soph95x

[soph95x]

3 Saviors 1 ME

No where to go, No one to turn to, No one who understood who I am. Alone I was unable to communicate and scared of what was to lie ahead. No one who understood the real Sophie the capabilities, the strengths, the Bright side that lay beneath the darkness. There on my own and in my hands my whole life ahead and not a single person had met me before. Being Completely Alone and afraid of everything and everyone with a shelf of worries and not a single skill to cope sent terror to my bones. I thought I was going to suffer but fear not as I met whom now I call my hero and Role Model the most amazing Ward Nurse/CPN who saved my life and has helped along with One amazing psychologist and a facilitator whom I thought would not give me the impact she has. These three amazing people are my saviors in many different ways. Words Cant describe how much these mean to me but tears shed together has proven that the professional bond between my hero and I is untouchable and holds a special place within me.

Blink of an eye and suddenly I come crashing down in a place of uncertainty, unknown territory I have never been before. Thoughts running through my head with no sense of reality and the effects this was having. Lost and isolated in crisis with people trying to unlock me to help but not exceeding. A breath of fresh air turned that key and was let into the world of me. My Hero was there at last. Full of energy with a smile on her face entered my life and released the true me hidden inside. Layers of darkness lay before her but not being phased and with true patience slowly they came apart. The faith, time, energy and personality of this incredible professional shined and it became apparent that she wasn’t going anywhere. Every shift we talked and talked and in her weird but wonderful way got me engaged. Everything going on in my case we spoke about. She guided me for every meeting and soon realized me and groups of people doesn’t mix and what does a hero do best solves the problem then problem after problem and trust me there was a lot. A professional bond started but this was just the beginning…

A professional bond is not just the interaction and the outcomes whilst that professional is involved it’s the way the bond is formed and how the bond creates a person and changes after the professional has left. In my case my hero became my CPN and strangely her last day of ward nurse was my last day on the ward. The ward was where the bond started. No one could get me to talk but my hero did, no one could see the real me but my hero did, no one seemed to realize my insecurities but my hero did. My hero became my role model. Bubbly, confident, full of swag and a voice that carries is what I admire and not holding back on conversation with a straightforward attitude is the person I knew deep down could be me but was I right?

As quick as a flash of lightening is how quick I can blip in and out of a crisis and this is how quick my hero helped. Every new issue She was quick of the mark to resolve it. My hero became my role model because of all the time and effort she put in to making me better. A role model is someone who we look up to be like and my hero is just that. She goes out of her way to help people, she see’s what lies beneath them. One day I want to be just like her. When my role model told me she was leaving her job as CPN I was in tears the same tears I was when she told me she had a new job on the ward. It was the same conversation she said you would still see me but in a different role. This was difficult but what made it more difficult was of how much my hero was apart of my Journey. My hero is my role model and I don’t think anything will change that.

I made the decision to not continue with my hero in her new job role for many different reasons. This decision was so difficult for me and even now I still think back and wonder the main reason. My hero was apart of my life in two different job roles and I am so lucky to have had that experience and this last year of not being involved with her made me see the journey and how far it as came. I know this means so much to her because recently we seen each other by Skype coincidentally and the tears that came from her and me were real and the bond is still so tight. I am lucky and blessed to have met this professional and she will hold a special place in my heart FOREVER!

Throughout out my journey I came across many professionals but no one as special as my hero and no one as amazing as the next two people. My psychologist met me in the very first days of me being admitted to the ward. She was an angel that came at the right time to save me and give me the opportunity to be involved in life saving therapy DBT. My Psychologist really give me hope for the future and her spirit carries and rubs of on people at least it did with me. An Angel rescues people and that just what this incredible psychologist did. She believed in me from the start, she give me hope, there was light at the end of the tunnel with an angel guiding me and in her own words. “I was the person in the boat and she was the owes helping me and guiding me to the other side.” That’s exactly what happened. Truth I was against all therapy I actually remember saying give it 6 weeks and I won’t go. My angel got me ready and she was a miracle because I loved DBT in fact I still do. I lived and breathed DBT. It was like a healthy addiction; I could not bare missing a session in fact I missed like 3 sessions in the whole year. I wanted to learn the ins and out and every little detail. My psychologist did just that. 1.5 years on from graduating DBT I still swear by it and love it. I recently started studying the background of DBT and reading around how it was formed and who it was formed by its so interesting and my angel got me to that place. I recently seen my angel in person and that moment was so special because I know without her the work my hero done would not have had the impact it has. My angel is so special in a different way and will always be remember. Last year I was given the opportunity to teach at a local university and share my story and teach some of DBT with my angel and it was so special I could see how much DBT means to her and it means a lot to me to. I hope to do another post just on DBT in the near future as I can talk all day about it.

The next saviour in my life and the most important to date is whom I am referring to as a facilitator as that’s the role in which we met. However, she is currently still working with me and is very important and is in a different capacity. This facilitator is my recovery and way forward fairy as all she currently does is wave this magic wand of wisdom, wise, knowledge and inspiration. When I met this fairy she was full of joy, laughter and a no nonsense attitude something I really liked. In a group setting she seemed to know each of our personalities and strengths and weaknesses. We had some laughs and there is one she never lets me forget. We were doing a homework task feedback and I made a comment about there being no Rivers in Newcastle. I still laught because we have a famous river in the title of my home city the River Tyne and to this day I am not aloud to forget it. In the early days maybe after 2 month of being in DBT which lasts a year I was always asked not to answer a question because she knew I had the answer and she always asked me those questions a lot more difficult. She really got the best out of me in those group sessions and on my last DBT session she came even though she wasn’t facilitating this and that was a special moment graduating from DBT with her there could not be more special. Recently my fairy is back involved and is a massive part of my team now in fact one of the most important people to date. Fairy she is called because a fairy waves magic and she has done just that. She been in contact me every week without fail and lets me rant and rant. She saved my life a few times and always reminds me of those important to me especially of her colleague my hero. She knows how special the bond between my hero, and I is. We are currently working on something that is going to change my life drastically but I wont be blogging about that yet however what I can say this is so big and because she believes I can do and the opportunities I have through this is incredible. The bond we have is different to the rest but a lot freer and more relaxed in terms of pressure as she makes sure I have limited of that. A fairy is changing my life for the best, but you will have to wait and see how that happens…

“Our bus only goes forward” Came from the words of my hero and my motto for life.

