South West Division Newsletter

Autumn 2019
 Newsletter

South West Division

Autumn 2019 Edition

Contents Features
• Welcome from the Editor • South West Dementia Brain
Bank
• Chairman’s foreword
• Essence of Mindfulness
• What has neuroscience ever done for us?
• Henleaze Lake
• Choose Psychiatry:
• The Retreat
• Dorset Healthcare Psychiatry Summer School
• Severn Autumn Schools of Psychiatry
• National Student Psychiatry Conference 2020 –
Save the Date!
• Vacancies in the South West Division
• South West Division Training (SWDT) update
• Raising Awareness and Understanding through
Radio
• Book review: The Humans
• Tribute to trees
• Prizes and bursaries
• Review: International Congress 2019
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Welcome from the Editor

by Dr Juzer Daudjee

In this issue I wanted to raise the topic of resilience for students and
doctors alike and how this can best be bolstered. The spread of
content represents how the region stands out nationally or even
further, in several areas and in order to continue this excellence we
should continue to maintain our self-care.

I was in fact fortunate enough to be involved in a pilot project at

Hazel Hill Wood near Salisbury recently where resilience, nature-
connection and sustainability came together. This was a 2-day
workshop tailored to frontline mental health practitioners which
provided us with some new, practical resilience skills and is part of a
series of workshops called Woodland Resilience Immersions. It was highly valuable for me and a
holistic approach to self-care. I hope you find the articles educational - as I have – and also find
herein inspiration to reduce stress and burnout for your team and the wider organisation.

As before, do get in touch with your suggestions via:

Email the Newsletter Editor or the Division office

Twitter @RCPsychSW

Chairman’s Foreword
by Dr Richard Laugharne
Dr Laugharne is a Consultant Psychiatrist in Cornwall and Executive Chair of the South
West Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Welcome to another being part of the Division

excellent newsletter and and being Chair has
thank you to all enabled me to sit on
contributors and Juzer for Council, network with other
bringing it all together. Division Chairs and
understand how our College
Please can I encourage all
ticks. It has been a
south west Members and
pleasure and a privilege,
Fellows to consider
and I can thoroughly
standing for the available
recommend it. You will
elected positions, including
need to hurry - closing date
my successor as Chair. I
is October 18th!
have always really enjoyed
1
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

What has neuroscience ever done for us?

by Dr George Morris, Dr Lindsey Sinclair and Dr Gabrielle Churchhouse
The authors are all psychiatry trainees involved with the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Neuroscience Project. Here we reflect on the role of neuroscience in psychiatry and
describe regional and national initiatives to strengthen this element of training. There
are many opportunities to link in with the project and its work in our regional network,
the Southwest Neuronet.

Neuroscience in into “a cortex in a dish” to depression and new

psychiatry which allow us to look at treatments, targeting
how nerve cells from inflammation, are being
What difference does
patients with different trialled as possible
neuroscience make to
diseases function and start antidepressants 4. We are
my day to day work?
to really get to grips with developing increasingly
In the last 10 years there the underlying biology 2. sophisticated models of
have been big changes in mental disorders and some
Some of these advances
our understanding of of these can provide
are now coming to our
mental health. This has insights for our patients as
clinics. The development of
come from a wide range of well as for us as clinicians.
antidepressant treatment
studies. Genetic studies A working knowledge of
using ketamine is one
have shown that psychiatric genetics
example of how a broader
schizophrenia and bipolar
understanding of the can help us discuss
disorder have different
biological mechanisms questions around the
genetic signatures, but that
involved in the condition complex origins of mental
schizoaffective disorder has
can give rise to novel illness whilst studies of
genetic changes associated
treatments 3. Inflammation symptoms in psychosis can
with both diseases 1. Skin
is increasingly being help to demystify often
cells can now be turned
recognised as a contributor bizarre experiences.
2
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

The challenge of medical educators from incorporated into training

incorporating four major Psychiatry and to equip trainees for
neuroscience into Residency Programmes led future work as
psychiatry training to the development of a psychiatrists.
curriculum supported by
Shortly before finishing his The project is now in the
innovative and interactive
tenure as Director of the implementation phase with
learning sessions 8.
National Institute of Mental an emphasis on embedding
Health in the USA in 2015, Changes to psychiatry the changes in the
Dr Thomas Insel reflected training in the UK curriculum into the training
on contemporary issues in of Psychiatrists throughout
The RCPsych Core
neuroscience research. the UK.
Psychiatry curriculum
These indicate that
and syllabus are What is happening
clinicians working in
changing nationally?
psychiatry within the next
20 years will need to know The Core Psychiatry A number of initiatives
about “cortical dynamics, curriculum and syllabus have been developed to
neural networks and form the blueprint for what support the development of
genomic variation” and psychiatry trainees in the neuroscience expertise for
more generally be able to UK learn. With funding from RCPsych members. These
“critique brain science” 5. the Gatsby Foundation and are summarised in Figure
The Wellcome Trust, the 1.
The nature of neuroscience
RCPsych set up the
as a vast and ever- In addition, funding has
Neuroscience Project to
changing field creates a been provided for trainees
revise the curriculum and
challenge for medical to attend conferences and a
exam syllabus. This aimed
educators and there network of trainee
to ensure advances in
remains a lack of consensus “Neuroscience Champions”
modern neuroscience were
on what should be taught has been established.
and indeed how it is taught
6
. There are several model
curricula published in
medical education literature
and these have primarily
been developed in the
USA7. One of the most Trainees Online Brain Camps:
“Inspiring
widely acknowledged (TrON): excellence in
underlies the National eLearning neuroscience
resources
Neuroscience Curriculum education”
- for trainees - for trainers
Initiative (NNCI). This
collaboration between

You can access their free RCPsych Spring

resources for self-study as Neuroscience
well as high quality Conference
prepared session plans for Updates on
modern
teaching trainees or other neuroscience
colleagues: - for all
Figure 1: RCPsych
www.nncionline.org Neuroscience Project
National Initiatives

