Your Stories

Life, despite

all its difficulties,

is wonderfulPg 20

The healing powers of the arts, faith and laughterPg 15

My independence by Lisa CromackPg 19

My proudest sucess is beating my illnessPg 8

Issue 1- May 2012

Your Stories

An introduction from John ThorpeIt was a genuine privilege to be asked to write an introduction to the very first edition of the Trust’s ‘Your stories’ magazine.

I have always held a strong belief in the value of telling your own story for in its telling, the story teller is also a listener and it is within this autobiographical process of telling and listening that a psychological healing is engendered. The rich value of these narratives lies in sharing them with others who are themselves experiencing mental health challenges or those who have the privilege to be supporting them. This is a hugely important way to promote recovery; it was indeed that survivor narratives in the 1980s first began using the term ‘recovery’. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this magazine and want each of them to know that they are contributing to the growing recovery culture and directly challenging stigma in a sincere and powerful way.

John Thorpe (right)Chair of Focus On Recovery group. Recovery and Social Inclusion Team.

Welcometo the first edition of Your Stories

Your Stories Issue 1 03

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about the services being provided by the Trust.

If you have a worry or a problem with your care or the care of someone close to you, if you don’t know who to speak to or where to turn, PALS is here to help. We are a free, confidential service that will try to resolve your issue quickly and informally.

PALS can also act as a signposting service, putting you in touch with other local organisations outside the NHS. From advocacy services to benefits advice lines to arts and creative groups, we can find specialist resources to supplement and complement your care on your personal journey of recovery.

We are available:Monday - Friday(9am-5pm)

Freephone:☎ 0800 0525790

E-mail PALS: [email protected]

Write: The PALS Office,The Becklin Centre,Alma Street,Leeds LS9 7BE

PALSWe are here to help

04 Your Stories Issue 1

Can you tell me a little bit about growing up and your family?I was born in Huddersfield; I grew up as an only child. My father was abusive and I was also bullied at school. I had all the materialistic things growing up but not so much love.

When did you first start experiencing mental health problems?After my first child was born in 1986, I suffered from postnatal depression and ended up in hospital for two weeks on medication. I was working for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau at the time and I kept my job with them even though I had been in hospital. I ended up back in hospital again after the birth of my second child in 1989 and this time they called it manic depression. For the next few years I was ok, I had another baby in 1992, didn’t experience any symptoms and was completely off the medication. A few years later I had a stillborn baby; I really couldn’t cope and even tried to take my own life. I went back into hospital, back on medication and resigned from my job.

What about your journey to recovery?I went back into education, I had

another child and although I did end up in hospital for a short amount of time, I used the Parent and Child Unit at The Mount as an outpatient. I found this very helpful and supportive. I started to realise talking to others with similar health problems helped me as well as them; I found great strength in helping other people.

Through my contact with The Mount I found a job as a service user development worker for the Recovery and Social Inclusion Team within the Trust. I applied and got the job which was a fantastic boost.

Has your job helped your recovery?Being able to be completely open about my mental health condition, as this was a requirement of the role, was a great relief. Discrimination should not happen anywhere. A big part of my recovery has been about talking, opening up and listening to others which are skills that are vital in my role. My job has helped me to come to terms with my condition, helping me tremendously, it has given me an identity that I didn’t have before.

What other things have helped along your journey?Very close friends. I have a friend who has looked after my children

when I’ve been in hospital and who looks out for me. I make sure the people close to me know my triggers and warning signs so if I start to feel unwell they can help. I have lost friends along the way due to stigma and discrimination but I have learnt to say I am what I am and if people don’t want to know me then it’s their loss.

What would you say to someone suffering in silence with a mental health problem?You’re not alone. Talk to someone and contact services; your GP, Samaritans, and Dial House: they’re all there to help. There is help out there, use it. The services are so much more empathetic and practical now. The road to recovery is a journey with lots of obstacles but you can overcome them and become a stronger person. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses, and if you want to you can always go back into education and employment.

What can others do to help someone with a mental health problem?Be a good listener, empathise, don’t patronise and give advice, support and reassurance.