Thank you for reading my first Mental Health Journey blog post on here and stay tuned for more. But always remember you can meet incredible professionals and create lasting bonds in services I am living proof of that.

[soph95x]

Team v Leader - Before the beginning

Who would of thought I would be sitting here now as a Team v Leader 2014-2015 to be able to say that is an achievement after the last year and lengths I went. 

In October 2013 I joined my friends team " Team v Newcastle Central" as a volunteer to support her on campaign 1 originally but then it lead to all 3. I joined this because I wanted not only support my friend, get my volunteer hours up- but to change the way people think in my community which certanly happened. 

Anyway in May Claire approached me and asked me how I felt about applying for the role. Honestly I was gobsmacked that her and Victoria a leader from 2 years ago who moved up from Manchester for Uni and volunteered to support Claire with me both approached me same day similar times. At first I kept asking why? but then I relised that maybe I could apply would not wont commit me to anything in just appying 

When I applied I thought that was it but then I got shortlisted and invited to a selection day this is when the real adventure begun. 

It was exciting to get a phonecall to invite me to the manchester selection day as I was unable to make Leeds. However I did not relise that getting to Manchester would be the challenge it was but tour de france of course.  

The selection day arived and the half 3 alarm went of. GRR however it was exciting as I was excitied to meet other young people and of course meet up with a friend in manchester anyway. 

The train journey there included dislocating my shoulder and it randomly being put back in, a painful job indeed. 

I arived in manchester raring to go and in pain, after a tram ride, getting lost and being in pain. I arrived at the Oxford Pallace Hotel and was greeted by kind staff and other young people. 

The assessment day started with introductions and Ice breakers which set a challenge for the staff as they had to figure out how they could change there icebreaker so I could join in. They ended up playing Splat a game I love and won. 

We then got split into small groups and were asked choosing a vinspired campaign how we would tackle the problem. My group which was only 3 of us decided to look at mental health and homelessness and use food and unemployment as wel by looking at events volunteers from those backgrounds could create to get the message out. This was great I really enjoyed it as this is my passion and my voluntary worked really paid of them when we presented it. 

The next 2 hours were dedicated to 1 2 1 interveiws and this is when my shoulder really give me agony and I took unwell. It was decided that they could look at reskeduling my interveiw but in my head I wanted it to be done ater all thats why am in manchester is in it. I was 1 of the first people in for my interveiw and after having to spend 3 minuites talking about my item of choice which of course was my blackbelt the next bit was all about problem solving and dedication. 

At the end of my interveiw I took slightly unwell and it was decided that my shoulder needed to be checked out as the pain as making me dizzy. Vinspired team v staff really did go all out and even came to the hospital with me and missed the train back to london. I was joined there by Victoria who was back in manchester and came and sat with me. After a couple of hours being checked and seen and given stronger medication I was free as long as I had plenty of rest. At this point I thought there no way I would be selected now!

I was offered to stay in manchester that night but all I wanted to do was meet up with alex then go home as it had been a long day. I appreciated everything and still do. I spent afternoon with my good friend alex who I spent my karate days with. It was great to chill and explore. 

1752 train back to newcastle ended up in me being took of the train and sent to leeds hospital after a couple of hours there my shoulder got strapped up even more and lots of morphine later I was back at leeds station after kind staff giving me new tickets I then stumbled across my train being cancelled and no more trains back to newcastle that night.

Some nice police officers approached me and spoke to some train staff and I then got first class travel to york met of the train by another police officer and first class back to newcastle and 1209 I was back in newcastle ariving home for 1230 after a long day I now say it was WORTH IT. 

Being Selected is a big thing for me because I wasnt to change the world 1 campaign at a time which is what team v motto is. 

Team v will be a journey that will enhance my leadership skills that changemakers started. 

I cant wait to start 13th September here I come!

 #teamvgo

[soph95x]

A Voyage of a Lifetime

What did you do between 23rd - 27th June 2014? Were you working, volunteering, enjoying the sun or school even? What ever you were doing is nothing compared to how I spent the week! 

That week I was given an opportunity to undertake the trip of a lifetime it was no ordinary trip in fact it was spending the week at sea with people I had only met once or never before! I love being away from home so jumped at this opportunity that was free and provided by Ocean Youth Trust North in partnership with Princes trust. However I never new how much of a challenge this would be and it only sinks in now how under prepared I was. 

Monday Morning was so exciting I was raring to go by 10 am and arived half an hour early first one there at 11 30. I just wanted to go. We got on board picked our bunk, ran through rules, paperwork and then got to work. We first had to know our way around the boat and how to use the equipment nothing was the same at home not even flushing the toilets. After getting to know the knotts, how to put up a sail, how to tack back and all the other bits and peaces I could be here all day listing them all. We went down stairs and got shown how to flush the toilets - 32 flushes for 1 go on average and 10 flushes when washing hands. We also had to know our way around the Galley ( kitchen) I struggled lighting the gas cooker as I dnt like fire. We also got given a set of Oily's ( waterproofs) and shown how to fit our life jackets and the various ways to inflate them if they dont inflate automatic in the case of going into sea. 

After all that we sat around the table with the team and the Skipper (captain) showed us a chart and I worked out how many miles our first trip would be just up the river to millenium bridge and back ( I cant remember what it was tho.) We then got allocated our watch groups which was susposed to be teams for the week however they changed later on. I was red watch all week jus different people and 2 different leaders. We then got work split into our 3 groups and took charge of different parts for leaving marina. The 3 groups took charge of 3 different parts of the boat. 

The 3 different parts were Stern - Back of the boat so all the ropes that tide the boat up at the back. The cockpit which was like middle so ropes of the sail and also tied the back end of the main sail and incharge of wrenching as well as fenders - balloon type things that kept the boat not hitting the side when parking up. Then we had the bow - front this included sail ( but usually all the groups got together for that when we left marina or quay) all ropes at the front and look out for anything we need to avoid. 

