staying connected, issue 2, september 2015
DESCRIPTION
Early Intervention for Psychosis Service newsletterTRANSCRIPT
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
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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/
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.
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!
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”.
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
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)
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.