June 2008

 

We always welcome your comments and feedback – please let us know what you think, or tell us if there is anything we could improve on! You can email any comments, suggestions or contributions for the next edition to contact@...

 

LATEST RESEARCH NEWS

We produce summaries of the latest research, hot off the press from the Institute of Psychiatry, our most recently published summaries are:

 

Is DVD training and telephone coaching useful for carers of people with an eating disorder?

A study by Professor Janet Treasure and colleagues at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, looked at the usefulness and acceptability of training carers of people with an eating disorder via DVDs and telephone coaching, and if this type of training helped to reduce anxiety, depression and expressed emotion involved in the care giving experience. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with most aspects of the training.

www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/research/expanded/index.php?id=163

 

Cognitive behaviour therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been used as a treatment for mood disorders for a number of years. A team of researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry and the University of Manchester carried out a review of studies on the use of a specialised form of CBT that is used as a treatment for schizophrenia.

www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/research/expanded/index.php?id=162

 

Families and eating disorders: Changing perspectives to improve outcomes

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for eating disorders recommend that carers should be provided with information and support and that their needs should be considered if relevant. Professor Janet Treasure and colleagues at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London have written a paper about how to structure an assessment of carers needs so that the family factors that can contribute to the maintenance of eating disorder symptoms are examined.

www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/research/expanded/index.php?id=161

 

To read more Institute of Psychiatry research summaries and to comment on our research, visit www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/research/?id=11

 

Mental Health Update

The Mental Health Update Blog is produced by John Gale at the Bethlem Library and features easy to understand summaries of research articles on mental health topics, all the latest information from the Department of Health and news stories from specialist journals. To read more visit http://mentalhealthupdate.blogspot.com

 

IN THE NEWS

We keep an eye on the national press and information from UK mental health organisations and update our news page on a daily basis.

 

National Carers Strategy: A ten year vision?

In February 2007 Gordon Brown announced that the Government would renew the National Strategy for Carers – its 10 year vision for improving support for carers. The Government is expected to publish the new strategy very shortly. Carers UK carried out its biggest ever consultation with carers, to make sure the demands for what needs to change are firmly based on carers’ views. Thousands of you took part in events, wrote letters and sent emails, giving your views on what needs to change. Carers UK is organising a series of regional events to tell carers about the National Strategy, taking place in London (18 July), Birmingham (24 July) and Manchester (25 July). They will also be holding carer conferences in Northern Ireland and Wales in October, and in Scotland in December. For more information visit  www.carersuk.org/Getinvolved/Events/NationalCarersStrategyevents

 

Attitudes to mental illness research report

Shift's national survey into attitudes towards mental illness has been published. The full report can be downloaded from the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsStatistics/DH_084478

 

Government launches national debate on future of care and support

Health Secretary Alan Johnson has launched a month debate about the future shape of care and support services. A rapidly ageing population means that in 20 years' time a quarter of the entire adult population will be over 65 and the number of people over 85 will have doubled. The growth in the number of people with care and support needs will put tremendous pressure both on services and on the financial support that they receive through benefits and other funding streams. Over the next six months, the government will be asking the public and stakeholders at a series of regional events for their views about care and support to create a new system. You can contribute to the debate through the new website at www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk

 

Mental health care 'fails Asians'

People of South Asian origin with mental health problems are missing out on treatment, the BBC has been told. Experts warn it is contributing to the high suicide rate among Asian women. The chairman of one NHS Trust says he blames "institutional racism" for the "lack of engagement" with the South Asian community.

Lord Kamlesh Patel, of the Mental Health Act Commission, warned the "hidden plague" would grow if the problem was not tackled urgently. For the full story, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7416500.stm

 

Paying the Price: The cost of mental health care in England to 2026

Recognising the significance of mental health in terms of both expenditure and the overall health of the population, the King’s Fund commissioned a review. This report presents current and projected needs for mental health services and their related costs. It gives details on a number of specific disorders, including depression, schizophrenic disorders and dementia. Paying the Price suggests that without the right level and type of investment we will all pay the price – not just in wasted resources but also in wasted lives. To read the report, visit

www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/kings_fund_publications/paying_the_price.html

 

Superdrug vouchers for carers

During Carers Week 2008, Superdrug are providing vouchers for carers which give a discount of 10% in a single transaction. The pack of five vouchers and bookmarks are valid from 9-30 June 2008 and will be despatched the week commencing 2 June. Visit the carers’ week website to request your vouchers at

www.carersweek.org/carer_page.asp?id=153

 

 

TAKE PART IN RESEARCH

This is a selection of research studies currently looking for volunteers at the Institute of Psychiatry.

