Elament - eLanarkshire Mental Health Resource

Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015 Launched

The Scottish Government's mental health strategy to 2015 sets out a range of key commitments across the full spectrum of mental health improvement, services and recovery to ensure delivery of effective, quality care and treatment for people with a mental illness, their carers and families.

The strategy can be accesses via the Scottish Government Website.

Executive Summary

Mental illness is one of the top public health challenges in Europe. This new Strategy brings our mental health improvement work and work to improve mental health services together for the first time in a single strategy. It sets out our plans to work together with our partners to respond to the ongoing challenge of improving mental health and wellbeing and ensuring improved services and outcomes for individuals and communities over the period to 2015.

It sets out the work that we have already started and will continue; together with our ambitions to increase the pace of change and focus on key changes and improvements for the future within a clear performance and accountability framework.

The Strategy supports and adopts the 3 Quality Ambitions for Scotland that health and care is person centred, safe and effective. These are reflected in the 7 key themes applicable across the whole Strategy; and the 36 specific commitments to be delivered over the period to 2015 and which cover the full spectrum of mental health improvement, prevention, care, services, and recovery.

NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and other partners will use National Breathing Space Day on Wednesday 1 February 2012, to launch a new programme aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing.

Well Connected is a new pan Lanarkshire initiative which will make it easier for people to take part in and benefit from activities and services that are known to improve mental health and well-being.

The agencies and partners in Well Connected will do this by pulling their community assets together such as:

• Physical activity and leisure opportunities

• Volunteering

• Employment information

• Arts and culture

• Benefits, welfare and debt advice

• Learning opportunities

• Healthy reading and self-help Information in libraries

• Stress control classes in communities

Jim Wright, NHS Lanarkshire Mental Health and Learning Disability Unit general manager, said: "With one in four people experiencing mental health problems in Lanarkshire, we need to increase awareness of mental health and the range of support services available. Well Connected will bring all these supports together and will better highlight to people how they are available within their own community. For example, stress control classes are self help support groups for those experiencing high levels of stress and will help them overcome any difficulties they may be facing."

Councillor Barry McCulloch, NLC convenor of Housing and Social Work, added: We're delighted to support the Well Connected programme. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems in Scotland and Well Connected promises to be an effective method of directly promoting good mental health in the local community, combating stress and depression as well as other health issues in North Lanarkshire. It has a clear and defined pathway which will help ensure that the people of North Lanarkshire make the most of these opportunities"

The Well Connected Launch coincided with National Breathing Space Day, which this year is themed 'Well Wednesday'.

The day encourages everyone to take some time out to look after their mental well-being and is being promoted through a touring van which carries Well Wednesday messaging.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space/Living Life national coordinator said "NHS Living Life in particular links in well with Well Connected as it offers a telephone self help service for people feeling down, depressed or anxious. The self-help coaches teach people new ways of coping with their problems as well as help boost self esteem and confidence."

All the partners involved also used the launch to sign the 'see me' anti-stigma pledge, committing them to do what they can to end the stigma and discrimination experienced by people who have mental health problems.

Suzie Vestri, national director of 'see me' said: "People with mental health problems are at risk of stigma and discrimination due to negative public attitudes which can stop them seeking help and can make recovery more difficult. Each of us has the ability to change that, because for people with a mental health problem, what you do makes a difference and working with the Well Connected programme will greatly support us to take the 'see me' message into the communities of Lanarkshire."

Details of the Well Connected Programme and how to access it can be found on the self help section of elament.

Well Connected Launch

Wednesday 1^st February 2012

North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire and our partners are delighted to announce the Launch of the Well Connected Programme on Wednesday 1st February 2012 on National Breathing Space Day.

The launch of Well Connected sees us reach a landmark in our journey in Lanarkshire to use our community assets to support recovery and promote well-being across all Lanarkshire communities.

