PLUSPoint

PLUSPoint Mental
Health
MEETING PLACE FOR SHARING NEWS AND VIEWS
PERTH & KINROSS / EDITION 87 / March 2017
Welcome to PLUSPoint
‘No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow’.
I read this quote and it got me thinking about the seasons and
how they are sometimes seen as a metaphor for the human
journey – Spring symbolically heralding new life and beginnings,
renewed hope and possibility.
Yes, Spring will always follow Winter, but only in the presence of
sun. If we wake up one day and the sun has gone then we must
live with not knowing if we will indeed ever see Spring again.
But maybe living with uncertainty and the unbearable could
become bearable if we don’t have to face it alone. If we can just be
there with each other at such times. Just being there. Not giving
false hope but facing new territory together, enduring together.
A hard thing to do but what people often say helps them most.
So Spring is only sure to follow Winter if the conditions necessary
for it are there too and likewise our recovery from the hardships
of life or what feels like a perpetual Winter.
I hope you enjoy reading this months newsletter which is not so
much about Spring, but full of recent news and stories of what’s
been happening in the PLUS world in recent times.
WELCOME HOME PETER
We were delighted when fellow member Peter Cheer recently
dropped into the PLUS community café.
Peter is just home from a stint of voluntary service overseas in Papua
New Guinea.
Ever since leaving two years ago Peter has kept in touch with us, with
PLUSpoint readers being kept up to date with his ‘letters’ home. In
the Christmas newsletter Peter said that returning to Scotland and
the weather was going to be a ‘shock to the system after two years
in a tropical climate’. We hope it’s not been too bad and our warm
Scottish welcome home will make up for the chilly temperature!
Pictured below Peter with PLUS members.
PLUS VISION
For a world of wellbeing where people
with mental distress are fairly treated with
compassion, understanding and respect and
can follow their hopes and dreams.
BUILDINGS FOR BIODIVERSITY
As part of a Buildings for Biodiversity project volunteers at Horners
Plot were helped to erect bird boxes in the garden one sunny day in
December.
The project is trying to help wildlife whose numbers have dropped
greatly in recent years, namely Barn owls, Tree sparrows, Swifts and Bats.
The idea is simple: these species are badly in need of help and
with a little investment and a few willing proprietors, some of the
disadvantages that they suffer from may be overcome. A major one
is lack of nest sites, or, in the case of bats, roost sites. Another is lack
of suitable habitat in which to feed and meet other requirements.
More info can be found here:
http://www.taylp.org/nature-project/buildings-for-biodiversity/
Pictured above Grant, Kenny and Jenny with the bird boxes.
PLUS
77 Canal Street, Perth PH2 8JJ Tel.: 01738 626242
www.plusperth.co.uk Email: plusperth@msn.com
Scottish Charity SC040271 Company No. SC354220
M E N T A L
H E A LT H
Hope,Recovery and Wellbeing

Police Scotland Crisis Training
Police Scotland have been undertaking important work to assist
people in mental health crisis or distress, whom they often come into
contact with.
Before getting started they spent the best part of 3 years developing
training products and best practice approaches. One of the products
being used, NHS Lanarkshires MINDSET, raises general awareness of
mental health problems, addresses stigma, and provides facts and
myths around mental health and suicide.
In August and September 2016, around 140 trainers were trained
with the delivery programme beginning in September 2016 and
ending in February 2017. 17,500 officers in total were trained during
that time. The target audience was Special Constables, Constables,
Sergeants and Inspectors.
James Thomson of Police Scotland said: Although we have called our
training Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Intervention training, there is a
heavy emphasis on distress throughout.
It is important to note that the purpose of the course is not to make our
officers clinicians, counsellors or psychiatrists and it certainly doesn’t
replace the role of the police negotiator. Rather the course will give them
practical guidance on identifying and engaging with people in distress/
crisis or at risk of suicide.
There is a real emphasis in the training to provide an empathetic
and compassionate response and communication techniques which
include active listening skills, building rapport and calming techniques.
Evaluations reveal consistent 98% satisfaction levels in terms of how
confident officers feel the training has equipped them to deal more
effectively with people in distress.
James said: There is always more to do. We don’t think our training will
provide all the answers which is why more is being done such as the
production of suicide prevention guidance, an aide memoire for dealing
with mental health related incidents, and a Frequently Asked Questions
document.
Perth Crisis Service Moved to Dundee
A contingency plan to move the Crisis Service based at Murray
Royal providing out-of-hours assessments between 3pm and 9am
weekdays and at weekends transferred to the Carseview Centre,
Dundee Ninewells took place on 1st February. At time of writing PLUS
is waiting to hear how NHS Tayside will best mitigate the challenges
posed as a result of this change.
Around 800 local people are assessed annually by the crisis service.
People have said that they just would not be able to get their loved
ones to Dundee without help. This reduction in service will put more
strain on the local police who have been providing training to their
officers on how to cope with people in crisis - we believe this is
positive but it’s not the role of a police officer to care for people in a
crisis or for them to be locked up in a cell.