3
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

What is happening in the

Dr Lindsey Sinclair was Dr Gabrielle South West?
one of those selected to Churchhouse and Dr
Southwest Neuronet
attend the BNA Festival George Morris were
of Neuroscience: appointed to the With support from the
Neuroscience Champions College we established the
This 4-day meeting looked
Scheme: Southwest Neuronet – a
at neuroscience in its
network linking
broadest sense. That said, The College launched this
neuroscientists and
there was something scheme in March 2019.
psychiatrists aimed to
relevant to psychiatry in Trainees were chosen in
promote greater
almost every session. For each of the Local Education
collaboration and build
example, there were talks and Training Boards across
shared learning
on neuroinflammation, talks the UK to help integrate
opportunities in our fields.
on cognition and dementia. curriculum updates and
There was also an amazing spread the enthusiasm for Since the launch meeting,
talk on how a modified neuroscience amongst we have:
rabies virus has been used colleagues.
to map out the brain • Contributed to changes
The Neuroscience in medical undergraduate
circuits involved in
Champions are currently teaching about mental
parenting and identify
working on the health.
which neurons are the hub
development of educational • Raised the profile of
of this network.
resources and a psychiatry amongst the
The neuroscience Neuroscience newsletter for local neuroscience
community were very RCPsych members. We also research community.
welcoming and friendly. We act as point of contact for • Created a website to
would thoroughly all things Neuroscience for share information about
recommend that other colleagues in the Deanery, neuroscience with
psychiatrists consider so please get in touch. regional psychiatry
attending in future years. trainees.
• Curated a list of
opportunities for
advanced trainees to get
involved in research.
• Arranged for psychiatric
trainees to be able to
attend regional
neurology teaching (and
vice versa).

4
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

2
gether Neuroscience in If you are interested in https://www.nih.gov/news-
events/news-releases/patients-
Psychiatry Course running any similar budding-cortex-dish. [Accessed 18
sessions in your area and August 2019]
In 2gether NHS Foundation
would like to use or adapt [3] Krystal JH, Abdallah CG, Sanacora
Trust, Gloucestershire, we
these sessions, please G, Charney DS, Duman RS. Ketamine:
have piloted a peer led a paradigm shift for depression
contact Dr George Morris.
short course as part of our research and treatment. Neuron.
2019 Mar 6;101(5):774-8.
Academic Teaching What is happening next?
Programme. Run over three [4] Bullmore E. Inflamed depression.
We have developed a The Lancet. 2018 Oct
afternoons, it provided an
regional “Neuroscience in 6;392(10154):1189-90.
opportunity to explore
Psychiatry Update Day” [5] Insel, T. NIMH » Training for the
perspectives on the role of
being held on September Future. [Online] 2015 [cited
neuroscience in our work 01/05/19] Available at:
18th 2019 in Bristol and are
and discover new https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/dire
delighted to be hosting a ctors/thomas-
perspectives on common insel/blog/2015/training-for-the-
number of renowned
mental disorder. In future.shtml
speakers.
addition, we looked at [6] Ross DA, Rohrbaugh R.
further developing We aim to create a set of Integrating neuroscience in the
conversations we already training of psychiatrists: a patient-
resources including centered didactic curriculum based on
have with people faced with recorded talks and sessions adult learning principles. Academic
a new diagnosis to plans that can be used Psychiatry. 2014 Apr 1;38(2):154-62.
incorporate a modern within localities to provide [7] Coverdale J, Balon R, Beresin EV,
neuroscience perspective. training without the need Louie AK, Tait GR, Goldsmith M,
Roberts LW. Teaching clinical
for external speakers. This
We drew upon a wealth of neuroscience to psychiatry residents:
would be particularly model curricula. Academic Psychiatry.
resources including short 2014 Apr 38 (2) pp. 111–115
relevant for the more
tutorials and expert videos
geographically remote parts [8] National Neuroscience Curriculum
from the NNCI as well as Initiative. About. [Online]. 2019
of the South West region.
contemporary journal [Cited 12/05/19]. Available at:
articles and mainstream www.nncionline.org/about
How can I get involved?
media, including BBC All in
the Mind. We welcome colleagues to
join the SW Neuronet and Contacts and
We had at least 35 doctors help further develop it. Resources
of all grades attend each
session. Feedback indicated If you want to learn more RCPsych
that attendees found the about the neuroscience Neuroscience
highly interactive content project see the RCPsych Project
engaging and that the website below. Why not
attend a Brain Camp or SW Neuronet
topics with the most
immediate clinical book on to the next Join via Workplace or
relevance were most RCPsych Neuroscience contact George Morris via
Conference? the Division office
valued. Confidence in using
neuroscience in References Neuroscience
consultations increased Champions
[1] Cardno AG, Owen MJ. Genetic
following the course and relationships between schizophrenia, Severn
attendees highlighted bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective
disorder. Schizophrenia bulletin. 2014
Gabrielle Churchhouse
potential areas to engage in George Morris
Feb 24;40(3):504-15.
further self-directed
learning. [2] Asher J (2019) “A patient’s Peninsula
budding cortex — in a dish?” National Alje van Hoorn
Institutes of Health (NIH). [Online]
Available at:
Abigail Davies
5
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Choose Psychiatry: Dorset Healthcare

Psychiatry Summer School
by Dr Hannah Rowlatt
Dr Rowlatt is a Trainee currently working in the Dorset area and a member of the 2019
Summer School Organising Committee.

The Dorset Healthcare • Delegates to have an outpatient or inpatient

Psychiatry Summer School opportunity to mix with across a range of
took place in July 2019, current psychiatrists, subspecialties.
following the success of a psychiatry trainees and
Day Three activities were
similar event last year. medical students to
based around reflecting on
Fourteen delegates took discuss career options
placements and giving the
part in the Summer School and training
delegates an opportunity to
this year. The event was
• To provide delegates have a taste of history
open to sixth form/college
with tips and an taking and performing
students across Dorset that
experience of a mock mental state examinations
could demonstrate via
interview to develop through role play.
application an intention to
their medical school
apply to medical school and Day Four was themed
application
an interest in psychiatry. around applying to medical
Programme school; it included a talk
The aim of the Summer
about interview techniques
School was to spark or Each day of the Summer
and plenty of practice –
deepen an interest in School had activities
delegates rotated around a
psychiatry amongst likely relating to a theme.
circuit of scenario stations
future medical students and
Day One aimed to introduce with mock interviewers and
provide an experience that
psychiatry and to prepare were provided with
may support the application
delegates for their clinical feedback. The day included
to medical school of
placement. It included talks talks from a senior
credible candidates with an
from medics at various consultant on choosing
interest in psychiatry.
stages of their career (from psychiatry and a local
Objectives student to consultant), a psychologist about looking
group activity about the after our own mental
• Delegates to gain a
concept of mental health, health.
preliminary
and a talk from a peer
understanding of the Feedback
specialist with lived
working life of a
experience of mental We were delighted by the
psychiatrist
illness; as well as Q&As amount of positive
• Delegates to gain a about clinical placement. feedback received. Of
degree of insight into twelve delegates that
Day Two provided each
mental health problems provided written feedback,
delegate with a clinical
and their impact on ten rated the summer
placement under the
patients school as “highly useful”,
supervision of a
and the remaining two as
psychiatrist, either
“useful”.
6
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

How useful was this programme for you?

