Welcome to another blog by Matthew Mckenzie, a fellow carer in the borough of Lewisham working for SLaM.

SLaM means South London and Maudsley. I try and contribute many of my audio blogs and photos to Slamtwigops. Please check out many sections of the sites for exciting updates or interests that can benefit service user, carer and professional alike. We love social interaction, so please get your points of view or like Slamtwigops Facedbook page. Kindred minds conference Well, on Thursday 3rd October 2013 I went to a national conference run by Kindred Minds it took place from 10.30am 4.30pm at Employment Academy on Peckham Road just next to Peckham Town Hall. But what do Kindred Minds do? You can check out some information on them from the social action for health site, which has a section on kindred minds at http://safh.org.uk/ You can then click about us and Kindred Minds Well Kindred Minds is a unique mental health project for people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds in Southwark and nearby areas. They are user-run and user-led project by service users for service users They are also experts by experience that means that they have been through a lot of what service users have gone through. Their services are open access, no cost, no referral, free membership. But Why Kindred Minds? Inequality in mental health services has been well documented for decades and we know that people from BME communities (particularly African Caribbean) often fare badly under the Mental Health Systems e.g. more likely: to be diagnosed with schizophrenia to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act/placed on a community treatment order to be held in forensic settings for long periods to be treated with medication & less likely to be referred to &/or accepted for talking treatments

So ok what happened on the day of the conference? Sorry if I do not have the full

names, since this is all I could get on the day, since so much was going on. Plus this audio blog is going to be quite long, so apologies beforehand. First we had a Welcome by a lovely lady called Sam who was the host - She mentioned that today was poetry event day, so we looked forward to some poems on the day, and there were loads of poems. - Sam gave us the run down on fire exits and health and safety - Sam then introduced two martial artists from the Brazil Adaba Capoeira London, their names were Petro and Lenio. - They explained what Capoeira is about as it is a martial fighting art. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music, and is sometimes referred to as a game. It was developed in Brazil mainly by African descendants with native Brazilian influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for a wide variety of kicks, spins, and highly mobile techniques. However it can be a tool for inclusion and therapy. Plus a way to relate, also relate to your culture especially learning more about Brazilian culture. The martial art can engage communities. They put on a very small display, but most exciting, not to get carried away. (slide show music record) They have set up a new group that can aide service users, and want to teach adults and young, over in east London Someone with lived experience came on and spoke about how he attended a few sessions, where 10 to 15 participated. Des felt that it made him more fitter and more flexible and helped with my depression. Sam asked the martial artists how they could be so fit? They replied that it develops the more you go on, with 12 years practice and experience.

- We then had Poem by Elisabeth (just written) - The poem was about Kindred Minds, being together the body and the mind. - What Kindred Minds does from two speakers and they spoke about - Showcase Kindred Minds work from past years 7 years - They felt Kindred Minds is everyone and about everyone - Over the past 3 years, thanks for those supporting us and welcome. - She also mentioned that Still we rise; we pick ourselves up, no matter how we get knocked down. - Sam then took us through more of the overview of the day.

- key speakers - more poetry - national figures doing some speaking, one Dominic, Jackie Dyer - promote complimentary therapy. another poetry performance by Positive-beloved-one (Maya Angelou) o Still I rise (poetry and singing) Sam introduced Jaycee Kalathil - survivor research o Jaycee decided that the best word would be service avoider rather than a service user. o Jaycee spoke that at the age of 26 years old in the ward neurosciences, medicated, but saw something on the wall, saying "still I rise". o Jaycee does independent research, goes around the country and interviewing others about mental health. o The research helps to influence policy makers, so that work gets done. o Jaycee felt Kindred Minds inspired her with several things. o Kindred Minds is a user service, and inspires us on how we lead our lives. o This gives black survivors and service users a platform to air their views and this info can go towards projects o She also felt that Kindred Minds helps in supporting each other, Peer support She came to study and learn how people do things, Recently she helped the joint commission panel for mental health. Still she wondered why there is no case study on black mental health, so Kindred Minds became the case study. From today we will learn more about what Kindred Mind does. Record and dissimilate the work we do, we have to record it, so the next providers or those interested in it can learn from us.

o Sam then read from the kindred minds poem book Poem titled "Be proud"

Sam then introduced the Kindred Minds on the couch o with guests speakers being interviewed Gary, Sherlie and someone I work closely with Amos. They all work with Kindred Minds on projects and are those with lived experience. o Gary was asked

How did he got involved in Kindred Minds He was passionate about peer support, he attended the day centre, and was inspired by the Kindred Mind support workers when they come along, they talked about user involvement in influencing the positive changes in services. He felt that they have a common purpose, even though we do not always get along at times.