Bev Thornton

Opening up helped me recover


“A big part of my

recovery has been about

talking, opening up

and listening to others”

Bev Thornton

When did you begin to realise you were experiencing mental health problems and what happened?I began to suffer from mental health problems when I was 15 years old, a lot happened really. I became involved with the wrong crowd and was hanging around in parks and taking drugs, which triggered my paranoia and psychosis. I started on medication for depression. In my late teens I was admitted to hospital, I was hearing voices, couldn’t go out of the house and thought people were against me. I was really very unwell. I committed a serious offence and was sent to a high security psychiatric hospital for three years. During this time I went through rehab, began to take my medication every day and had a structured regime. After three years I was sent to a rehab ward at Highroyds hospital and I made a lot of progress there.

What has helped you in your journey to recovery?Whilst I was in hospital I had structure, I was doing different things every day. I passed my GCSEs and I moved out to a rehab hostel, eventually progressing onto college, and I completed a two-year printing course. Getting back into

education and work has been a big part of my recovery.

Have you ever encountered discrimination and stigma because of your mental health issues?I believe I have. After I finished my printing course I began to apply for jobs in the print industry but my mental health problems held me back. I believe I was discriminated against because I had all the necessary skills; it was my background with mental health problems that stopped me from being employed.

How did you challenge the stigma and discrimination you encountered? I put my energy into attending service user involvement groups, attending interview training days and sitting on service user panels. I made sure I kept myself busy and had plenty of projects to work on; I also made sure I kept taking my medication as I know that keeps me well. About 18 months after finishing my printing course there was a Mental Wealth Foundation that helped me to set up a voluntary constituted printing group.

I set up Design and Print United in Leeds with support

from different grants and social enterprises. I’m the secretary of the group and deal with everyday tasks such as talking to customers, marketing and invoicing. We are an entirely voluntary based organisation and the grants that we receive have to go a long way.

How does working in this role make you feel?It makes a real difference to feel like I am giving something back. Design and Print United is run by volunteers and no matter what your background, your condition or experience we want to get more people involved, people from disadvantaged groups. One of our students has been working with us for nine months and has started a course at Leeds College of Technology. We’ve also helped two people find employment. To know that I can help and support someone on the road to recovery is fantastic.

If people are interested in getting involved, gaining new skills and making new friends, please contact your key worker and ask to be referred. We work on a relaxed, non-judgemental, flexible environment. We can offer one-to-one tuition in graphics, printing and computer skills no matter what level. We can also offer support with future work and education.Paul Frazer

“To know that I can help and support someone

on the road to recovery is fantastic”.

How work and education aided my recoveryPaul Frazer

Your Stories Issue 1 0706 Your Stories Issue 1

We at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are working hard to raise awareness around mental health and learning disabilities. We are

working alongside the Time to Change campaign, a national campaign to end mental health discrimination.

Mental health is more common than people realise, it affects 1 in 4 people. Join us and help us tackle one of the nation’s last lingering taboos.

By becoming a member you can help to fight against stigma. You can:• Be involved as much or as little as you like, you decide upon your level of involvement• Vote in the governor elections or stand to be a governor yourself• Have a say about the provision of services• Receive our membership magazine every quarter. This will keep you informed about what is going on in and around the Trust• Benefit from NHS discounts• Attend workshops to find out more about mental health and learning disability related illnesses like memory loss and dementia or eating disorders. ...and remember all this is free.

Sign up today! Encourage your friends and family to do the same. The more members we have, the stronger our voice becomes.

To sign up please visit www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/membership/becomeamember

Membership join up today!

In September 2010, Dan had a breakdown. He had been at university and got mixed up with drugs and drinking. He had a bad relationship break-up and Dan crumbled. He couldn’t remember his name, where he was or what had happened to him.

It was then that Dan began to see the Crisis Team at the Trust. After his first session speaking with Andy and Gina of the Crisis Team, he began to feel a huge release. Dan’s mum, Lindsay said: “The team were absolutely brilliant. We will never forget what they did for Dan.”

It was a struggle to get back from his breakdown but with the help of the Crisis Team, Dan managed to get through things. He stopped taking drugs and took things a step at a time. He is now fighting fit but will never forget the support that the staff at the Trust had given him.

In April 2011, Dan decided he wanted to give something back. He decided he wanted to raise money for the many other people struggling with mental health problems and to do his bit to help. Dan decided he

would take the 3500ft adventure of climbing Snowdon. He took the climb along with four of his close friends. Dan said: “When we finally reached the top of the mountain, there was a fantastic sense of achievement. We were all overcome with exhilaration. It was amazing. I’m so glad that we did it.”