12
Frequency of Stuents

10
8
6
4
2
0
Highly Useful Useful Partially Useful Not Useful
Rating

Multiple positive comments were received, including:

“The clinical day was “I have definitely

fascinating and talking to become more
specialists was really interested in psychiatry
valuable “ and would consider it “Thank you for an
as a specialty” amazing
experience!”

“Thank you so much! I’ve

been trying to find work
“It has made me want
experience in psychiatry… so
to study medicine
thank you for this “Was really fun
more and has
opportunity. It’s been a great and nice to meet
reinforced my interest
experience” so many different
in psychiatry”
people at
different levels in
“It has got me their profession”
interested in psychiatry
as a specialty”

We hope we offered a Acknowledgements facilitate role plays and

valuable opportunity to mock interview stations,
We were fortunate to have
budding psychiatrists and and the speakers from
much enthusiastic input
some inspiration to future various disciplines that
from colleagues locally.
medical students. Using the contributed to a rich
The organising committee
constructive comments programme of talks.
(Dr Stephen Turberville, Dr
received about the teaching
Brett Pennell, Ms Clover Thank you to our sponsors,
methods and requesting
Lake, Dr Hannah Rowlatt) the RCPsych South West
tasks for placement day we
would like to thank the Division, for their funding
hope to build on the
doctors that hosted and efforts to compile
success of the Summer
delegates on placement, materials that contributed
School and be able to offer
the core psychiatry trainees to making the event a great
an even better experience
that offered their time to success.
next year.
7
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Severn Autumn Schools of Psychiatry

By Dr Sally Stuart
Dr Stuart is a CT2 currently working with the BaNES Recovery Team and a member of
the 2019 Autumn School Organising Committee. Here, she reports on the 2018 and
2019 events.

career in Psychiatry. Last (CT2), Dr Sally Stuart

year the event took place (CT1), Dr Stephanie Upton
on 30th and 31st October (CT1) and Dr Helen
at Fromeside, Blackberry Sharrard (Consultant), as
Hill Hospital. The aim of the well as a wide variety of
event is to encourage junior speakers.
doctors to consider
The event is funded by the
psychiatry training and has
Royal College of
been a key part of the
Psychiatrists South West
College’s recruitment
Division and Severn
strategy for some time.
Deanery. The Autumn
With the exception of the
As preparations are School was advertised
year of the doctors’ strike,
underway for this year’s nationally and we had 16
the event has run
Autumn School, I would like junior doctors attend the
successfully in Bristol since
to reflect on the success of event.
2014.
last year’s event.
The event was co-organised
The South West Autumn by Dr Jonathan Davies Table 1: demographics of
Psychiatry School is an (ST4) and Dr Kim Humby attendees
annual event for junior (ST6), with assistance on
doctors considering a the day from Dr Elle Farrell

Current training grade/specialty F1: 4

F2: 7
F3: 2
Where in the UK do you work? Bath: 2 Oxford: 1
Bristol: 3 Scarborough: 1
Canterbury: 1 London: 2
Exeter: 1 Sussex: 1
Shrewsbury & Telford: 1
Year you graduated from medical school 2014: 1 2017: 3
2016: 4 2018: 5
How did you hear about the Autumn Deanery/Foundation School email: 3
School? RCPsych website: 5
Facebook: 3
Regional teaching day: 1
From a consultant: 1

8
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Event timetable All attendees were asked to Psychiatry in the South

rate their likelihood of West.
The timetable was packed
applying to Psychiatry and
with a variety of sessions “Very good insight into
to Severn Deanery before
aimed at showcasing the psychiatry as a future
and after the Autumn
breadth of psychiatry. Talks career – really enjoyable”
School and their answers
entailed training and
are given in table 2 below. “Lots of opportunities for
applications, life as a
There was a positive shift discussion and questions”
psychiatrist, history of
with all attendees thinking
psychiatry, a drama “Severn is a top deanery!”
it likely they would apply to
performance by The Misfits
Psychiatry after the event “Made Severn deanery
Theatre Company, an
and the majority of really appealing”
advanced communications
attendees thinking they
skills workshop, as well as “Seeing how positive and
would apply to Severn
talks on research and passionate
Deanery. When asked what
mental health law. We had trainees/consultants were
had changed their mind,
a range of enthusiastic throughout the 2 days”
attendees reported the
speakers at various stages
positivity of speakers, “Increased my interest in
of their psychiatric careers.
realising how flexible and the career, better insight
Feedback variable a career in into the options available
Psychiatry can be, the for specialization and
The enthusiasm of the breadth of specialities and
speakers was reflected in opportunity to network”
the opportunities regarding
the feedback we received. research. Attendees also “Opportunity to talk with
100% of attendees rated noted the focus on training different specialists”
the event as ‘excellent’. All and education in core
of the sessions garnered training in Severn Deanery
average feedback of ‘good’ and the genuine
or ‘excellent’. The highest satisfaction the trainees
rated sessions included life and consultants had in their
as core trainee, the drama jobs. The answers are very Table 2: likelihood of
workshop and the advanced encouraging and reflect the applying for psychiatry
communication skills. success of the event in training and to Severn
promoting a career in Deanery

Unlikely Likely Definite

Likelihood of applying to psychiatry before Autumn 3 8 2

School
Likelihood of applying to psychiatry after Autumn 9 4
School
Likelihood of applying to Severn before Autumn School 7 3 3
Likelihood of applying to Severn after the Autumn 1 7 5
School

9
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

This year we have worked on applying, particularly in We closed for applications

hard with the College and terms of the ‘person on 20 September, but if
Deanery to publicise the specification’, which you would like to find out
event and increase the describes the number of more about this event
number of attendees, and it points awarded for various please email
seems to have worked with CV achievements. We have bristolautumnschool@gmail
over thirty people also managed to secure a .com.
expressing interest already. budget to allow us to return
We hope to see as many of
to the wonderful Vassall
We have made some you as possible there!
Centre.
improvements to this year’s
timetable in response to This year’s Autumn School
feedback from last year’s will take place 10th-11th
event. Suggestions included October in the Vassall
more detailed information Centre.