Kindred Minds has always supported this purpose and he was glad for that. o Gary was then asked how you think Kindred Mind does this? He felt that they inform others by projects they work on, that gets him interested and empowers himself and others.

Gary spoke about the talk shop (where black men talks about common problems and solutions) o Gary was then asked about what is a good example of kindred minds bring change He thought that quite a few projects folded, but a lot of projects still stay and its the potential is very good, we still rise, even though benefits (changes), personalization, but we will still rise.

The interviewer moved on to moved on to Amos o He asked Amos how have you been in involved? Amos did a lot of work on projects, user run and user led. He felt that for him, he attended a session about leadership. He feels he is empowered by the tools that the project provides and that even the food at Kindred Minds is healthy.

Amos mentioned that in terms of BME, things are varied, other ethnic communities are involved and Kindred Minds join this all up very well. Even though he is from Kenya. Kindred Minds brings us together. o Amos was asked about what he is doing at the projects in Kindred Minds? He feels we can learn from the past. We have seen suffering from slaves and still we notice deaths of those in police custody. He has gone to many meetings about these events and we should continue to do so.

The interviewer then spoke to the last person on the couch Sherly Person. o The interviewer asked Sherly about women's mental health. He spoke about a conference that will be taking place from another group whose

theme this year is gender, mental health and race (but he wondered why is it why from all professionals speaking at this conference?) o He then asked Sherry about the work she does What she want to do is find out what group at a particular time what we would try to pull off the questions are so important to work out how mental health effects women in community and how the therapies can heal.

She feels we are more of searchers, looking into what we do and discussing about these issues. o The interviewer then asked how can people set up a group similar to this, how can they learn from you? She felt that it depends on the questions that are asked, its one of the most important things and key.

Jaycee then spoke again on the following o She spoke about the way you are supported to live your life the way you want is so important.

Next it was Q&A from the audience. o She then asked if there were any questions from the audience. One audience member spoke about how resilience seems not to be the best word to use, we learn from our experience and then we move on, but not to sure about the word. Maybe flourishing is the best word to use. Another server user from the audience asked the guest speakers about what are other ways in getting SUs involved in peer support? They replied that the best way is word of mouth, the best advertisement and 6 years away from hospital. Sustain or endurance any word is good, but nurturing relationships is the best way we go. Another audience member spoke how they recently went to a consultation from Southwark council regarding changes in mental health services. The question is what projects can Kindred Minds be more inclusive on projects that is white focused try include more BME aspects. The speakers felt that it is important for spaces to be exclusive for BME mental health, we are strong in identifying each other in shared space, it is useful and we can come together and not feel alone. One audience member felt it was grateful to be heard, its hard for people to make the right choices, and still we rise....they reflected on the poems and they respected the view and felt it was so inspiring, they mentioned

John Holt about the use of we rising, maybe it might be nature that saves us and they valued the contribution what everyone here has said. They felt mental health is just a cover up for not meeting peoples need. Sam followed up on the guest speakers answers and felt there are many perceptions of mental health o She followed up on Amos idea and said that food is healthy and important o Sam then spoke about Garys answers and felt leadership and training is also important, social action for health, someone who has walked the shoes of mental health is so important, its ok what everyone else says, but it is us who lives in this body, it is so important to get to know ourselves. Another audience member mentioned that Not only BME get racist attacks, those some different nationalities have problems, However those BME and their nationalities get it even worse - when can this issue be addressed and how will it be funded? The 3 guest speakers replied as the following - One of the speakers was not sure. - The other speaker felt that he has not really thought about this area and he was glad that the audience member had raised it. - The other guest speaker felt there is an issue of who we are as a people, when you are a foreigner in Kenya, you are treated better than a citizen of the country. Its a shame thats how people are treated. Something is fundamentally wrong if people are treated in such a fashion. - Sam thought that maybe there is something about the human contact which is missing; she felt that its about relationships. We have a group and needs, but the human contact is the key. Q&A Continued * Some from the audience spoke about the need for BME is very important because this country learnt from others and pillaged from others,- we need to get together and allow this country to learn positively on how to build this country. The foreigners are building the country and we all help to make the country what it is. * Some else felt how they find it hard to speak about mental health when BME are around them, but today felt it is so easy to speak about it and feel it is more

empowering, They lived with depression and as BME need to speak about what effects us. * Another person spoke on how they do not suffer from mental health issues, but they are going through some tough things in their life. How does god and religion come into mental health? Sherlie replied that having a spiritual dimension in your life is very important in your life, does not have to be god and felt it is important for those people to find solace. Gary felt caring for others in essence is spiritual. It is meaningful, peer support and its results are very important. Jayasree stated that all of us need different things, as long as it allows us to talk, diversity of spaces helps us to evolve.