Professor Andrew Russell, NHS Tayside Medical Director has said;
“There is a national shortage of trainee psychiatrists and there are not
enough junior doctors coming into Tayside from February 1 to provide
mental health services in the way in which they are currently delivered.
There are two rotations of junior doctors annually with the next due to
start in August 2017. In the meantime we are working closely with NHS
Education for Scotland to try to do everything we can to support junior
doctors in Tayside”
Dear PLUS,
My initial response to the move of the crisis service to Dundee is
one of dismay. I seem to be at a loss to fully comprehend all the
facts and goings on regarding this.
So they want to continue to provide a service in Perth but only
until 3pm Monday to Friday and after
3pm and weekends the service will be provided at Dundee. So
another team takes over? Seems a bit confusing. Sorry if I am
not understanding properly.
I live in the county of Perth and Kinross, which is the largest
county in Scotland. Dundee is in Angus. Why is the largest
county being deprived of services? Despite obvious NEED !
I am left feeling very uneasy. HOWEVER, I doubt anything I
have to say will sway whom ever it is who thinks this idea prudent.
Carseview is based at Ninewells ... do they not understand the
travel implications?
Sorry to sound so negative but that is the impact it has when
feeling instead of things being easy to access, they want to make
changes, it in itself a stressor, and more difficult. Again it is the
rural areas that are hit the hardest.
PLUS volunteers at their Christmas Dinner in the Lovat Hotel, Perth.
Phoenix Group members at their Christmas buffet in
Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital
CHRISTMAS ALBUM
PLUS Christmas
Gathering at
Queens Hotel
between Christmas
and New Year.

NATIONAL NEWS
DAMMING REPORT ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
‘Work capability assessments discriminate against people with
mental health problems and should be ‘redesigned entirely’
according to a recently published Mental Health and Unemployment
report funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
Authors of the report ‘Understanding the impact of welfare
reforms in Scotland for individuals with mental health conditions’
interviewed 30 individuals with mental health conditions who had
undergone work capability assessments (WCAs). The team also
interviewed individuals from advocacy organisations, Citizens Advice
Bureau and a former employee of Ingeus, one of the private Work
Programme providers.
Dr Sue Cowan of Heriot Watt university and one of the authors
concluded: “As control over the Work Programme and Work Choice is
devolved to Scotland, the Scottish Government must develop better
programmes that work in parallel with the benefits system, but are
appropriate to people with mental health problems.”
For full article https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/news/mental-healthdiscrimination-built-into-work.htm
Universal Credit
Some PLUS members were asking about Universal Credit, what it is
and how it would affect them. The following is a very short summary.
For more info visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Universal Credit is a new benefit to support you if you’re working
and on a low income or you’re out of work. It is gradually replacing
Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, tax credits and
a number of other benefits.
If you’re already receiving any of those benefits, you’ll eventually be
moved over to Universal Credit but that won’t begin happening in P&K
until April 2018.
The Department for Work and Pensions has said that as long as your
circumstances stay the same, you won’t lose out on any money when
you move onto Universal Credit. You will either get the same amount
of benefit as you do now or you might get more.
Welfare Rights are a good source of support for welfare related
concerns Tel 01738 476906 or if you would like a fact sheet on Universal
Credit let us know and we will mail one out with the next newsletter.
Christmas Eve Carol Singing at Horner’s Plot.
Bridges social group lunch and karaoke party in Sports and Social club.
LOCAL NEWS
SOCIAL NETWORKS TOOL TESTED IN PERTH
PLUS members were assisted to map their social networks in testing
out a new social analysis tool. Assist Social Capital responsible for the
innovation enlisted the help of Anna and Diane of Voluntary Action
Fund (VAF) in trying out the resource in Perth at end of Feb. VAF, a
regular funder of PLUS is a Scottish grant-maker that seeks to unlock
social capital within communities by investing money, increasing
capacity and building relationships. The members who took part
found the process both enjoyable and fascinating, especially being
able to see in a diagram how their social networks had grown.
WELLBEING AND SAFETY INFORMATION
During December PLUS joined with other organisations in providing
the public with wellbeing and safety information from a unit in St
Johns Mall. The friendly drop in seemed to offer folk a welcome break
from the stress of Christmas shopping, especially being greeted
by such smiley friendly faces like Kenny Wilkie of PLUS and James
Thomson of Police Scotland.
James Thomson of Police Scotland and PLUS Member Kenny Wilkie.
