MindWise believes that mental health services will continue to play a central role in supporting – or impeding – people in their personal recovery
journeys. MindWise hold recovery at its core and aim to achieve continuous improvement in our recovery practices to ensure all that we do support
people in their own personal recovery journeys.

In 2012 MindWise established its five year business plan following significant engagement with service users, carers, volunteers, staff, members,
commissioners, partners, politicians and the wider community.

To drive our key recovery  goal forward MindWise established, Dec. 2012, a Project Team comprising key representation from service users, carers,
volunteers and staff to:-

• Develop and sustain our Recovery Strategy and action plan.
• Establish a Service User Forum

The Recovery Project Team engaged in a range of activities aiming to develop further MindWise’s Recovery strategy, which included:-

• A review of existing MindWise Recovery related policies, procedures and related documents.
• A review of the internal and external recovery orientated regulatory and legislative frameworks.
• A review of MindWise’s Recovery Training initiatives
• A review of Recovery literature; best practice models and practices.
• A Recovery language and literature review

As a result of the work carried out the following recommendations were made:
 

No.	Recommendation
1	When any MindWise Policies / procedures are under review, the policy lead should ensure that where applicable the recovery statement is included and that the language used is recovery orientated.
2	MindWise to continue to be represented on each of the ImROC steering groups led by the HSCT’s as well as representation on the sub-groups where necessary.
3	MindWise to adopt the following definition of Recovery: “Recovery is defined as the ability to live well in the presence or absence of one’s mental illness (or whatever people choose to name their experience)”
4	‘Service user’ and ‘client’ is the preferred term to describe those with direct experience of mental health difficulties.  this should be incorporated into any documents that are being developed or reviewed, both internal and external publications and communications.
5	Service users / clients should be encouraged to associate the term ‘Hope’ with themselves.
6	Service users / clients should be described as: • Contributing • Valuable • Capable • Hopeful • Responsible • Content • Strong • Talented • Intelligent
7	Those with direct experience should be encouraged to get support from those whoever they find best placed to support them in their recovery.
8	MindWise to aim for 100% of those with support plans to have such based on recovery principles.
9	Focus on service users /clients key priorities in supporting them in their recovery.
10	Support those who wish to return to work to have the opportunity to work in whichever sector they choose.
11	MindWise key recovery concepts should remain: • Hope • Empowerment • Partnership • Fair treatment • Valuing everyone
12	The following recovery concepts should continue to underpin the work of MindWise • personal responsibility • education • self-advocacy • support • understanding
13	Recovery model should be continued to be embedded within MindWise.
14	Resources and materials developed by MindWise should be reviewed to assess their usefulness and whether they should be updated to ensure they are recovery orientated as well as a means of raising awareness of Recovery within MindWise.
15	Recovery training should be made available to everyone within MindWise.
16	Review the following MindWise training to ensure it continues to be recovery orientated and ‘fit for purpose’ • recovery training • Recovery Bite size • self-management programme • stress management
17	Continue the delivery of Mental Health Awareness training and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) to everyone within MindWise.
18	Involve service users / clients in the design and delivery of recovery training programmes.
19	Competencies for mental health workers should be considered to be introduced for all MindWise staff.
20	Service users/ clients to be supported to be involved in a more pro-active role in the decision making which affects their lives.  This should include all aspects of the decision making within MindWise.
21	Explore further the development of: • A MindWise service user / client engagement forum • A MindWise Carer Network • A MindWise Sibling Network • A Northern Ireland wide Recovery Network
22	A recovery strategy project team to be reinstated to take develop an action plan to take forward on the above recommendations.

To support MindWise in their work on Recovery we would appreciate if you could answer the following questions:
 

1. Do you agree with all the above recommendations?  Yes / No
2. If not, what recommendations do you not agree with?  Give reasons for your answer.
3. Please give your top three recommendations that MindWise should prioritise
4. Are you interested in being part of the Recovery Steering group to help implement the recommendations? Yes / No

To complete the consultation exercise please fill out this form and email to [email protected] or post to:
Gwynn Witherow, Area Manager, MindWise, Wyndhurst, Knockbracken Health Care Park, Saintfield Road, BELFAST. BT8 8BH

 

 

MindWise celebrated the graduation of 11 new practitioners in a new qualification pioneering support for mental health recovery through coaching.
 
