Roundup of APP Summer 2015 News
From May to October here at APP we were busier than ever. In brief here are some highlights:
May:
Three day residential PP Art Workshop, Devon. A group of 13 women with experience of PP travelled to the beautiful area of Dittisham to explore, through art, the experience of Postpartum Psychosis. This provided a great opportunity to meet each other, discuss their PP experiences and to translate memories and emotions into Art. Read more about the workshop and see the beautiful work produced and the wonderful feedback from those who attended here>
Trustee Clare Dolman presents to University College London’s gender equity group on maternal mental health, including slides on APP’s work. It was well-received by the audience of mainly medical students, and several APP information guides were given out.
Perinatal Research Stakeholder day at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. APP attended and had a stand manned by members who talked about the charity’s work to maternity and psychiatric health professionals from all over UK and gave out large number of resources.
June:
Fundraising vintage street party at Hoon Ridge, Derby. It was a great family day of sun and fun for all with a fabulous spread of food and a lively auction at the end of the afternoon. An amazing sum of over £3000 was raised in just one afternoon.
The Fron Male Voice Choir performs in Wrexham and donates a portion of its profits to APP. Warm thanks to them as ever for their generosity and to Trustee Sarah Hayes’ family for their continuing support.
Tracey completes 10 mile walk for APP. Tracey, who had experienced PP, was joined by her sister-in-law for a 10 mile charity walk through the Kent countryside. It was an exhausting but rewarding day and they raised the grand sum of £180 for APP. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to both for completing the walk and for worthy contribution!
APP Trustee Clare Dolman gave a presentation to maternity staff at St Thomas’ Hospital, London on bipolar disorder and Postpartum Psychosis. There was lots of discussion and resources were given out.
July:
National Lottery Awards 2015, Health category finalist. APP was amazed to find itself a finalist in the BBC1 National Lottery Awards. Out of approx 700 charities in all - we came 2nd! Warm thanks to all who voted and for the tremendous efforts of those who organised and attended events. Through this we have had a great deal of National media coverage, a huge exposure through social media and hundreds of face to face conversations all raising awareness of PP.
August:
Alex Heron completes the Dublin Ironman 70.3 at the age of 66. This was a huge challenge for Alex, even with an injury he finished the race in 6hrs 34mins 50 secs and raised a handsome sum for APP of £1164.25! See the summary of the event here>
September:
Trustee Nicola addresses the Manchester Perinatal Conference and book launch. APP through its information stand, met many people who have experienced PP, introduced them to each other and distributed hundreds of leaflets and Insider Guides. Warm thanks to Elaine Hanzak whose book "Another Twinkle in the Eye" is out now.
APP trustee Clare Dolman, shortlisted for Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Service User/Patient Contributor of the Year Award. She is one of four nominees shortlisted and invited to attend the Royal College’s awards ceremony at their London headquarters on 10th November. This award recognises the significant contribution service users make to developing and improving mental health services. The judges were looking for nominees who had made a positive impact on services by improving the perception of mental health issues; encouraging change in mental health policy; and contributing to the training of mental health professionals.
Hayley faced her fears head on by completing the Leicester Wolf Run for APP. This is a massive personal challenge & milestone, celebrating strength after PP. Hayley went beyond her target and raised a great sum of £1140 for APP. Our heartfelt congratulations and thank to Hayley and her team!
A fundraising ladies fashion show and shopping event was held in Solihull, Birmingham. It was a fun and friendly event which where funds were raised and bargain were had!
Trustee Clare Dolman lectured at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience’s Summer School short course on Women’s Mental Health and gave out APP materials to psychiatrists, GPs and other MH professionals attending.
APP attended the Marce Society UK & Ireland Scientific Perinatal Research Meeting, Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London to hear about the latest developments in perinatal mental health research & practice, the new research taking place & clinical updates & developments.
PP sat on the Royal College of Psychiatrists Perinatal Executive Meeting Advisory Panel. The panel, consisting of people with lived experience, discussed how best the patient voice can be represented to feed into the College’s quarterly executive perinatal meetings agenda – to advise how it is on the ground & steer towards the issues that matter.
October:
Ollie Chapman ran the Leicester half marathon for APP. It was a complete turnaround for him as someone who hated running six months prior and couldn't run a mile. He ran with his heart fully on his sleeve to represent his heroic wife and the support APP (Action Postpartum Psychosis) provided them. Giving something back was important to him and he finished in 2hrs 16mins and raised the great sum of £807.39. Well done Ollie, we were rooting for you every step!
APP attended the Birmingham Mother & Baby Unit services annual review 2015. There we met with recovered service users and to hear about the great work being done. The focus of the review was service development and to provide a format for service users to feedback ideas for taking things forward. It was a friendly, informative and constructive day and an excellent example of collaboration and engagement with service users to continue developing, improving and growing services.
Coming soon!
Rolls Royce Male Voice Choir & Friends 'Charity Musical Evening'. 7pm, 27th November 2015, Pavillion, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY.
Tickets £8 (£5 age 16 & under), email heather@www.app-network.org, tel: 0844 477 0601
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