet Lodge Brighouse, we devised a

‘laughter fun day’ which became the ‘Live, Laugh, Lodge day. The idea being that

everyone get involved with jokes, funny activities and games to let out some chuckles

and have fun. Taking place during the annual ‘activities week’ at Cygnet Lodge

Brighouse, it was a spot on time to have a fun day whilst the unit was ‘off timetable’ (as

in the standard groups and sessions did not take place in lieu of fun and different

activities).

And so the stage was set for a jape...

So what did we get up to throughout the day? All sorts!!!!!!

The morning started with a session of ‘Laughter Yoga’, a set

of gentle exercises that had a focus on laughing in various

forms to expand your lungs, make you feel at ease and

generally share a laugh with your fellow participants. Not

only that, but we had the ward doctor getting involved

who seemed to have a great time. The day was

interspersed with three rounds of ‘Deal or No Deal’ where I

took up my best Noel Edmunds shirt to host the game,

where service users could win fabulous prizes by coming

away with the best deal. Nicola, the activities co-ordinator

assumed role as banker and was very good in ensuring the

service users were given a run for their money (pun

intended).

The morning was also host to a special ‘open mic’ session where

staff and service users could come tell their best, and indeed their

worst, jokes. There were some very good jokes and everyone

joined in with the later. A special BBQ dinner was provided by the

kitchen to break the day up, before continuing with the fun and

games. Games were very much the order of the day in the after-

noon with service users and staff being challenged to eat a sug-

ary donut without licking their lips, or to eat three crème crackers

in a minute.

The day ended with a Cygnet Lodge fa-

vourite, sponging members of staff. Two

unwilling volunteers in the guise of myself

and Nicola were party to the ‘sponging’

and it certainly brought smiles to people’s

faces.

The ward had been decorated with a

mass of jokes that people could see whilst

walking around and even the placemats

had jokes on them on the tables at meal

times. Staff were also encouraged to

dress up in mismatched or fun clothes,

which was certainly...interesting.

All in all, a fun day had by all, I think.

Here’s to the next one :)

Adam (Involvement Co-ordinator, bad joke teller)

So, in anticipation of the great British summer, Cygnet

Hospital, perhaps slightly too optimistically, planned a

‘party in the paddock’. An event day to get out into the

sunshine, play some sports and have summery themed

snacks and treats.

And without fail, the rain did come. So the party in the

paddock became ‘Party in the Grange’, using the

therapy space available at Cygnet Hospital Wyke.

Hosting the ‘cheesecake competition’ in celebration of

National Cheesecake day, service users from all wards at

Wyke and from Cygnet Lodge Brighouse, came along to

get involved in the social gathering.

Fruit “Cuptails” were available, made from summer fruits

and there were a great selection of fruit juices to go

along with it.

The highlight of the afternoon was the cheesecake

judging competition, with each ward having submitted an entry, it was down to newly appointed head

chef, Danny to make the decision the winning dessert. It was a tough choice but finally it was decided

that Branwell ward took the prize with their colourful and lemon tinted cheesecake. The Lodge, always a

favourite in these events, was a close second with their strawberry and orange classic, missing out on the

£40 prize due to a lack of chill time in the fridge. Though

they did take the runner up prize of £20 to spend on

activities for the ward.

Well done to all involved!

Winning Cheesecake: Branwell Ward

Branwell ward took the prize with this colourful

and fruity cheesecake. With a hint of lemon in

the body of the cheesecake, it was a very

impressive combination of flavours that

impressed the judge who spoke very highly of

the cake. It wasn’t long before there was none

of it left to sample, and it was pretty clear why.

Well done.

Runner up: Cygnet Lodge Brighouse

With a very close second place, came Cygnet

Lodge Brighouse, we entered this very

impressive sized strawberry and orange medley.

What was the one thing that held them from

first place? Danny decided that the Lodge’s

cheesecake had not had enough time to set

leaving the consistency lacking in the main

body. Though everyone was very impressed

with the flavour and especially the base.

Austen Ward

A fiercely competitive edge was evident from

the entry of Austen ward, with activities

co-ordinator Henry schmoozing the judge

wherever he could to put the entry in good

favour. Though it had a good colour scheme

and tasted great, it was not the winning cake

this time, but the service users involved should

be very proud.