* Another audience member spoke on how the creator of the universe has put us on the role to find out about ourselves and it seems the way the things have developed is that it feels we have become poisonous to each other. It seems we never meet our own needs let alone trying to support others. * Someone else felt religion can be constructive, but also destructive for us as a BME group or community, especially in slavery days as religion did not speak up loud enough and this has caused a lot of mental damage to BME throughout history. She felt other races have benefited from our downfall and it seems we are still in slavery even though it is not physical, mental difficulties can be some form of slavery especially from the BME focus. She also told us about the difficulties she faced with the police and this made her ill because of so much oppression. *One person felt that BME are being held down, it is so difficult for them to express themselves religiously. They feel that people want things to happen to combat these problems, so the question is what we need to do is to look at ourselves, we need to start looking into what we are doing for ourselves. We need foundations from a black perspective to support and empower the black communities at least the BME communities. *Another replied as Its difficult to respond to the questions raised by those who have been racially abused. He feels this community thrives on oppression. We should recognise all this abuse is not by accident, its actually a plan, we need to see this, so we need to be aware that this is there, its the way the city works, its the way society works. So be aware and be the change against this.

We then had someone from social action for health speak and they felt - That although they suffered from depression and had mixed nationality and race. They Felt that the city does provides a platform, because it allows us to speak and make events like this. We also have opportunities, we need to recognise this, I love London because we can say the things we say without being oppressed as in the past. - They felt that we should find something that allows us process our thoughts, especially when we hit crisis, even if praying. We can pray and wait for answers. It can be any religion, but we need to digest our thoughts appropriately.

* Stall holder from Healthwatch Southwark - reminded people to take a leaflet, and mentioned that they want to collect views of people who use services and how they interact with them. They wanted to know those that have access to CCGs and they actually sit on meetings and committees to represent those from mental health users and they need more of those to get involved. They feel that we need to change the attitudes of the mental health system otherwise the professionals will do what they always have done. * Another stall holder felt that it is time for a movement and time for a change; they want others to be on their watch board. They want those to represent certain groups, it seems a lot of money has been wasted and they want to know why, the opportunities are there, we want to hear from you and get you involved. *One audience member mentioned that this platform is not really for any particular religion or view; its a platform for those who just want to get on with their lives. Its good to hear peoples opinions and people are alone here, they need people to talk to and understand them. Sam -

spoke about how she was so unwell in the past, drinking alcohol on a park bench and feeling alone as she pushed family and friends away. She began to wonder what was wrong and the bad smell woke her up to the problems she needed to deal with. We need to keep an eye on the dark places. Sam then asked the audience if they wanted to share a poem that they want to read.

* Someone mentioned they wrote a poem called daffodil and they read that out.

** They we heard second poem from Positive-beloved-one (Maya Angelou)

I then wandered around the hall and spoke to those who came to the conference. A lady named Jenny Hudson from Mind, which will probably settle in East London, might be Hackney. Jenny was interested in hearing from BME service users and would like to see if some could raise awareness. I hope Hackney Mind has the best of luck and it was good to see them here. I then went for some food and got some extra helpings on the way, it was very nice for them to give me extras, I am so greedy. The food looked good and I could not help myself. Sam - asked how people are after lunch. * She was happy that there was such a diverse mix of people; it seems it is such a human element. A Poem was then read called the "The Meaning of Life". Jacqui Dyer arrived and spoke about how she represents those who use services and helps them get representation. Jacqui spoke about her background related to mental health as she was a service user. Feels it is important that these services look at us as a whole human being rather than just a diagnosis or illness. Now Jacqui is a member of the ministerial advisory group for mental health working with Norman Lamb. She is also an advisor with time to change on mental health. She looks at the anti stigma as a way of early intervention in order to lessen the damage of mental illness. Jacqui felt that we need to be involved in the process of decision making and influencing what happens in our own lives, we need to position ourselves in organisations that provide the services. Such decisions are often made without our input. Mentioned HealthWatch.... We need more involvement. So we can influence the agenda. Still she admits its not easy to get involved, as she is exposed to high level meetings and feels nervous on those environments.