 

Healthy volunteers wanted for MindSearch Database

Would you like to help defeat mental illness and neurological disease? Want to be involved in the latest cutting edge research? Live within easy reach of South London? Then you might like to think about putting yourself forward for the Institute of Psychiatry’s MindSearch Database. MindSearch holds details of healthy volunteers who are interested in taking part in the Institute’s clinical research into neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. During an average year the Institute needs about 5,000 healthy volunteers to take part as control participants in its research studies: without them everything would grind to a halt!  If you would like to find out more, visit MindSearch www.mindsearch.net or telephone 020 7848 0909 (24hr voicemail).

 

Seeking new recruits for the Maudsley Twin Study

The Maudsley Twin Study at the Institute of Psychiatry has been running for 50 years. It is now looking to recruit twins who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder (where one or both of the pair are ill) and twins who don't have any history of psychosis, to participate in this ongoing project. As part of the study participants will be invited to do a test that records their brain electrical activity, answer a test and do a brain scan (PET) – you do not have to take part in all of the tests if you do not want to. Participants will be paid travel expenses and be reimbursed for their time. For more information visit www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/departments/?locator=398&context=986

 

Aging and brain function in HIV study

We are looking for HIV negative and positive gay white male volunteers to participate in a study of aging and brain function in HIV. Participation involves a medical examination, memory and information processing tests, blood tests, kidney function, liver function, glucose levels, cholesterol check and an MRI brain scan. Appointments can be conducted over a number of days, to suit you, and in total may take up to five hours. You will be reimbursed for your time and effort. For more information please contact (in confidence) Dr Karren Towgood, tel 0207 1888 059, or email karren.towgood@...

 

The causes of under and over eating: Volunteers wanted

This project aims to improve our understanding of the factors that may cause or prolong an eating disorder to help us develop new treatments. We think that people with eating disorders and/or obesity may have certain ways of thinking, feeling and responding to stimuli that are different in those without eating problems. We need people aged 16 to 60 with and without eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorders and obesity). Volunteers will be given an information pack and then asked to attend an appointment at Guy’s Hospital at London Bridge, where you will be asked to fill in some questionnaires, be interviewed, and do some simple pen and paper puzzles. To find out more, telephone Amy Harrison on  0207 188 0186 or email amy.harrison@...

 

For further opportunities to get involved in visit www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/researchvolunteer/?id=160

 

 

CAMPAIGNS

 

Carers Week 9-15 June 2008: Carers can’t afford to be ill

The fourteenth annual Carers Week will highlight the impact caring can have on carers' health and wellbeing. Two thousand carers have already contributed to Carers Week by taking part in an annual survey, now well-established as the largest annual survey of carers’ experiences and opinions. The results, when published at the start of Carers Week will report on those experiences; the rewards and the frustrations, and the effect on their health. What are the implications for carers, as well as those they care for? Each year over 1,000 local and regional partners organise thousands of events and activities for and with carers, throughout the UK. For more information on events and how to get involved visit www.carersweek.org

 

Be head strong - Dementia Awareness Week 2008

England and Wales: 6 to 12 July, Northern Ireland: 8 to 14 June

Dementia Awareness Week 2008 is a campaign by the Alzheimer’s Society, aiming to encourage people to take control of their lives by making simple changes in their behaviour and reducing the risk of developing dementia. Their new website offers practical information on staying healthy and reducing the risk of dementia and has a list of events in local areas during the week. Visit  www.challengedementia.org.uk/site/index.php

 