Dan managed to raise £121 for the Trust. The money will go towards healthy living equipment for people who use our services. He is very keen to continue his fundraising endeavours for the Trust and plans to get involved in events taking place this year. To anyone considering getting involved in fundraising for the Trust, Dan said: “I am so pleased and proud of my accomplishment. I can’t wait to get

started on the next adventure. It is really easy to carry out fundraising tasks. You just have to set your mind to it. There is lots of support available. Go for it!”

If you would like to get involved in fundraising for the Trust please contact the Communications Department on 0113 305 5976.

Dan Lewis

Climbing the mountainof recovery


At Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, our purpose is to improve the health and lives of the people who use our services every day.

But we think we can all take steps to improve our health and lives.

We’ve been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and we want to inspire you too.

We want to encourage each of you to set a goal that makes a positive difference to your health and your life.

Why not download our FREE app, available at the Apple App Store and set your own goal today

Raising fundsDuring 2012, we will be working closely with our Healthy Living Service to raise

funds to purchase healthy living equipment for people who use our services.

We have a number of events planned throughout the year that you can get involved in, for more information please visit our website at

www.whatsyourgoal.org.uk

Campaign 2012

Improving health and lives in the year of London 2012

Building Your TrustQuarterly involvement events for service users, carers, and members of the publicOur Building Your Trust events are an opportunity for you to get involved in influencing the way in which we provide services and develop our strategy. Covering a range of important topics the event takes place at the City Museum, Millennium Square in Leeds, and we are currently exploring potential venues in York and North Yorkshire.

Keep an eye on the events section on our website for dates of the next Building Your Trust events in Leeds and York

To book a place please telephone Andrew Howorth on 0113 3055951or e-mail [email protected]

My name is Sharon Wright, I’m a single parent to my daughter Molly, born and raised in my home town of Scunthorpe. I’m 42 and have had the privilege of being surrounded by loving supportive parents and friends.

Some may remember me from having one of the most successful pitches on the BBC TV programme Dragons Den early in 2009. I invented a product and successfully turned my invention, Magnamole, from an idea into a commercial reality and then onto a global success.

I’m a successful entrepreneur as well as an author and publisher, but this didn’t stop me being affected by mental health problems.

I’d suffered in secret with bulimia nervosa for over 25 years off and on and it was usually triggered by stress. I decided to go public with my illness after suffering a breakdown and reached the point of wanting to take my own

life. With bulimia comes the depression due to the chemical imbalance in your brain. Depression is an illness, it’s not a choice and you can’t just wake up and decide you no longer want it. I used to wake every morning but didn’t have the emotional or mental strength to face the world. I felt lonely even when I was surrounded by loved ones. I had to put on a face and hide my feelings because I saw the illness as a failure. I couldn’t be happy, no matter what I did or how hard I tried and would cry myself to sleep most nights. Being in business I had a persona to portray to the outside world so found it difficult to talk with anyone. For me bulimia had been my best friend and was the only way I knew how to cope with my emotions, but due to the stigma associated with the illness I found it difficult to confide with anyone.

With help and support after my breakdown I decided on my own plan of recovery. I asked for admission into a specialist hospital for eating disorders in Leeds, so I was mindful of the illness and this enabled me to take back control. I decided to tell the

world, partly due to protection for myself so I was able to discuss when I faced difficult times, but most importantly I wanted to be remembered for removing the stigma. After Dragons Den I did have a public profile with a captive audience. I spoke at after dinner events as well as in the business network. I wrote a book “Mother of Invention” and told all on how I ended up where I had. I wrote openly and with my heart on my sleeve and found this to be very cathartic. I take one day at a time, I’m kinder to myself and I now have a future. I support all mental health awareness in any way I can, because it needs people like us to change peoples’ understanding.

I’m proud of my achievements in business and have received recognition, but for me my proudest success is beating this illness and not being ashamed. My advice to anyone suffering in silence would be to take one step at a time, ask for the help you desperately need and don’t allow mental health problems to control your life, take the control for yourself.Sharon Wright

“My proudest successis beating my illness”


“I take one day at a time, I’m kinder to

myself and I now have a

future”

Sharon Wright

me back. The following have been important in helping me to cope: Prayer, meditation, faith and spirituality have been very important to me. The need for connection, community, meaning and purpose has not disappeared with the decline of religion. The religion I discovered in response to a prayer has been very helpful. The Bahá’í Faith offers a positive vision of humanity and our collective future and has given meaning and purpose to my life. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with people and meeting people in my personal life with a wide range of spiritual and cultural perspectives and beliefs. I have been able to learn a lot from them and also bear witness to the important role of faith, spirituality and belief in their lives. The importance of understanding and normalising my problems. Like many people, my mental health issues have been directly linked to traumatic life experiences. The love and support of friends, family, colleagues and people who have experienced similar difficulties. Psychological therapy and complementary therapies. I have had the opportunity to work with a number of different types of

therapy and therapists over the years.