Once we set of we came together and got the chance to take charge of the helm - steering wheel. I went second and I think everyone including my self was glad when my 10 minuites were over. The 1st mate or skipper would tell me to go left and instead of turning left I walked left so the boat was very unsteady in my hands. On the way back I took advantage of no one at the helm ( young people wise) and asked the Bosun if I could have a another go to practice of course under watchful eye. A joke was made " watch out she at the wheel" but I was told it had improved. We had our evening meal out on the river, we wernt even at sea and I felt a little bit sick but we got back all in 1 peace. We had our skipper debreif, put the boat to bed as we call it and then we chilled and went to bed at 12 but sleep around 2.

We were woken to music at half 7 we got ready, had breakfast, did some chart work started working towards our competant crew certificate by learning about the wind and sails. We then split into our 3 groups and headed to Blyth. We hit the peers and the 1st mate grabbed the sick buckets and we learned the staff and volunteers had did a mini not serious sweet stake for who would be sick first.and as always the skipper gets it right. I learned that someone had named me personally however I was the last 1 of that day to be sick I felt sea sick most of the journey even went and put a sail up which alot of people said I was brave and even they were proud of me for doing but I wanted to take my mind away. I was sick in the end and a migrain hit me so it was bed for 2 hours to sleep it of. I was susposed to be on dinner duty but was a sleep so when I woke I went and helped to park in Blyth Yacht club and took charge of fenders however I was offered to stay out of it by the skipper but I joined the team. We hit blyth and were greeted by our Princes trust leader who got roped into help with tying the boat up. We prepped boat, for the night and enjoyed some free time and had our 1 2 1s. I then helped to serve dinner and then cleared up. We said some unfortunate good byes to 2 members who decided it was not for them. We had more free time and played who wants to be millionaire with staff and volunteers. We also had a very excited bosun who taught us a new game and those who wernt playing giggled. We then enjoyed a bit of freedom and some went to the shop whilst other including me went for a stroll along blyth beach. We got back about half 10. We then enjoyed some carrot cake from the skipper who had spend 3 days avoiding it in her cabbin but also looking for it. We had our drinks and enjoyed some well deserved rest. 

Wednesday and we woke up at 8am. We were heading to amble and due to tides had to be there for 3ish so we had breakfast and then did what they call happy hour which is basically cleaning we started with a giggle. There were 3 roles in pairs and those on breakfast did the galley so it left 2 jobs the heads and hooverying. 1 of the volunteers said the heads was the easiest job so 2 people jumped to it but then had us in giggled by asking " what are the heads?" they are the toilets and the boat was in stitches. I did hoovering. Happy Hour complete we choose our new watch groups and headed for amble. We learned enroute that the 1st mate was to be set a challenge and I was going to be pretending to have collasped on the floor. This is ironic as you will see but unfortunatly I got hit with sea sickness and so did most of the group.so a volunteer did the role. We all learned what would happen if that did actually happen at sea. I also was noticed to have not eaten anything so got asked to have some breakfast by the skipper. She called my name and honestly I thought I was in trouble I wasnt tho. We were about an hour away from amble and I took ill with sea sickness which was noticed by passers by when we parked. I went to assist my watch at the bow but was asked to stay seated as I had been quiet sick. We sorted boat out, had our skipper debreif and headed to tesco via herrons. At tesco I decided that it would be nice to by a cake as a thankyou on behalf of the goup. After deciding between cheese cake and sponge both chocolate I went for 2 and headed back to the boat. Some of the group played rounders whilst some helped prep for the BBQ we were set to have that evening. What a night amble was for me. We had our BBQ however the skipper had to stay on board so I decided to take food to her however this was a challenge to get it down the steps it was a plate of sausages and salad so it could of easily ended badly it took some team work. We then enjoyed some free time I wanted to be alone so whilst others went fishing I went on a stroll along the beach a bad decision I took. I took ill at amble beach and we ended up with every emmergency service out including a helicopter on route, this was not what anyone wanted. After being checked over I was dehydrated and fine to proceed. I am not one to like loads of people around so it was a challenge when we had RNLI, COASTAL GUARDS, PASSERS BY, POLICE, AMBULANCE and 3 members from my boat but they were fine. I thanked everyone and headed back to the boat where a roar of applause happened. I was instructed to drink plenty and thats what happened and everyone made sure I did. We had a very early thursday coming because of tides we had to have left amble by 320 (due to tides and headed back but we went up to farn islands before) in the morning so we headed to bed at 9. I was not very well that night and ended up with a worried bunch of my group I was also on top bunk that night but that soon changed. I ended up not the best so got offered to sleep in the saloon ( living area) as it was less rockey.

We were woken again to music at 2:45 I was awake at 230 as I heard the alarm. We got ready and headed on deck to get the boat moving. I got stuck in regardless of what happened the previous night. We then put the sail up and split into watches 1 watch on duty 1 watch a sleep. My watch were of duty between 4 and 7 so we headed back to bed. I was very sea sick and had sickness from about half 4. I again slept in the saloon but I would say be sick more like it and was given some medicine for dehydration and a bottle of water. I went on duty at 7 and took hold of the helm I seen the farn islands and some seals but that was as much as I seen that day as I left the helm for the sick bucket and then by staff and volnteers I was told to go to my bunk where I got help to get my life jacket and waterproof of and sleep, I was basically a sleep all day on and of. I got to ring home and woke up but only for 5 minuites at a time. I then woke up properly at half 4 and found we were back at royal quays marina. Throughout the day I pulled my watch leader but I was told to sleep and they just wanted to get me back safe and not to worry things like this happen and I was of duty all day. I was very ill that day and things did not get better when we docked. I went above board to give a hand taking sail down some people joked and said i WAS ALIVE. Which was fair enough I had literally slept all day. I learnt that whilst I was sleeping fishing had happened and alot were caught. We had alot to do that night as we had finished our sailing but not our adventure. We had a bit to do for competant crew certificate. Unfortunatly even tho our sialing had finished my health deteriated. I took ill and it looked like my trip was finished but after some persuading I managed to stay. Everyone else went for ice scream whilst I had my tea pasta and cheese for me. When they arived back we went out rowing in the dinghy, learned about rules of the sea how we must be on right hand side and weather. We also learned about the equipment in case of emmergencys and looked at the days journey. We did 65 mile on thursday we had a 13 hour day and most people got about 3-4 hours sleep of watch I think I spent 11 hours sleep. That night we got showers and headed to sleep for the first time I was waking a lot.