10
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

National Student Psychiatry Conference

2020 – Save the Date!

Our theme this year is

‘Crisis to Chronic: Tickets are on sale now!
Beyond Medicine’.
Buy tickets
During the weekend, we
will be discussing how to Keep an eye out for more
help and support someone information via the
in crisis, someone having
Facebook page
an acute episode of illness
and someone undergoing OR if you would like to be
management of a long- put on our mailing list,
term condition. Our theme please email
Bristol University Psychiatry also encompasses the
[email protected]
Society is delighted to alternative sources people
announce that we will be seek out and receive help If you have any enquiries,
hosting the National from, including nurses, please email us at
Student Psychiatry psychologists, mental
[email protected].
Conference next year on health charity workers,
8-9 February 2020! counsellors, etc. Hope to see you there!

Vacancies in the South West Division

We have a number of vacancies for College posts available and are

keen to see them filled as soon as possible - particularly the
Deputy Regional Advisor posts - as they play an important role in
supporting our members and ensuring the success of the Division
generally. Check out our Vacancies page to see how you can get
involved and support your Division.

11
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

South West Dementia Brain Bank

By Alice Bone Connaughton
Alice Bone Connaughton is a Research Technician at the South West Dementia Brain Bank.

diagnosis. Opened in the and these data can be

1980s, the brain bank now compared between donors
houses tissue from over and against cellular and
1100 brain donors, and molecular markers of
each of these brains can disease. After it has been
generally be used in received and before it is
hundreds of research made available for
projects, so that each research, each donated
donation makes a brain is dissected and
substantial contribution to examined by a
the progress of dementia neuropathologist, who
Over 850,000 people live research. makes a definitive
with dementia in the UK, neuropathological diagnosis
and the number is expected Donations are accepted
by looking at sections of
to rise with an increasing from people with dementia,
the brain tissue under a
older population. Research as well as from healthy
microscope. The
into the causes and options control participants over
determination of the
for treatment is more the age of 55. In addition,
definitive diagnosis after
urgent than ever. Much of the SWDBB works in
death allows doctors to
this depends on the collaboration with five other
check the accuracy of the
analysis of post-mortem centres in the UK as part of
diagnosis made in life,
human brain tissue, a rare the national Brains for
helping to improve future
and precious resource, Dementia Research (BDR)
diagnostic accuracy. The
which has been crucial to project. BDR was
provision of a summary of
most major advances in our established in 2007 to
the neuropathological
understanding of diseases promote brain donation and
findings to donor’s family or
that cause dementia. The establish a network of brain
representative, together
South West Dementia Brain banks to facilitate research
with the knowledge that the
Bank (SWDBB), part of the into dementia. The project
donation may be of help to
University of Bristol, is involves assessment of the
others facing a diagnosis of
based in the Learning and memory and other mental
dementia, can be a comfort
Research building at abilities of participants
to the loved ones of those
Southmead Hospital. It (usually in their home
affected by dementia, who
provides human brain setting or by telephone), all
have endured years of
tissue for dementia of whom have given
watching the impact the
research, to academic consent to brain tissue
disease can have.
groups across the UK and donation following their
overseas. Expert death. The information this Once the diagnosis stage is
neuropathological provides on changes in complete, the rest of the
assessment of the donated cognition can be related to brain tissue is made
brains also provides the medical and lifestyle factors available for research. The
families of donors with a and to post-mortem mission statement of the
final post-mortem neuropathological findings, Brain Bank is 'To support
12
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

dementia research that has has project-specific by the SWDBB, from

the potential to contribute research ethics approval. hundreds of brains.
to our understanding of the Details of tissue held by the
The decision to donate
underlying diseases or to bank are now routinely
one’s brain is a highly
be of value to sufferers and entered in the Medical
personal one, the
their families'. Our policy is Research Council (MRC) UK
motivations complex and
to provide tissue to Brain Banks Network
varied. The benefits are,
dementia researchers database. The MRC
however, clear. This selfless
locally, nationally and database is an international
act is helping us to
internationally, provided resource for researchers
understand and treat a
that the project for which looking to obtain human
group of destructive and
the tissue is requested falls brain tissue for use in their
dehumanising diseases that
under the generic terms of research. Since 2011 alone,
affect many people, with
our NHS REC approval or, over 145 research projects
devastating consequences.
where this is not the case, have used tissue provided

South West Division Training (SWDT)

update

The next day, we will be Dates confirmed so far:

hosting our Autumn
Biannual Meeting on ‘Ages • Retired and Resting
and Stages of Psychosis’, Psychiatrists Event, 30
which will explore how March, in Redhill
psychosis affects patients
• Joint South West Division
across their lifetime.
After the success of our and Neurodevelopmental
Autism: Management after The Section 12(2) and Disorders Conference,
Diagnosis course in June, Approved Clinician courses 24 April, in Bristol
we busy finalising our continue to be popular this
year, with our final Section • Spring Biannual Meeting
programme for 2019.
12(2) Induction being held 15 May, in Exeter
We are thrilled to be on 5 - 6 November and
hosting this year's Annual You can find more
Approved Clinician
Dinner at the M Shed, information and book online
Induction on 3 - 4
overlooking Bristol's via on our Training and
December.
Harbourside. Access to the Events web pages or call
Places Gallery along with a Planning is well underway 01761 463979.
glass of sparkling wine or for our 2020 programme,
We are continually
soft drink will be available including Retired Doctors
improving our programme
upon arrival and diners will events, a Physical Health
to support members’
be seated at 7.00 pm for a workshop, Mentoring
needs, so please do let
3-course meal. Following training, a Medico Legal
Abby Watts know if there
this, we are delighted to course, a Transition to New
are any subjects you would
confirm that Professor Peter Consultant course and a like to be included in the
Tyrer will be our After- range of Section 12(2) and
future.
Dinner Speaker. Approved Clinician courses.

