It’s Time to Talk Day – let’s start a conversation!
February 4, 2016 at 8:30 am
Mental health stigma leaves people in the South West feeling ‘worthless and ashamed’
An England-wide survey of over 7,0001 people with mental health problems shows that nearly two thirds of people in the South West2 are left feeling isolated (62%), worthless (64%) and ashamed (63%) because of the stigma and discrimination they have faced.
The findings are released on a day when the nation is asked to have more open conversations about mental health in order to tackle this stigma, called Time to Talk Day (4 February). The day is organised by the Time to Change campaign, which is run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Despite the devastating effects of stigma, the survey – the biggest of its kind – found progress has been made with over half of respondents in the South West (57%) saying it’s easier to talk about mental health problems than in previous years. Sixty percent of people also felt better once they did start to talk about their mental health problems, saying they felt relieved and like a weight had been lifted.
This is why Time to Change is urging the nation to have more open conversations about mental health and to start this on Time to Talk Day, when thousands of others will be doing the same.
In Bristol the public are invited to attend open days in the community – at Hamilton House (10am – 8pm), The Station at Silver Street (10am – 4pm) or the Bristol Royal Infirmary (10am – 4pm) – to pop in for a coffee and join the conversation. Time to Change Bristol’s Champions and volunteers will be on hand to engage with members of the public and encourage open conversations about mental health, building the buzz in Bristol.
The Time to Change Bristol team is a consortium of Time to Change Champions, organisations and community groups campaigning to end stigma and discrimination in and around Bristol. Key partners involved include: Bristol City Council, NHS Bristol CCG, Bristol Mental Health, Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN), WellBeans Initiative, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UWE Bristol, Bristol Mind, Bristol Rethink Mental Illness, Wellspring and CASS. For more information about Time to Change Bristol and its partners, go to: www.time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday-online
George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I know what a widespread issue this is and am determined that Bristol become a place where we can talk openly about mental health issues by breaking down the barriers and stigmas that prevent this.
“Most people seem to be able to talk freely about all sorts of physical problems or illness and we need to put mental health on the same footing. I hope lots of people will get involved in the Time to Talk Day in Bristol and join the conversation. I shall.”
Nationwide, people are being asked to take part in a competition to see which county can have the most conversations about mental health. Once people have had their conversations they will be asked to log them on an interactive online map at www.time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday, which will be updated in real time to show which counties are talking the most throughout the day.
More than a thousand organisations will be taking part including, O2, Royal Mail, the FA and Everton Football Club. As well as this, 500 secondary schools alongside universities and colleges, councils, national government departments and community organisations will all be joining in. Celebrities and politicians will also be supporting the day by tweeting selfies indicating which county they’ll be talking for.
A short film is being launched online to show the kinds of conversations that can make a big difference, supported by online and radio advertising. 48,000 tea bags and coasters – encouraging people to have a cup of tea and a chat – will be handed out with the Metro newspaper at Bristol Temple Meads and other stations across the country. On Time to Change’s website there are tips and tools to help people have their conversations.
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “This survey shows that stigma is still having a huge impact on how people feel about themselves and holding back their lives. We have got to continue to make progress, show that mental health isn’t something to be ashamed of and tackle the causes of stigma and discrimination.
“Having a day when we encourage the nation to talk about mental health collectively can give people the confidence to have these conversations and show that you don’t have to be an expert on mental health. We need to replace silence and stigma with talking, greater understanding and support.”
Join in the local conversation online using the hashtag #timetotalk or #brizzlebuzz
For information and to get involved in Time to Talk Day visit http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday
1 The Time to Change survey was conducted online using Survey Monkey between 22 December 2015 and 19 January 2016 and was completed by a total of 7,171 people in the UK with experience of a mental health problem. The survey was promoted on Time to Change, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness social media platforms.
