Your Voice Autumn 2023

Your Voice A look at research that links mental and physical health Constituencies that Care manifesto Lived Experience: Debra's story The magazine for members of Rethink Mental Illness

Autumn/Winter 2023

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Constituencies that Care manifesto

Research

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P16-17 Our Advice and Information Service

"I prefer to look at the positives of my illness" Debra’s Story

A look at research that links mental and physical health

P18-19 "I know I'm not the only carer out there"

Special thanks goes to Debra and Kate for sharing their experience of mental illness with us for this issue. We really appreciate and value their contribution.

If you would like to share your story in a future issue of Your Voice please get in touch by emailing membership@rethink.org or calling us on 0121 522 7016.

Editorial team: Sophie Bray and Alice Clifford Contributors: Jonathan Andrew, Emma Carrington, Rachel Hastings-Caplan, Julie Males, Nicole Young.

Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of Rethink Mental Illness, unless agreed by the Board of Trustees. For reasons of confidentiality the testimonials used sometimes do not relate to the individuals photographed.

Design: Marie Havard Print: Fretwell © Rethink Mental Illness 2023. Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered Charity Number 271028. Registered Office The Dumont, 28 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7GR.

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A very warm welcome to the autumn issue of your member magazine.

As we move into the latter part of the year, I am pleased to share our final issue of Your Voice for 2023, as usual filled with information about all the ways we have been tirelessly working to ensure that those of us severely affected by mental illness are supported, represented and our voices heard.

In this issue we share details of the launch of our manifesto Constituencies that Care, which calls for political parties to prioritise mental health at the next general election. Our policy team launched the report in Parliament at the beginning of September, outlining the need for a multifaceted, governmentsupported approach to help improve support and access to treatment for mental illness.

In our spring issue we asked for your feedback on membership, including what content you would like to see in Your Voice. Many of you expressed an interest in the inclusion of external research into mental illness and treatment options. Your feedback is valuable to us, and I’m delighted to share that research articles will now become a regular feature, starting with two interesting pieces of research that consider the link between mental and physical health.

If you have any further ideas about what you would like to see in Your Voice, or any feedback on what is included in this issue please email the team on membership@rethink.org who will be delighted to hear from you.

I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing many of you either online or in person at our hybrid AGM on 23 November.

Best wishes,

Mark Winstanley Chief Executive

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Our News

"It has been great to raise money for the charity I love" In September, Rethink Mental Illness hosted its first 25km in a day trek along the Jurassic Coast, in Dorset.

Our team of 39 plus one four-legged friend, and our very own chair of trustees Kathryn Tyson, came together from all over the UK. The fantastic team has raised almost £11,500. We are so grateful to each individual, whose fundraising efforts will directly go to support for people severely affected by mental illness.

You can find out how to get involved with fundraising opportunities, including the 2024 Jurassic Coast event, by visiting our website: rethink. org/fundraising.

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Vacancy for Eastern Region Trustee We have a vacancy for a Trustee to represent our Eastern Region. As a Regional Trustee your experience and knowledge will help drive change within the charity and improve lives of people severely affected by mental illness.

Applicants must be living or working in the Eastern Region (East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire or Cambridgeshire) or have other strong regional ties. You must be an expert by experience (someone with direct lived experience, a carer or relative) or have relevant experience or expertise.

The Board meets five times a year, including the annual away days in December. Between formal Board meetings we hold Board Briefings by video conference to share information that does not require a formal Board decision.

If you are interested in applying, please request the role descriptor and details of how to apply from keith.pryce@rethink.org.

We'd be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 30 November 2023

Our News

Annual General Meeting Our AGM will take place on Thursday 23 November at 4pm at our London office, The Dumont, in Vauxhall. This is going to be a hybrid event, so you can also join the meeting online.

If you would like to join our AGM in person please email membership@rethink.org to register your interest. Places to attend in person are unfortunately extremely limited due to the size of our office, so it is essential you confirm your place in advance.

awards. These awards celebrate the achievements of supporters and campaigners, as well as highlighting the valuable work of our services and groups. It is always heartening to meet the winners and hear their unique stories.

We look forward to seeing many of you – albeit virtually – on 23 November!

We hope many of you will choose to join us online from the comfort of your own home. You can register your intention to join us online by visiting rethink.org/AGM2023. We will then email the Zoom joining link to you.

