Minutes from 22 February 2010

EPSOM MENTAL HEATH WEEK 10-16 OCTOBER 2010

NOTES FROM MEETING ON MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2010

1.     What I’d like to receive from Epsom Mental Health Week 2010 – thoughts from members of the group

 Know I’ve helped someone, raise awareness, make a difference for someone, know what to say to people with mental health issues, have some fun, sense of satisfaction, more people being involved, particularly those who do not see themselves as having mental health problems, meet more people in local community, more contact with people with mental health issues, raise awareness of role of carers, bring more people in to befriending, see friendship offered to people in the community with mental health issues.

2.     Update on possible research project

Tony Robinson (TR) updated the group about the possible research project he has been looking into. The idea behind this is to organise research about the key mental health issues in Epsom, which could in time put us in a position to become a lobbying group. TR has been asked to put a proposal to Surrey University for a research project about women’s mental health.  No further detail is available at the moment, so TR asked for ideas and thoughts from the group:

Ideas

·       Could make links with Surrey Women’s Mental Health and Sanctuary magazine.

·       Issues around mixed-sex wards.

·       Women who care for grandchildren and elderly parents

Issues and concerns

·       Some group members felt this connection could bring in a new type of expertise could help to raise our profile. Many members of the group felt this type of research could provide the charity with more credibility and underpin our future direction. This was felt to be important in helping us to change attitudes. Several group members would be happy to be involved.

·       Some questions about whether this type of research comes under the remit of LMLMM. Concerns raised about how the research might be conducted, particularly from an ethical perspective. What if it raises sensitive issues for people, how are these then dealt with?

·       There was a concern that carrying out a specific piece of work around women’s mental health might damage our ability to research broader mental health issues in Epsom.

·       Some group members felt we needed to proceed with caution, as if we don’t get the project right it’s difficult to revisit for a few years. Might it make us too political?

·       Michael Preston outlined his view that research could provide a powerful picture of mental health in this community. This could include mental health and wellbeing in a general sense, not necessarily solely those who are diagnosed. Areas to look at could include stress at work, family function, etc. Also the spectrum of attitudes and knowledge within the community.

Sue Bull (SB) to follow up with conversation with TR following discussion among Trustees.

Ideas and updates for EMHW 2010

·       Lent appeal - LMLMM will be one of the beneficiaries of the Christ Church lent appeal this year.

·       Publicity opportunities - SB is attending a mind and Soul meeting in London at the end of March and will take publicity materials.

·       Funding ideas - Waitrose green discs, Rotary Club, Mayor’s Charity, Epsom and Ewell Council. Note from Kirstie – thank you for these ideas, and please let me know if anything else occurs to you (Kirstie@lovemelovemymind.org.uk)!

·       Making connections in the community - joining someone with a mental health issue with a “friend” who has no experience of mental health issues. Befriending can bring a great deal to people who may feel very isolated. Could help generate goodwill in the community by overcoming fear of the unknown. We could offer some training about what to expect (helping to overcome some barriers) and what issues befrienders might face. Rethink might be able to help with this.  There is a Council scheme providing mentors for young people, could we link with it?

·       Straplines – SB suggested “Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives” as a possibility. The group liked this but wanted to make sure it wasn’t already being used. A very personal approach was suggested – i.e. to play on the anxieties people have about mental health, e.g. “how not to lose it”. The group wanted to do some work individually and come back together to discuss in the next meeting. Strapline suggestions from the Steering Committee meeting are:

o   Open up, wake up, speak up - understanding mental health in Epsom

o   Do you mind?

o   How are you feeling? (as last year)?

o   Open up your mind

o   Mind over matter

o   Mind games

o   Mind the mind

o   People not labels

o   Everyone is special

·       Branding issues - there was some discussion about materials for the Christ Church lent appeal and a point was raised about whether we want to be promoting the charity or the week, and whether this might cause some confusion. It was explained that in this particular situation, because it was a fundraising appeal, it was important to cover all the charity’s activity. It was suggested that this point could feed into discussion about whether the name of the week might change.

·       Involving children and young people – the poster competition for children caught public attention last year. A suggestion was made about a poetry competition for older children. Diane Lynch (DL) will take this forward, and also discuss ideas with children and young people about a name for the week which they would find engaging. Last year the children enjoyed performing plays and singing, but were disappointed not to have more of an audience. This also needs careful thought and planning as schools need to be careful about who is coming onto the premises. One suggestion was that secondary schools could hold an event to be attended by primary pupils. Perhaps sixth formers could take it on as a project? Would Epsom College like to get involved? It was also suggested that the Scouts might get involved, particularly through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

·       Fashion show – a proposal has been put to UCA, who are considering it.

·       Venue ideas – the Playhouse foyer might be a possibility. Ashley Centre was suggested, cost is £1,000 for a week to let a unit. Methodist Church is a possibility.   

·       Famous people – suggestions were Dr who writes in the Telegraph, Sir Gerry Robinson, Stephen Fry, Prof. Lewis Appleby, Dame Judi Dench (has a connection with Rethink), Stephanie Cole. Time for Change, contact to see if any of their contacts might help, Dr Cornish, The Orpheus Centre. Action: check who Claudia Hammond has had on her programme.

·       Launch festival on the Sunday at the start of the week (which is also World Mental Health day) – could we do something in Derby Square? Fire-eaters, jugglers, etc. DL has some contact details. Could also look at sponsors.  

·       Sharing ideas and information – SB is in contact with Catholic Dioceses in Surrey and Arundel.

Thank you again for all your ideas and input. The next meeting is on 22^nd March at 12pm, at St Barnabas.