Positive role models. People like Rachel Perkins, Patricia Deegan, Rufus May, Daniel Fisher and Ron Coleman have served to prove that you can receive a diagnosis of psychosis but still go on to make a positive contribution.

Refusing to believe the negative messages and resolving to continue to struggle against my problems. I believe that the messages we are given and the approach we adopt towards our difficulties are very important to the recovery process. Are we willing to accept sick roles for ourselves, or are we going to choose to struggle against our difficulties, no matter how hard that might be? I have always tried to encourage people I work with to choose the latter and I have also chosen that route for myself. I love music and poetry and have often found them to be powerful and uplifting. The opportunity to communicate with nature can be uplifting and healing. I believe in the healing power of laughter. Of course, this should not involve insensitivity, laughing at people and hurting their feelings. Service to others has been very important to me. My faith teaches that the highest station we can attain is that of service

to others. Work, no matter how simple or humble, is a means of contributing to the advancement of our communities, country and ultimately global society. I have felt blessed to be in the position of being able to work with people and learn so much from them along the way. We can all come to experience mental health problems. Processes of joy and pain are common to all and nobody is exempt from the potential stresses and crises of life. Today might be a good day, but tomorrow might bring difficulties which could be testing and stressful and which might impact on our mental health. In the same way that physical health is not a permanently fixed state, the same holds true for mental health. We are all on a continuum and have the potential to move up and down it at different times throughout our lives. However, while physical health problems are generally seen as normal, acceptable and to be expected, mental health issues have unfortunately been associated with unhelpful stigma, shame and taboo. Finally, I am pleased that we are being given the opportunity to share our recovery stories. I hope that this will contribute to ongoing dialogue and understanding about processes of recovery. Helen Williams

For most of my life I have struggled with severe mental health problems. However, despite this, I have worked full-time for the past 18 years as a clinical psychologist in the NHS.

I have spent most of my career working with people with a diagnosis of psychosis. Over the years I have noted that many people diagnosed with psychosis have considerable skills, talents and abilities, despite the difficulties they struggle with. A positive approach would be to help people address their

difficulties, while at the same time encouraging an emphasis on skills, talents, abilities and the contribution people can make to society. My mental health issues have not been easy to live with. However, I have chosen not to allow stigma and negative messages to hold

The healing power offaith, the arts and laughter


“I believe that the messages we

are given and the approach we adopt towards

our difficulties are very important to the recovery

process”

Helen Williams

but they did give me what felt like a lot of medication.

At the age of 29 I was diagnosed with manic depression, which is now called Bipolar, I was put on appropriate medication and as it started to work I began to feel better. Before this I had a lot of mood swings, long bouts of depression and then long bouts of what I call giddy behaviour.The real turning point for me was learning to become creative again. I met some nurses who encouraged this. A nurse brought me in some coloured pencils and paper and I started to draw and paint. They said “Why you don’t do something with it?” So I applied to Leeds College of Art and Design and I did my foundation in fine art. It was a bit strange because I was then out in the real world and after spending such a long time in hospitals you can become institutionalised. I completed my foundation course and by then had really got my teeth into education. I discovered a passion for photography and went to Leeds College of Technology to study a course in photography for two years, after which I went on to complete a degree in multimedia.

Before I found my confidence I felt like I’d been written off, people said I wouldn’t be able to do anything with my life. In the past the doctors said my mental health would stop me from doing

anything. I had to prove something to them and to myself, so to achieve a degree was amazing and showed what I could do.

I did end up back in hospital after my degree due to the stresses of studying but by this point the mental health services had changed dramatically, they were asking my opinions, talking to me about what I wanted to achieve and discussing medication with me. This did change my attitude towards the services; I began to think that I needed to give something back.

I started to volunteer at a day treatment unit teaching art and computers; from there I was approached and became one of the founders of the Arts and Minds Network. Everything has progressed from there, I’ve spoken about the way I use creativity to help with my recovery and I share my skills with other people to encourage them to be creative.

I now work as a Time to Change project worker and I have been elected as a governor of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I never thought I’d be able to work so to be managing a team is quite a turnaround!

