1. health and fitness

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M OV I N G F O RWA R D
Page 1
WITH
POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
HE AD S P A C E
June 2013
The Beauty of
Blackthorns
HOW TO
SURVIVE
DUVET
DAZE
How nature’s debris
becomes art
NEWS AND
REPORTS FROM
AROUND POWYS
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“We believe that everyone's life experience can make a difference to how we all think about mental health.”
“P M H A ! W h a t ' s t h a t ? W h o a re t h ey ? W h a t d o t h ey d o ? ”
As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I hear these questions a lot.
We are Powys Mental Health Alliance. A group of like minded individuals who have suffered, are
suffering or are caring for those who suffer from mental distress.
Bryan
Douglas-Matthews
Chairman PMHA
Many people who fit these categories find themselves stigmatised and alienated from people around
them and because of this, feel isolated and unable to talk to others, including those who work
within agencies and authorities.
We work to enable these people to have their voices heard through a variety of
activities and strive to create opportunities for their participation on their road
to recovery.
My name is Bill Fawcett and I live in the north of Powys. I want to express some of the areas of Mental Health in
the community that are of concern to me, these include; people with sensory issues; disabled people; housebound
individuals; farming communities; ex-forces personnel; those with learning difficulties; minority groups; people living in
rural areas and homeless people.
I am sure you will appreciate there are many other areas of concern which I promise we will do our best to bring
to the attention of the necessary authorities or departments for improving services.
Bill Fawcett
As a trustee for the charity, I look to volunteer in areas where I can make the best use of my skills and
experience. I.T. is one area I am able to help with, whether it be assisting other trustees with any queries or
working with computers to get different jobs done. For example, this can involve such things as designing posters
to advertise and gain awareness for the PMHA; working on graphic design to produce different logos; or assisting
and contributing to the production of this magazine.
Lee Watmough Trustee PMHA
Kelvin Mills
Trustee PMHA
Kelvin is an essential member of the board of trustees and is an active volunteer for Powys
Patients’ Council. Powys Patients' Council is a voluntary organisation committed to giving a
voice to Powys residents wherever they are offered acute mental health services. They hold
regular, patient-only meetings which give people an opportunity to express their views on the
services they receive.These views are then passed on anonymously to staff so that solutions
can be found. Alongside the other volunteers, Kelvin works hard to fulfil his duties within this
role and has been working with Patients’ Council since it began.
John Steadman
Trustee PMHA
John Steadman is an important member of the board as he is the sole representative from
the south of Powys.
HeadSpace believes that the stigma surrounding
mental health needs to be broken down and that
positive change can come about if individuals are
well informed, especially from the viewpoint of
people who have suffered from mental distress.
HeadSpace is currently published twice a year and
is available throughout Powys and online at
www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/home
Editor, administrator and production:
Carla Rosenthal
Advertising:
If your organisation is interested in advertising in
HeadSpace, please email pmhamag@gmail.com
Vice-chair PMHA
I volunteered for many years with WRVS Meals on Wheels - then with the WRVS ViceChairs Committee for approximately 6 years. This branch acknowledged the work, time and
energy delivered by the devoted volunteers presenting them with medals and certificates
depending on number of years service.
I joined PMHA in May 2012. I am the Charity's Treasurer, board member and am fully
involved. I am also a frustrated trucker which is why my profile picture is of my daughter's road
train!
HeadSpace is the magazine for anyone in Powys but
particularly for those who have had experience of
mental health issues, either personally or
professionally.
News:
If you have an idea for a feature or an article for
future issues, please contact the editor at
pmhamag@gmail.com
HeadSpace welcomes letters and emails and would
like to hear from all people, particularly those who
have experience of mental health issues, who can
write articles, provide interviews about their
experiences, provide photographs or illustrations
and can help to contribute towards features and
news for further issues.
Email pmhamag@gmail.com
or write to the address below.
Powys Mental Health Alliance
Ponthafren
Longbridge Street
Newtown
Powys
SY16 2DY
HeadSpace and PMHA do not accept any
responsibility for any unsolicited material including
photographs or artwork.
Christine Field Treasurer PMHA
HeadSpace would like to thank the following for the
advice and funding they have provided for this
project.
Diane Hart
Derek Turner
Advisor
D e re k i s a n i nv a l u a b l e
a d v i s o r t o t h e b o a rd o f
trustees and his help is
g re a t l y appreciated.
Go to page 18 to find out more about joining POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
Nothing in this magazine can be reproduced in
whole or in part without written permission of the
publishers. Opinions expressed by individuals in this
magazine are not necessarily those of the PMHA.
We reserve the right to edit the material to suit the
presentation and available space, but wherever
possible the author will be consulted on any
additions or changes.
Online versions of the magazine can be found at:
www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/development-service/powys-mental-health-alliance/newsletters.html
4
News, reports and updates
from around Powys
Get to know
Trustee Lee
8
SIGNS OF
OCD?
An interview with the
artist Max Suffield
13
10
Hospital
Corner
Featuring
Bronllys Hospital
Good Days
Bad Days
Duvet Daze
14
Advice to help you get
through the day
16
Co-optee.
D i a n e i s i n t h e p ro c e s s o f
becoming a t r u s t e e a n d t h e
b o a rd a re e a ge r fo r h e r t o
j o i n t h e g ro u p .
JUNE 2013
c o n t e n t s
POWYS MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
HeadSpace
Mental health and emotional
well-being for all.
June 2013
Letters and emails
JOIN PMHA
19
18
Services Directory
EVENTS DIARY
Back
cover
P r i n t e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d by I m p r i n t , N ew t ow n
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HeadSpace
HeadSpace
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editorial
E D S PAC E
A word from the editor, Carla Rosenthal
W
elcome to HeadSpace.
This magazine is for
everyone but specifically
for any of us who have had
mental health experiences.
This could be as a patient, a professional or
simply as someone who has an interest in
something which should be as important as
physical health.
This magazine aims to be a voice,
specifically targeted at people who live in
Powys, but a voice to tell our story - to say
what is going on in our communities to
support 'service users', and also the
professionals who keep these services
running. It also wants to hear from ANYONE
who has something to say on this vast topic.