Friday came and knowing we were due to leave at 12 we were woken at half 7. I was susposed to be on breakfast but it got cooked for us and we had a special celebration breakfast of eggs and bacon. We got ready and packed then were joined by princes trust leader for breakfast. 1 of the volunteers was leaving early so we said thanks and good by then split into watches for a good 2 hour happy hour and all hands on board to get the boat cleaned ready for the guides and 6 0 clock. My watch did bunks which meant we had to remove matresses ( our belongings were already in trolleys on the pontoon) scrub them down, hoover the bunk and clean the bunk. We also hoovered that floor bit and sorted all the oileys in bags. We ran our of time to do heads so first mate and our leader did those. The other watch did galley and salloon area which meant dating food, cleaning and hoovering. We then had 1 last job to do and it was not the pleasant of all. We had to clean the sick buckets. 1 member was thrilled at this as she was only one not sick so just got to sit back and watch us. We counted at 11 buckets being used and I know I used the most as everyone was just sick for the 1 day but I had 3 days of sea sickness and used many buckets between so this was priolry left to me after everyone did 1 bucket which I did not mind and my trusting friend helped me. We also got to sign the buckets I only did 1 like everyone else and my message was not an encouraging one " Don't think its the end its just the beginning good luck" I did it because ones I read had summed up how they felt and that was me. 

We then all gathered around the table and joined by the princes trust. We had our debreif of the week. We started with the princes trust and looked at our journey. I personally feel like I let alot of people down so my journey went backwards. We then had our skipper debreif and this is where the relisation came. She asked everyone to give highlight of there week and something they thought they could not do. 

Highlights and memories included how group got stronger and we were all there for each other which really stuck out to me I was ill and people rallied round. We all worked together as a team, 2 lots of paremdics out for 1 person this I felt guilty about. Alot of people mentioned the amble incident for many reasons but 1 stuck out to me was someone noticed there fitness levels which I giggled at. Myne was so hard because I was ill with sea sickness but to me was amble and the fact I was still there at the end and EVERYONE BEING THERE FOR ME AND SUPPORTING ME AND UNDERSTANDING AS WELL AS MAKING FRIENDS FOR LIFE.Also the heads incident was funny along with friends leaving and people still staying, 1 person not being sea sick. The steering, putting sail up. Getting sleep whilst of watch. I cant really remember ali of it. We then were asked how many miles we had did that week I guessed at 122mile and I wasnt far out. We did 115 mile the whole week. We then were given the fish that everyone except me had caught on thursday but I still tasted some. After all that there was only a couple of things left to do and 1 was receive our certifcates from Ocean Youth Trust North and princes trust. The skipper give us both and as she did mentioned something about us. Myne was " Not mentioning the obvious you already mentioned" I am guessing she meant getting through the sea sickness and illness and still getting to the end but I might be wrong " You're steering has drastically improved and you are the most improved steerer Sophie on monday was asked to go left and asktually walked left and not turned" a comment was made about how litaral I was. I was so proud to have received these as on many occasions it looked like I was going home. We then were told we could buy badges for £2 each we all ended up with 1 anyway and the princes trust bought them for us. With that all done we folded tables put benches back and went for final photographs outside at the bow. We had ones with just us, then with staff, then with princes trust and staff then we asked people from the other boat to take photos of all of us. We then climbed down and took photo of staff and volunteers and said our sad fairwells. 

It was a long week but the 5 day voyage is a trip in a lifetime having costing just under £500 per person its something that not everyone gets the opportunity to do especially for free. I may have been sea sick but I defiantly enjoyed the voyage and definatly encourage any 16-25 year olds unemployed or out of employment to look into Get started with Sailing in September. 

I thank every single person involved in this if only I could of not let so many people down. I am on the look out for any more residentials anything that gets me away daily or whatever so please email me at hopkinssophie3@googlemail.com 

A quote that sums up the week is by Graeme Anthony Spry

" Turn that Frown upside Down"

Get Started with Sailing June 2014 team 

[soph95x]

Youth Speak Monthly update - 10th June 2014

I have previously wrote a blog about Youth Speak in general. if you're reading this and wondering what Youth Speak then click on my profile and you will see then pop back over here and read our latest meeting summary.

I will be updating Monthly so pop back every month and see what we get up to.

Even though I am writing these blogs from my personal point of view so alot of it is based around me I don’t just want that tho. I want them to also reflect Youth Speak from every young persons angle so every month I will be asking members to contribute by summing up the meeting in there own words and mention a bit about what they do outside of Youth Speak only if they want.

June Focus is on Jenny Whitfield who has kindly given me permission to write this. The reason why I have chosen Jenny is because as I am new to these blogs I haven’t properly discussed them with the youth members of Youth Speak but I have with the founders. As you will see later in the agenda we went around and asked people what they were up to and Jenny is doing something phenomenal before our next meeting and I want to help spread the word.

Jenny currently volunteers with Washington Mind where she is helping to redesign there website to become more young person friendly and on July 4th She will be going down to London to talk in front of Professional about GP Practices and Mental Health Services becoming more young person friendly. As well as this Jenny will be raising money through out June for Mind by shaving her head. She is currently being sponsored/

If you would like to help Jenny raise money for Mind and support her then please visit her page http://www.justgiving.com/jennyscloseshave

Jenny joined Youth Speak in April after hearing about it through her sister who kindly designed our logo for us. Jenny has summed up June’s meeting and this is what she said: “In June’s Youth Speak meeting, we spoke about ways to promote our group through new advertising materials, as well as how we should improve our group in the future. We also got the opportunity to recap on some of the amazing things we’ve been able to get involved in around Youth Speak and other projects – like conferences and steering groups – as Youth Speak always has a relaxed and really close atmosphere, which is why yesterday’s meeting was so interesting and engaging – like Youth Speak Meetings always are”

"In June's Youth Speak meeting, we spoke about ways to promote our group through new advertising materials, as well as how we should improve our group in the future. We also got the opportunity to recap on some of the amazing things we've been able to get involved in around Youth Speak and other projects - like conferences and steering groups - as Youth Speak always has a relaxed and really close atmosphere, which is why yesterday's meeting was so interesting and engaging - like Youth Speak meetings always are."