2 The Time to Change survey was completed by a total of 623 respondents in the South West.
February 4, 2016 at 8:30 am | News | No comment
Time to Talk Day 2016
February 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Bristol folk are being encouraged to have conversations about mental health this Thursday 4th February, as part of Time to Change’s ‘Time to Talk Day‘.
The national campaign aims to challenge misconceptions by getting as many people as possible talking about mental health, sharing their stories and offering support to others.
Lots of events are taking place across the city on 4th February as part of #BrizzleBuzz – the hashtag Bristol has adopted for the campaign – so come along and join in, or why not plan an event of your own? There are lots of free resources available on the Time to Change website.
4th February – Time to Talk Day!
- Healthwatch Bristol will be at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) from 10am-1pm for a chat.
- Time to Change events will be taking place at Hamilton House (10am-8pm), The Station (10am-4pm) and BRI (10am-4pm).
- Southmead Development Trust is hosting a coffee morning in the Greenway Centre Café.
- Wellspring Healthy Living Centre will host a conversation event in the afternoon, 2-3.30pm
- Golden Key mentors will be at Buzz Lockleaze shop & café to talk about how food can affect mental health 11am-3pm. Click here for more information.
- Bristol University Students’ Union is having a fifteen-minute ‘chat off’ outside Senate House where students are invited to come and talk about mental health. Free cake available! 12.15-12.30pm. Click here for more information.
5 February
- Bristol University Students’ Union is having a Time To Talk after-party with spoken word poets reading work about mental health. 8-10pm in the Anson Rooms bar. Click here for more information.
12 February
- Film screening and activities at Greenway Centre, Southmead. Click here for more information.
13 February
- Incredible Edible Time to Change Champions Fund event. Click here for more information.
21 February
- Beyond the Ridiculous at the Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market (funded by the Time to Change Champions Fund). Click here for more information.
24 February
- BME Voice/Manifesto for Race Equality event, Rose Green Centre, Whitehall 1-4pm. The event provides a chance to talk about mental health stigma and how it affects the BME community. All welcome for workshops, presentations, stalls and lunch.
26 February
- ‘It’s OK to talk about mental health’ coffee morning #1 at Badock’s Wood Children’s Centre, Southmead, 9.30-11.30am (not a Time to Change event). Contact .
1 March
- Bristol Disability Equality Forum event, 12–4 pm at MShed.
12 March
- International Women’s Day, Time to Change presence (and other mental health organisations), M Shed. Details to be finalised.
16 March
- End of Champions Fund & Time to Change Bristol celebration event, The Station, Silver Street, Broadmead, 11am-3pm.
18 March
- ‘It’s OK to talk about mental health’ coffee morning #2 at Badock’s Wood Children’s Centre, Southmead, 9.30-11.30am (not a Time to Change event). Contact .
February 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm | News | No comment
NICE: Share your views on patient and public involvement
January 10, 2016 at 9:33 pm
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has launched a survey to find out how it involves patients and the public in its work.
NICE wants to explore how they can continue to deliver quality, meaningful public involvement in a rapidly-changing environment.
The group says that views of the public are vital in helping them to identify what priorities should be in place for public involvement in the future.
The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and responses will be confidential. Members of the public have until midnight on Sunday 17th January 2016 to share their views.
To fill out the survey, click here.
January 10, 2016 at 9:33 pm | News | No comment
Mental health service availability over Christmas period
December 21, 2015 at 1:33 pm
For many of us, Christmas can be a tough time. If you are in need of help during the festive period, below is a list of useful services and their opening times, should you need someone to talk to.
- Adult Crisis Mental Health: 0300 555 0334 – open throughout.
- Bipolar UK: 0207 931 6480 – closed Christmas Day until 4th January.
- Bristol Mindline: 0808 808 0330 – Wednesday to Sunday, 8pm to midnight, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Caring in Bristol: 0117 924 4444 – 60 bedded hostel (18+) open 3pm, 23rd December until 10am 2nd January.
- Caring in Bristol: Bristol Nightstop (emergency housing for 16-25) – 07979878814, closed 24th and 25th December, open after this but not yet clear if open NYE or New Years Day.
