Your Expeerience Counts

Winter Edition 2020 Issue 24

Editor’s Foreword

Hello Again and welcome to our Christmas 2020 edition of Your Expeerience Counts.

This edition provides feedback on a number of aspects of our service and includes the regular contributions from peers, volunteers and staff members. One of our peers has submitted a poem, one of our GP Link workers has produced artwork and our volunteers have produced ad- ditional prose contributions with a festive theme.

This edition starts with a Christmas challenge to match the Christmas songs to their initial letters and also features a candid and relatable written piece from one of our GP Link workers.

As we end 2020, it appears there are reasons for optimism around Coronavirus and everyone should be proud of the contributions they’ve made. Christmas is a time to be kind and thoughtful to others and we hope everyone gives and receives that kindness. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a great 2021.

If you have anything you want to share or add to the magazine, please contact Nicola, our admin worker on [email protected] and she will add your article to the first available magazine.

See you all in the next edition.

The Editor

Contents

Page 4: Heather’s Christmas Quiz

Page 5: GP Link feedback

Page 6 & 7: A piece by Derek

Page 8: Living Life to the Full

Page 9: LLTTF feedback

Page 10: Artwork

Page 11: Peer poem

Page 12: Peer work feedback

Page 13: Peer’s case study

Page 14: Amy volunteer

Page 15: Christmas poem

Page 16: Well-informed feedback

Page 18: Quiz answers

Christmas Quiz

Our peer worker Heather asks you to match the song title to its initials. Answers are provided on the final page of this magazine. 1)SN 2)AIAM 3)OIRDC 4)THATI 5)OCT 6)WTKOOA 7)WSGSUTC 8)OHN 9)RATCT 10)FTS 11)RTRNR 12)JB 13)IWICBCED 14)TFN 15)WC

GP Link Feedback

GP Link workers provide a person-centred response to the mental health and wellbeing needs of GP practice patients and support them to identify issues that affect their ability to live well.

Hi Andrea I just wanted to say thank you again for everything you have done for me and helping me through my tough time. I feel a really couldn’t have gotten through it without you..

Thank you so much again for everything.

I would have to say the link worker service has been absolutely invaluable to us and our patients both before and during the covid pandemic. Lucia has been fantastic, picking up e-mails regarding patients and contacting them and following them up. I have spoken to many patients who have appreciated her input over this very difficult time

A Piece by Derek our GP Link Worker

Loss is a strange beast. Sadly, it comes to us all at some time in our lives, and like every other situation that can affect our mental health it affects us all in different ways. In August this year my life changed in a way I could never have imagined when I lost my wife very suddenly. In “normal” times there would be a decent bit of support I could turn to, but like many other situations these days COVID has put paid to a lot of interaction with friends and family. After the initial shock subsided and I began to let myself feel what was going on I quickly realised that I had lost every bit of resilience, all my self-care techniques and generally my ability to function as a human and resorting to some of the more neg- ative ways of coping. And boy did I beat myself up about that! I’ve worked in mental health for nearly 3 years, I know how to deal with situations, I help people every day of my life deal with similar so why couldn’t I practice what I’ve been preach- ing? How could I take time to breathe and slow down where everything was a trigger to me. How do I manage in a house by myself cut off from my support network due to the restrictions that were ongoing. It was difficult and it stayed that way until the funeral which was almost like a turning point for me, the part I was dreading the most was over, and although obviously still devastated I knew that I had to change something, for me, for my family. People kept telling me “you’re doing so well”, “you’re being so brave”, I was honest with them, if you want me to be curled up on the floor in the foetal position, inconsolable I’m more than capable of doing that – and to be honest I still could some days. But there was this light bulb moment which comes to us all that I could either lie down to it or try and regain some of who I used to be before all this.

In time, with support of family, friends and colleagues (albeit mainly digitally) it gave me a chance to open up, to talk more about how I was feeling. This was the start of things changing (as it had been with my previous battles with my mental health over the years). I used a lot of the local supports that I’d referred people to, counselling, self help websites, even the simple things like getting myself out for a walk even if it was just to the shop round the corner, but it all started to make a difference. People hear the word resilience and think that it’s some sort of bulletproof vest that deflects anything that comes your way, the fact is it isn’t, it’s a life skill learned from a young age just like walking, a toddler falls, they pick themselves up and try again. Resilience is something that can become depleted and chipped away when life’s unexpected events come at you but like a flood barrier it can be restored with some work, and like any project when you stand back and look at how far you’ve come you can take that bit of pride and say “I did that”. That’s what I see in the mirror, now when people say I’m doing well I can say back “you know what, I am just now” and not just using it as a standard response like the classic “I’m fine”. As I said there are days I’m not fine, but that’s normal in eve- ryday life. We take the good and the bad it’s how we react to them that makes them better or worse. The trick is not to beat yourself up as I did, if your day is bad enough and some- one has a go it will inevitably make you feel worse, so why do that to yourself? Allow yourself to have that bad day and start afresh the next ( I have to thank my colleagues for reminding of this regularly). This isn’t set out to be a story of my woes, what I want people to see is that many situations in life even the most unimagina- ble can be overcome with the right strategies in place, it’s not an easy or a quick fix but it can and does get better in time.