Immediately following our AGM we will have the presentation event for our annual Pringle and Janey Antoniou

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Campaigns

Shortlisted for Inclusive Awards 2023 “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for the Inclusive Awards 2023 in the Culture Initiative Award category.

Now in its ninth year, the Inclusive Awards is the only ceremony that that rewards organisations and individuals who have excelled in their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We have been shortlisted in recognition of our work to become a truly diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organisation.

A huge well done to Peter Alleyne, our Director of Equity, Inclusion and Involvement, and Aneeka Neehaul, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, who have led this work and to all colleagues who have proactively engaged and supported it. It makes me very proud to work for Rethink Mental Illness.” – Brian Dow, Deputy Chief Executive at Rethink Mental Illness The results will be announced on 5 December, so keep an eye out!

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World Mental Health Day World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is held on 10 October each year. We joined this year’s campaign, calling for severe mental illness to be a global priority so that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity.

We know that the reality of the unequal world we live in means that certain groups living with severe mental illness are disproportionately affected. Black people are still four times more likely than their white counterparts to be sectioned. LGBT+ people are at more risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm than non-LGBT+ people. People living with severe mental illness still have a shorter life expectancy than others.

This year, we asked people to help us campaign for WMHD by sending in short clips, or a few words, telling us why severe mental illness should be a priority and at the top of the agenda.

Head over to our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) to see what was created.

Policy

Constituencies that Care Our Policy team have produced a detailed report, Constituencies that Care, that makes the case for why mental illness should be prioritised by the next government. Here we share details and how its findings will influence our campaigning.

With the next General Election likely to take place next year (and constitutionally guaranteed by January 2025), we are in an incredibly important time for political influencing. Major parties are already developing manifestos behind the scenes, and a potential change in government would be a fresh opportunity for us to help embed better policies for everyone severely affected by mental illness.

With all of this in mind, we have produced a new report targeted specifically at political decision makers. The report, Constituencies

That Care, makes the case for why mental illness should be prioritised by the next government, and includes exclusive polling carried out by the research agency More in Common, showing what voters really think about mental illness.

The results are enlightening. Two thirds say they worry about the mental health of friends and family, and four in five state they would be comfortable if a friend spoke openly about their mental health.

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Policy

Darren Henry, MP for Broxtowe

When asked to select issues based on their national importance, the public placed mental health above options like unemployment, Brexit and strikes. For under 40s, mental health came fourth overall, even ahead of climate change.

While there is still a way to go in changing perceptions about mental illness, these results indicate a significant shift, and have formed an important part of our case to political parties. Voters are their customers, and we can now show that voters are ahead of politicians on this issue and are demanding action.

Brian Dow, Deputy Chief Executive

Alongside the polling evidence, Constituencies That Care sets out a number of specific policies the next government should adopt on mental illness. We call for a new Mental Health Act, which we have been campaigning on for some time, as well as a cross government long term plan for mental health, which will be crucial in ensuring prevention is bedded in to the system. We also call for reform of the welfare system, emphasising how the current system has failed those affected by mental illness. We highlight the current work capability

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mental health will be important in shaping their decision on which party to vote for at the next General Election.

Policy

Two out of three people state that they worry about mental health of friends and/or family assessment in particular which has been demonstrably counterproductive, and in some tragic cases has led to deaths by suicide.

The report was launched in parliament at a cross-party event, attended by politicians from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party, as well as many of our friends from industry, Trustees, and experts by experience. The government’s Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield attended, as did the new Labour Party Shadow Mental Health Minister Abena Oppong-Asare.

We will continue to work hard on lobbying both on the asks and arguments set out in our report.

Zoe Hazel from our Lived Experience Advisory Board gave an impassioned speech about her own experience living with Emotionally Unstable Personally Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, and why the next government can make life better for people like her.

We were also lucky to hear from journalist and former political advisor Alastair Campbell, who has his own lived experience as well as political insight.

The report and parliamentary event was a stepping stone for supporting policy change. We will spend the next year pushing our leaders and potential leaders in Westminster to prioritise mental health at the next election.

You can read the report on our website , visit www.rethink.org/ ConstituenciesThatCareVOTE If you would like your own printed copy please email membership@ rethink.org or call 0121 522 7016 with your name and address and we’ll be happy to send one out to you.

FOR CHANGE September 2023

Constituencies that care: Why voters are looking to the next election for improvements to the nation’s mental health

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Lived Experience

I prefer to look at the positives of my illness.