- Childline: 08001111 – open throughout.
- National Mindline: 0300 123 3393 – 9am-4pm Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve, 9am-6pm 29th and 30th December, closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th and 28th December, and New Year’s Day.
- Off the Record (limited service) St Michael’s Hill will be closed on the following days:
- Thursday December the 24th (Christmas Eve)
- Friday December the 25th (Bank Holiday)
- Saturday December the 26th (Bank Holiday)
- Thursday December the 31st (New Years Eve)
- Friday January the 1st (Bank Holiday)
- Saturday January 2nd
In the week between Christmas and New Year, St Michael’s will be open for IAPT/CYP-IAPT appointments and drop-ins only on 29th & 30th December.
- Partnership Outreach Team: Inpatient support for under 18s – 0117 925 1046.
- Samaritans: 0845 90 90 90 – open throughout.
- The Sanctuary: 0117 954 2952 – 7pm-2am Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th & 28th December, New Year’s Day, 2nd, 3rd and 4th January. For ages 16+.
- The Station: Closed but reopens on the 4th January.
- Womankind: 0845458 2914 – closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 28th December, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day.
- 1625 Independent People: Open as usual 9am-5pm weekdays with the exception of closing at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and closed Christmas Day, Mon 28th and New Year’s Day.
Please note: BIMHN is not responsible for any external services. We provide these contact numbers in good faith.
December 21, 2015 at 1:33 pm | News | No comment
Healthwatch Bristol update
December 9, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Healthwatch Bristol’s theme for April to June 2015 was ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’. They asked you to share your experiences of mental health and wellbeing services.
A quarter report was produced along with engagement summary reports from individual pieces of work completed during the quarter. The reports have been shared with Bristol Mental Health System Lead Team and the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities commissioning team at Bristol CCG.
The Healthwatch Bristol Mental Health and Wellbeing Quarter Report is available at: goo.gl/hyv9tV
The report includes the key themes gathered from members of the public, patients and carers regarding mental health and wellbeing. Individual engagement summary reports relating to mental health and wellbeing are now available (goo.gl/SsHzfn) and include:
- Healthwatch Bristol Open Meeting 24 June 2015
- Bristol Multi Faith Forum – Faith and Mental Health
- WellBeans Words Unspoken
- Creativi-tea workshop with Self Injury Support
Healthwatch Bristol took your feedback to the organisations that provide and commission mental health services, including Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group, Bristol Mental Health and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
They also spoke to voluntary and community sector organisations to find out what they have been doing. This information be published very soon!
Healthwatch also asked the Health and Wellbeing Board to write to First regarding the lack of bus services to Callington Road. They are still working with the Health and Wellbeing Board to reach a resolution and would welcome BIMHN’s involvement and, in return, offer their support to work together on this issue.
December 9, 2015 at 6:16 pm | News | No comment
Have your say: Recommissioning of talking therapies in Bristol
December 9, 2015 at 3:32 pm
BIMHN is urging past, current or future service users, providers, and health and social care professionals to have their say over the Bristol Clinical Commissionning Group’s (CCG) recommissioning of IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services.
IAPT is a national NHS programme designed to make it easier for people suffering from anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to access talking therapy treatments.
According to the CCG, the new service will offer greater flexibility around the duration of treatment and the number of sessions available for people who need them.
There will also be an improved early assessment process which means that the waiting time will be less from assessment to therapy.
For more information and to share your views visit: www.bristolccg.nhs.uk. The deadline is 8th Jan 2015.
Did you know BIMHN runs regular focus groups to help gather feedback on how IAPT services are run?
Our next focus groups are being held on 17th December (10am-12pm) and 7th January (5.45-7.15pm). If this is something you’d be interested in joining, please contact:
December 9, 2015 at 3:32 pm | News | No comment
Poor transport service reflects need for parity of esteem
December 9, 2015 at 2:44 pm
A collaboration was agreed between First Bus and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) at our recent open event, which aimed to create solutions over the poor transport provision for Callington Road Mental Health in Brislington, South Bristol.