If You’re a Youth Speak member and want to be the next young person to write for my blog then get in touch email ( see further down) or contact Youth Speak staff.

We met in Durham and after a busy day then noticing I was triple booked it was safe to say Youth Speak came to my rescue after I got stuck in a door on the train then trapped in the toilet en route.  

As always we started the day with an agenda so here it is:

5 pm - Welcome and Summary of Last meeting 

5.10 - Helen round up ( mainly on her trips to Norway, Australier and her upcoming trip)

5.15 - introduction and catch up

5.30 - Youth Ambassadors - Develop a Youth Speak Chat

6.00 - Chairing Future Sessions / Dominoes Pizza and Birthday celebration

6.15 - Postcard / Business card design - Designing 

6.45 - Experiences from other groups that we could bring to Youth Speak

Youth Speak is so informal and we all agreed tonight that we liked this and in fact it is really great that as its newly starting out most if not all decisions are young person made. I like to think looking back at this group in a year time ( if its still going I hope it is its changing my life) it will be great to see how much young people can be involved this will make history believe you or me I will be pushing this group everywhere I go. Anyway back to the agenda ( we talked about going of topic haha, however we did discuss this so not to naughty)

We started by summing up last weeks meeting to members who were away so they were up to date as these blogs are new I will update you all on the main topics of the last meeting so when I write these monthly there are no gaps to fill.

April Meeting Update

We discussed 4 main areas Training was the first area. We were asked what we wanted training in and we had 5 suggestions:

Public Presentation specific to research on Mental Health

First Aid

Developing an event or conference

Advertising

How to do a mental health interview for research

  Then we discussed about having an activity day as at the conference held early April Youth Speak won the Poster conference and won £50 Amazon vouchers which we agreed we would rather swap for cash and hold an activity day some of the suggestions we had were:

Assault Course

Paint Balling

Light water valley

Alton Towers

White-water rafting

Beamish

Horse Riding Lesson

We then discussed ideas to get more new members and get the word out about Youth Speak this is in fact what has influenced me to write blogs as that was one of the ideas and I decided to undergo it, however we did have other ideas which were:

Information Leaflet

YP Focused Blog ( you are reading it)

Organisations ( Other organisation the examples were Mind, Changemakers, Youth Focus, Scouts/Guides, time to change – which atleast 1 member is involved with these we are on the look out for more organisation and I am looking at joining other projects so email me if you do know any – hopkinssophie3@googlemail.com it means I can share them with Youth Speak to)

Workshops

Fairs and Stalls – E.G, Newcastle Volunteer Fair & Time to change mental health awareness fair ( October 2014)

Youth Speak Video from the Young People to the Young People

Volunteer Websites (e.g, Vinsprired)

Advert banners

Social Media

Newsletter

Lastly we discussed about our website – What we wanted on it and how we wanted it presented again here is a list of ideas

Not to much information

Lots of Pictures

Link to different places

Blog with Links

Link to twitter/twitter feed

Events and meeting information as well as updates

Biographies of current Youth Speak Members

What Youth Speak young people have been up to outside Youth Speak as well as in

Front Page ( Logo – Name – Aim)

We also revamped our leaflet and were revealed our logo or I was as I missed the previous meeting and had a conference feedback which I missed as well so it was great to find out what had went on.  

We had a good meeting in April lots of productive work and now lets move onto what this Blog is all about JUNE!

So after our recap we moved onto:

Helen Round up

Well Helen has had a busy few month and a busy month coming up. What I want to focus on is the work in Australia where Helen is from.

Before Helen came to the UK she started a project called SWELL which is still currently being set up or is happening over there. Helen has recently been out to Australia to visit this project.

The Australian study is Social Wellbeing and Engaged Living (SWEL) study

For 12-25 year old young people who are dropping out or have dropped out of school this is offered 6 weeks once per week of telephone counselling focussed on developing a strong belief in themselves to be able to shape their own future – works on relationship stuff.

  Why telephone counselling – no one wants to go to a mental health or health centre for help if they live in a country town – cause then everyone knows your business, its likely there auntie will be the receptionist. Also lots of young people don’t have their own transport, public transports not available in country towns

So they phone them, means they can be anywhere and don’t have to prepare to get to an appointment – plus it costs them nothing. Perfect for those couch surfers

  SWELL is 300 young people living in Perth, Western Australia; Brisbane, Queensland; and rural Orange in New South Wales (300km inland from Sydney)

There is special focus on providing for the young Aboriginal people

  Helen and Lauren are hoping to set something up similar over here as well which is quiet exciting and with all the cuts would be useful to young people I think anyway.

  Whilst Helen was on her travels she visited another Australian Project called dismantle this is a bike project for those unemployed they are set up in many cities across Australia for more information visit their website which is http://dismantle.org.au/

  The travels haven’t stopped yet as there is currently a funding bid going in for a project across 5 countries in Europe which is focusing on young peoples mental health they are wanting Youth Speak to be a big part of this. Helen is going out to Norway next week and Lauren will be joining her for some of it. We don’t know much about this project yet as its in the very early stages but we do know it will be based in:

Italy

Netherlands

Norway

Spain

UK

  Keep posted on more details on this project.

  So after that we found out what our members have been up to which was alot we have 1 member jetting of to Liberia in October to improve the health services over there – most members if not all have been involved in other projects 3 members are currently working with Investing in Children, Most members do 1 or more projects with Youth Focus NE, 3 members attended with Lauren and Patrick from Youth Speak the NHS PPI conference as mentioned in previous blogs. Members have been on holiday from Skegness to Majorca and Australia. 2 members are currently helping to design Minds website to make it more Young Person accessible. 1 member is working with change makers to improve health services in Gateshead. We celebrated 1 members birthday in style with cake and sing song and 1 member has a birthday coming up in 25 days. There are a lot of holidays coming up in the next month we have members jetting of to Paris, London and even 1 member sailing the North Sea for a week.  We look forward to hearing about all the travels and conferences members are attending in July. If they give permission then I will update on how everyone gets on.