Living Life to the Full

Living Life to the Full Feedback

I have found the Living life to the full modules very helpful by way of content, relativity and self awareness. When I struggled I kept going back to the previous modules to find how far I’d come. I also liked the flow of the set up starting at a place where getting out of bed was over- whelming and gradually following on to a module reminding me of what is good about me, and the im- portance of positive reinforcement.

However what has helped me most is the benefit of the vast experience and empathy from Derek Chalmers. Not once did he tell me what I wanted to hear, steer my deci- sion making, or judge my ability to cope with the angst and situation I have found myself in.

He also made me feel comfortable from the first call when I was in a bad place. I know I still have quite a bit to go mentally however appreciate the sessions with Derek more than you will ever know. He didn’t just “dump” the modules on me but walked me through them before I completed them, discussing and giving feedback on my progression.

In conclusion Derek Chalmers is a credit to everything your service stands for and I hope he receives the plaudits he deserves. He is professional to a fault without losing his natural ability to not only put people at ease but to make each session worthwhile and be of great value to me as a service user.

Expeerience Counts Art

Mark, our GP Link Worker took up life drawing during lockdown as a way to distract and focus his mind. He has continued to develop this in- terest and these are his two most recent contributions:

Peer Poem

MONSTER

Silent stalker, monster in the undergrowth, gaining trust, respect and loyalty from a vulnerable woman. Gather round you, help you, always at your beck and call and always happy to help. You fed me to the lions and you thought that was the end, but I rise from the ashes, ready to defend. The in- domitable human spirit borne in me, gives me the strength, not to flee but to roar, from the pit of my stomach, hurt and pain turn into victory. I fight for my flesh and blood, make sure they are safe and sound, and at last I have an uneasy rest.

You tried to take my life, as I know it, you didn't succeed, my will of steel, may have melted for a time, I stumbled and I fell, but I found my way again. I made it safe for those I love, relying on myself and my wan- ing strength and I pulled through, I am here today, no thanks to you. I will live the life God gave me, and make the best of it. Till it's time for me to go home, you made me feel so alone.

Alexis

Peer Work Feedback

My peer worker is good listener, puts me at ease and is relatable due to having similar experiences, which I have used to explore coping strategies. She is lovely and has sent me loads of emails with useful information. C is very helpful and easy going. She helps to simplify things and is down to earth. She uses her own experiences to help me and put things in context. She is a great support and deserves a gold star. I’m using my MyRAP book and discuss this with C. I wish I’d known about Peer support earlier. I look forward to my sessions with my Peer Worker. I find her down to earth, easy to talk to and she listens. She uses her own experiences to show me how she coped and what coping strategies worked for her. I’m finding Peer support really helpful. My Peer Worker keeps me going and sends out relevant info. We talk about coping strategies and I feel my Peer Worker is genuine and knows what she is talking about. I would recom- mend Peer support. I’m using MyRAP book and finding it useful. C uses her life experiences to show how she coped. I explore coping mechanisms with her. She is a good listener and she’s on a mission to find me suitable CBT for my trauma. I would give C 5 stars. Meetings are going well and I find R very helpful. I’m happy with how thing are going. Support is going fine and R is lovely. He uses his lived experiences to help him with coping strategies. R also helped me get a Gym pass. Although I prefer face 2 face, I realise this is not always possible. R is a good listener and uses his own experiences on how he has coped in the past. I have been working really well with J and I also feel with what advice she is giving and wee workbooks to work on I am feeling a little better as I go on. It has been very helpful and I’m thankful for J.