SAINTS MENTAL WELLBEING FOOTBALL COACHING
The SAINTS Mental Wellbeing football coaching programme
commenced again in February at McDiarmid Park and had a
record turnout of 23 participants attending the opening session. A
programme of coaching dates is now in place which tie in with the
Scottish FA Mental Wellbeing League fixtures for 2017. Two SAINTS
teams have entered the league once again. Newcomers are always
made welcome regardless of footballing ability and if you want more
information please contact Dave Black at St. Johnstone Community
Trust on 01738 459095 or dave.black@saintsinthecommunity.co.uk
LOON BRAES
PLUS members Debbie, Pauline and Janine manned a stand in
Blairgowrie Tesco in February to let the public know about the work
they have been doing on an overgrown area of greenspace in Rattray
called Loon Braes. The aim is to create a working nature garden and
a growing space for home produce. Also to create a community
space where people can visit to learn more about nature or to just sit
awhile and enjoy some peace and quiet. Last year the group gained
some funding from Voluntary Action Fund. From this March it will be
supported through a Perth Council ‘Your Community, Your Budget’
scheme.
The group meet on a Tuesday morning and would welcome anyone
wishing to join them in their community regeneration effort.

Monday, 20th March 2017
“First Day of Spring!” J
PLUS Members Burns Supper
To celebrate the life of our national bard on 25th January PLUS members
held a Burns supper and poetry reading afternoon in Caledonian
Housing sitting room.
Hector seated holding Burns Poetry book.
Hector, brought along several of his Burns poetry books and addressed
the Haggis pie! A good time was had by all with some recitations of
several well- known Burns poems including A Red Red Rose.
Mac and Cheese in a Mug
At the Blairgowrie Phoenix Group recently there was some great
discussion on cooking with Maureen giving away some of her secrets
on the perfect macaroni cheese. Here’s a different take on the old
favourite Mac and Cheese in a Mug – sounds great, I think I may have
to try it myself.
• 1
/3 cup (28g/1oz) pasta
• ¾ cup (175ml/6fl oz) water, cold
• 4 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoons cornstarch (aka cornflour)
• 4 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated
• salt and pepper, (pinch of mustard optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large microwavable mug or large bowl add in the macaroni
and the water. You need a large mug as the water will boil up.
2. Microwave for roughly 3½ minutes. You want the pasta to be fully
cooked. (timing is based on my 1200W microwave so your timing
might vary)
3. Pour off the remaining cooking water.
4. Stir in the milk, cornstarch and shredded cheese and microwave
for a final 60 seconds to create your sauce. Stir well, season with
salt and pepper and enjoy.
Notes: Cooking time will vary greatly depending on your microwave
and the width and depth of the mug.
Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it
doesn’t over flow or over cook.
Film Review By Grant Muckart
The Great Wall
This engaging all Action/Adventure
Chinese/Hollywood co-production is
set in 11th century China during the
middle of the Song Dynasty. Rogue
mercenaries Garin (Matt Damon), and
Tovar (Game of Thrones Pedro Pascal) have come to China in search of
the secret of Black Powder which they hope to steal and bring back to
the West in return for untold riches. Things don’t go according to plan
and they soon find themselves captured by the Nameless Order, a
secret army tasked with defending the Great Wall. It turns out that there
are worse things than mere Barbarians beyond the wall.
There are legions of nightmarish lizard like beasts out there with great
slavering jaws studded with razor sharp teeth and eyes set in their
shoulders who storm the Great Wall every 60 years in an attempt to get
at all the enormous food source represented by the 2 million people in
the capital Bianjing, not that far away. Yes, you guessed it Matt Damon
saves the day !
This is an enjoyable and lavish romp through the action adventure
genre and I saw this movie in the IMAX 3D version which certainly
added to the experience as there are some great CGI moments , but just
don’t expect complicated plotting or profound depth.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
An inspiring poem submitted by a PLUS member.
THE TUNNEL
I remember those sick, black, angry, depressive, twisted thoughts.
I remember the resentment, the lying, scheming, selfish loss of time.
No confidence, no self-esteem, the smelly “who cares” attitude.
Nobody bothers about me, why bother about myself.
Bad dreams, hangovers, debt.
Not eating, same clothes on day after day.
Finger and toe-nails not cut, teeth not brushed.
Dishes not washed, carpets not hoovered, letters not opened, door not
answered.
I was in the TUNNEL.
A new change of priorities, a new awareness.
Positive not negative, trying to maintain my sense of direction.
Happier, no shakes.
I don’t forget the past.
I live on the here and now.
I look towards the future.
I now believe in myself.
There will still be doubts.
Now though, I am much better than who I was.
I have no soul mate, so I make my own decisions, right or wrong.
I’m still open to ideas from others, but I don’t have to use them.
I’m in control.
My life outside the tunnel, the other end day to day.
I have closed the door and locked it, but I still have the key to go back
inside.
I don’t know what challenges lie ahead of me.
I hope I get it right.
I am only human, not perfect.
It’s time for some careful fun.
Here is John, pleased to meet you.
John
‘Life is but a moment long but love lasts forever in a song.’
Ian
British Summertime
begins Sunday 26th March.
Remember to move your
clocks forward!
OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ARE THOSE OF THE
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS AND NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF PLUS