13
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Raising Awareness and Understanding

through Radio
By Peter Leggatt
Peter Leggatt is Head of Communications at Devon Partnership Trust

of every month and it has

been very warmly received
by both listeners and
professionals. Topics
covered so far include
emotional resilience and
About two years ago, a clinician is also on-hand wellbeing, dementia,
Devon Partnership NHS behind the psychosis, depression,
Trust (DPT) piloted a scenes. Information about eating disorders, obsessive
monthly mental health the topic under discussion, behaviour, alcohol, sleep
phone-in with BBC Radio and signposting to relevant and perinatal mental
Devon. The idea was based services, is also made health. Some of our
on a successful programme available online during and clinicians, quite
with local broadcasters in after each programme. At understandably, are a little
Cornwall. DPT, the project with BBC daunted about the prospect
Radio Devon has been of a live radio interview
After initial discussions with but, after the event, they
driven by Dr Helen Smith,
the presenter and producer invariably reflect on a very
Dr Sam Kirkwood and Dr
of the regular afternoon positive experience and are
Dimitrios Tsiakiris – with
programme, a format was keen to do it again. The
support from the
agreed. It centres on a programme has taken a
communications team and
specific mental health topic break now, while BBC Radio
a host of clinical and other
for each phone-in Devon freshens-up its
professionals from across
programme, with audience schedules, but we hope to
the county providing their
feedback and participation commence again early in
expertise as and when
being stimulated by the new year. It’s an
required.
someone’s personal initiative that takes a little
experience as a service Head of Communications, time and effort to deliver
user, family member or Peter Leggatt, says: “We every month, but one that
carer – their story told in are always striving to has been well worth it.”
their words. This personal increase understanding and
element of the programme awareness about mental
is then supported by the health and learning
expert view of clinicians or disability and to dispel
other experts in the some of the myths that, far
studio. To ensure support too often, still surround
for callers who may be them. Our regular monthly
distressed or concerned phone-in with BBC Radio
about their own health or Devon generally takes
welfare, or someone else’s, place on the first Tuesday

14
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Twitter Book Review: The Humans, by Matt

Haig
By Fiona Watson

As someone who reads a wife and son. One

lot of science fiction, the particular highlight was a
trope of how aliens would list of ‘advice for a human’
react to humanity is hardly intended for his teenage
new. Given that we can son who has been
never know what aliens struggling with his own
would find shocking about mental health. It is weird,
us it can only really reveal funny and thought
“No one is ever completely what we find shocking provoking. From the point
right about anything. about ourselves. However, of view of a book group it
Anywhere.” this in no way detracts from was interesting to consider
The College has recently the book’s attempt to shine and discuss what advice
been trialling a new a light on how we treat you would give to someone
Twitter-based book group those we are different. doing their best to live a
called RCPsychReads, which Particularly our expectation human life.
aims to bring people that everyone should meet
I first heard of Matt Haig
together to discuss books certain societal and cultural
while looking through the
and the insight they offer norms. Haig gently uses
books chosen by the
into mental health issues. the alien to show how
Reading Well for Mental
uncomfortable we become
Most recently, we read Matt Health scheme, which is in
when people deviate from
Haig’s The Humans, which itself well-worth checking
these norms and question
follows the story of an alien out. It is available in pretty
why they are so important
sent to earth to much all public libraries and
after all.
impersonate a Cambridge the books are chosen by
mathematician and The alien is detained quite clinicians in partnership
assassinate his nearest and quickly in the novel, due to with people with lived
dearest. The mathematician understandable concerns experience. Matt Haig’s
himself has recently been about his mental health. book Reasons to Stay Alive
abducted and killed by the Crucially this happens prior is featured on the list,
alien’s superiors. The to learning what is which explores his own
reasons why are fairly considered normal struggle with depression.
unimportant, the novel behaviour (such as wearing
Sadly, the book group has
uses it as an opportunity to clothes) and his perspective
been put on hold due to low
examine humans and our on the institution and his
attendance. However, if
society from the fellow patients make for an
you find a book you think
perspective of a complete interesting read.
would be particularly
outsider. The results are For me the most enjoyable appropriate please let us
funny and at times very parts of the book were the know on
touching. interactions with his dog, [email protected]

15
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

The Essence of Mindfulness

By Martin Wells
Martin Wells is a semi-retired consultant psychotherapist working for Avon and Wiltshire
Partnership in the South Gloucestershire Psychological Therapies Service. His book
‘Sitting in the Stillness’ is published by Mantra books in February 2020.

thousands of years. What is personal stories that define

also often forgotten is that and confine us.
the original source and
This raises the question: ‘if
essence of mindfulness was
I’m not my thoughts or my
not to do with treatment or
story…then who or what am
feeling better but a deep
I’. This is where we come
inquiry into the nature of
back to the notion of
reality and, in human
stillness. If we are not our
terms, who or what we are.
story, there is nothing to
Several years ago, a young I asked a patient last week, repair or improve,
Buddhist nun, called Jin Ho, what was the most helpful fundamentally nothing
led a mindfulness group on thing she had learnt in a wrong. The search for
one of the acute wards in mindfulness group? To resolution and healing can
AWP. The group was well which she replied; ‘that I’m end and with the end of the
received and many patients not my thoughts’. Her search, there is a falling
seemed more settled after identification with her back to a natural, peaceful
the groups. I asked her thoughts had been state of being. In Zen
how she would describe her uncoupled. If we imagine Buddhism there is a very
approach to teaching the self-critical content of simple poem:
mindfulness. She said: ‘I sit these thoughts, then this is
in my stillness and invite Nothing to do
a very significant letting go.
people into theirs’. Nowhere to go
Like many people she
No-one to be
There is no mention of thought of herself as ‘not
teaching, skills, treatment good enough, not lovable, a We’re not talking literally
or self-improvement in this failure, a bad person etc.’ here. Stillness does not
description. Also, no notion When the dis-identification mean not moving but more
of something being done to with thoughts begins what a fundamental stillness that
or given to another person has previously been seen we can observe in nature,
but more an orientation in as reality is seen as for example, in a bird in
the teacher/therapist which story………a narrative that flight. Trees, birds,
acts as an invitation to the has driven just about every mountains and oceans are
’patient’…. we can only relationship and life simply being as they are.
invite. decision. This patient was Birds not needing to be
relating to the heart and better birds or, as far as we
We sometimes speak as essence of mindfulness …. know, concerned about
though mindfulness was liberation. When we realise what their mothers may
invented recently as a we are not our thoughts we think of their singing. A
psychological treatment are free from the tyranny of fundamental feature of
particularly for depression, self-criticism and mindfulness is acceptance.
forgetting a history of judgement and from the Yes, these are the thoughts
16
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