Your views and opinions are important.
This issue has all the updates from around
Powys, a sensitive and insightful interview
with Lee Watmough and an article about the
work of artist Max Suffield who collects
nature’s debris and displays it in fine detail. In
addition, we have a feature on Bronllys
Hospital and letters and emails from our
members. Keep them coming in!
We want to know what your life is like.
How do you get up in the morning? What do
you do in your day? How do you cope? What
stops a duvet day and what effects your wellbeing?
Want to see your name (or pseudonym)
in print? Then write to us or contact us and
we can interview you so your tale can be told.
HeadSpace (Previously known as
Powys Mental Health Allliance Newsletter) is
the new magazine produced by Powys Mental
Health Allliance who are committed to
improving the lifestyle of anyone who is
involved with mental health services for
whatever reason. To find out more about the
work PMHA do and how to get involved, go
to pg 18.
I hope you enjoy the articles and topics
we have covered in this, our first, new
magazine. We need your feedback to know
what we're doing right and what you would
like to see, so please send an email or write to
the address on page 3.
Be gentle on yourself.
Carla Rosenthal
Magazine Editor
Let us know what you think by
emailing pmhamag@gmail.com
or by writing to the address on
page 3
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. . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . updates . . . news . . . repor ts . . . upda
New Beginnings
For Eleanor
Eleanor Barrow says ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ to PMHA
Eleanor takes the PMHA magazine to new heights on her visit to Mount Vesuvius.
“After 2 and a half years working for Powys Mental
Health Alliance, my time in Powys has come to an end. I have
moved on from my role as Participation and Involvement
Facilitator and taken a new step in my career to become a
Mental Health Advocate. I would like to take this opportunity to
say goodbye and thank you to every person I have met and
worked with during my time with PMHA.
I came into this job full of passion but with little
knowledge of the mental health sector. I am leaving fuelled with
the same passion, but equipped with experience; the experience
of listening to the many people who have been generous enough
to share their lives and stories with me. Experience of observing
the way that my colleagues relate to people in an open, kind,
respectful and non-judgemental way and being challenged about
the way that we, as people, and as society, respond to mental
distress.
I feel very grateful to have met the people I have, in a
county I have come to love. So, thank you.Thank you to the
trustees of the Alliance for giving me the chance to work in such
a varied, flexible and dynamic role, to PAMH and DIY Futures for
making me feel like a member of the team, to Laura Gallagher,
for mentoring me and encouraging me to always challenge and
ask questions, to Derek Turner, for supporting me and sharing a
huge wealth of experience, to Freda Lacey, for opening my mind
to countless possibilities and to the volunteers of Patients'
Council, for being the most incredible team.
Thank you. It's been wonderful.”
P M H A PLEDGES TO SHOUT LOUDER
Chairman Bryan Douglas-Matthews
writes his report on the latest
PMHA event
PMHA held an Open Day at The
Brynich Barn, Brecon on the 28th March
2013.
There was a very good buffet style
lunch, lots of tea and coffee and a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere. Groups attended
from PAVO, Headways, DIY Futures and
there were several individuals all of
whom seemed to enjoy the day.
The day progressed well from the
Trustees Board meeting through to Jo
Musson's workshop on, 'Mindfulness',
which was an interesting taster session
that allowed people to see and try a small
piece of the work that Jo does. Jo was
“articulating
needs and
lobbying”
offering an eight week course if people
were interested in following up on this
session.
We ran two smaller group sessions
that allowed members to tell us what
they think PMHA should be concentrating on.
The end result of these were that
members really want us to work on
articulating needs and lobbying to those
individuals and groups which can seem
distant and aloof from us all. We have
taken this on board and are now striving
towards becoming a louder voice on
your behalf in the areas and places that
matter.
The weather stayed fine, although the
temperature was not as high as we would
have liked, making life less than
comfortable for those who had to go
outside to have a cigarette!
My feelings are that the day was more
than average but personally, I would love
to see more of you at our open days and
would remind everyone that we pay any
incurred travel expenses, supply a free
lunch (which is pretty darn good) and
there is no pressure on anyone to do
anything.
So, why not give our next Open Day
on 25th July, a try? It will cost you
nothing but a little time, you might get
some valuable information from it, you
will meet like minded people and it is
possible that you may learn something
that helps you in some way.
Find Powys Mental Health Alliance
on the website below and keep an
eye open for up-coming events.
www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk
TRUSTEES AND PMHA
MEMBERS THANK
ELEANOR BARROW
“We bid you a sad farewell from myself
and all the Trustees of PMHA.
In the time that you have
been with us we have all shared in the
many successes that were, in the main,
through your efforts.
It is with a certain sadness
that we say goodbye and yet at the
same time it gives us great pleasure to
be able to wish you well in your new
employment.
We know that you will take
your considerable talent and energy
with you thus leaving a space that we,
in ourselves, will find it hard to fill.
Please accept our heartfelt
wishes for your future success and
remember us with the same affection
we will remember you. Good luck and
good wishes always.”
Bryan Douglas-Matthews
Chairman
Eleanor Barrow
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NEW LOOK P M H A
What do you think?
P
po
ys
the volunteers and professionals
who work in this area.
CARERS COUNT -
PMHA
is asking readers to contact
pmhamag@gmail.com
to give their opinions on the
magazine and the new logo
(see below).
l health
al
nta
e
li
m
ce
an
w
owys Mental Health Alliance
are proud to be able to offer
‘HeadSpace’, a new look magazine
for it’s members.
Along with all the usual reports
and updates regarding what is happening in and around Powys in the
mental health sector, HeadSpace
will bring you articles of interest
and snipets of useful advice, plus
humour and contributions from
10 YEARS
SUPPORTING
CARERS IN
POWYS
COUNT ME IN
I
f you are caring for
someone who is ill, disabled
or has mental health or
substance misuse problems
and you are not paid for your
support, then you are a Carer
and we are here to support
you.
The more Carers who are
registered with Powys Carers
Service, the stronger our voice
will be to help you.