  Now we come on to the most important bit the actual developing Youth Speak. After attending the conference last week the members found it specifically hard to sum up what Youth Speak is all about and this brought questions about how we are promoting it through word of mouth. We decided to talk about a Youth Speak Chat. Here is a list with what we came up with to sum up Youth Speak. When we decide on the one or few we use I will use them regular in my blogs so stay tuned. This is what we came up with:

  Young Peoples Research Project

A group of Young People engaging in Mental Health Research

Getting Young People involved in Mental Health

Young People involved in Global Research

Giving Young People a voice/perspective on ideas

Letting Young People speak

Make youth friendly research become less friendly

Getting Young Peoples voices heard

Sharing Young Peoples experiences

Makes research more interesting by making it more interactive

Awareness of Young Peoples involvement in Mental Health and Research

Young People having more involvement in there local area.

  We took a short break to have our pizza and wedges as we do at every meeting along with celebrating a birthday.

  As we ate the rest of our food we moved on to the sessions being handed over and us young people chair them. We all thought this was a great idea as it is meant to be a young person group so why not have young people taking more of an active role. Our next session is a training session but we are going to discuss this further and who knows our “member of the month” may change to “chair of the month” We also talked about taking minutes as I started this month and it may not always be me but am hoping I can continue my blogs or the minute taker than create one and I upload or. We may end up moving these to a general Youth Speak one but if we do I will inform you I love writing blogs so hope it may continue.

  After that we decided to look at publicity material we decided we wanted something like a post card on a business card size of vice versa and our leaflet on a post card size so it looked more professional and easier to hand out. We started designing them and are still in the process to do this. I will be sure to post a picture when it gets created.

We then closed our meeting with looking at bad experiences of other groups and good experiences of them and to see what we could change or keep or improve on at the Youth Speak meeting. We looked at how we liked it informal and relaxed. We also thought about having us as young people a chance to add things to the agenda or mention to the group. I forgot to makes notes of this section so sorry its vague but al be sure to mention it in my next blog a lot more. We have been asked to compare Youth Speak to other meetings and I will get everyone thoughts and generalize and update.

Then by magic 7 0 clock came we even went a minute over because we were having fun. Youth Speak meetings are so much fun. I generally enjoy them its my highlight of the month. Now I have wrote a lot of blogs in space of a couple of day and I have got London, Brighton, sailing and Paris yet so look out but until my next blog by for now.

My next update will be between the 15th and 20th July as our next meeting is Wednesday 15th July it is a training session so will be alot shorter. Hope you enjoyed.

Are You aged 14-24 and enjoyed what you read why not come to our next Youth Speak meeting at Durham on Wednesday 15th July at 5. For more information either contact my self via my email above or a comment.

Thanks for reading stay tuned!!!!

[soph95x]

Youth speak general update and my personal journey

I have recently wrote a blog on Youth Speak and now I am going to be recording monthly recording of our meetings and specific event openings so this is just an overview of how we started and where we are up to. My next blog will be our latest meeting - Youth Speak Monthly update - 10th June 2014 so look out and stay tuned!

Honestly I don't know how Youth Speak came about however I will find out and write another blog on it. So you might as well stay tuned for that as well. I think you should you never know with what I do something might pop out and if it does comment and I will get in touch with more information. 

Anyway back in August my very first Change You're Mind Meeting ( in the future a blog will be wrote about this group) Helen and Patrick from Durham University came and spoke to us about 2 projects they were setting up. One being specific to research and wanting young people to become involved in it, Helen then spoke to us about setting a group up for young people to come more involved in research and promote young peoples research - The details were vague as you will see later on the young people have shaped and developed this group. 

I of course as I always do put my name down ( I don't know the meeting of the word no) however I love it. In october we were invited to an open day basically a session that explained what the group was about. I was unavailable that night but my dear change ur mind group kept me up to date. I was so glad November came and I joined.. The first few sessions were designing a name - objectives - planning conferances which a group delivered this was great showing profesional, researchers, carers and whoever what young people feel like in terms of mental health and GP's it also links with another project Changemakers ( I talk about them in my first blog future of change) we also have continuley helped Lauren, Patrick and Helen to shape this group in fact everything they do they ask our permision. This is a strong beleif of myne if its Young Person related then Young People should be involved in creating it and WE ARE!!!

We currently have around 7-10 members and there is always a good turn out at our meetings ( even if we are just dragging friends to meetings hoping they like it which I do alot) 

Recently We have helped to influence NHS PPI engagement event I have also wrote a blog about that its NHS PPI.... I cant remember the rest but its there. 

As well as that we have been dicussing 4 very important things which lead on to what we discussed this month and my main reason to why I am writing this as now I am talking about April ( last meeting we had month of in May as they planned it on a bank holiday oopsy)

I will be including that in my next meeting update about 4 main things so stay tuned

Now you might be woundering why am I hearing Youth Speak on most blogs. I know I go on about it alot but there is a reason. Personally Youth Speak has let me grow alot stronger, Beleve in who I am, Accept I have an illness and not shove me away but supported me to do what everyone else does attend meetings conferances and most importantly let me write and blog about it. However this is something I think needs to be mention. The staff are so supportive and want to know anything thats brilliant or not so good outside the group,  they listen and whilst you're there support you to become part of the group - for me understanding I have really bad anxiety and I have lately but not anymore back problems I have collasped a number of times and I am still there. I feel belonged and accepted and that is important to me. I am not saying it because its Youth Speak but this is something I am proud to say am apart and can praise the staff MASSIVLY in fact not enough tbh sometimes you forget who they are. 

The reason why that is important is because I haven't been able to feel comfortable till lately and that is because sometimes in groups am discriminated, bullied, stigmatized and when I joined I was so hesitant but now am me and am glad am part of something that accepts me and my ideas of course my critical thinking.

Also please don't be someone else be you're self its what av learnt. I used to always refuse the pizza or burgers we have because of fear however a chat about something else made me relise hang on a minuite I am who I am live with it. 

I am going to be getting group members to quote at end and my quote today is " Youth Speak allows you to be young people and you're self, there is no force but encouragement plenty." 