It was BIMHN’s (Bristol Independent Mental Health Network) first ever open forum, and was attended by First managing director James Freeman, AWP managing director Sarah Branton and AWP transport representative Kate Houston, as well as members of the public.
Brislington West councillor Eileen Means was also in attendance, as well as prospective councillor Harriet Bradley.
BIMHN’s secretary, Tom Renhard, chaired the meeting.
Since First terminated the number 36, due to it being the “worst performing bus in Bristol”, and AWP withdrew its free bus earlier this year, because of “a series of issues”, there has been no regular service stopping directly outside the hospital.
A number of buses stop nearby the site, but require users to walk along a main road and through a poorly lit wooded area, which Avon and Somerset Police has actively discouraged people to walk though in low light.
Representatives from AWP and First were put in the hot seat by members of the public who raised a number of questions, which challenged the responsibility of both service providers.
James Freeman, managing director at First, said that he is aware that transport to the site is a “disaster”, but he cannot bring back the number 36.
He said: “The 36 was the most unreliable service in Bristol that covered lots of main roads, so it was prone to delays. Plus, going through Tesco caused considerable congestion.
“The least worse option we could do was to withdraw the service. Since it’s been re-directed it has benefitted and people are saying that the service is much better.
“As much as we’d like to, we can’t bring the 36 back. Re-diverting the bus back would cause serious issues for people using Wells Road.
“We need a different answer to this – we need to be imaginative and find a more sustainable way.”
Sarah Branton, AWP managing director, said: “If we continue to fund the bus, it would be out of the healthcare budget. But we would much rather spend this on building a new psychiatric clinic.
“Southmead Hospital is very well serviced, unlike Callington Road, which is a shame. We need to start having creative conversations and would welcome support from the council – there needs to be more parity of esteem.”
Kate Houston, AWP transport representative, also agreed that this would not be an issue if it was a hospital for people with physical illness.
AWP agreed that collaboration needs to be formed with First, and if an alternative could be found – such as a new stop at the end of Callington Road – the partnership would consider helping with costs.
Councillor, Eileen Means, said that she is aware of a number of families who are finding it very difficult to visit relatives at Callington Road Hospital.
“The council needs to focus on mental health issues, and stop using the excuse of transport deregulation.
“The 36 was a problem, now it’s dead and buried. We need to try and find money to establish a new route.”
Member of the audience, Heidi Owen from Bristol Mind, also commented that those receiving treatment at Callington Road have had their mental health “seriously compromised” by not having transport.
In addition, BIMHN member and campaigner Peter Hale said that service users need to be consulted more about decisions being made between providers, as it is having a “negative impact”.
As a temporary measure, councillor Means agreed to look into improving lighting for the pathway leading to the hospital by seeking funding from the local neighbourhood partnership.
A number of recommendations were put forward by BIMHN’s campaign officer, Amelia Campbell, which included AWP, the council and transport providers working more collaboratively; installing a new bus stop; increasing the number of buses serving the nearby area; re-evaluating transport strategies at regular intervals to ensure patient care remains main focus in decision making; and effectively marketing transport to the site.
Amelia said: “It’s great to see that AWP and First Bus are willing to work together on this. BIMHN’s responsibility now is it make sure that they continue to talk to one another, with discussions being had with the council about what role they can play.
“Our desire is to create a long-term solution for users of Callington Road Hospital, and that mental health is given more parity of esteem in Bristol as a whole.”
December 9, 2015 at 2:44 pm | News | No comment
Have your say about Callington Road transport at open forum
November 25, 2015 at 5:17 pm
The poor transport provision for a Bristol mental health hospital will be brought into question at a public forum later this month.
The open event, on November 30, 6-7.30pm at the Station in Bristol’s city centre, is being organised by the Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN) – a group established to monitor the efficiency of mental health services in the city.