BE RECOGNISED,
BE VALUED AND
local charities
receive cash boost
Tricia Jones,
Branch Manager at the
West Brom Building Society
in Newtown, presents a cheque for
£250 to Jane Powell of the Ponthafren
Association, as part of the Society's
recent Community Counts scheme to
support local charities within the area.
Ponthafren Association is looking for people to become
Trustees of the Organisation. If you have skills/knowledge of
HR/H&S/Finance/Mental Health etc please contact us.
Longbridge Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 2DY
www.ponthafren.org.uk
6
HeadSpace
GET BETTER SERVICES
In these difficult times it is even
more important for you to know
your rights as a Carer and to have
access to help and support. We
would encourage you to register with
us to access this help.
We offer Carers information,
advice, advocacy, signposting to
other support, a forum for their
voices & opinions, trips and training. All our services are Free and
Confidential.
For more information or to
register, call 01597 823 800
or email: info@powyscarers.org.uk
You can find us on facebook at Powys
Carers Service and on twitter at
Powys4Carers.
more funding given for more fun
Registered charity number 1114905
Radnorshire Healthy
Friendships is extremely
pleased to announce that they
have been awarded a grant to
run two new groups for older
adults who endure emotional
distress in Builth Wells and
Llandrindod Wells.
Both groups include seated
exercise and Boccia (similar to
crown green bowling) and aim to
increase
emotional
well-being,
improve
physical
fitness
and
promote an all-round healthier
lifestyle. These are informal groups
where members come together to
relax and have fun! A charge of £1
per person is required per group
and refreshments shall be provided.
Shortly there will also be 'Bring and
Share' lunches at these groups
(dates to be confirmed).
Groups are at the following
venues:
Mondays (11am) at Builth Wells
Home Support Office, Builth (near
the Groe car park)Fridays (11am) at
Christchurch Court, LlandrindodWells.
There
are
ongoing
coffee
mornings at 'The British Legion' in
Llandrindod Wells from 10.30 -12.30.
This is an informal group where
people come for a chat, participate
in quizzes and other activities. A
charge of £1 per person is required
and refreshments are provided.
Healthy Friendships are always
looking for reliable volunteers to
assist at groups or provide
transport throughout the
Llandrindod Wells and Builth area.
If you are interested to know
more about becoming a member or
the voluntary opportunities, please
contact Helen Baynham on
07583711299 or email
helen@healthyfriendships.org.uk
Healthy Friendships have recently
refurbished their community shop
'Whatever Next' with an award
from 'Can Do' Community Grant.
The shop is based at 18 Broad
Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 2NA.
Any donations shall be gratefully
received.
If you have spare time and wish
to help in the shop, please contact
Kayla on 01686 626221 or email
kayla@healthyfriendships.org.uk
Please see the website for further
information at
www.healthyfriendships.org.uk
or email the office at
info@healthyfriendships.org.uk
CHALLENGE
BEDROOM TAX
DECISIONS
Worried about bedroom tax?
Get advice and information on
the benefits you can claim if
you’re disabled or a carer.
Freephone: 0800 882 200
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Did you know that you can
challenge bedroom tax
decisions?
There are a number of organisations that
are promoting tool kits to support you with
your challenges. Try an internet search using
"bedroomtax toolkit" to find out more.
Don't have the Internet? Then call Powys
Mental Health Information Service on
01686 628300 or
01597 828675
and we will do the search for you and forward you a list of organisations and
contact details.
Powys Mental Health
Information Service
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I N T E RV I E W
I N T E RV I E W
MEET LEE, A TRUST E E , WHO LIKES A
CUP OF TEA . . . S I T T I N G IN A TREE . . ?
T
. . . to learn and
grow from one
another . . .
his regular feature
aims to introduce the
trustees. However, due
to the magazine 'make-over'
and the temporary
appointment of myself (Carla
Rosenthal) as chief journalist,
the interview went a bit . . .
off-track, so to speak.
It had been a tough week
all round but luckily, with Lee
Watmough’s expertise in IT (of
which he volunteers as part of his
trustee role), he managed to
conduct the interview without us
even having to meet. As well as
advising me on design aspects for
the magazine, Lee kindly humoured
me by supplying some excellent
replies to my questions.
How and why did you get
involved in mental health
services?
I grew up with two parents
considered to be severely mentally
ill, so this area has always been a
part of my life. Due to their problems
and my own over the years, I have
reached out to mental health services
for help and due to that, I've been
through the Psychiatric System.
Having been in and out of
hospitals over a period of years, I've
looked to explore alternatives that
are out there and I’ve educated
myself as much as possible, discovering a
broader picture.
What do you do when you're
not being a trustee?
As little as possible! (he would
have laughed . . . had we met) I spend
a considerable amount of time at
home, for a number of reasons, but
8
HeadSpace
mostly due to my own difficulties
with my mental health and emotional
well-being.
I enjoy watching films and different
TV programmes, as well as playing
video games, listening to music and
reading. I spend time on the internet,
keeping in contact with friends
across the world and checking out a
variety of websites.
I try to get outside as much as
possible for the exercise and do
some different activities. One of
which is to get together with a
group of people to play a card game
called 'Magic:The Gathering'.
Generally, I do the nerdy kind of
things. (I would have laughed . . . had
we met)
I also take care of a young kitten
which I recently adopted, and he is
quite a handful!
How would you encourage
others to access mental
health services?
It really depends on the individual. I
feel it's important to get to know a
person first and foremost, to get a
sense of their opinions, beliefs,
philosophy and so on.That way you
can better find a way to reach out
to the person and recommend the
right kind of mental health services
which would be most
appropriate. Sitting with
people in a social setting, to
tell them your story and
welcome them to share
theirs, helps people feel less
alone and more willing to
explore what is out there.
There's a greater chance of
encouraging people to make
use of what there is to offer.
I once ran down the
road wearing a pair
of pyjamas and
screaming for a pint
of milk, a loaf of
bread and bunch of
bananas before
being swiftly
sectioned. Lee, has
anything amusing
happened to you in
connection with
bananas in pyjamas?
Is there anything regarding
mental health that you're
passionate about?
I'm passionate about people
coming together to help one another,
to help themselves and others.