This is a mixed blog but please give me feed back and enjoy

This also have 14 selfies on my phone from my recent meeting but thats just a fact about how much fun we actually have. 

[soph95x]

NHS PUBLIC, INVOLVMENT & ENGAGEMENT DAY - 4TH JUNE 2014

I love volunteering especially when opportunities become available. I love going to conferences its a real privileged as a Young Person to attend conferences especially NHS conferences. A young person is a professional/ expert even if they don't see it. 

On Wednesday 4th June I got the opportunity as part of Youth Speak to attend the NHS Patient and Public involvement Conference at Maften Hall. This was where members of the PPI met with patients, Public and Researchers to talk about how important research and trials are and how to get them out to people involved. 

The day opened with me leaving the house at 7:30 and ariving an hour early half 9. The conferance began at 10:30 I met with my group from Youth Speak and when asked we entered The Terrace Room. The day opened with a dramatic film about the work the PPI do and then we were introduced to Derek Stewart OBE who ran a work shop on Access to PPI. Derek told us how he overcome the barrier of loosing his voice with throat cancer. and how he became involved in research. How he never thought how much he would be recognized for doing what he believes is his job.  

During the Workshop we learnt about Maggy centers and how there great about just chatting, There non clinical talk places. We also learnt from our table who was the PPI Photographer - Researcher - PPI Parkinson Disease Sectary how DenDron for them helped and supported there network. Derek must of liked our table asked me and Lauren to go and share with another table ( we volunteered apparently) Then told the group about Youth Speak ( the group am apart of) and kept telling everyone our "great ideas" someone else in Youth Speak told the table how Mind gets the word out. 

The next workshop Youth Speak group of 5 which seemed to be largest group split. I went onto a table on my own and team up with 2 women who were involved in stroke community and we talked about how PPI can get the message out and get people involved. Our ideas of different patient groups coming together and talking. Also my idea was mentioned to the group of a whole You Said We Did. So patients know that what they say is valuable and listened to. Other Youth Speak Members on Other tables were also giving ideas 1 was highly spoke about like going to public places having stalls and events like the Beach. 

We then had lunch eating 8 sandwiches even tho it was not that great was a good achievement. 

The afternoon was tiring and I had to get some fresh air half way through but it was great we heard about 3 peoples different experiences in research and trials I only listened to 2. This was great hearing true experiences and being able to discuss them. We also were able to give feedback on there new website which is not launched but the sign in page has. I love giving critical feedback and this was my chance to show how Young People need more of a say. We as a group give full sheet. We throughout the day were able to grab Freebies galore. I did. 

We ended the day with a Smoothy and we all 5 of us thoroughly enjoyed the Juice Bar sitting at the Spa. We even entered the evaluation session with them and close was inspiring.

It was a relaxed day overall.

I cant wait to attend more. 

Here is a picture of all the freebies from the day

[soph95x]

Youth Speak

Youth speak is an enhanced patient and public involvement (PPI) group which focuses on Young Peoples Mental Health.

The group was brought together by researcher/Academics at Durham University.

In October 2013 young people were brought together. The meetings started with actually designing the group. Until December we had no name - and just recently we designed our logo. 

Youth Speak objectives were the first thing that really came from the group. This is what we young people wanted the group to be about: 

Giving young people a voice and skills in mental health research

Reducing mental health stigma for young people through research and action

Shaping research to influence mental health services for young people

Our name was designed by all the young people involved. It was easy to create because everyone in group wanted to represent young peoples voices. 

Lately we held a workshop at a conference held at Durham University Research Center.  The conference again was designed by all the young people involved in Youth Speak. We designed what we wanted to get out of it, How and Why. We came up with an idea of role play of Young Person attending a GP appointment with a mental heath issue. We created the scene with a lot of stigma around the young person, With the GP reacting differently.We even tried to sell biscuits haha and won the poster competition. Unfortunately I was unable to make it but the team informed me how great it was.

Through out the time we are getting opportunities to be involved in research not just local and nationally but across the globe. One of the Youth Speak Founders was in Australia and is developing therapy phone session and asked us to come up with suggestions on what to call this project. This is just an example of what the group are involved in. 

Personally Youth Speak has recently helped me get more involved within mental health. I have really learnt a lot and generally found new places to become more involved in Mental Health. I have loved the opportunities that have been given to me and enjoy the monthly meetings. At first I thought it would be following but now it seems as if us young people are actually leading the group. 

Even when I have had difficulty its not stopped me getting involved and the support is great. They really do cater for all needs. 

I love the respect, enjoyment on having involvement into one of my biggest passions. 

We are a group that have input and no one minds. I have given some crazy ideas, ripped leaflets apart but that me. I like the fact I was respected when given my ideas. 

Youth Speak meets Monthly in Durham - Always looking for new members aged 14-25 - travel expenses and refreshments  (usually burgers & Pizzas pending venue. GET IN TOUCH if you want to know more. Post a comment on here and al let you know who to contact. Anyone interested we love to here from you. 

[soph95x]

NUSU MIND THE GAP 2014 with CHANGEMAKER UK (Northeast Hub)

Having never really done anything like this before with Changemaker's it made me a bit nervous for the day but then on the other hand excited to be attending on be half of an organisation that is making changes within a GP practice and I new what we found out would help us within or work. 

Mind the Gap was ran by Newcastle University Students Union and it was around Mental health. The Students Union have never ran a solo mental health project before so leaders from other student communities wanted to because they said " Most of us in these "CREW" T-shirts today are or have experiences of Mental Health." They followed this by letting us know if we needed to we could talk to them. It was a well thought out event as they had a break out room they let us know that this was if we needed a moment to think or time to get away up there was where could go. I thought they really thought about the participants as sometimes events can take it out of it and people need to think. 

The opening of the event was where most people who attended including - Participants- Spectators-Stall Holders or Workshop organizers Could all gather for " 1 hour" " (originally but as things do overran by about 45 mins) and start the day by listening to "inspirational" Speakers from the world of Mental Health. 

The first Speaker was Dr Tom Brown An Associate Registrar at The Royal College of Psychiatrists.  Dr Brown talk was around the "Parity of Esteem" Not really sure as I am not a medical student or expert what this means but I am guessing from his talk he wanted to get across how he believes that with the respect of Both Professionals and Public mental health wont become what people want it to become. 