Well Connected is a new programme in Lanarkshire, sometimes referred to as social prescribing or community referral. It makes it easier for people to take part in and benefit from activities and services that we know improve mental health and well-being. There are eight Well Connected areas available:

• Physical Activity and Leisure Opportunities

• Volunteering

• Employment

• Arts and Culture

• Benefits, Welfare and Debt Advice

• Learning Opportunities

• HealthyReadingand Self-help Information in Libraries

• Stress Control Classes in Communities

In recognition of the significant partnership work involved in the development of this comprehensive programme, a launch event will take place in South Lanarkshire andNorth Lanarkshire. At the launch you will hear from a range of guest speakers about the background and objectives of the programme, the specific pathways and opportunities, and supports available to implement the programme locally.

To attend one of the launch events please complete the attached booking form and return to: Fiona Ingram

Mental Health & Well-being Needs Assessment and Service Development Administrator

Netherton House,Wishaw General Hospital, 94-104 Netherton Street,WishawML2 0DZ

01698 366 930 Fiona.Ingram@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

Booking Form

A host of events featuring film, theatre, music, art and literature will once again be held in Lanarkshire as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival from 1-24 October.

Now in its fifth year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world and is becoming a major cultural event in Scotland.

Avril Thomson, NHS Lanarkshire senior health promotion officer, said: "The festival aims to promote positive attitudes towards mental health and mental illness. The events are open to everyone, not just those involved in mental health. One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life and 75 per cent of us will know someone personally who has a mental health problem. Despite the fact that most people will have some personal experience of mental ill health, stigma, discrimination and inequality experienced by people, young and old, who have or have had mental health care needs is common place within our society. The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival provides a platform to challenge, engage and explore the issues and themes around mental health."

The multi-arts festival aims to promote positive mental health in the context of equality and social justice, explore the relationship between the mind and creativity and create a dialogue with the public, the media and the arts about what mental health means to us all.

All events are free or of low cost and take place in dozens of venues across Scotland throughout the month of October.

The festival encompasses film, comedy, music, theatre, literature and visual art in a unique partnership of arts, health and community organisations.

For further information on the festival events in Lanarkshire, please visit the festival website www.mhfestival.com  or the Lanarkshire festival page.

Alternatively contact Avril on 01698 377 626 Avril.Thomson@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

The Festival is led by: The Mental Health Foundation 0141 572 0125

Lanarkshire festival partners include:
NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Lanarkshire Links, The University of West of Scotland, Bazooka Arts, Clubnet, Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health, Equals Advocacy, SAMH, Choose Life and Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

Mental Health Charity Helps Locals Get Well-informed

A national mental health charity has teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council to launch a re modelled mental health information service, to help locals to stay mentally healthy.

SAMH (the Scottish Association for Mental Health) will relaunch its local information service with a new image and a new name, Well-informed, at Bellshill Cultural Centre on Friday 26^th August between 12.30-2pm. There will be a variety of speakers as well as a presentation on Well-informed and its future developments. There will be an opportunity to browse the promotional resources and chat to both staff and volunteers involved in the Well-informed service during an informal light lunch.

The service, funded by North Lanarkshire Council, will provide information on local and national organisations and services that are relevant to people's mental health and well-being. Well-informed will give people the information they need to make informed choices about their support, and to look after their own mental health.

As part of the new development of Well Informed, volunteers have been recruited and this has enhanced the service being provided which can now help people in more ways than ever. People can now get information on mental health and wellbeing through an outreach stall at North Lanarkshire Libraries, a face-to-face appointment facility and extended opening hours of the information line.

People can contact Well-informed through the free phone number: 0800 073 0918 or by email: well-informed@samh.org.uk . The opening hours of the service are Monday - Friday 10am - 12.30pm and 1pm - 4.30pm.

Bobby Miller Manager Younger Adults North Lanarkshire Council Housing and Social Work Service said:

"Well informed" offers help to people, who are looking for some ways they can improve their own, or other people's mental health and wellbeing.  It can do this in different ways - by providing ideas and local information, help in deciding what support or services are out there and to make choices about what's best. It works in partnership with Council and NHS services and can help staff in these services to get information or ideas they might find helpful to assist people they know too.  