There's a common misperception
that people who struggle with their
mental health and well-being are less
capable than those considered
"normal". People who struggle with
these difficulties are usually stronger
than they'd give themselves credit
for and have many talents which
they may be unaware of. One of the
activities I take part in and help out
with is to do with a local general
mental health peer support group.
I've found that it doesn't matter
what age a person is, whether they
are male, female or of different
ethnicity, there's something common
to everyone with their personal
experience.There's huge potential to
learn and grow from one another, as
part of the ongoing journey to move
beyond what holds us back. I find
that kind of experience life changing
and I would want to help others to
witness the power of this. Far too
many people are isolated, alone with
their problems and together we can
make the change for the better.
By the time I’d got this far with the
article, it was Friday whine time, the
dog was making his own supper and
the children were bathing in glitter . . .
I got silly and started thinking of
turning the whole interview into a poem
and hoped he would provide answers
which included words such as knee, tea,
pea, free, tree, etc
So, Lee, being a trustee, is this
voluntary or are you an
employee?
I offer my time for free, because I
haven't found a way to market what
I have to offer (he would have . . .
Ed's note WE GET THE IDEA).
Right now voluntary work is the
best option for me.
(I decided a poem could be too tricky
so I moved away from rhyming
questions and went onto the next
point of interest.)
While there have
been no instances of
bananas and pyjamas as
such, I once walked around the town
centre in my underwear, during the
late hours of a cold morning.
Fortunately, I had alcohol in my
system, to take the edge off. Other
than that, I have also seen a number
of things that apparently were not
there, although I hear this is quite
common with the youth of today.
It was Friday whine
time, the dog was
making his own
supper . . .
I think we are all more than
aware of the seriousness of
life with all its responsibilities,
dark days, hopelessness and
seemingly utter pointlessness.
With this in mind, do you
prefer X Factor or Britain's
Got Talent?
I would prefer to stare at paint
and watch it dry, or make a phone
call to get the exact time of day so I
never miss a second of absolutely
nothing happening. There's that
saying "Don't take life too seriously.
Nobody makes it out alive anyway.”
So always remember to laugh and
smile, especially at yourself.
It's not easy to be flippant
when talking about mental
health issues so have you got
any good jokes on the subject?
Why did the depressed chicken
cross the road? He didn't. Life is
meaningless anyway, there's nothing
on the other side which will be any
better. What's the point of it all?
Where's the chocolate?
(I just make it up as I go along)
Depression, anxiety, bi-polar,
schizophrenia etc. tend to
require medication. Having
been on a plethora of drugs
over the years, I finally settled
on my favourite, Citalopram.
Do you have a favourite drug
of choice or do you just stick
with harsh reality? If so, please
could you sum up in 50 words
how you do it because I'm
b******* if I know.
I take 50mg of humour and
1000mg of sleep. Now and again as a
PRN I have 20mg of ice cream, but
that tends to be more than once.
I actually don't take medication
any more. I also excel at being a
hermit. :-)
At this point we both decided we’d
got the article in-the-bag and we went
back to being irreverently serious.
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art spot
art spot
could ordering
berries according
to size
After seeing the work of artist Max Suffield, Carla Rosenthal gets nosey and tries to find
out what goes on in the head of a man who can order ivy berries according to size.
rows, crazy paving. I kept thinking, what goes on in
that head? The patience, the detail, just incredible!
2012, I find myself back in the same church
where he is exhibiting again. I can't afford it so I buy
the one that jumped out, the spiral ivy berries, 'Tidy
Ivy'. I decide to blame the dip in the ' e m e r g e n c y
fund account' on bi-polar tendencies and figure that
if my mental health is kept ok by shopping, there
shouldn't be any emergencies.
One painless plastic card moment later and
it's mine! I talk to the curators, get the website address
(maxsuffield.com) and email him to gush
accordingly. I write how the order appeals to the
perfectionist, Virgoen side of my nature and waffle
on with too many exclamation marks. He politely
responds and explains his birthday is on the cusp of
Virgo and Libra - so that could be something to do
with it. I'm not convinced.
A close-up of Damson Stones Nibbled By Mice
M
ax Suffield's work first caught my attention
back in 2011 after walking into a church in
Discoed during an H Art trail (free art
exhibitions in Hereford reaching into Powys). There
amongst the paintings of landscapes, beautiful
sculptures and local crafts, were framed - I don't even
know how to categorise them - works of pure
genius, items placed on a board and put behind a
piece of glass. Not painted, not moulded or changed
into anything specific - just order. A neat array of
nature.
Blackthorns meticulously arranged. Delicate
pheasant feathers placed according to their hue.
Twigs, fingernail sized to index finger length then
back to minute again. Ivy berries stuck into an
increasing spiral. Oh me, oh my - this was my kind of
artist. Some might see this art as a sign of Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but then again . . . I
don't see any harm in cleaning the bathroom floor
with a tooth brush at 2.00am so I'm not the best person to judge. However, there it is, on the wall, order,
tidiness, beauty; all patiently glued into grids, layers,
T
idy Ivy gets placed above the chaos (see
below) that is my 'office'; a small patch on the
end of the kitchen worktop with drawers
used as makeshift shelving to put the stuff above the
layers of stuff on the surface. (I only get 'bouts' of
OCD and unfortunately, I am currently not in one of
afore said bouts and the house could qualify for a TV
show with the words' house', ' clean' and ' yours isn't'
in the title.)
I look at
the picture and
calm descends.
The preciseness,
the beauty, the
flow of the spiral,
I get lost counting
the berries until I
realise I have to
return to chaos.
So I walk
away from it and
visit Max Suffield
at his home.
be a sign of ocd?
Pheasant
Fortunately, Max did
know I was coming but
whilst getting lost looking
for his house, I worried
about what I was going
to walk into.
A pristine, sanitised, minimalistic white
box straight out of a
design magazine or
could it be the total
opposite? Could he be
a hoarder with feathers
and dead crabs bursting
out of every cupboard with his art being his only
method of control?
As it turns out, he lives in a very pleasant, red
bricked house at the end of a small village outside of
Hereford and despite my being late, his welcome is
warm and without a lobster claw in sight.