Fairfax Ward

Who doesn’t like a chocolate cheesecake?

Especially when it has a Ferrero Rocher and

vice versas on it. The gents on Fairfax ward

entered this cheesecake and was a crowd

favourite for it’s homage to all things

chocolatey. A great addition to the roster of

entries and a potential curveball, making it

difficult for Danny to decide on the winner.

But what does that mean?

It means that from Monday 4th January 2016 at Cygnet Hospital Wyke and Cygnet Lodge

Brighouse no one will be able to smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes anywhere in the hospital or

grounds. Cygnet Hospital Bierley will be going smoke-free Thursday 31st March 2016. The whole

hospital area will be considered a “smoke-free environment”. This is for anyone in the area;

service users, staff or any visitors.

So I can’t go out for a cigarette?

You won’t be able to smoke anywhere “on site”. That refers to the courtyards, the grounds/car

parks or within the hospital itself. You would only be able to smoke if you had the appropriate

leave to leave the hospital, either on escorted or unescorted leave.

I like smoking, it’s my choice to do so, you can’t stop me!

We totally understand that and you are still welcome to remain a smoker during your stay in hos-

pital and no one is forcing you to give up. However, Cygnet Hospitals in West Yorkshire are a

health care provider and as such, needs to be doing all it can to promote the healthiest lifestyle

possible to our service users.

So what am I supposed to do about getting some fresh air?

You will still have access to fresh air in both the courtyards and using your leaves (when granted

in ward round). The therapy team is currently devising a plan to tweak the current timetables to

ensure that you can access fresh air, exercise and other activities regularly.

Doesn’t this go against my human rights?

This issue was taken to the European Court of Human Rights recently by two service users in

Rampton hospital. The court stated that it did not breach a smokers human rights, favouring

non-smokers who might be affected by second hand smoke.

Can’t I just move somewhere where I can still smoke?

Unfortunately, it is never as easy as that, there are a lot of considerations to make when

transferring someone, and that’s if there is a bed available. Many mental health services are

going smoke-free though, so it is entirely possible that you may move to a site that is already

smoke-free, or is about to become smoke-free. It is thought that within the next year, it will be law

that mental health services provide a smoke-free environment.

So will I be getting any support if I want to quit?

Absolutely! We are informing you now and talking about it now so

that you are aware and prepared for it. We will be supporting all

smoking service users and staff to engage in smoking cessation

and give up smoking if this is what they would like to do. You will

be supported in the following ways:

Access to smoking cessation groups which will take place

between now and the smoke-free date.

You will be supported on an individual level by a trained

smoking cessation practitioner.

You will be provided with nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches, lozenges and

inhalators, which you can make a choice of the ones you want to use. You will also have

the opportunity to try these prior to the smoke-free date.

You are welcome to attend the ‘smoke-free strategy’ meetings that meet regularly to

discuss progress in the hospital as we move toward the smoke-free date. You can also

come along to the ‘Have Your Say’ meetings to discuss this item. Both meetings allow you

to bring up ideas or concerns you may have about the hospital going smoke-free.

You will also have access to a range of activities in order to keep you busy and active and

encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Smoke-Free Dates:

Monday 4th January 2016

(Wyke and Brighouse)

Thursday 31st March 2016

(Bierley)

Am starin’ to win,

That’s why I grin,

Startin’ to sleep,

I no longer weep,

Startin’ to eat,

Easy’er on my feet.

I’m getting strong,

I ‘no’ it weren’t me who was wrong,

Not acting slow,

Coz am no longer low,

But will it last,

Or come back with a blast?

I hope not, coz I can’t go on,

My brains a tickin’ time bomb,

I look around ‘n’ see,

That there’s no1 like me,

Surely it’s time ‘u’ set me free.

But just when I think I’ve got away,

You come back ‘n’ say no way,

You have a plan 4 me,

You’ll never leave me be,

Can’t understand or make any sense,

What’s wiv all this nonsense?

Just need to understand,

Or some1 2 hold my hands,

Just 2 let me ‘no’ it’s gonna be okay,

Whenever I go this way,

Just 1 chance for romance.

If it’s not 2 be,

I’ll never be free,

Let me fly up2 the sky,

Come crashin’ down 2 die.