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– Debra’s story

Debra reflects on her long journey of mental illness, from her first inpatient stay to life during retirement. Though she has accumulated many diagnoses over the years, like depression and schizoaffective disorder, she has been able to qualify as an accountant, start a happy family and keep an optimistic outlook on life.

"Looking back, over nearly 40 years since I was first admitted to a psychiatric ward with depression, I can hardly believe I am still here! At times, it has been a tough and harrowing journey.

Prior to this first admission, I had experienced intense and changeable emotions for all of my adult life.

However, I’d been able to complete a degree, marry and qualify as a chartered accountant.

After the admission, I spent many months going in and out of hospital.

This period was before the introduction of the ‘Care in the

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Community’ approach. It was difficult to adapt to life outside of hospital after a spell as an inpatient, when there was little available support, with many people relapsing.

My depression did not go away but instead I began to experience psychotic symptoms. Eventually I was diagnosed with schizophrenia; never a nice diagnosis and there seemed little hope. My marriage was struggling and it was suggested that I would never be well enough to have children. These factors were upsetting in themselves.

I was very emotionally flat and retreated to bed for 20 hours a day for several months. I cannot remember why, but I gradually came to the realisation that only I could improve my situation. Doctors appeared unwilling to change my medication.

I am sorry to say I came off of my meds and, against all advice, went on to have my first child.

A hospital admission when my child was three months old led to a diagnosis of puerperal psychosis

Case Study

– my third diagnosis. A wonderful consultant and their team helped me immensely and I will be forever grateful to them. After a five month stay, I went on to enjoy my child’s early years and have another child four years later.

My diagnosis had now changed to schizoaffective disorder and my symptoms were well controlled on a regular depot injection. Life moved along with bumps along the way, but only one brief further hospital admission.

When my youngest started secondary school, I went out to work, previously having done a small amount of home work. This return to office-based work, against my doctor’s advice, led to more stresses; frequent and intense mental health episodes. I also began experiencing pressured speech and wildly racing thoughts along with depressive and psychotic episodes.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Throughout my experiences, I have had the benefits of a solid and happy childhood, a steady relationship and the joy of children. I have also had great care from a significant number of doctors, nurses and occupational therapists (OTs).

I had very noticeable side effects from medication, such as tremors, head nodding, dribbling and the dreaded weight gain. I was diagnosed with Tardive dyskinesia in the early 2000s.

However, I’d take these issues over being unstable and self-harming for much of my life. My family do not deserve that and neither do I! As I have reached retirement, I still have periods – too many - of being unwell. I’ve found that issues I have never been concerned about before now trouble me. In my memory are incidents and treatments dating back to the 1980s, which cause me anguish and sleepless nights.

Having lived a life of mental illness, I struggle with how to ensure it doesn’t define who I am. Of course stigma is still rife. I have many aids to help me, such as swimming, cooking, crossstitching and a strong faith. I also know when I experience episodes that feel as if they have lasted forever, that all things pass – they just need time, sometimes lots of it!

I prefer to look at the positives of my illness and I am daily thankful for the medications which have enabled me to live a good life, if not the one I envisaged in my twenties.

I have now been married 43 years and my children are grown up and settled.

I have met the most amazing people who have cared so wonderfully and shown me a way back to health. I often think of a line in a Neil Diamond song which refers to ”human kindness overflowing”. My illness has given me the opportunity to experience this."

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Research

Psychiatric research We highlight two research studies that indicate a link between mental and physical health, and how this may influence treatment options.

The immune system and mental health There has been growing interest in recent years into the link between the immune system and mental health.

Research studies are beginning to indicate that autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are more common in patients with psychiatric conditions that previously thought.

For example, one 2022 German exploratory study investigated 91 patients who were exhibiting severe psychiatric symptoms but, after receiving a neurological exam, were suspected to have autoimmune encephalitis (AE). AE is a group of rare conditions that cause inflammation of the brain; they usually present as a range of physical and neurological symptoms as well as psychiatric symptoms such as paranoid hallucinations. Most of this group of 91 patients were treated with immunotherapies and the study found that many of these patients benefitted from this treatment. This study therefore suggests that AE conditions can predominantly present themselves as psychiatric syndromes in some cases.