that occur in this called them ‘guiding References

body/mind…I do have a fictions’. Strip them away
Adler, A (1921) The
story but I am not my and what is revealed is our
Neurotic Constitution (B
story. true nature - loving, free
GlueckTrans.) London,
and fundamentally
As a patient of mine replied England: Kegan Paul.
peaceful.
to the nurse who asked him Trench. Trubner & Co.
if he was an addict: ‘Yes Professor Mark Williams (original work
I’m an addict and a (co-author of ‘Mindfulness: published1912)
psychopath…. but really I A practical guide to finding
Dr Jean-Marc Mantel The
am Love!’ peace in a frantic world’)
Scent of Oneness
was asked by a Radio 4
In these examples there is
interviewer if he was Thich Nhat Hanh The Heart
no attempt to bypass our
worried that mindfulness of the Buddha’s Teaching:
problems, thoughts or
could be misused. For Transforming suffering into
stories in fact paradoxically
example, it is now being Peace, Joy and Liberation
these can be keys to the
taught in the corporate
freedom we seek. If we can Eckhart Tolle Stillness
world, in the army and the
observe, understand and speaks
House of Commons. He
accept our personal stories
said; No he wasn’t …. Jeff Foster The Deepest
there is a spontaneous
because mindfulness was Acceptance
stepping back – a space
‘inherently subversive’. By
between the witness and
which I take him to mean
what is witnessed. The
that whenever we are
story is realised as not
centred in an observing
ultimately who we are and
awareness some space is
by accepting its
created between the
confinement and
objects of awareness and
restrictions we are aware,
awareness itself.
by contrast, of the freedom
that lies beyond. This Our gift as clinicians in our
process is called ‘negation’ meetings with patients is to
in Christianity and Neti Neti sit in our own stillness. By
in Hinduism – not this, not this I mean that our
that. Jean Klein used to say mindfulness practice is to
that if our mouths were be present without
made of salt we could not expectation, agenda and as
taste salt. free as we can be of our
own story (e.g. a need to
So, we might say, that the
be needed or seen as wise).
essence of mindfulness is a
stripping away and a letting In this way we are less
go rather than more tuned in to our own inner
acquiring or attainment. As world, and more able to
the sculptor said when listen with a true openness
asked how he sculpted the and an attunement to
horse: ‘I just took away the whoever we are with. Being
bits that weren’t horse!’ present in this way is also a
What falls away is what is powerful invitation to the
not horse, not real. Our patient to open to the
stories are only fictions. fundamental stillness and
The psychologist, Adler, freedom in their own being.
17
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Henleaze Lake, 2019

By Dr Marion Steiner
Dr Marion Steiner, GP and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG self-
care lead, discusses her experiences of open water swimming at Henleaze Lake and
incorporating this into a social prescribing initiative.

I’d been wondering why I benefited from boosted

was still working as a GP in endorphins during the dull,
the same practice in a cold months.
deprived area of Bristol
It struck me that it might
after 22 years. The stress
also be a resource for
of serial NHS
Green Care for patients.
reorganizations, the double
The West of England Nature
whammy of services by
Partnership (WENP) Ref1
austerity-undermined social
defines this as ‘nature-
services and older, iller and
based therapies or
more anxious patients,
treatment interventions for In 2018, we embarked on a
might have sent me out of
people with a defined project to bring a social
the door. It seems almost
need’. The benefits of prescribing Wellbeing group
unprofessional to admit it,
nature to heath are have to Henleaze Lake.
but the truth is that it is the
been well researched, and
wonderful Henleaze Lake, I expected a slow start,
the Government’s 25 Year
at the edge of my practice with the newcomers
Environment Plan specifies
area, which has saved my needing encouragement,
actions to integrate
sanity, refreshed my spirit and familiarity before they
environmental therapies
and kept me close by since felt able to swim. I was
into mental health services.
1996. wrong. Right from the first
In 2015, Southmead session, they plunged into
100 years ago, when the
Development Trust deep, cold, murky water
quarry was worked out, its
established our local social and enjoyed it.
owner, Colonel Baddock,
prescribing project to
gave it to the community Colette Brown,
support patients to connect
as a swimming venue. Fed Southmead Development
to community resources,
by underground springs, Trust Social Prescribing
reduce social isolation,
and surrounded by trees Coordinator, agrees.
increase activity levels and
and lawns, it is a place of
reduce over-medicalisation I was a little nervous
beauty, calm and
of life problems. My own initially when launching the
community.
practice refers people with Henleaze Lake Wellbeing
Keen open water swimmers problems such as obesity, Sessions for participants of
come from all over Bristol chronic pain and our holistic social
to share its delights. For bereavement, who meet a prescribing model (which
the last few years, some of skilled Link Worker to supports people across
us have also become explore their problems, Bristol’s areas of highest
Winter Dippers, and with a solution-based focus. multiple deprivation).