Sam then spoke about the importance of hearing the voices, we need to hear our own

voices as well, which sounded quite metaphysical but made sense.

The audience then ask some questions for Jacqui: * One person reflected that sometimes our mind can trick us; maybe we are not taken seriously. * Another asked How did you start this journey? Jacqui replied that it was family problems and a lot of suffering from mental health and had a difficult journey, but it was one she had to take in order to reach some form of recovery.

Sam then introduced Dominic Makachuma-Walker who looked at lessons learned by Kindred Minds and what the next steps are for Kindred Minds. Dominic feels like he is around a lot of leaders, since this is a difficult journey, where there are no skills, no confidence, no support and they have to take on big roles, but they will RISE!!! Dominic mentioned that Kindred Minds have set the bar for this year, they make change happen. Especially for Black brothers and sisters, because they have been oppressed. Although Dominic also stated to others that they should not take offence since it is just a political statement. He feels he would like to talk to others from Kindred Minds in a conversation, we need the black projects to run and stay running. Dominic wants more local organisations to be set up and get involved.

Dominic interviewed Darrel and Geraldine in a panel conversation. -- Dominic asked what do we need to capture from the 6 and 7 years journey * They replied that project has been built on peoples experiences, based on the local area, and looked into BME and its needs. -- Dominic asked one of them about how long have they been with the team for? What have you learned? * They replied that they are new to Kindred Minds, its interesting and access the pop-in group, gives me an added perspective, -- How do you juggle these with successes? * The person replied its a unique place to be, as a facilitator it makes me more grounded, I feel I am not running things, we are all involved. I am able to give my lived experienced into the group, also hearing other peoples stories.

--Dominic then asked someone else on the panel on what lessons have they learned about being involved in Kindred Minds? * He replied that he got involved by being nosey, its more of a rediscovery than a recovery. Kindred Minds for me feels like a family. I feel we are all going through a struggle, I think this is an amazing journey. --Dominic then asked what the highlights of the past few years. * The interviewee replied we are all a family, and your family is there to support you even if you do not always get along. -- Dominic then asked what are the lessons are challenges that youve faced? *He replied there is a common learning from all of us; we face the same challenges even through different times. There is a wider field we can venture out into, even though we need to try keep things local and it sits strongly with me. -- Dominic felt that there is a spirit within this community and organisation, He works for Mind and can see how they can work with Kindred Minds, we can learn so much from them. Is there anything that we can learn from you? *Those on the panel spoke about how Society changing - not always in a good way. Its about people getting up and doing something about it, this is the way forward for small and large organisations. *Someone from the Asian community mentioned how Kindred Minds kept their Asian service and group alive and was so grateful for the work they do. -Then Sam introduced dance workshop by Ariella Ariella felt she was amazed by the things she heard today and this is really special and still she feels that spirituality and religion is the same thing. Ariella requested that they going to do a dance workshop today, we can relate this to the influence of black culture. We feel that this is amazing. She is learning African dance and would like to express this along with chanting. The dance is called "Drum" the beat of the heart.

Then there was closing remarks by Sam Plus another poem, which I missed, called Black Space Simba Poem. As I headed off from the event I spoke to someone from Healthwatch Southwark - her name was Sec Chan and she gave me info on what Healthwatch Southwark do. Taken from their site which is www.healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk/

Healthwatch will give people a powerful voice locally and nationally. At a local level, local Healthwatch will work to help local people get the best out of their local health and social care services. Whether its improving them today or helping to shape them for tomorrow. Local Healthwatch is all about local voices being able to influence the delivery and design of local services. Not just people who use them, but anyone who might need to in future. Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch will play a role at both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. Healthwatch can set its own priorities and activities. However we do work with our health and social care partners in the planning, delivery and monitoring of services and hold them to account and also share the direct experiences and needs of patients, children, young people and adults who use services in their local area. I really enjoyed the event over at Kindred Minds and it was a fitting conference for black history month since we should not forget that although there are many successes in black history, we should still not forget those who are suffering and need a voice. Let us all learn from each other, our own strengths and weaknesses no matter how life knocks us back, there must be one thing to work towards and that is....and still we RISE. You have been listening to another audio blog from Matthew Mckenzie on SLaMs involvement register.