  After Dr Brown we had Emma Woolf author of "The Ministry of Thin" and "An Apple A Day" She opened it up with 10 commandments the "Ministry of Thin" Accepts I am guessing this is explained in her book " Ministry of Thin" 

Why is it only Women's image is looked and effected in the words of Eating disorders? This is something I will look into in the near future because it has opened an area of debate for me. 

After this talk we had the days proceedings which was workshops from local organisations that work with Mental Health and stalls from organisations relating to Mental Health. 

The main purpose of me being there was for Changemakers UK a charity that has a hub in the Northeast of England. Changemakers is currently running a project " Change Your Mind about Young People" where they are partnered with Tyneside Mind and the Department of Health. Where they recruited 4 Changemakers for each area so far in Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead and now Newly recruited South Tyneside. These are then placed into a GP Practices or Sexual Health Clinics and are asked to work with Young People to find out what changes need to happen to make it more Young Person friendly for eventually changes to happen and the " You're Welcome Kite Mark" Assessors to assess it and hopefully give full accreditation. 

One of the points for You're Welcome is Mental Health and "NUSU MIND THE GAP" was the perfect event to attend being at the one of the regions universities seen us get people from everywhere ( Not correctly known but from who I spoke to I am gathering to assumptions which I should never do) 

We concentrated on three areas - We asked People to vote we did this by handing everyone a small plastic ball and asked them the question of:

What area should GP Practices Most improve in terms of Mental Health? We had 3 buckets which each had one answer on. The options which were gathered from an earlier survey were. 

Education ( Knowledge), Signposting or Support. Our results showed that GP's needed more Education and Knowledge of Mental Health in Young People and the Support to help them. The Break Down of our results are below.

Education (Knowledge)- 23- This showed that most people who attended our stall believe GP's Should be more educated into Young Peoples Mental Health and should be more knowledgeable on support they can receive. 

Support - 13 - This showed that A proportion of who we came to visit our stall thought more support was needed by GP's to give the best chance of Young People with Mental Health to recover. 

Signposting-11- We did have some people who thought that signposting needed to happen in GP Surgeries. They thought that GP's Should be more informed and have information visible to the public eye on what NHS and Charitable organisations were out there to Support Young Peoples Mental Health. 

Along with this we had a little survey to obtain more information to the 3 issues we asked in our question. We are in process of calculating this information to share in near future,

Also we asked the general question of " What do You want to see change in You're GP Practice." We gathered this on our pledge wall. 

We came to conclusion after yesterdays events we wanted to get out and about in the Northeast and find out more about Mental Health in GP Surgeries. We also want to get our new recruits from South Tyneside involved in the action as well. WELCOME ABOARD GUYS!!!

Watch out Northeast we will be around!!! 

" If being Thin is the Answer - What is the Question" {A confusing Quote from Guest Speaker Emma Woolf that has really got me thinking}

[soph95x]

The Future of Change

In the last year I have made massive changes to my life. Its about time I told you how 1 thing has lead to stream of changes within my life. 

Changemaker's has changed the person who I am. I have been actively involved since the end of August 2013 and at the moment they are helping me follow my dream. 

Not sure where I was going to be a year ago I decided I needed to make a change to me. I needed to leave the house, get involved and follow my ambition and passions of " Young People are the Next Generation" 

Changemaker's was unheard of to me however when I heard I decided to apply keeping my mental health a secret because I was scared if they heard about it they would not let me join. I got accepted and when I told them they accepted who I am and not what I am and the support is unbelevable. 

Throughout the program no matter what happened they were there, they went the extra mile and slowly I started to relise I can do it if I beleve in myself. 

When it comes to supporting me out the program the one thing that has lead to the change was when I joined the princes trust team program within that was a 2 week work placement. 

When I was on the changemaker's experience I relised my ambition was to support other young people. They helped me relise my ambition. 

When it comes to changemaker's I wanted to give something back to them so when they offered me my 2 weeks work placement with them I said Yes. It made me relise how far they will go to support you and my 2 week work placement was an eye opener into the many things they do outside of what was advertised to me when to Join. I got to plan discover the assessment day which was what I attended 6 month prior and generally be involved in the team.

Changemaker's UK do alot of work around different projects. I am currently on the "Change You're Mind about Young People's" Project and innitially this was just to take on a GP Practice or Sexual health Clinic and make it young person friendly so it reaches the standards of You're welcome kite mark. Recently I have been trained as a You're welcome young person assessor and currently helped to assess 2 services in northeast I hope to do. This has helped me understand my innitial role alot more.

I am also going to help find out what GP Practices can do more to help support young people with Mental health issues at an event and maybe try and find some more events we can make appearences.

When I look back at what I have acheived I see a graph in my head I was so low and did not see what I could do. Now I have so many ideas and I no that even if its not changemaker's related they will help me see it through. I have a future, My work placement made me see how many young people they have supported in fact its 1073 for 2012-2013. There vision is now my vision in which it is  "A world in which young people have the skills, confidence and values to lead positive change, and a society that supports them to do so." They live by that and I can honestly say no other organisation has helped me as much as this. 

2 weeks I go I did a speech on changemakers about my placement for my end of team presentation. I was so scared and stressed prior to this that a member of staff was willing to go the extra mile and even attended the presentation and I am so greatful because it made me feel at ease and if it did go wrong then someone who has been involved in my change will be able to explain and help me ways to do it differently in future. I also think it made me relise that there no harm in asking the answere can only be "no" but with changemakers its always "we will guide you to a solution."

I think what am trying to say is without changemakers I would not be the person I am today, This is not therapy but to me it was because of the steps I was guided and took. 

I really want to get more involved and start finding ways to get there organisation name known across the Northeast. I think this would be also a time to share how now I know my values and beleifs and a year ago I was on verge of loosing who I was.

 A quote they told me by Mahatma Gandhi is what I want to end this rather long winded first ever blog with. Thanks for reading my first ever blog Not really sure if its even a blog but av said what I need to say Hope you like and understand what am saying 

" Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny."  

{This photo was when I relised how much I had been supported who would thought 3 months prior I would of been at end of the "Changemakers Experience" and at the start of future projects.}