Internationally-acclaimed mental health expert, Dr Lynne Friedli, will be the guest speaker The Rhondda Cynon Taf Mental Health Conference takes place on Friday, September 28, at Pontypridd YMCA from 9.30am until 4pm.
To find out more about the Rhondda Cynon Taf Peer Support Group or to book your place at the Conference call Sara Davies on 01443 424350 or email Sara.M.Davies@rctcbc.gov.uk
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is preparing for Mental Health Week in October with a series of events to support its residents.
Prior to Mental Health Week, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is hosting a Mental Health Conference on September 28, where the internationally-acclaimed mental health expert, Dr Lynne Friedli, will be the guest speaker.
The Mental Health Conference is called ‘Fight Depression, Stuff Stigma.’ Dr Friedli is the author of the World Health Organisation’s report, entitled ‘Mental Health, Resilience and Inequalities.’
The other keynote speaker will be Dr Chris Jones, a practicing GP for 30 years, who as awarded the CBE in 2007.
To celebrate the success of the development of Peer Support Groups across the County Borough, the conference takes place at Pontypridd YMCA on Friday, September 28.
The event aims to raise awareness of mental health conditions and reduce stigma.
Cllr Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Partnerships and Adult Social Services, said: “Depression is one of the most common conditions in the UK, directly affecting at least one-in-three families.
“It can affect anyone and any time and at any age. Depression can be life-threatening and must be taken seriously.
“By talking about depression, more people may access help and support needed to begin recovery. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is here to help these people.”
During the morning sessions, guest speakers will provide an explanation on the Mental Health Measure Wales and Dr Lynne Friedle will speak about the impact of social deprivation on mental health.
Dr Chris Jones was appointed as chairman of the Rhondda Cynon Taf teaching Local Health Board from 2003 and was appointed as chairman of the Cwm Taf Health Board in 2009.
His clinical interests include chronic disease management, health inequalities and the development of community and primary care services. He has also led two Ministerial reviews of health service redesign and is currently leading on ‘Setting the Direction,’ a strategic delivery programme for Primary and Community Services in Wales.
Bernardine Rees, director of primary care and mental health at Cwm Taf Health Board, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and other partners to help support people with depression and to reduce stigma around mental ill health.
“We are working hard to support people with mental health problems in their own communities and are helping them to live healthy, independent lives.”
Peer Support Group members will also be on hand at the conference to talk about what has assisted them in their recovery.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been working in partnership with Communities First, Cwm Taf Local Health Board, Journeys Towards Recovery and the Welsh Government to establish Peer Support Groups across the County Borough with the aim of enabling people with depression to improve their mental well-being.
Funded by the Communities First Outcomes Fund, the Rhondda Cynon Taf Peer Support Groups are run by people with depression or anxiety for people with depression or anxiety.
Members share their experiences and help each other by listening and offering support to one another at the weekly meetings.
Self-help is a key component in recovery from depression. Engaging in self-help starts by accepting responsibility for your own well-being. Self-help techniques work with traditional medications and complementary therapies.
Self-help is not a ‘quick fix’ - it involves learning about yourself and your condition. Engaging in self-help enables you to better understand and develop coping strategies and tools to help you towards recovery and possibly prevent relapses.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Mental Health Conference takes place on Friday, September 28, at Pontypridd YMCA from 9.30am until 4pm.
To find out more about the Rhondda Cynon Taf Peer Support Group or to book your place at the Conference call Sara Davies on 01443 424350 or email Sara.M.Davies@rctcbc.gov.uk
Please note, spaces are limited so will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Posts