We sit in the light and comfort of his sitting
room. I'm slightly disappointed to see a clean and tidy
house with no signs of bonkers artistic obsession.
Instead, it simply looks like a home. He makes
proper coffee and asks if
I mind if he smokes, at
which point I pull out my
tobacco and know we're
going to get on fine.
Five minutes later, I've
brought my dog in and
we start talking.
There's little
point in replicating what
is written on his fantastic
website (you really must
go to maxsuffield.com)
and the home page says
it all brilliantly.
Essentially, Max
makes no pretensions
about his work. He
loves collecting large
amounts of nature's
debris, and as he says,
"Having a small
collection of something isn't worth it". He makes a
picture that has been inspired from the colour or
form of the natural material. Luckily for his wife,
nature's debris is tiny
and it is all carefully
sorted and categorised
and put into boxes on
shelves (pictured right)
in his surprisingly,
chaotic studio (below).
Blackthorns are
his favourite. He tells
how as a child, he used
to watch his father
hacking away at the
brambles in the garden,
year in, year out and it
dawned on him that the seasons can't be stopped,
we have no control over Nature.
As a result, my lasting impression of Max’s
philosophy is we can only do what we can within our
own capabilities. To be selfish, instead of being seen as
a negative, is to look after ourselves, to be responsible
for ourselves before we can be responsible for others
but in a positive way.
He creates his art
because it gives him
pleasure and he is
beginning to accept
that it also gives
pleasure to others.
He is extremely
modest and keeps
reminding me that
art is viewed both
subjectively
and
objectively. I just
keep drinking coffee,
smoking, looking at
his art and going
"Wow . . . that is
sooooooooooooo
amazing".
(cont. pg 12)
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art spot
Max Suffield interview cont.
E
ventually, the dog needs a pee and I have to tear
myself away from conversation where we
discussed everything from our own obsessions
about correct tea cups for the correct hot drink, how
he doesn't have a security blanket tucked inside his
pillowcase (only me then) and his favourite garment is
his leather waistcoat which has been worn daily since
February.
We agree that possibly having to wear the
same flat cap for more years than he can remember
is maybe, a bit obsessional but hey, a bit of OCD
appears to be healthy way to get things done - and if
the results can look like Max Suffield's art then bring
it on.
Bronllys
Every issue, HeadSpace will bring you an article providing information regarding the
Mental Health care you will receive should you need to access hospital services in Powys.
From a diagnosis of schizophrenia through to dealing with long term pain or an elderly
relative with dementia needing medical attention, ‘Hospital Corner’ will bring you all the
details you need to know. Even if you should be in crisis which results in being sectioned, we can
give you the low down on the hospital where you might stay in Powys and what you should
expect to happen, hopefully alleviating worries and helping you on your road to recovery.
See Max Suffield’s work:
25th May - 22nd June 2013
Silk Top Hat Gallery,
4 Quality Square, Ludlow,
7th -15th September 2013
Herefordshire art week [H.Art]
Venue to be confirmed in July.
www.discoed.org or www.h-art.org.uk
Black Thorns by Max Suffield
Aerial photograph showing
the layout of Bronllys
Hospital courtesy of People’s
Collection Wales
12
HeadSpace
G
HOSPITAL
CORNER
oing into hospital for the first time due to
a mental health issue can be alarming for
not just the patient but for those friends and
family involved, partly because of the
perceived nature of people suffering from
mental illness and the types of hospitals in
which they stay.
This feature aims to break down the fears
surrounding these institutions and to highlight
the excellent work that is done for many
patients in and around Powys.
I
t could happen to anyone; one
minute you're busy juggling work,
kids, responsibilities, finances and
tomorrow's supper; the next,
you're being questioned by the
police about why you're wearing a
leopard print kaftan, a false beard,
clutching a baby doll and claiming
you're an omnipresent being whilst
handing out hardboiled eggs.
Failing a psychotic episode resulting in
a 28 day section, there are a number of
other reasons why you might find
yourself at Bronllys Hospital just outside
Brecon. Bronllys is one of a number of
community hospitals serving the people
of Powys, however, it is the only one that
offers residential mental health services
in the south of the region. In addition to
the Mental Health Unit, within the
hospital's expansive 70 acre grounds are
housed a number of buildings offering
particular services all of which care for
patients with both physical and mental
concerns.
The people staying on the In-patients
ward and the majority of Out-patients
tend to come from the older generation
and the nursing care can accommodate
those suffering from dementia (despite
this not being a specific unit). The Pain
Clinic offers courses, some residential,
that attract people from all over the
country who have to learn to live with
long term pain. Then there is the Mental
Health Unit and Felindre Ward, a building
where people can recuperate on the
patio looking out to the Brecon Beacons
(sunshine or not, the view is spectacular).
On the top of the hill is The Mansion
House, a rambling country house with a
rabbit warren of corridors and offices
and the headquarters of Powys Teaching
Health Board containing all the people
who work hard to bring health services
to everyone in Powys, mental or
otherwise!
The chapel at Bronllys
The hospital was originally built
between 1913 and 1920 to care for
victims of tuberculosis and the buildings
retain the atmosphere of this era.
Walking down a low ceilinged, long
corridor stretching for at least 200m, you
are transported back to a time of nurses
in starched uniforms and iron beds being
pushed through French doors into the
sunshine. Nowadays, the grounds are
rented out to farmers so sheep and
cattle graze alongside the meadows that
patients are allowed to wander through,
perhaps to walk down to the Arts and
Crafts chapel, sadly no longer open, or to
admire the Basil Webb building which is
an excellent example of the municipal
architecture of the time. The League of
Friends has maintained a collection of the
history of the site including many
photographs dating back to these early
days.
For whatever reason you need to visit
Bronllys, it is an example of a hospital like
no other; one that has surroundings
which help to heal the soul as much as
the staff who help to heal the patients.
Next issue:
What to expect if you
stay in Felindre Ward.
Have you had first hand
experience of working or
staying in a Psychiatric
Hospital?
Tell us your story.
