06News
Monday December 06 2010 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com
Santa's litter helpers Miranda Atty News Editor Cardiff University students volunteered to be ‘Christmas pickers’, cleaning up litter throughout Cathays on the evening of Thursday December 2. The event was organised by South Wales Polices’ Student Police Initiative, Keep Wales Tidy, Cardiff Student Union and cardiffdigs. co.uk.
Twelve full bags of waste and recycling were collected during the course of the evening The volunteers all wore red clothes or a Santa hat, in keeping with the Christmas season. Twelve full bags of waste and recycling were collected during the course of the evening and volunteers advised students on safety procedures. Above: Volunteers prepare for an evening of litter picking
Bipolar project award Miranda Atty News Editor A project developed to treat bipolar disorder has been awarded the 2010 MediWales Innovation Award for NHS Partnership with Industry. Dr Daniel Smith, of Cardiff ’s School of Medicine, was given the award in recognition of his use of technology in creating the first internet-based education treatment for bipolar disorder. He developed the Beating Bipolar project using an interactive website to inform patients and their families about treatments of the disorder, and helping them in the development of self-management skills. The award acknowledges the project's 'significant and commendable' impact on patient care. The project was developed in collaboration with the Healthcare Learning Company, Manic Depression Fellowship, funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Big Lottery Fund. It is made up of eight 20 minute interactive modules, each presented by Bristol University lecturer Dr Alice Roberts who has also presented the BBC series Coast. Beating Bipolar is part of The Bipolar Education Programme Cymru (BEPCymru), the first programme in Wales that offers both treatment and group education for bipolar sufferers and their relatives. The programme was developed jointly by Professor Nick Craddock, Dr Ian Jones and Dr Danny Smith from the University’s Mood Disorders group. Plans have been made to roll the
treatment out across the NHS at a low cost in order to treat a wider group of people.
The Beating Bipolar project explains symptoms and treatment options in an accessible way Dr Daniel Smith, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant psychiatrist at the University’s Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute said: “Beating Bipolar helps put patients and relatives in touch with the latest ideas about bipolar depression and with each other." He explained the project, stating: “It explains symptoms and treatment options in an accessible way, and patients will find the online forum to be a really valuable extra source of support. It's about empowering people with knowledge, and providing a space where experiences can be shared and discussed.” He also commented: “We are delighted that the programme has been recognised with such a prestigious award.” The project, which will run for five years, has been funded by a grant of £770, 802 out of the Big Lottery Fund's £15 million Mental Health Matters programme.
Photos: Kieran McCann