I try to encourage other people to look at goals in their lives now, you can achieve your goals just take it slowly and see that recovery means

something different to everyone. When you’re in recovery it could be a completely different scenario to every individual. I like to encourage people to look at where they want to go with their life, to help them achieve some of their goals. It’s important to remember if you don’t achieve your goals straight away not to beat yourself up about it. You might achieve your goals next week or next year, it might not be the time yet. Mine has been a gradual journey to achieve my goals. I’ve been out of hospital for nine years now. I know all my early warning signs, I know what can trigger me off and I know that my Bipolar doesn’t go away. It is about looking after yourself and when things are getting too much for me I’ll take myself out into a field and photograph some wildlife because that’s what I enjoy.

It’s important to learn about yourself and simply knowing what you enjoy and what helps can be the first step. People can set themselves such high expectations and if they don’t reach them they beat themselves up about it. Sometimes you can’t and you need to take things as they come. Take everything one day at a time and most importantly remember to be kind to yourself.

Tricia Thorpe

I’ve lived in Leeds all my life; I grew up here, just me and my mum. At school I was bullied, I was the one who just got on with the work and I was picked on for that.

The bullying got really bad and made me feel very depressed, to the point when at 15 I took an overdose. I was admitted to an adolescent unit in Burley in Wharfedale for over a year and then ended up in Highroyds Hospital. This was my first experience of adult psychiatry back in the 1980s.

The experience wasn’t nice; I was very young and saw things that upset me. I spent many years in and out of Highroyds, 11 years in total. I spent a lot of time planning escape routes and failing, they always worked them out before me. In those days I wasn’t really given a diagnosis,

Creativityhelped my recovery


“You can achieve your goals: just

take it slowly and see that recovery means something

different to everyone”

Tricia Thorpe

“I want to write about the house I have been living in for the past year or so. Since moving in I have become more independent by having control over my own money and counting it twice a day.

I make my own lunch and help make dinner for myself and the other tenants. I also make myself drinks whenever I choose.

Myself and other tenants choose which meals we cook and eat and all are healthy. Since moving in I have lost two stones from choosing healthy food.

Now I am going to college, dance class, disco, and a health course without any staff being there with me.

I have my key to my own private bedroom where I can relax in peace, listen to music or watch a DVD.

I have my own mobile phone and buy my own credit so I can stay in touch with my family and friends.

I like going shopping and helping keep my home clean and tidy. I also do my own laundry and ironing.

I make all the decisions that affect me in my life and I am now able to take my pills myself.

This is me at the Learning Disability Service development day in 2011 (pictured right).The day was about making the service right

for everyone who uses it. It was good to get involved and tell people what I think”.

Lisa Cromack

Time to Change Leeds are supporting England’s most ambitious programme to end stigma and discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems.

Not only is it England’s biggest ever attempt to end stigma and discrimination and improve wellbeing, it is also a world first.

We would like to encourage as many people in Leeds to become involved in the project as possible. The more support we have to tackle one of the nation’s last lingering taboos, the better

If you would like to be involved contact:[email protected] 305661207577770972

My independence byLisa Cromack


in Leeds

Self-harm. It’s not glamorous, attractive or something easily discussed over a caramel coffee frappuccino . Usually considered to be done for attention, in truth usually done to try to address an overwhelming amount of grief. In my case, this was a result of severe bullying which grinded my self-belief and identity to sheer nothingness. It didn’t used to be like this. I was a happy, outgoing, curious child. Then, at 11 years old, I moved to an all-girls private school. I didn’t fit into their protocol, and in their eyes, that was unacceptable. Quiet whispers in the hallway developed into slaps which eventually crescendoed into a full-blown ‘hate’ campaign. I was a shy yet loving young teenager, bewildered as to why I was so resented for just trying to find my feet in the world. Slowly and quietly, I stopped living and instead, I existed. My closest allies were my razor blade and a flood of tears, an arrangement which I returned to every night without fail. School teachers told me I was to blame for being bullied and I was told to ‘cheer up’. Being told such a thing is arguably one of the worst things you could ever say to someone who has depression. It’s the equivalent of telling an alcoholic to ease off the drink.