Survey on direct payments

Carers UK needs your help with a survey of carers' experiences of direct payments. Some carers and disabled people say direct payments have changed their lives for the better by giving them choice and control. Some carers say they feel like they are forced into accepting direct payments when they don't really want them or fully understand how they work. Carers UK wants to find out what the reality is, for carers and direct payments. We will use the experiences of carers around the country to press for change and share what works for carers. All information given will be confidential and the closing date for responses is 16 June 2008. To fill in the survey, visit

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tGbXDX14ONDQmYmRbA4HdQ_3d_3d

 

 

EVENTS AND INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Poll questions innocent mental health patients on Criminal DNA database

A new online opinion poll has been launched to gauge public opinion on the practice of retaining the DNA of innocent mental health patients on the national criminal DNA database. Launched by Black Mental Health UK (BMH UK), the survey is encouraging people add their views on issues that are increasingly impacting on all sections of society. The survey comes after a meeting with politicians, health experts and community leaders to discuss concerns about the growing numbers of innocent people from the community who have found their details stored on the criminal database against their will. The survey closes on 29 August 2008. For more information, visit

http://blackmentalhealth.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333&Itemid=117

 

Theatre-based training for mental health service users and professionals

Madeleine Vose offers a selection of workshops that support best practice with mental health service users, who often face challenges of homelessness, family breakdown and social exclusion alongside their mental health needs. Use of live performance allows participants to tackle issues and problems they may face in the clinical environment and explore responses and solutions with the support of their peers. Practical workshops in areas such as playwrighting, playreading and theatre enable service users to make a positive contribution to a creative process. Workshops can be half-day, one day or can be tailored to regular weekly sessions. For information on the programme or to discuss a specific project, contact Madeleine Vose on 07930 206917 or madeleine@...

 

Art at the Institute of Psychiatry. 14 June-15 August 2008, SE5

As part of the Camberwell Arts Festival, the Institute of Psychiatry will be hosting a variety of events around the campus. In collaboration with Cooltan Arts a series of temporary sculptures exploring mental health issues will be on display outside the main entrance to the Institute from 16 June and will continue throughout the summer. The Institute of Psychiatry Gallery (upper Wolfson mezzanine) will host a photographic exhibition, King’s College in Camberwell, which covers life in Camberwell before King’s College Hospital, the local buildings, wartime, social life at the hospital and the modern Institute. This exhibition will run from 14-24 June. The events are free and open to the public. The Gallery space is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. For further information contact Antonella Surdi, tel 0207 848 5377, email A.Surdi@...

 

Music and the Mind 4: Southbank Sinfonia with Kate Halsall. 19 June 2008,
12-1pm, SE5
The Institute of Psychiatry presents a lunchtime chamber music recital Music and the Mind 4, a special lunchtime chamber recital for Camberwell Arts Festival, Three alumni from the Southbank Sinfonia and a special training orchestra will be playing in the beautiful atrium of the SGDP building on the Institute’s De Crespigny Park Campus. The group will be playing Rebecca Clarke Trio, Peter Wiegold ’Tryst’ Trio and Mozart G Minor Quartet. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Louise Pratt, tel 0207 848 5377 or email louise.pratt@...

 

Connect and include: An exploratory study of community development and mental health. 26 June 2008, London SE1, 9.00-11.00am.
A breakfast launch is being held to mark the publication of a new report from the National Social Inclusion Programme at the Bankside Gallery in London. Connect and include is an exploratory study of community development and mental health, funded by the National Social Inclusion Programme at the Care Services Improvement Partnership and Department of Health. It includes a brief review of literature relating to relevant policy and practice, a survey and 39 interviews including community development practitioners, people with experience of mental health problems, and staff from mental health services. The event will include contributions from the authors and provide an opportunity for questions and networking. The event is free. Please book early to confirm your place. Contact Cheryl Roberts, CDF, Unit 5, Angel Gate, 320-326 City Road, London EC1V 2PT, tel 020 7833 1772, email conferences@...