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While the results of the study are not conclusive and further testing is needed, the findings imply that current diagnosis processes need to take a bigger range of factors into account to ensure that people receive the right treatment. Screenings for immunological markers (measurable characteristics that give an indication of the immune system’s health) are now routinely collected from patients experiencing psychosis in Germany.

While new developments in this area will only direct impact on a relatively small number of patients, we have included this study because these findings may have significant implications for transforming thinking around psychiatric symptoms, diagnostic processes and the link between mental and physical health.

You can read more about this study on the website nature.com/ articles/s41380-021-01396-4

Research

Medicine optimisation:

A person-centred approach to prescribing.

Evidence has shown that people living with severe mental illness (SMI) have a significantly shorter life expectancy than people without SMI. This is because SMI can lead to poorer physical health and people may have multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions. Medications can play a key part in improving people’s quality and length of life but care must be taken to ensure that they do not cause complications or negative physical health outcomes, such as weight gain, respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease. These are also called ‘adverse drug events’ (ADEs). It is vital to ensure that patients receive treatment that works for them, as stopping or irregularly taking medication can increase the risk of relapse and reduce people’s quality of life.

This process is also called ‘medicines optimisation’. Medicines optimisation is a person-centred approach that can help clinicians to select treatments that effectively address symptoms of mental illness while avoiding negative outcomes as a result of the treatment.

This paper also highlights the need for more high-quality evaluations of treatments that aim to protect the physical health of patients with multiple long-term health conditions as well as SMI.

Overall, the paper concludes that having a screening tool to enable medicines optimisation is not a perfect solution; a tool is unlikely to ever address all factors faced by patients.

However, having a user-friendly screening tool should result in better medicine prescribing, fewer avoidable ADEs and medication-related hospitalisations, improve adherence to treatment and improve quality of life.

We have included this study as we know that mental illness often does not happen in isolation and many people with a mental health condition also have a long-term physical health diagnosis. It is crucial that people’s physical health is supported as they receive treatment for their mental health conditions.

You can read more about this study here mentalhealth.bmj. com/content/22/4/139

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Services

Our Carer Support Services “I felt lost and isolated before I made contact with Rethink Carers. Knowing that there is a specialised person for me to talk to has made all the difference to my caring role.”

We offer a depth of Carer Support Services with information to guide and support you through all stages of your carer journey. These range from offering advice about coping with both the emotional and logistical pressures of being a carer. You can find all the support we provide on our website in the Carers’ Hub area at rethink.org/ CarersHub.

“Carers have an invaluable role in helping people recover from mental illness and that they should be acknowledged, valued and supported.”

- Oxford Carers Support Service

Our Oxford Carers Support Service is a prime example of what we offer. It works in close partnership with Oxfordshire health services and provides a carers course within the Oxfordshire Recovery College. It offers specialist training sessions and welcomes feedback from service users to develop and improve these services.

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Carer’s Assessment The government’s, 2014, 'Under the Care' Act outlines a specific Carer’s Assessment. The assessment offers support for carers, but an act like this can be confusing and hard to get your head around. We offer advice on eligibility, taking the assessment, and the support offered.

Respite Respite opportunities are important for carers, both for their own wellbeing and for the quality of care they can provide. Our services help to explore respite routes, supported either through social services or charities.

Planning for the future We provide expert knowledge and webinars on planning for the future.

Thinking ahead can be extremely anxiety-inducing, so our experts can guide you on the best way to plan for your relative’s future care, including financial support and and through the Rethink Trust Corporation.

Services

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Rethink have made me feel validated for all of the care and support I provide to my son.

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"Because of the wonderful support I’ve received from Carers Oxfordshire I felt like I had to send you this letter.

You see, this December, before I spoke to the service, I was a really frustrated dad. My clever, beautiful son had been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder and I was really struggling to understand his condition and work alongside him to give him the help he needed.

The support I was offered to change this stressful situation was literally non-existent. All I saw before me was a big black hole of support. Like many carers, I guess, all I could do was hit Google with my burning questions: ‘What is a personality disorder?’, ‘What are the warning signs of a crisis?’, ‘How do I support someone with a mental health problem?’

The answers I got back were helpful to a degree. But what I really needed was some expert support and advice. Someone I could talk to who fully understood what I was going through and what Dan was going through too.

Thankfully (and I always will be thankful), a friend mentioned the Rethink Carers Support Service to me. After hanging onto the number for a few days, I gave them a call and straightaway my life started to change for the better.

