The Big Picnic for Depression Alliance Employment & Wellbeing project May saw the launch of DA’s latest innovation; the Kensington and Chelsea Employment and Wellbeing project. We’re inviting local people from all different walks of life to come together, united by the common thread of depression. The concept is a simple one and is based on what DA members tell us time and time again; nothing beats knowing that you have the support and understanding of those who’ve been in that lonely, frightening place that depression can take you to, no matter how good your relationships with GPs or therapists. Staff behind medical services in Kensington and Chelsea have listened to the local people, recognised this human need and are fully behind DA in setting up the
project and rolling it out across the borough. We want to make sure local people can come together to access fun, sociable and uplifting events. We’ll also be working with them to set up a time bank, so people can learn new skills, trade knowledge and experience and receive basic jobs and services for free. We’ll then step back so members can develop the project themselves. If you’re a Kensington and Chelsea resident and would like more information please contact George Redmayne, time bank and social events coordinator: 07976 244589 or george.depressionalliance@nhs.net
A call to action on depression and long term conditions Did you know that people with long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression? Depression Alliance will be collaborating with leading healthcare organisations throughout July to campaign for better management of depression in people with long term conditions. Turn to page 12 to find out why we’re calling time on this hidden epidemic.
Our first annual Big Picnic went off with a bang, with DA members kicking off their shoes and rolling out the rugs throughout the month of June. The Big Picnic is all about bringing people together for some fun in the sun to raise awareness of depression and to boost our mood and wellbeing. Thank you so much to everyone who took part in picnics all across the country from Stratford upon Avon to Surrey, London to Winchester.
Caroline from Leicestershire hosted her first DA picnic. “We had great fun and got stuck in to rounders, quoits and then a go on the space hoppers! You don’t need a big group and I’d encourage everyone to picnic in their own way and have some fun. I think the most common comment at the end of the day was “When’s the next one?”
Latest NHS survey suggests stigma lifting 77% of people believe that mental illness is an illness just like any other. It’s a message DA has been shouting loud and clear, but the latest NHS survey Attitudes to Mental Health 2011 shows our voice is finally getting out there. 77% would feel comfortable talking to friends or family about their mental health, but it seems some of the old stigma still prevails, with one in six people believing that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and will-power. Considering one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, it seems we’ve still got a big challenge ahead.