Steve Mayes, Operations Manager at SAMH, said

"Under SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), Well-informed is an integral resource for anyone looking to find out more about mental health and well-being. It can be seen to further support the SAMH head office mental health service by providing mental health and well-being information to those in North Lanarkshire through the information line and a presence within the community. It's team of volunteers are integral in making the service run efficiently and effectively in their role in guiding and signposting people to information relevant to their enquiry."

Jim Wright, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Unit Manager, NHS Lanarkshire said

"Well Informed will play a very important part in supporting people to have easy access to information that will help people know more about mental health problems, how to look after our mental health and what supports and opportunities are available. The fact it also takes information out to North Lanarkshire communities will help increase wider public understanding of mental health and well-being, reducing stigma, which is one of the biggest barriers to recovery".

Motherwell Community Mental Health Team for Older People have been busy organising a brand new service for the local community. The Dementia café and Information Sharing Centre, for all people wanting to find out more about memory problems, opens its doors for the first time on Friday 5^th August, from 1pm to 4pm within the centenary suite, Fir Park football stadium, Motherwell. 

Initially intended as a pilot, the café will be evaluated using the experiences of those who use it, and if found to be beneficial there may be scope to continue the project and even mirror the service in other areas to ensure equality across Lanarkshire.  The team has been working closely with Motherwell Football Club and several partnership agencies that have been supporting the project. For more information on all aspects of this new initiative call  Hazel Boyle 01698 269649.

Further details can be found on the Dementia Cafe Poster

Leading Scottish mental health charity calls for action on depression. On 15^th June 2011 leading depression charity Depression Alliance Scotland was renamed as Action on Depression, launching a major new campaign and fundraising initiative to highlight why everyone in Scotland can and should take action on depression.

In the run up to the campaign Action on Depression have been working with two families bereaved by suicide whom despite their loss are united in their determination to take action by raising funds in memory of their loved ones. They want to to increase awareness of depression as a treatable condition for which there are many forms of help, and encourage everyone to take action where they can.

Sandra Lindsay lost her daughter Mandy Lindsay due to depression in November 2009 says:

"The loss of our daughter Mandy at the age of 24 was a horrendous blow to our family and local community in South Lanarkshire. People used the word tragic about Mandy, but Mandy wasn't tragic, what happened to her was the tragedy. Mandy will always be missed. Since Mandy died we have worked tirelessly to create a legacy in her memory through our local fundraising efforts which will continue. We wholeheartedly support Action on Depression to raise awareness of depression as an illness and encourage anyone who is need of help and support or concerned about someone to contact them for more information"

It is time for action on depression

• 2 people per day die by suicide in Scotland
• 10% of the population of Scotland are taking antidepressant medication
• 13% of people report suicidal thoughts, 4% attempt suicide and 2% carry out deliberate self-harm at some point in their life
• Depression is both common and treatable and the majority of people can and do recover given the right help and support.

Ilena Day, Chief Executive, Action on Depression says

"Whilst there have been improvements in the understanding and treatment of depression it remains a major condition in our society where there are still many people unable to get help. This is due to a lack of services, long waiting lists but also simply feeling too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. This week as we unveil our new name alongside our new campaign 'Action on Depression'.We encourage the people of Scotland to do just that. Action on Depression today calls on people across Scotland to support us in taking action to defeat depression. By using this campaigning week we invite the public to consider what action they can take to support people with depression, and make sure their own wellbeing, and those around them is as good as it can be."

"It may seem like one person can't make much of a difference against a huge issue, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Individual actions can save lives, and people working together as a movement can change attitudes and raise awareness across the board".

Action on Depression Suggests:

Take action for yourself by doing one small thing;

• Make sure you look after yourself by doing some things that you value and enjoy
• Find out more about the signs of depression
• Make small steps to improve your life
• Ask for some help and support if you need it - do it now!
• Ask your GP what support there is for you

It's easy to take action for others;

• Support our fundraising efforts to make a difference to local people living with depression
• Ask a friend or work colleague how they are feeling if you feel they aren't themselves - and give time for them to answer
• Organise an awareness raising session in your workplace
• Distribute leaflets and information about depression around your community
• Donate by text, send AODN 11 £5.00 to 70070 or donate online at www.actionondepression.org/donate

Motherwell highlight 'elaments' for success

With a top six SPL finish, two cup semi finals, European football and a Scottish Cup final looming, the 2010/11 season has been a success for Motherwell FC. However, the club's players and management team will take time out from preparations for their final SPL game of the season against Celtic to help re-launch Lanarkshire's Mental Health and Well-being Information Website www.elament.org.uk

The site has been developed to improve access to mental health and well-being information in Lanarkshire and Motherwell manager Stuart McCall thought it a fitting moment to explain how good mental health and well being were important elements of the club's success this season.