Write to us or email:
HeadSpace
Po n t h a f re n
L o n g b r i d g e S tre et
N ew t ow n
Pow y s S Y1 6 2 DY
pmhamag@gmail.com
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7
ay
s
Y
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.F
W.C
duvet daze
W
e all have them, our Good Days when we can tackle
everything, our Bad Days when everything is an uphill
struggle and then, then there arrives a Duvet Daze
moment.This can happen when we forget to look after ourselves,
get too tired, too stressed, too overwhelmed by life. On these
occasions, it’s best to let someone know you’re struggling, cancel
everything and go back to bed - if you have, of course, been able
to get out of bed in the first place!
Here are some suggestions, testimonies and humour from
those who have been there and emerged on the other side of the
duvet.
HEALTHY STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
(for Summer) Serves 2 (8oz glass servings)
Ingredients:
4 large strawberries
¼ cup low-fat plain yoghurt
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbls tahini
1 medium banana
1 tbls honey
Tahini is a
paste like
peanut butter
but made with
sesame
seeds.
Directions:
Remove stems from strawberries and wash
Blend all ingredients in blender
until smooth.
Sent in by Chris Field PMHA
“The funniest book I have read for years is ‘Starter for
10’ by David Nichols, the author of One Day.
It tells the story of a teenager at college who
finds himself on the team for University Challenge all
because of a girl. Some of the excruciating situations
the character finds himself in are told so hysterically
that I laughed so hard, I wet myself.
Definitely worth a read if you’re feeling blue
but DO have a spare pair of pants available!”
Library user, Knighton
14
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“
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and with
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09:37
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5/6/13
HeadSpace
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EGGY CHEESY DREAM
A c o m fo r t fo o d re c i p e n a u g h t y b u t e x t re m e l y n i c e !
You need:
2 slices bread
1 egg, beaten with seasoning to taste
Cheese - any type
Knob of butter and oil for frying
Tip:
Fenugreek
goes great
with egg
and
cheese
Make a cheese sandwich, dip it on both
sides in the egg turning it over until all
the egg is soaked up. Fry gently on a
medium heat until the cheese melts
and the outside is golden brown.
good days
bad days
duvet daze
don’t get cross, get stitching
“I'm Janet Hopkins and
I've been doing cross stitch for
21 years, starting off small and
progressing to larger projects.
It's quite a cheap hobby and a
good idea for anyone who
wants to take it up. I have
found it to be very therapeutic
as it relaxes my mind and gives
me something to focus on.
Seeing my completed work is
very satisfying.”
“Cross stitching has
benefited me with my
illness more than some
of the treatment
formulations I have been
offered through
mental health
services!”
Hobbies are a fantastic
distraction technique
when feeling depressed.
Finding time to do
something enjoyable for
ourselves can help our
mental well-being stay on
track.
If you’ve got a hobby
you would like to share
with us and perhaps show
photographs of the result,
then send your stories to
the magazine at the
address below.
Send your
Good Day Bad Day
Duvet Daze
advice to: HEADSPACE
Ponthafren,
L o n g b r i d g e S t re e t ,
N ew t ow n , Pow y s
S Y1 6 2 DY
pmhamag@gmail.com
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LETTERS AND EMAILS . . . LETTERS AND EMAILS . . . LETTERS AND EMAILS . . .LET
THE BULLY by R. Breeze
British bulldogs, football and sweets,
hiding at break time to skip the
defeats.
My life was a nightmare; I
suffered sheer fright,
your cruel
mental torment, your mean vicious might.
You caused me such terror by your sinister glare.
My stomach did cartwheels at that venomous stare.
The bruises, the cuts, the lumps on my head,
not knowing your next move filled me with
dread.
In front of my friends, afraid and made small,
punched and kicked, to the ground I would
fall.
Hey there brother, please give me a
break,
not tears, bloody nose and
further heartache.
Your fiery temper caused me
to shiver.
Your crude insults, inside
made me quiver.
Why was I
chosen? Why was it my fate?
Why were
you all so filled up with hate?
You did the crime and determined my life,
yet I've done the time and caused myself
strife.
I've often tried to escape your spiteful
hell,
but soon slithered back to my
prison cell.
I've long been the keeper
of my lock and key,
till I found the courage
to be better and free.
Now time to forgive, just
let go, feel complete,
and be grateful for life and the beauty I meet.
opinion
matters
HeadSpace believes in
encouraging members to
write in and give their voice
to the issues that matter in
their life.
This page is dedicated
to publishing these opinions
and hopes that others will
respond with insightful debate.
Email us your views:
pmhamag@gmail.com
MENTAL HEALTH LACKS FUNDING
A hundred years or so ago, if someone cut
themselves they wouldn't always think of cleaning the
wound, and an infection would set in, which meant loss
of a limb or loss of life. Nowadays, if something is
wrong with an organ you have to go on a waiting list
for someone to donate their organ so you can get
better which is not a happy thought but you have to
accept it. If you get cancer you become a priority
within the N.H.S and treatment starts almost straight
away because Doctors know time is of the essence.
But if you get a chemical imbalance in the
brain causing mental health issues, you are first offered
pills which make you physically ill and can cause organ
damage or worse, push you completely over the edge.
If you want or need alternative help i.e. therapy, this
can take several weeks or in some cases, over twelve
months to start the treatment.
You wouldn't ask someone with cancer or a
broken limb to wait this long before they can get help
so why must someone who has a broken head have to
wait this long?
I know this type of help doesn't come cheap
and unlike other treatments you can't put a set time
on recovery, so what is the reason for the lack of
funding to get the help we need? Are we kept back in
hope that either we will make a miraculous recovery
or we give up trying to get the help and end up six
feet under?
I feel strongly about this as I've contemplated
taking my life several times over the last few months
and in the last two years have over-dosed three times.
Maybe this is the reason my liver is having problems or
maybe it was the weight I was carrying or even the
anti-depressants I had to take to make me feel better.
All I know is that over-dosing was not the quick
peaceful painless way out I thought it would be.
The thing is that with mental health you may
feel you are suffering alone but it has a knock on
effect on others around you.
If you could get the treatment sooner maybe
people with mental health would get better sooner
and wouldn't feel as if they were a drain on society.
Diane Hart via email
A R E C OM MITTEES JUST TOKENISM?