What the person who answered that call offered in that hour was literally a revelation to me. She helped me understand my sons condition much better. And she just listened to my worries and stresses, which meant a great deal.

Being able to benefit from this incredible level and breadth of support for free has been a real eye opener to me. It’s made me realise not only how special Rethink Mental Illness is but also how fantastic the people are who make their services possible.

After that first call, I felt in a much, much better place. And, I guess, excited to put what I’d learnt into practice."

Service User at Oxford Carers Service 15

RAIS

Our Advice and Information Service: What it does and how to access it The Rethink Mental Illness Advice and Information Service (RAIS) provides information and advice on a wide range of mental health related subjects such as the Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits and carers rights. Our advice is aimed at people who are over 18 and live in England.

The team is made up of five Advisers, a Team Leader, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Information Lead and Service Manager; they also have some volunteers who help with the webchat service and reviewing information work.

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Advice and information webpages Most of the queries received by the team can be answered on our website advice and information pages. A good place to begin is by browsing our advice topic list page, where everything is divided up alphabetically from A-Z . Just go to www.rethink.org/ advice-and-information/browse.

These pages are fully accredited by the independent Patient Information Forum.

You can download fully referenced, printable versions of most of our advice and information pages too, or contact the membership team who’ll happily support you with getting hold of particular factsheets you want.

RAIS

If you require specific advice on welfare benefits this can be found on the mental health and money website at mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org.

If you need more information you can contact us by webchat between 10am and 1pm, Monday – Friday, excluding bank holidays.

Specific, detailed advice If your query is more in depth you can either call, email or write to the team.

They provide person-centred, holistic advice which means they will look at your whole situation. For example, if you are worried that someone you care about may be experiencing psychosis they can explore support options for you, as well as for the person you care about.

Please be aware though that phone lines can be very busy whilst they help people.

What the advice and information service can’t help with • They can’t give emergency help • They can’t give emotional support • They can’t give debt advice or offer a case worker for benefits advice. They may be able to refer you to Mental Health and Money Advice Service for support, depending on appointment availability. Or they can signpost you to other services, like National Debtline and StepChange.

• They can’t give debt respite for people in mental health crisis.

Contact the Crisis Mental Health Breathing Space team for more information.

• They do not provide a call-back service.

They aim to respond to emails and letters within five working days.

How to reach us: Website: rethink.org/advice-and-information Most queries can be answered on our website so do check here first!

E-mail: advice@rethink.org Webchat: rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice (10am - 1pm Monday to Friday except for bank holidays) Telephone: 0808 801 0525 (9:30am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays)

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Groups

"

I know I am not the only carer out there, and I feel we could support each other.

"

Kate is a registered carer living in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, supporting her son Simon who lives with paranoid schizophrenia.

Finding that there’s a lack of support in her local area, she’d like to meet people in her immediate community, so they can share similar experiences and form a peer support group.

“It has been a long and difficult road. A rollercoaster. Simon is 53 but wasn’t diagnosed until he was 32, after achieving a degree and working as a teacher. He has been on and off medication and our relationship can be very difficult at times. Things recently came to a head last January, when he exploded and became very angry. I rarely meet with my son, but when I do, it must be in the place he chooses. This is to avoid him feeling

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uncomfortable in places where my friends might see us together as they may know I am also his carer. Simon feels a lack of self-esteem due to his mental illness taking away his career and who he was meant to be.

I’m excluded from any involvement with his care on his insistence, so I’m in a very lonely and anxious place. It’s very hard to speak to people who don’t understand or have similar experiences. I know I am not the only carer out there, and I feel we could support each other. There is still a stigma attached to mental health and we need to overcome this. I want a safe space to share experiences; for my support group to be organic and grow according to the wishes of the members. Maybe later we can organise social activities or invite speakers, but for now meeting other

Groups

people who will understand is paramount. I describe myself as a very optimistic person but my life has been blighted by this.

My family history is similar to other families who battle with serious mental illness. When Simon received his diagnosis, family members revealed that my grandmother too had schizophrenia, as well my aunt. Things weren’t spoken about back then. But the more we talk, the more we can move towards parity of esteem between physical and mental health.

I realise that the same diagnosis can manifest in many different ways, and that personality and background play a part in the lives of those affected. But commonalities are there. In the good times, Simon has shared insight into his illness with me, but other family members don’t always have that privilege or understanding.