As I’m waiting 2 see the dock,

Still watching this b****** clock.

Again last night,

Another f****** fight,

Oh you the staff,

You’s havin’ a laff.

If u wud of give me my meds wen I sed,

I wud’nt of cut myself n’ bled,

I ain’t blamin’ you’s

But carry an I’ll be dead on the news.

Gettin’ so confused,

Why carn’t I sleep,

N’ sick of having a weep,

It’s doing me no gud,

Need to get back to my hood.

You’s fill me full of doubt,

Whether I’m actually gunna get out,

But f*** you all,

Coz I won’t be mastered,

By no dirty b******s.

So f*** ‘em all,

The gud,

The bad,

N’ the small.

I hate you’s all.

Both poems by ex-service user on

Branwell ward, Cygnet Hospital Wyke.

WRITTEN BY: HANNAH JANE

PARKINSON (03/11/15)

So often we hear that mental illness must be recognised

as being as important as physical illness. Yet despite

pledges by the UK government to increase funding for

mental health, what we actually witness time and again

is mental health bearing the brunt of cuts Following the

publication of a letter in support of mental health equali-

ty and the launch of a cross-party campaign, here are 10

things the government needs to focus on if it is truly seri-

ous in its ambitions.

1. Stop cutting beds, beds and more beds.

If you’re wondering whether there’s a bed available at your nearest NHS mental health unit right now, the

answer is probably no. There might not be one in the nearest private hospital either. In September there

were no mental health beds available in the whole of England, in either sector. More than 2,000 beds

have been cut in England alone since 2011, and NHS spending on expensive private beds (if there are

any) has more than doubled in two years. People are being sent hundreds of miles from their homes for

treatment. Of course, it isn’t just the shortage of beds that is the problem – discharged patients have to

have somewhere to go, as well as aftercare. The risk of suicide is highest two weeks after discharge. This

means also halting the cuts to community mental health and crisis teams.

2. Train more psychiatrists.

In 2011, a fifth of core trainee psychiatrist postswere unfilled. In 2013, the Royal College of Psychiatrists

(RCP) census saw an increase of 94% in vacant consultant psychiatry posts. This isn’t a particularly new

phenomenon, and it isn’t specific to the UK, but it’s getting worse. An RCP recruitment drive is attempting

to solve the problem. By 2016, the aim is to achieve a 50% increase in applications and a 95% fill rate of

core trainee posts. Hunt’s junior doctors’ contract, which will affect psychiatrists, must also be changed.

3. Revise work capability assessments.

The fundamental misunderstanding of mental health conditions means that many people are wrongly as-

sessed as fit for work by the government’s work capability assessments. Assessors must be properly trained

in understanding mental health issues, and their fluctuations.

4. Tailor services better.

Services need to be more appropriately tailored to demographics. The mental health of older people, in

an ageing population, needs a different approach to the treatment of young people. Those who come

from black or ethnic minority backgrounds often don’t receive the help they need; people in rural areas

are in danger of being isolated; the LGBT community has higher suicide rates than the general population.

It is now thought that one in 10 children have a mental health disorder, and yet cuts to child and adoles-

cent mental health services have reached £50m, and teenagers often fall through the cracks once they

turn 18. Mental health care cannot be reduced to a one-size-fits-all solution.

5. Provide proper targets and oversights.

Until earlier this year, there were no waiting time standards or limits for mental health services. In the gov-

ernment’s 2014 report, it was promised that by April 2015 waiting times would be introduced. For England,

these include 75% of people waiting a maximum of six weeks to access talking therapies and 50% of first

onset psychosis patients being seen within two weeks. These targets are not good enough – and, in Scot-

land in particular, where targets have been introduced, they are not being met. The Welsh government

has just pledged to cut waiting times for mental health in half.

6. Support mental health trusts.

Just last week Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust was axed. Cuts of £1.5m meant that the

trust was “no longer viable as an independent body” and there are fears that 650 patients will be affect-

ed. NHS mental health trusts face an 8% cut in real terms over the next four years (that’s around £600m).