18
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

I knew that people would and interviews, the main the ONS Wellbeing Scale),
relish being in the calm, themes that emerged were there was a significant
natural environment, but around: positive change in all, with
jumping into a freezing cold an average positive change
• Meeting and making
lake? I thought this might of 1.6 (out of 10) for each
friends with people – for
be a step too far. category.
many it was the only
Individuals that we work time they socialised. Clients’ wellbeing (using
with (referred to our link the Short Warwick-
• The opportunity to sit
workers for up to 6 1:1 Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing
and relax – escaping
sessions to support them to Scale) also increased from
from negative internal
take control of their own baseline, from an average
thoughts in a peaceful
health and wellbeing) may of 17.8 to 21 (out of 35).
environment.
live within metres of
Using the EQ-5D scale to
Henleaze Lake, but are • Stepping outside of
measure self-reported
miles away from the middle normal (and often
health status, there were
class environment of the entrenched and
again positive changes in
lake, frequented by negative) activities.
all categories, in addition to
individuals who have
• Having a sense of a 10-point increase in
relatively few barriers to
purpose and something participants’ VAS scores
being able to self-care.
to look forward to. (out of 100).
People who are referred by
their GP to our link workers • The ‘cleansing’ effect of There were no statistically
have multiple ‘fires’ burning the cold water, and its significant differences in
in their lives (money physical impact. changes across wellbeing
worries, housing problems, measures for participants
deep-routed trauma – all • The positive impact linked to whether they
fuelling anxiety, depression attending the group had actually swam in the lake
and other mental health on instigating change in during the sessions or not,
struggles). Fires which a participants’ lives. however those who swam
dip in Henleaze Lake felt had a significantly greater
After attendance at the
unlikely to put out. increase in their VAS health
sessions, 100% of
However, having this ‘offer’ scores (15 compared to
participants felt that they
alongside being able to 7.3, out of 100).
had done things differently
take control of these
to take control of their own One of the biggest
burning fires has been
health and wellbeing since challenges I often find with
instrumental to individuals
referral to the group, and evaluations is following up
being able to take steps
100% of these participants with participants to include
towards self-care and
felt hat they would continue them in interviews, case
sustain improvements they
to do these things. studies and
have made working with
our link workers. Overall, the data collected questionnaires. However, I
from baseline to exit was really struck by how
Our evaluation report keen the participants of this
suggested a positive set of
showed that 100% of group were to share their
client outcomes –
participants had a highly experiences – participants
particularly relating to
positive impact on their who struggled with severe
wellbeing and self-care.
physical, mental and social social anxiety but who
Using well-established
health. When conducting a came alive when talking
measures for life
thematic analysis of about their time at the
satisfaction, happiness, life
participants’ questionnaires lake.
worth and anxiety (using
19
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

It was wonderful to look at “It gave me time to slow 2. A Green Future: Our 25
the quantitative data and down and helped with my Year Plan to Improve the
see the improvements in mental health immensely. Environment HM
participants’ scores, but It’s been a light [in the Government January 2018
this is only part of the darkness of depression]
https://assets.publishing.se
story. To hear first-hand more than words can say.”
rvice.gov.uk/government/u
the ways in which
ploads/system/uploads/atta
individuals have benefitted
chment_data/file/693158/2
from the group has been “It gave me something to
5-year-environment-
truly humbling. Something look forward to which is
plan.pdf
that comes across more hard when you’re really
strongly than anything else depressed. You knew you
is the power of community were going to have that
and friendships. Finding little bit of happiness in the
people with whom one can week, so it was nice.”
talk to, build relationships
with and share experiences “Best thing to ever
with is essential for our happen.”
wellbeing. Life is about Dr Marion Steiner
relationships and shared concludes:
experiences, and when this
is not an option for people The staff and members of
their wellbeing will the club share my delight
inevitably be negatively at the success of the
affected. project, and as we head
towards our Centenary
It soon became evident celebrations it feels
when conducting interviews absolutely right to continue
for the evaluation that the and extend this project,
value and benefits of the with their support. And
Lake Wellbeing Group there must be other hidden
couldn’t be attributed to community resources we
one thing. Yes, there is could connect with- sharing
medical research backing what keeps us well and
up the benefits of cold happy with our patients
water, but simply being in feels affirming and right.
nature, connecting with
others, having permission References
to relax and escape 1. West of England Nature
negative thought patterns Partnership Green Care
all came together to give Plan April 2019
participants something to
look forward to each week. http://www.wenp.org.uk/w
Something that made p-
getting out of bed seem content/uploads/2019/04/M
possible. A community ainstreaming-Green-Care-
which enabled them to feel Plan.pdf
part of something bigger.

20
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Poem: ‘Ellen’s Tribute to Trees’

By Ellen Devine
Ten years ago, Ellen was a patient in a mental health hospital feeling trapped inside its
walls and craving the outdoors. She now works as Centenary Wellbeing Projects
Manager for the Forestry Commission and champions forests and woodlands as a
resource for health and wellbeing.

Dear Snuff Mills woodland,

Do you remember me? You were my escape at the time I needed you most.

Back in 2010 I was admitted to hospital where I remained a patient for a year. I will always be
grateful to the NHS for the care they gave me, but when I think back to that year, it was you,
not the hospital, that saved me. Life as an inpatient was pretty boring. There was a lot of staring
at the same white walls, mindlessly watching daytime TV shows and counting the minutes
between mealtimes. I felt trapped inside a building that had everything to do with illness and
nothing to do with life. But after about three months, I was well enough to have a couple of
hours a week out of the hospital and so, each Sunday afternoon, my mum would take me to
visit you.

I lived for these visits. You reminded me of what it was to be alive.

Your soft shade, subtle smells and soothing sounds, created a safe space that contrasted so
completely with the bright lights, sterile odours and loud noises of the hospital, and as I walked
under your canopy, spotting squirrels and daffodils and fluffy white feathers, something stirred
inside me that I thought had been lost.

You expected nothing of me and yet it was with you that I dared to explore and to achieve. As
your bare branches produced new leaves, you showed me that even when everything seems to
have been lost, there is always a chance to re-grow, to try again.

You were, still are, and always will be, my source of hope.

Thank you Snuff Mills.

Yours, Ellen

21
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

The Retreat - an innovative, drop in service

in Dorset
By Dr Nicus Kotzé
Dr Kotzé is a Consultant Psychiatrist in the Purbeck Community Mental Health Team.