Members of the public will be able to ask questions to a panel, made up of transport and mental health service providers, and to hear about any solutions which can be made.
In March this year, First withdrew the number 36, which served patients, visitors, staff and other users of Callington Road Hospital in Brislington, due to “low usage” and it being the “worst performing bus in Bristol”.
First says that the bus was being caught up at the nearby Tesco supermarket, which caused delays for the service.
A free bus which had been provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) since 2006 was then cancelled in May due to a “series of issues”.
A number of bus services stop nearby the site, but require users to walk along a main road and through a poorly lit wooded area, which Avon and Somerset Police has actively discouraged people to walk though in low light.
The hospital provides essential services, including inpatient care, psychiatric intensive care, community services, and electroconvulsive therapy.
BIMHN has been made aware that for many users of the site, the poor transport provision is proving a hindrance to their recovery.
Amelia Campbell, BIMHN’s campaign officer, said: “The cuts to these services have resulted in those who do not or cannot drive needing to walk over half a mile from the nearest bus stop to the hospital – this is not appropriate for those who are vulnerable or have mobility issues.
“Service users, visitors and staff should also not be expected to walk through an area the local police acknowledge as dangerous and discourage individuals from walking through.
“This event aims to bring campaigners and allies together with some of those behind the cuts in service to firstly outline the issues and why they need to be addressed, secondly, to find out exactly what led to these decisions being made, and finally, to reach a compromise with aims and objectives to work towards improving the transport provision.”
Confirmed members of the panel include Wessex Bus and AWP. BIMHN still awaits confirmation from First Bus and Callington Road Hospital staff.
To register your attendance for the event, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk
For more information about BIMHN, visit: bimhn.org.uk
November 25, 2015 at 5:17 pm | News | No comment
Time to Change Champions Fund
November 25, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Funding is available for Time to Change Champions to run activities that engage others in conversations about mental health.
Time to Change is England’s biggest ever campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health problems face.
It is run by the national mental health charities, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
The Time to Change Champions Fund will support Champions to run activities which promote discussion about mental health.
Facilitating conversations between people with and without experience of mental health problems is one of the most powerful ways of improving attitudes towards mental health and reducing stigma and discrimination.
Whether it’s a film screening, running a stall at work, or hosting a coffee and cake morning – bringing people together is one of the most powerful ways of breaking down stigma and discrimination.
To download the guidelines and an application form, go to: www.wellspringhlc.org/cass or call Wellpring’s Community Access Support Team on 0117 911 9832 to request the information.
Please note, this fund is only available to Time to Change Champions.
Champions are people with experience of mental health problems who campaign to end mental health discrimination in their local communities.
The Champions network is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and campaign together to improve attitudes and break down stigma.
For more information and to sign up to be a Time to Change Champion visit: www.time-to-change.org.uk/become-a-champion
Funding is only available between November 2015 and February 2016 – so act quickly!
November 25, 2015 at 3:48 pm | News | No comment
No more budget cuts, says the King’s Trust
November 16, 2015 at 3:24 pm
Funding cuts are putting mental health services under a ‘huge amount of strain’, says English think tank the King’s Fund.
The English health charity has published a report called ‘Mental Health under Pressure’, which states that large-scale changes to mental health services are having a negative impact on patient care.
The briefing revealed that there is widespread evidence of poor-quality care, with only 14 per cent of patients saying that they received appropriate care in a crisis.
It also found that bed occupancy rates are routinely exceeding recommended levels.
Around 40 per cent of mental health trusts have experienced cuts to their budget over the past two financial years, the report disclosed.
The King’s Fund said: “As [trusts’] financial situation deteriorates, many are considering a further wave of large-scale changes, which could further destabilise services and reduce the quality of care for patients.
“They need to focus on using evidence to improve practice and reduce variations in care, but it is essential that this is underpinned by stable funding, with no more cuts to budgets.”
November 16, 2015 at 3:24 pm | News | No comment