Earlier this year, half of mental health trusts were concerned that clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)

would not pass on funding increases, despite promises and NHS England directives after Osborne promised

a £1.25bn funding increase in the 2014 autumn statement. In fact, cuts to services or, to use the govern-

ment’s phrase, “cost improvement programmes”, have accentuated the mental health crisis.

7. Increase funding for mental health research.

Just 5.5% of the UK’s health research budget is spent on mental health. There are potential positives on the

horizon: MQ, a newer mental health charity, has had £20m in funding from the Welcome Trust. But this is

very much the exception. Just £115m per annum is spent on mental health research. 85% of that comes

from just three organisations (including the Wellcome Trust itself). To put this into context, that’s

around £9.75 invested for every person affected by mental illness; the figure per cancer patient is £1,571.

Meanwhile Big Pharma continues to cut back on research into mental health medication, relying on older

drugs, even if out of patent. In 2011, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca both pulled out of newer antide-

pressant development. Drug companies have flooded the market with drugs very similar to others (so

called “me-too” drugs), which offer profits with little risk, discouraging genuine pioneering products.

8. Increase access to talking therapies.

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapy(Iapt) programme in England was rolled out in 2011 to

much fanfare as part of a four-year plan. Therapy remains a cost-effective means of treating those with

mental health problems, but waiting time limits are often met only on an “artificial” basis – patients are

seen initially, but then have to wait much longer. In 2013, Mind found that one in 10 people had waited

more than a year to access talking therapies – a little longer than the government’s promise of six weeks.

9. Improve integration between psychiatric and emergency services.

Psychiatric services must become more integrated with physical health services if people with mental

health difficulties are to be treated better. Studies have shown that people with mental illnesses are dying

because of physical health problems that go undetected. A 2013 Rethink study found that 33,000 deaths

of people with mental health issues were avoidable, and that fewer than 30% of people with schizophre-

nia had an annual physical health check. A report by the Care Quality Commission called A&E staff atti-

tudes to those with mental health problems “shocking”. With as many as 280,000 patients with mental

health problems presenting at A&E in three months.

10. Decrease stigma and raise awareness.

Around 75% of people suffering from mental illness do not re-

ceive any treatment at all – and this won’t change if people

are too ashamed or stigmatised to seek it. As well as educating

the public, we need to train GPs to pick up on signs that a per-

son is in mental distress so patients’ concerns do not go unde-

tected and correct referrals are made. A 2014 survey conduct-

ed by the Scottish government reported that half of peo-

ple wouldn’t want to discuss mental health problems. When I

first talked to a doctor about depression as a teenager, it was

only after I had rambled on for five minutes about a non-

existent ear problem.

On 29th September Cygnet Hospital Bierley celebrated its 10th anniversary by staging its

second ‘Big Blue Music Festival’. Following on from the success of last year’s event, the

music festival is a chance to showcase musical talent through performances by service

users from across the hospital’s four wards.

The festival kicked off with performances from the

men of Shelley Ward who played ‘American Pie’ by

Don McLean and ‘Don’t Cry Daddy’ by Elvis Presley.

This was followed by a service user who performed a

roaring rendition of Nirvana’s ‘Lithium’ followed by

one of his own compositions on guitar. The morning’s performances were rounded off

beautifully with three original songs performed by a Shelley Ward service user on guitar

and vocals.

After a delicious barbecue lunch provided by kitchen

staff it was time for the service users of Denholme

Ward to take the stage. Due to the nature of the

ward, preparations for performances had to be last

minute and the quality of the performances from the

women on Denholme Ward was testimony to the

brilliant musicianship of the people involved.

Denholme’s performance was concluded by a wonderful trio performance of Erasure’s

‘A Little Respect’ on vocals, guitar and flute.

The day’s final performances came from

the service users of Bowling Ward who

had put in a lot of hard work over the

previous six weeks to prepare for their

performances. The hard work paid off

and collectively they put on an

incredible display of talent through a

variety of acts. This included solo

renditions of ‘Hey Jude’ by the Beatles,

‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton, ‘Crying for no

Reason’ by Katie B, ‘Hiding my Heart’ by

Adele, and ‘Tears in Heaven’ by Eric

Clapton.

“The Festival was a really good way for everyone to let off steam.”

(Bowling Service user)

‘It was therapeutic and lots of people got a chance to sing.’