Peer’s own case study

I was very low feeling, I had nobody to speak to about my troubles and was feeling at my lowest for as long as I can remember. Myself and my peer worker developed a good understanding of one another and his views and experiences through similar situations helped me with my own situation. He used his own experiences as a way of telling me and letting me know that no matter how bad this situation is there is always a better day coming. His own experiences were a lot like mine and we had common feel- ings about it and it made me feel better and hopeful for my life moving forward. We only spoke through phone calls and there was no first judgement of a meeting or face to face interview. His own experiences helped with my own. Other services I've been too before were not so helpful in similar situation.

I read MyRAP and it opened my eyes up to a lot of things and made me think differently and better. My relation- ships with family has improved for the better since I started and they are on the right track moving forward. I am working on my action plan and feel I have done so well on implementing this into my life and achieving all that I hoped for. I feel it has given me the confidence and motivation to connect with my community and have the support from services I need.

CHRISTMAS PROSE AMY SWEENEY

When it comes to Christmas time, we start to think about the upcoming changes It’s an important and special occasion, one that can be shared with family and also friends. Putting up the Christmas tree and decorating, it wrapping up gifts filled with joy. Having a nice time celebrating together, also creating fun memories that we can always remember.

Thinking about loved ones work colleagues and friends that we enjoy spending time with. It’s about being there for the ones who care. Looking at the Christmas tree and opening gifts also remembering loved ones who are no longer with us and bringing everyone together during a magical time.

Some photographs from my last holiday in Tarbot. I really enjoyed learning about some of the history while I was out and about exploring the local area.

Chrsitmas Poem

The Christmas Tree is standing tall Standing up against the wall With décor and lights all around And presents waiting to be found

Christmas is a time for turkey and wine All the food and everything is fine Kids with toys, girl or boy Playing away and full of joy

A Merry Christmas to you from me Enjoy yourself with your family May your God keep you and keep you well And happy as we all can tell

Tommy (Well informed volunteer)

Volunteer Feedback

Our Well informed volunteers are an asset to our service even during times of restricted movement. Without them we would be unable to get information on mental health out to the people we do, and combat stigma around mental health. Our volunteer team remains in regular contact and we asked our volunteers for their experience of volunteering and helping to raise mental health awareness:

Tommy - I have been volunteering with Well-informed for ten years. I love doing the stalls because you meet all kinds of people. The elderly really appreciate you being there, knowing that once a month you can get them any leaflet they need. We hope to help even more people in future.

Amy - I enjoy making a contribution to the service by develop- ing my ideas and improving my own understanding of mental health.

Maria - New month. New Beginning. New Focus. New Start.

Well-informed offers an information line which gives access to re- sources relating to mental health and wellbeing and signposts to available non clinical community support for mental health manage- ment. This is some of the feedback we’ve received from enquiries:

Showed my partner the stuff u gave me she smiled at me and said she's proud of me lol its a start on a path a don't mind walking thank u again for ur help.

Thank you for your reply. I must commend the service which I have received so far. It has proven to be a lot smoother and swifter than I had an- ticipated.

Thank you for the information it has really helped!

Feel as though speaking to you has somewhat allayed my fears of speaking to my GP. thanks again for all your help today, feel a bit better since i spoke to you

Thank you so much for your email back, this is very helpful.

Well informed fields calls on 0800 073 0918 and emails to well- [email protected]. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4pm.

Quiz Answers:

1) Silent Night 2) Away in a Manger 3) Once in Royal David’s City 4) The Holly and the Ivy 5) O Christmas Tree 6) We Three Kings of Orient are 7) When Santa Got Stuck up the Chimney 8) O Holy Night 9) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree 10) Frosty the Snowman 11) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 12) Jingle Bells 13) I Wish it Could be Christmas Every day 14) The First Noel 15) White Christmas

Useful Telephone Numbers Motherwell Office 62 Windmillhill Street Motherwell  Contact Well-informed on 0800 ML1 1TA 073 0918 for general enquiries relating to mental well-being. Phone: 01698 265 659 E-mail:  Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 [email protected] .uk  The Samaritans: 116 123

 Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 0271234

 NHS 24: 111

 Lanarkshire Links: (01698) 265232

About Expeerience Counts

Expeerience Counts supports the mental well-being of the people of North Lanarkshire. It benefits people who are over 16, living in North Lanarkshire, experiencing or recovering from a mental health problem and facing challenges or struggling to achieve personal outcomes.

Peer Support Workers create an environment which empowers people and supports them to take control of their recovery. Through their work with individuals, Peer Support Workers help people to identify their strengths, understand their challenges and explore what they find useful and what causes them difficulty.

Peer Support Workers support people to develop their own, individualized, Recovery Action Plans and work towards personal goals over a period of up to 12 weeks.