 

In the red - poverty, debt and mental health: Mind annual conference 2008.
16-17 June 2008, Brunel University

The Mind annual conference 2008, backed by Mind's recently published new research, will show undeniable links between mental distress and debt. This event will gather together delegates with an interest in both mental health and financial issues. Unwaged mental health service users can apply for a free place at this event. Use the registration form to contact us for further details on Mind’s website www.mind.org.uk/osb/showitem.cfm/Category/177 or contact the Conference unit, telephone 0844 448 4450 or email at conferences@...

 

Personality disorder: No longer a diagnosis of exclusion? 10 July 2008, London SE1, 9.30am-4.15pm

There has been a long running debate about the nature and effectiveness of treatment for personality disorder. Many practitioners do not feel able to engage with people with this diagnosis, which can leave patients feeling isolated and excluded. With a line up of leading contributors in the field this conference will explain the meaning of personality disorder diagnosis and the outcomes of treatment. Free bursaries are available for service users and unwaged carers on application. For more information visit www.pavpub.com/pavpub/conferences/showfull.asp?Conference=705

 

Food for the brain conference. 11-12 October 2008, London WC1H

This second food for the brain conference has researchers and clinicians from around the world, talking about mental health and nutrition. Learn about the latest on preventing and reversing addiction, depression, memory decline, schizophrenia. Speakers include Professor Jill James, an expert in autism and nutrition and Professor  Joe Hibbeln from the National Institutes of Health, who pioneers research into omega 3, mental illness and addiction. Dr David Miller is also speaking on the impact of nutritional therapy on addiction recovery. Book early and save £50 on the normal conference fee. For more information, see www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1

 

 

Carers’ stories

We are always looking for stories of your experiences of caring for someone with mental illness. This is a popular section of the Mental Health Care site and visitors often say reading about other peoples’ stories has helped them through their own situation, read the stories at www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/carersstories/?id=115. If you’d like to submit a story, please email contact@... We offer a small payment for those accepted for publication.

 

 

NEW RESOURCES

 

Boiling Point: Problem anger and what we can do about it. Mental Health Foundation, May 2008. www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/anger-and-mental-health/boiling-point-report/

 

Experiences of children and young people caring for a parent with a mental health problem: SCIE Research briefing 24. SCIE, May 2008. www.scie.org.uk/publications/briefings/briefing24/index.asp

 

Gift from within: For survivors of trauma and victimization. Website www.giftfromwithin.org/

 

In the red: Debt and mental health. Mind, May 2008 www.mind.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B8ACA0C3-C16C-45DE-886D-84F0745A1C9D/0/Mw08reportWeb.pdf

 

Know your limits. New website from the Department of Health about the Safe, Sensible, Social campaign to combat excessive alcohol use www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk/units/index.php

 

NICE implementation uptake report: Atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. NICE, May 2008

www.nice.org.uk/media/410/E9/ImplUptakeReportAtypicalAntipsychotics.pdf

 

Our NHS Our Future:  NHS next stage review - leading local change. Department of Health, May 2008

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084644

 

Putting people first without putting carers second. Princess Royal Trust for Carers (May 2008) www.carers.org/news/putting-people-first-without-putting-carers-second,3477,NW.html

 

------------------

Mental Health Care

 

Mental Health Care is an information and research news website developed by the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the mental health charity Rethink. The website is aimed at the friends, relatives and carers of anyone with a mental illness.

 

Want to get more involved?

We are looking to build up a core group of members to consult on taking forward the development of the Mental Health Care website - we’d like to find out how useful you find the site, other things you’d like to see and how we can communicate with you better. If you are interested in helping us, please email contact@... for more information.

 

Unsubscribe

You are receiving this enewsletter because you have submitted your email to us through the Mental Health Care website, requesting registration for updates. If you do not wish to receive further communications from us, please email contact@... with the word ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

 

Spread the word!

Please pass this newsletter onto other organisations, professionals, carers, friends, families, or anyone who might be interested in this information and visiting our site. We also have free postcards and posters advertising the Mental Health Care website, if you would like to order some copies to use or distribute, please email contact@... or telephone 020 7848 0707.

----------------

 

Sarah Gentleman

Website Content Manager

www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk

sarah.gentleman@...