Depression is a unique journey for every person en route and for me, everything was utterly bleak. There was no point in my mere existence. A number of times, I found ‘strength’ to try to end it all... but something always stopped me at the very last minute. I was unaware that this sliver of resilience was an internal strength which would develop into something so very integral later in my life. Then, one day, something changed. My scars looked up at me and were no longer a punishment for being me; this time they told me something different: that perhaps I didn’t deserve this, perhaps this behaviour wasn’t quite right. The thought played on my mind for months, until one day I picked up the phone and called the doctor. Years of therapy, medication and ups and downs followed. It wasn’t an instant epiphany; it was a long, lonely battle: myself versus my mind. And often, my mind won, and I found myself back again, hands covered in blood, my thoughts telling me to give up on it all. But something, somewhere inside me told me that maybe, just maybe there was something worth holding on for. Perhaps I could not yet see it, but perhaps there was a world out there, a world full of love, beauty and discovery, and that maybe one day I would be able to see it all

for myself. I kept that thought close, and with support from my ever-loving family, I started teaching myself how to stop hating myself. So here I stand at 22 years old. A degree in civil engineering, a dream job in television, a wonderful group of friends. I can’t quite believe how lucky I am. Sure, I still have a battle with my mind on a daily basis. But then I look down at my legs, my battle scars, and remember all that I have overcome, the intense pain which, as pain always does, eventually subsided. I was once asked whether I would choose not to have a mental health illness if I had the choice. Quite simply, I would not change a thing. Depression will always be a part of my life in some shape or form, but without it, I would not know how strong I am, and how capable I am to face life and make the absolute most of all the wonderful things I have been given. And most importantly, I would not be able to empathise with the people in this world, all who have their own battles to fight and demons to face. I am who I am because of depression... and life, despite all its difficulties, is rather wonderful indeed

Grace Owen

Sincere apologies to Sheryl Crow, but the first cut is often not the deepest. That usually comes many years later at a point of complete breakdown.

The first cut, in my case however, was without doubt the most prominent. Standing at the kitchen sink, a warm summer evening, the house empty. I was strangely calm as I took a small kitchen knife from the cutlery draw, rested my arm on the kitchen worktop and lightly pressed the knife across my wrist.

I felt a small sting as a single tear stubbornly rolled down my cheek. I was worthless, and this cut confirmed any suspicions. And without knowing, this was it: the beginning of a very unique eight years of crippling emotional pain that became my normality.

Self harm:it’s not glamorous


“Somewhere inside me told me that maybe, just maybe there was something worth holding on for”

Grace Owen

Record breaking longest line of bunting

Festiva

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Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Improving health and lives in the year of London 2012

We need you to break a world record

We want to get people talking about mental health and wellbeing, whilst making bunting.

Bringing together local people and communities towards a common goal in the year of the 2012

London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

www.whatsyourgoal.org.uk


Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a confidential and free service to guide you through the different services available at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.Monday - Friday (9am-5pm)Freephone: 0800 0525 790E-mail: [email protected]

Samaritans08457 90 90 [email protected] hours, seven days a weekConfidential and non-judgemental emotional support whenever you need someone to talk to.

NHS Direct0845 4647Available 24 hours, seven days a weekNHS Direct provides advice and information about health and the NHS so that people are better able to care for themselves and their families. The service aims to provide clinical advice to support self-care and appropriate self-referral to NHS services, as well as access to more general advice and information. 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline0808 2000 247Available 24hrsRun in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. To offer support, help and

information to women who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic violence. Drinkline0800 917 8282Available 24 hours, seven days a week.Drinkline is a national alcohol helpline providing counselling, support, advice and information. Beating Eating Disorders Adult Helpline0845 634 1414Available Mon – Fri 10:30am – 8:30pm and Sat 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Closed on Sundays.Adult helpine for UK residents who wish to talk about eating disorders and obtain information about help available in their locality for themselves, their friends, or their relatives. Learning Disability Helpline0808 808 1111Available 9am - 5pmThe helpline provides information and advice on learning disability issues to callers including people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and professionals working in the field.

UsefulContacts

22 Your Stories Issue 1

Leeds and York PartnershipNHS Foundation Trust

Recovery and social Inclusion

serviceThe Recovery and Social Inclusion Team:• Promote recovery and social inclusion in everyday practice• Take a lead on involving and consulting with people using our services in order to improve and develop them• Represent service user experience within the clinical governance structure and other groups in the Trust.

The team have a wide range of experience of working alongside staff and service users in a variety of settings. Each member of the team has personal experience of mental health recovery.

For more information Please contactRecovery and Social Inclusion Service( 0113 305 67598 [email protected]

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