I know it is difficult for people to open up and share. I hope that my experiences and empathy will allow others to speak. I want to be that friendly face in a time of need. For a while, I attended the Rethink York Carer’s Group, and a lady sent me a letter and a book – Living and Working with Schizophrenia. I still have both and know the date of the letter by heart - 5th June 2004. I can’t fully describe the support and comfort that gave me. There is a big relief in being able to say things to other people, you feel lifted and safe.

If I can help other people find the words as they hear mine, I might help to lift the burden.”

If you are interested in joining Kate in forming a group in the area, please email groups@rethink.org or call on 07989 475 024 and mention the Pocklington group.

Do also get in contact if you'd like to start a group in another area.

Our support We provide practical and financial support and work with you to develop and run safe sustainable groups. We do this in a way that makes establishing and running a group as simple as possible; and one that fits around the time and needs of those running them, so it remains a pleasure to run and never a chore.

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Fundraising

"Legacy fundraising can make a transformational difference."

Earlier this year, Nicole joined the Rethink Mental Illness fundraising team as the Legacy and In Memory Manager.

Nicole will be looking after supporters who have remembered the charity in their will, and those who would like to learn more about leaving a legacy.

She tells us a little more about herself and why legacy gifts are so important.

“Legacy fundraising is my happy place. I think that can surprise people because they associate legacy fundraising with doom and gloom, but I find that most legacy supporters love the idea that they can make a transformational difference with what will be their parting gift to the world.

It’s a gift that shows who they are and what they care about, and that’s something to celebrate.

Since joining Rethink Mental Illness, what has shone through in all my conversations is passion. Everyone here is so passionate and committed to ensuring no-one faces mental illness alone. Gifts in wills are critical to helping us make sure people severely affected by mental illness, their carers and families get expert guidance and access treatment as soon as they need it, not months down the line.”

We’re here to help If you would like more information on our free, will writing offers or remembering Rethink Mental Illness in your will, please get in touch with Nicole, our Legacy and In Memory Manager, at legacyinfo@rethink.org or call 020 7840 3109.

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Fundraising

The power of gifts in wills As a supporter of Rethink Mental Illness we can arrange for your will to be written for free. The process is easy and can be done in person, online or with telephone support.

Writing or updating your will can bring huge peace of mind. By planning for the future you can ensure that your estate and possessions will be distributed according to your wishes, considering the people you love and the things in life that matter most to you. A gift in your will to Rethink Mental Illness costs nothing in your lifetime, but can transform the care of people severely affected by mental illness for generations to come.

Every year we support tens of thousands of people through our advice and information, services, and support groups. These are vital in helping people get through crises and live independently, but we couldn’t fund these services without gifts in wills.

Together, we can make sure no-one faces mental illness alone.

Write your will for free today We have two free will-writing offers for members: National Free Wills Network We have teamed up with the National Free Wills Network who have links with will-writing specialist solicitors across the country. Contact our Legacy and In Memory Manager to arrange your referral, and you’ll be sent a pack including a list of your nearest participating solicitors. Choose your preferred solicitor, contact them to make your appointment and write your will for free.

Farewill Our partnership with Farewill means you can write your will online or by telephone for free. Farewill are the UK’s best rated will writing provider. Every will is checked by a specialist and you can access live support from the comfort of your own home. To redeem your free will visit farewill.com/rethink1 and enter the voucher code “Rethink1” at check-out.

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Creative Voice

Creative Voice The art displayed on these pages was created by attendees of Rethink Mental Illness’ Art Workshop at Ashford Place, Brent. Melrose Richards and Charlotte Edmund, Befriending Coordinators at our organisation, collaborate with Ashford Place and facilitated the art session for people experiencing anxiety and depression.

Both coordinators have a goal of giving service users the support they need to have a successful recovery story and encourage them to share their experiences to help others.

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Creative Voice

Tranquil Tirath

by Ruhul Ahmed (Roj) Her name was Tirath…

‘Indeed her sweetness could alter the earth…

Words can not even, describe her worth…

How beloved & dear she was, heartbreak, grief and sorrow with your demise she does.

But, no we shall rejoice and enlighten her grace, & be wholeheartedly inspired by her kindness, which has indeed left its trace…’

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Annual General Meeting

Thursday 23 November, 4pm.

Our AGM will take place as a hybrid event, both at our London office and also online. See page 5 for registration details.