“I have had an interest in mental
health services in Powys for over
twenty years. Indeed, there was a
time when I was on the board of
many and various groups, including
Powys Mental Health Alliance and
Powys Agency for Mental Health. I
also played a big part in founding my
local service user's group.
An ever busier schedule meant
that over time I gradually had to
take a back seat in matters of
mental health. However, demands on
my time were not the only or main
reason I stood back. It was also
because I did not think that mental
health service users were being
taken seriously and that our
presence on various committees
amounted, in the long run, to
tokenism.
I am retired now, (more time?)
and I still receive the magazine
online although I am no longer in
contact with any of my former
16
HeadSpace
colleagues. That said, from what I
can gather, not much has changed all
these years later.
In my day, (because I am sure
there are those that regard me as a
dinosaur - especially my
grandchildren!?), our message was:
'Mental ill-health is just that; ill
health. It is no different to other
forms of illness in that, at its most
severe, it stops you from doing
things that good health would allow,
e.g. working.' What we were offered
were days out, craft classes, our own
magazine etc. I don't believe we
were offered jobs or responsible
positions, although, thankfully, on a
personal level, I was always able to
secure both.
I admit that many service users
were their own worst enemies and
were often traumatised by the
thought of getting in Society's face
by sticking our message to them.
From what I can see though, the
stigma of mental ill-health is just as
prevalent now as then, and those
representing service users and their
carers, while mostly well-intentioned,
have, without their realisation,
become, in many cases, box-tickers.
I know there will be many that
disagree with my message and,
although a very active 67 year old, I
had determined to keep my head
down and let others deal in
controversy from now on. However,
everyone is entitled to an opinion
and my message to anyone who
suffers, or has suffered, from
depression, anxiety, bi-polar etc. is
that you are as valuable as any other
member of society. Don't be
fobbed off with a flower arranging
class when you are capable of so
much more! “
Via email
New Look Magazine
Thank you to everyone who sent in
photographs and suggestions.
Here are the submissions.
TAKE-OFF TOGETHER
n
Br ya
hews
from las-Matt
g
Dou
MEN
P O W TA L
YS
title su
gges
‘Chin
tion
n e r s from
’
Thanks to John Cooper for this
photograph and title suggestion
The magazine title HeadSpace
was finally decided on by the
trustees of Powys Mental
Health Alliance.
The cover photograph was
taken by ‘C J’ from Knighton in
Powys and shows the dawn
breaking over the River Teme.
Please send your
letters, opinions,
articles and
photographs etc. to:
Powys Mental
Health Alliance
Ponthafren
Longbridge Street
Newtown
Powys
HeadSpace
SY16 2DY
17
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JOIN
5/6/13
09:37
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PMHA
FOR FREE
AND RECEIVE ALL UPCOMING
ISSUES OF
HEAD S P A C E
“We believe that everyone's life experience
can make a difference to how we all
think about mental health.”
Our objectives
•To build a sustainable organisational structure that can articulate, and give
purpose to the many voices of people across Powys who may have reason
to use, or rely upon, Powys mental health services in the past, present or
future.
•PMHA will facilitate meaningful participation by individual people in
shaping all aspects of mental health policy and service delivery.
•PMHA will provide opportunities for individual people to design, develop,
and deliver pioneering and innovative services that support pathways for
recovery.
•PMHA will encourage and enable people to use the learning from their
experience to contribute to everyone thinking differently about mental
health and mental distress.
SECRETARY NEEDED
Can you volunteer your
skills to be secretary for
PMHA?
We require someone to take
notes, type-up minutes etc.
Travel expenses paid and meals
provided when necessary.
Please apply via email:
pmha.org@gmail.com
or ring Bryan Douglas-Matthews
01938 811 261
MEMBERSHIP FORM PMHA (Powys Mental Health Alliance)
Please Complete in Block Capitals
Full Name:
directory
Powys Agency for Mental Health
Information Line
Offers information on local mental health
services and mental health issues. Self-help
booklets on anxiety, depression, etc.
Tel: 01597 822191
e-mail: pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk
www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk
Mind Infoline
The leading mental health charity for
England & Wales and works for a better
life for all who experience mental distress.
Tel: 0845 766 016
www.mind.org.uk
Journeys
National organisation for people affected by
depression. Provides symptoms and
treatments for depression and details of
local groups
Tel: 0292 069 2891
www.depressionalliance.org
information@depressionalliance.org
Bi Polar Organisation Cymru
A user-led mental health charity providing
help and support to all affected, whether
sufferers, family or friends, with bi-polar disorder.
Tel: 01633 244 244
www.mdfwales.org.uk
Address:
Contact tel no:
E-Mail:
Age/date of birth:
(optional)
Where did you hear about PMHA?
(brief info)
Skills/expertise you can volunteer:
(brief description)
Please send completed form to:
Powys Mental Health Alliance, Ponthafren, Longbridge Street, Newtown,
Powys SY16 2DY
OR
Ring the PMHA Chair Bryan Douglas-Matthews on 01938 811 261
18
HeadSpace
Association for Post Natal Illness
Can put you in touch with other mothers
who have come through Post Natal
Depression
Tel: 0207 3860868
e-mail: info@apni.org
www.apni.org
Young Minds
Help and advice for young people who are
worried about the mental health of a
parent, carer, or other family members.
Tel: 020 7336 8445
e-mail: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
www.youngminds.org.uk
No Panic Helpline
A charity that specialises in helping people
suffering from anxiety, phobias, obsessive
compulsive disorders and tranquilliser
withdrawal.
Tel: 0808 8080545 (Available 10am –
10pm daily)
www.nopanic.org.uk
ceo@nopanic.org.uk
Hafal Family Support Service
Hafal provide a flexible support network
throughout Powys for families and carers
coping with serious mental illnesses.
Tel: 01686 621 266
e-mail: rekindle@hafal.org
www.hafal.org
Small Steps Project
For young people 16-25 struggling with
mental health
Tel: 01686 621 266
e-mail: smallsteps@hafal.org
Benefits Enquiry Line
Contact details for the Benefit Enquiry Line
which provides advice and information for
disabled people and carers on the range of
benefits available. The person taking your
call will not have your personal papers but
will be able to give you general advice.
