Wednesday 02 September 2015
The Health & Social Services Department (HSSD) is holding a one day conference on Friday 16 October as part of Guernsey's Mental Health Week 2015, and to publicise the opening of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre at the Oberlands later this year.
Deputy Paul Luxon, Minister of the Health and Social Service Department, said:
"The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day is 'dignity in mental health' and we are holding this conference to highlight the effects that stigma has on those who suffer from mental health conditions. We also want to publicise the anticipated move to Oberlands in November.
"Guernsey MIND and the Dandelion Project are also holding some exciting events during Guernsey Mental Health. We hope this conference will encourage further engagement and awareness from across the community and will provide an opportunity for discussion."
Breaking Down the Barriers promises a series of interesting talks, workshops and dialogue on stigma and mental health across the lifespan. There will also be a focus on the challenges of delivering services to an island community.
Speakers include:
Judith Robertson - Programme director at 'See Me Scotland', a new initiative which aims to tackle stigma and anti-discrimination.
Dr Nori Graham, Emeritus Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry at the Royal Free Hospital, London, and Chairman of Alzheimer's Disease International.
Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuro psychopharmacology at Imperial College, London.
Dr Philip Graham, Emeritus Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Institute of Child Health, London.
Judith Robertson said:
"People often tell us that the impact of stigma and discrimination on their lives is worse than the mental health condition they are diagnosed with. People with mental health problems have the same rights as everyone else to dignity in treatment and care and I am delighted to be joining the conference in October to be sharing some of the experience from Scotland."
In addition there will be three workshops:
Experiential mindfulness with Dr Paramabandhu Groves, a Consultant Adult Psychiatrist with a specialist interest in substance misuse and Clinical Director at Breathing Space.
Equine assisted psychotherapy with Dr Deborah Judge, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Co-founder of Families Inc.
Experience of care with Judith Robertson and Emily Litten, Operations and Development Manager, Guernsey MIND and nursing staff from Guernsey mental health services.
Dr. Cecilia Moyes, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, said:
"One in four people are affected by mental health problems at some point in their lives. Stigma and discrimination often makes this worse. We can challenge this through education and knowledge .This conference aims to break down barriers that still exist. We are very lucky to have Judith Robertson as our keynote speaker describing the ground breaking initiative launched in Scotland last autumn to combat stigma and discrimination. Judith is bringing with her an individual with lived experience to share their views and first-hand experience. We welcome everyone and very much look forward to seeing you there."
Dr Carol Tozer, Chief Officer of the Health & Social Service Department said:
"It is absolutely key that we strive not only to raise awareness but to ensure we can offer the best service and advice to those who suffer from mental health issues and their families. It is our responsibility to provide information to the public on the treatment and support available, drawing on international evidence about how best to identify and assist those people suffering from mental health problems. The workshop in October will offer people the opportunity to hear from those who have experiences first hand and will also be a forum to ask questions. It is hoped that by raising awareness in this way we can overcome some of the challenges we face in this area."
The event takes place on Friday 16 October at Les Cotils Conference Centre 9am-5pm, registration opens at 8.30am.
Tickets cost £65 and are free for HSSD staff. Certificates of attendance can be provided upon request for CPD purposes. Please go to www.gov.gg/MHAW