It started following the individual and exploring

Dorset-wide, acute care their strengths.
pathway review where
On average they have
feedback highlighted
about 35 visits per night
difficulties with traditional
(Mondays and Tuesdays
services. There were high
tend to be busier). The
demands for inpatient beds,
police will bring people in
crisis teams did not have
as an alternative to
the resources to respond
detaining them on a section
instantly and people had to
136 and staff will prioritise
overcome hurdles to access
these new arrivals as well
services. There was a need
The Retreat opened its as the other most
for lived experiences of
doors over a year ago and distressed individuals. It is
mental health difficulties, in
has been changing the way easily accessible and not a
order to better model
services are provided in ‘clinical’ environment and
recovery. The Retreat
Dorset. It functions as an the response has been
offered a solution to the
arm of the Crisis team and overwhelmingly positive.
problems and borrowed
the first 2 years are funded ideas from the Safe Haven It has resolved an unmet
by the CCG. I spoke with in Aldershot and user-led need in the community as
the team leader, Jacob services such as the Leeds’ usually someone may not
Beale, to understand how it Survivor- Led Crisis ‘fulfil criteria’ for accessing
all started and how it Service. NHS England services until they reach
differs from the traditional refers to this model in crisis point. There has been
model of providing mental reducing demand on Crisis a reduction in psychiatric
health services. teams, A&E and police liaison referrals and calls to
(NHS England 2013). CMHT’s but not section 136
It is a complimentary
service for people living detentions or admissions so
Each shift is staffed by two
with a mental disorder far. It has been able to
band 6 mental health
where individuals with a reduce certain prejudices -
professionals and it is open
self-defined crisis can turn in particular for people with
every night from 16.30 to
up, without a referral and a diagnosis of a personality
midnight. The professionals
receive face-to-face disorder - and especially
will complete an
support. It focuses on lived made a difference to
assessment if an individual
experience, using the skills individuals who are stuck in
is subsequently in need of a
of peer specialists. It aims a cycle of repeated
referral to the acute
to take psychiatry away admissions facilitating a
services and there are
from the ‘experts’ to make change in behaviour.
additionally two peer
it more humane / relatable. specialists. The focus is on The links with other
what is happening for the services are ongoing and
22
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

the strongest relationship is asked not to do it on site as rooms and a clinic room.
with the local police force. it can impact on others. People have been
As the approach is so There have been incidences blownaway by the
different from traditional where people have been accessibility of the service.
mental health services, elated or angry and the It feels like home and the
clinicians thought it would environment has been able access to peer specialists
lead to chaos and in to contain it; there have as has been well received. It
particular struggled with yet been no serious provides a much-needed
the concept of an open- incidents on site and staff service without the
door policy. The initial sit down with people and traditional hurdles people
scepticism since its try to understand where had previously to overcome
inception has reduced the behaviour comes from. to gain access to services.
however. It offers
The service is advertised Reference
immediate support when
through posters, word of
someone is in distress and 1. NHS England (2014).
mouth and YouTube. There
it is open in the evening, Safe Haven cafe in
is a website in progress and
when other services are Aldershot [Online]. NHS
they have featured on BBC
usually closed and it works England [Viewed 7 August
radio. It is also mentioned
well where it is located in 2019]. Available from:
on the answering services
Bournemouth as there are https://www.england.nhs.u
of the Crisis team. Facilities
good transport links. k/mental-health/case-
include self-service drinks;
studies/aldershot/
They do see people who there is a room for crafts, a
have self-harmed as a way relaxation and sensory
of coping and they are space as well as quiet

Prizes and Bursaries

There are several prizes and bursaries available to consultants, SAS

doctors, specialist associates, trainees, foundation year doctors and med
students for the upcoming 2019 Autumn Biannual Meeting in Bristol and
2020 Spring Biannual Meeting in Exeter. Take a look at our Prizes and
Bursaries web page and Biannual Meeting web page for more details.

23
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

Review: RCPsych International Congress

2019
By Dr Georgina Griffiths and Dr Emma Davies
Dr Griffiths is a CT1 at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Dr Davies is
an Academic FY2 at Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust (due to start CT1 CAMHS
run-through in Sussex August 2019).

research into the dynamic

differences in
psychopharmacology of the
autistic brain and exploring
the future treatment
prospects for patients with
autism spectrum
conditions.

I was given plenty of food

for thought in an important
seminar covering Cyber
World, Social Media,
Gaming and Mental Health,
It was a huge privilege to exploring the impact of autism spectrum disorders
attend this year’s screen time on the will further expand so we
RCPsychIC, 1-4th July developing brain, social can provide more tailored
2019. A jam-packed 4-day communication, cyber- care.
programme included bullying in adolescence and
behavioural addiction. ‘Do Maddy Austin, expert by
inspiring keynote speakers,
we need to disconnect to experience, bravely spoke
seminars covering a vast
reconnect?’. about her eating disorder
array of topics from expert
treatment journey,
psychiatrists and
A developmental seminar highlighting the desperate
researchers, rapid fire
delved into research need for early, intensive
presentations and posters,
exploring the challenges of community treatment for
dedicated trainee events
assessing suicidality in eating disorders, in order to
and wellbeing activities!
people with autistic keep young people in
Cutting-edge research spectrum conditions, adolescent life during their
presented in a fantastic considering theory of mind recovery. In addition, there
keynote emphasised the and reduced cognitive are many interesting
importance and application flexibility; there were research projects taking
of neuroscience in recommendations to place currently looking at
psychiatry: looking forward improve training for the role that genes play in
to specific investigations psychiatrists and emphasis the development of
and tailored treatments, on the importance for children’s food habits and
based on the underpinnings people to ‘know their their relationship with food
of mental disorders. I normal.’ I hope in the years - apparently genes have a
enjoyed learning about to come our knowledge of significant impact on

24
 Newsletter | South West Division | Autumn 2019

whether a child is a fussy Thailand and so had perspective. Advice for

eater or not! developed skills of emerging leaders of the
resilience and that future included: to follow
A fascinating talk was
importantly all the children your own path, take every
delivered by child
remained optimistic in that opportunity, be yourself,
psychiatrist Dr Teerakiat
they would be rescued know your strengths and
Jareonsettasin on the
throughout the time that weaknesses, and always
children that were trapped
they were trapped in the have fun!
in the Tham Luang caves in
cave.
Thailand. Dr Jareonsettasin Thank you, South West
has been providing It was a ‘Telling tales - Division, for providing us
psychological support to insights and reflections of a with a bursary to attend the
the children and spoke leader’ that captured the conference, the RCPsychIC
about how remarkably the importance of learning from was important,
children had not developed our patients: going beyond intellectually stimulating
any mental health disorders putting ourselves in other and future-thinking. We are
since they were rescued. people’s shoes - to observe both looking forward to
He thought that a main and to be with - to starting our training in
protective factor was that understand their psychiatry this year.
they had grown up in rural

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of individual authors and do not
necessarily represent the views of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

25