Please visit the Directgov page detailed
below to learn about these benefits first
0800 882 200
bel-customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Powys Association of Voluntary
Organisations (PAVO)
One of 19 Councils for Voluntary Service in
Wales. Membership is open to all voluntary
organisations and community groups in
Powys.
01686 628 300
pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk
Powys Mental Health Alliance
www.pmha.org@gmail.com
Rethink
The UK based organisation associated
with Hafal. Offers help and advice to all
affected by severe mental health,
including schizophrenia, to recover a
better quality of life.
Advice Line: Tel: 020 89 746 814 (Mon,
Wed, Fri 10am – 3pm, and Tues & Thurs
10am – 1pm)
e-mail: advice@rethink.org
www.rethink.org
Health at Work Advice Line
A pilot service providing managers in small
businesses with easy access to professional
occupational health advice over the telephone to help you support your employees.
All calls are confidential and advice is free.
08001070900
CALL Helpline
(Community Advice and Listening Line)
A confidential listening and support service.
Tel: 0800 132 737 (weekdays 7pm –
11pm and noon – midnight weekends)
e-mail: callhelpline@dialpipex.com
www.call.dial.pipex.com
The Samaritans
The service is available 24 hours a day for
people who are experiencing feelings of
distress or despair, including those which
may lead to suicide.
08457 90 90 90
jo@samaritans.org
Powys Against Workplace Bullying
01597 825020
vbxllandrindod@tiscali.co.uk
This information has been taken from Powys County Council
w w w. p ow y s . g ov. u k
and Powys Mental Health
w w w. p ow y s m e n t a l h e a l t h . o r g . u k
See websites for updates
If your organisation would like to be included in this directory, please email pmhamag@gmail.com
Please write or email in with your comments about HEADSPACE and send in any contributions you would
like to see printed.
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diary
JUNE
Light the Way meeting
Tuesday 4 June 2013
1.30 - 2.45pm, at The Welshpool
Outreach Centre, Ponthafren
Association, The Enterprise Centre,
Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 2RR
tel: 01928 552770.
How to get a great Care and
Treatment Plan Diary Marker
Thursday 6 June 2013
Hafal training for adults using mental
health services and those close to them
Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells.
Programme and delegate booking information will be available soon.
Brecon Mental Health Carers'
Group
Monday 10 June 2013
The Brecon Mental Health Carers'
Group meets at:
Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon
2 – 4pm
For further information call Clare Lewis
on 07875 373 525
Impact of Caring Event
Wednesday 12 June 2013
The Pavilions, Spa Road, Llandrindod
Wells, Powys LD15EY.
10.00 am – 3.00 pm.
Digital Storytelling Festival Wales
Cardiff
Friday 14 June 2013
see website for details
Is prison the right place for our
mentally ill?
Thursday 27 June 2013
Former Prison Chaplain, Richard Walker,
asks if prison is the right place for people experiencing mental distress.
George Hotel, Brecon 7.00pm
£5.00 (friends £2.00)
For further information contact BDCA,
telephone 01874 611529 or email:
brecondistrict@btconnect.com
The Spiritual Crisis Network
Network Conference with Rufus
May
Friday 28 June 2013
see website for details
JULY
Training for Carers - Mental
Capacity Act
Tuesday 2 July 2013
Do you understand what this is and
how does this affect the person you
care for?
Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown
10am – 12 noon
Refreshments provided
To find out more please email
info@powyscarers.org.uk
or call 01597 823800
Challenging behaviour in dementia
Tuesday 2 July 2013
9.30am - 4.30pm
Neuadd Brycheiniog, Brecon
The course is designed for all staff
working with people with dementia
For more information and to book a
place please email: pwbotu@powys.gov.uk
Training for Carers - Mental
Capacity Act
Wednesday 3 July 2013
Do you understand what this is and
how does this affect the person you
care for?
Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown
10am – 12 noon
Refreshments provided
To find out more please email
info@powyscarers.org.uk
or call 01597 823800
Bereavement and Loss, End of life
training
Wednesday 3 July 2013
Neuadd Brycheiniog, Brecon
9.30am - 4.30pm
Refreshments will be provided.
Please book a place free of charge email
pwbotu@powys.gov.uk
or tel 01597 827507
Tea on Top
Sunday 28 July 2013
Organised by Brecon and District
Contact Association.
Join us as we once again walk to the
TOP of a hill for TEA & merrymaking.
Meet at Brecon Cathedral car park at
2.00pm.
For further information contact BDCA,
telephone 01874 611529 or email:
brecondistrict@btconnect.com
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AUGUST
Light the Way meeting
Tuesday 6 August 2013
The mid summer meeting takes place on
Tuesday 6 August, 1.30 - 2.45pm, at The
Welshpool Outreach Centre, Ponthafren
Association, The Enterprise Centre,
Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 2RR, tel:
01928 552770.
Community Food and Nutrition
Skills Course
Monday 12 August 2013
see website for details
Brecon Mental Health Carers'
Group
Monday 12 August 2013
Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon
2 – 4pm
For further information call Clare Lewis
on 07875 373 525
Flintshire Lights Camera ACTION
Event
Thursday 15 August 2013
Lights! Camera! ACTION! is a national
campaign led by service users and carers
with a focus on the delivery of new
mental health legislation and policy.
Please contact Hafal by 14th June 2013
to let them know if you can attend.
Call Janet Fletcher, Karen Jones and Jan
Archer on 07966017647, 07813658032
or 07805665527
SEPTEMBER
Brecon Mental Health Carers'
Group
Monday 9 September 2013
Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon
2 – 4pm
For further information call Clare Lewis
on 07875 373 525
Alcohol A.U.D.I.T and brief advice
Thursday 19 September 2013
1.15 - 4.30pm
The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells
To develop techniques to help individuals to adopt sensible drinking behaviour
For more information and to book a
place please email: pwbotu@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597
827507
OCTOBER
Brecon Mental Health Carers'
Group
Monday 9 September 2013
Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon
2 – 4pm
For further information call Clare Lewis
on 07875 373 525