(Shelley Service user)

A wonderful vocal group made up

of seven service users performed,

complete with harmonies and

rapping, ‘Perfect’ by Pink and ‘Lean

on Me’ by Bill Withers. Remarking on

the choice of songs one of the

service users said, “We picked two

songs to perform in the vocal group

that we felt as a group reflected our

relationship with each other and our

feelings as individuals. ‘Lean on Me’

reflects our support for each other,

and ‘Perfect’ contains themes of

recognising self-worth and that

everyone has their own unique

qualities - we are all ‘perfect’ in our

own individual way.’

The final performance proved to be

one of the highlights of the day as

the ‘Bowling Ward Band’ performed ‘Starlight’ by Muse. The band is made up of service

users and staff, including a last minute special guest performance by Involvement

Co-ordinator, Adam Stewart. The band consists of vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar and

drums. Having the opportunity to play drums in the band had a special significance to

one of the service users who said, “Playing drums as part of the band has assisted my

recovery, giving me more confidence to perform in front of people and has

encouraged me to start playing drums again.’

The day was a huge success with

Involvement Coordinator, Adam

Stewart, remarking, “It was great

to see so many service users and

members of staff performing and

having a good time. It’s always

important to remember that we

all have hidden or unknown

talents that we may not know

about and events like this are a

perfect avenue to discover them.

One of the highlights for me was

seeing the staff and service users

dancing and having a laugh

together as a community, it is

something that is always great to

see.”

“It was a chance for staff to view patients in a different light, focusing on their talents rather than their difficulties, I would definitely do it again.”

(Denholme ward service user)

‘The festival was very well organised and gave

everyone a lift.’

(Bowling Service user)

The National Service User Awards 2015 was probably one of my

favourite days of the year. Which is really quite impressive,

because 2015 is also the year I finally got discharged from hospital. I

think one of the main reasons I look back so favourably over the day

is the very concept. As service users, especially when once we’ve

been in-patients for years, we seem to become invisible. It’s pretty

horrific. We’re forgotten when once we’re out of the way. And that’s

wrong. And that’s what the awards seem to counter so well. Service

users are valued not despite the fact that we’re in hospital, but

because we make such huge achievements every. single. day.

The day itself started early but excitedly, with ice cream for breakfast (every good day starts that

way, of course) and getting dressed up. I’d gone down to Northampton the night before to help

set the event up first thing on the morning of, which really just meant flouncing around and chat-

ting to organisations who were there with stands (for me. Sorry to anyone who actually did any

work that day. A LOT of people put in a LOT of effort and it really showed). By the time the event

started, I’d already swapped stories and ideas with people from all over the country. The oppor-

tunities to sit with pen poised ready to scribble at a million miles per hour were immense, but it

wasn’t some boring educational event. It was interactive and exciting and open for people like

me to sit with my notebook, and others to sit and just take it in.

The event itself honoured people from all manner of services and recognised ideas and innova-

tions from all manner of people. I was nominated and short listed for the award ‘Outstanding Ser-

vice User Achievement’ for my own recovery and involvement achievements and I can hand on

heart say that it was the first time I realised that not winning can feel right. I didn’t win and that

was how it should have been. I did somehow win the Service User Choice award though, which

was a huge shock. An amazing shock, but one all the same. It was the last award given, and by

that point in the day, I was so overwhelmed with all I’d heard of others’ achievements, that win-

ning hadn’t really occurred to me, which shows how good the day was, because I’m a bit of a

competitive beast.

Y’know though, I won’t lie, the glitz of the ceremony was pretty great, too. I know that sounds a

bit shallow, but what can I say- finding the perfect dress, deciding on a relatively low mainte-

nance hairstyle, buying lipstick- it was pretty great. It made a bit of a difference to lazy hospital

days where I could barely be bothered changing from my pyjamas.

When people ask me about the day, I tend to tell them that if they have the opportunity ever to

go to a NSUA ceremony, to grab it with both hands. The ideas floating around were immeasura-

ble, as were the values of the awards, the hard work of all involved and the passion poured into

the event.

Rebecca,

Ex-service user, Longlisting judge, Service User Awards Compere.

“Believe y

ou c

an a

nd y

ou’r

e h

alf

way t

here

.”

- T

heodore

Roose

velt