He said: "This season at MFC we have seen that with success comes more games and higher expectation. However, part of my role as manager has been to take steps to manage the demands placed upon the players and get the balance right between football and relaxation. It's also been about promoting well-being and a positive mental attitude, building their confidence and self-belief, focussing on their strengths and the things that are under their control and having goals to work towards. As a result we've celebrated when things have gone well but we've also learned to build on the things that don't go well."

 He continued: "We all have busy lives these days - with work, family commitments and the added pressure of the current financial pressures - and having people around that support and understand is really important. That's why sites like www.elament.org.uk are very important as they help us recognise the signs of everyday stress and feel comfortable talking about it. But they also offer advice, information and support to people to take action to look after their own and others mental health and well-being."

Motherwell FC have been at the forefront in Scottish football in promoting positive mental health messages such as signing the 'see me' pledge in May 2010 and displaying the website www.stepsforsress.org on the back of club shirts.

Leanne Dempster, chief executive of the club, said "We want to use our profile and links to the Lanarkshire community and footballing world to increase understanding of mental health and reduce the stigma. I hope our success story can inspire others to look after their own and others mental health and well-being and that they use www.elament.org.uk  for information and support."

Kevin O'Neill, chair of the Lanarkshire Mental Health Improvement Partnership Group, said: "We know from national surveys that around 75,000 people in Lanarkshire will have experienced stress or depression in the last two weeks. We also know that many people want to look after their own mental health and well-being but it can be difficult to know where to start. The 'elament' website is the first stop shop for mental health information in Lanarkshire, from understanding mental health problems, finding self-help information and seeing what services and supports are available."

 Councillor Barry McCulloch, North Lanarkshire Council's convener of Housing and Social Work Services said, "I fully support this initiative and others like it, aimed at improving mental health and well-being across our communities. In particular I would like to mention the partner agencies involved and Motherwell Football Club for driving forward such innovative projects."

Councillor Jim Handibode, chair of South Lanarkshire Council Social Work Resources Committee said, "We live in challenging times and now more than ever we need to see our mental health and well-being as a precious resource. The 'elament' site is there for all of us whether we are looking for information and support to overcome problems or make the most of life and I very much welcome this new development."

We are currently updating the service directory. If your service details have changed, please complete the update form and return to us at LRN@lanarkshirelinks.org.uk

Likewise, if you would like your service deleted from the service directory, please use the same form.

NHS Health Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, the Scottish Dementia Working Group and the Lanarkshire Dementia Strategy Implementation Group are launching Living Well With Dementia - DVD on 24^th June at 11am-3pm in Rutherglen Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 2JJ. The launch will provide a preview of 'Living well with dementia', you will hear local and national speakers talk about dementia,  you will hear from people living with dementia, see a drama performance which explores the issue of dementia and have the chance to share your views and support developments.  

The DVD was produced by NHS Health Scotland in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group, 'Living well with dementia' is for people who have just been given a diagnosis of dementia. The DVD is based on the experiences of people with dementia and carers, using their voices to:

• help people in the early stages of diagnosis understand more about their illness,
• share experience around how to 'live well' after a diagnosis of dementia, as well as offering practical advice on coping with its effects, and
• suggest where people with dementia and their carers can go for further support.

 If you are interested in attending please see programme and complete and submit booking form by 13^th June to Shereen Arabshahi, NHS Health Scotland, Woodburn House, Canaan Lane, Edinburgh EH10 4SG.  Email: shereen.arabshahi@nhs.net Telephone: 0131 536 5522 Fax: 0131 536 5501