Several members of the Directorate attended the 9th NHS Highland Mental health Conference on the theme of “Compassion through the years” on 6th November #CTTY2019 It was great to be able to network with people from several organisations, all committed to improving mental health and wellbeing in our population. Our Health Information Resources Service (HIRS) had a display of some of the resources they are able to supply, and made several useful contacts with people who didn’t know about the service. Check out what’s available at http://healthyhighlanders.co.uk/HPAC/
Invited speakers updated the audience on projects looking to improve the care and support available for people of all ages affected by mental ill health and their carers. The “circle of support” available to the people of Helmsdale and nearby from “Connecting Communities” provides a great range of activities and other forms of support. Within CAMHS we heard of how compassion within the staff team spills into compassion for patients. A most inspiring story was shared in a breakout session “Helping to reduce stigma by supporting a friend”.
Former pupils of Glen Urquhart High School spoke alongside their Depute Head, telling their friend’s story of mental illness, and how they felt so helpless as they watched this happen. Several fundraising events generated money to give to the Young People’s Inpatient Unit where the young man had received treatment. The money resulted in a pool table and day trips for the unit’s residents, but the activities resulted in so much more. The village, the staff and the pupils of the school all now have a much greater understanding of mental health and mental ill health, and know how to respond.
The importance of compassion was clear here. What an inspiring group of young people, and how reassuring for the future.