The first graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching: from Recovery to Discovery, received their qualifications at a
ceremony held at the Stormont Hotel on Friday (30th January) attended by Health Minister, Jim Wells.

Coaching has become a valuable resource for those seeking support in their personal or professional development. Coaching to support recovery for
people with mental health needs has been developing in the USA and is emerging as a form of recovery support. Prior to the Advanced Diploma piloted
by the charity, no coaching qualifications have focused on its application supporting those with complex mental health needs.

Eleanor Jordan from South Belfast explained why she undertook the qualification:
“As a co-founder of Windsor Women’s centre 25 years ago, and chair of Belfast sure start, I want to know how to demystify the issues surrounding mental
health and help empower women to take control and be part of their own mental health plan. I have implemented the principles of the programme with our
staff team who work under incredible pressure to safeguard their mental health and wellbeing. In day to day practice it is a demonstration of my belief that
any individual has their own solution, but that they might just need to work with someone to reach their goals.”

MindWise believes the coaching qualification is an important step towards the kind of person centred practice and care that ultimately will aid more people
in their recovery; helping them to live well in the presence or absence or their mental health needs. It is a change in approach to mental health and care
underlined by the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety’s Transforming Your Care agenda, and Psychological Therapies Framework.

Commenting at the graduation, Jim Wells MLA, Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety said:
“The past decade has seen some of the most significant changes in how we care for people with a mental illness and my Department has worked hard to
contribute to this.  In line with the vision of the Bamford Review, I want to see that all health and social care services put the ‘person’ at the heart of care. 
This principle is critical to the delivery of effective mental health care.

“It is important that we continue to de-stigmatise mental illness. The majority of people can and do recover from periods of mental illness and many others
learn to live with their symptoms and lead full lives.  Fundamental to recovery is social integration, education, training and employment.

“Mindwise, along with Kingstown College, are to be commended for drawing on their considerable expertise to develop this new and innovative programme.
There is a growing recognition that coaching promotes positive mental wellbeing, which is fundamental to our quality of life. Complementing the services
delivered by our health trusts, coaching can help improve the lives of those living with mental health problems by helping people to maintain good physical health,
develop a sense of self-worth and contribute to their community.” 

The qualification aims to ensure practitioners are experienced, qualified and quality assured to meet the needs of people with mental health problems through the
application of a range of Coaching tools and techniques.

Deputy Chief Executive of MindWise, Anne Doherty explained:
“This diploma is a great example of how modern holistic training methods can improve the quality of life for people living with mental health needs. Graduates on
our pilot scheme have undertaken accredited training on how to use a range of coaching tools and techniques for example: positive psychology; emotional
intelligence; goal setting. We also touch on tools such Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and cognitive-behavioural therapies to support their
coaching practice.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem every year so it is vital that mental health practitioners receive the
21st Century training required to successfully support their clients in their journey from recovery to discovery.”

The qualification was developed as a partnership between MindWise and Kingstown College, and is the first of its kind in Europe. It is accredited by the European
Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). MindWise have plans to expand the delivery of the programme following the success of the pilot programme.

Applications are currently open for the 2015 Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching.
To request an application pack please email: [email protected]

Photo 1. Health Minister Jim Wells speaking at the graduation.

Photo 2. (left to right) Edward Bolland (Director Kingstown College), Eleanor Jordan (Graduate), Minister Jim Wells, Edward Gorringe (CEO MindWise),
Paula King (Kingston College), Anne Doherty (MindWise)
 

 

Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching – Internationally accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council

Following a very successful pilot, Mindwise in partnership with Kingston College, are delighted to launch the new 2015 Advanced Diploma in Mental
Health and Wellbeing Coaching.

This course is designed for those practicing in the Mental Health field and associated areas; it will equip you with the skills to diversify your practice,
while learning techniques that can powerfully benefit your client on their journey from recovery to discovery.

To request an application pack please email: [email protected]

Some quotes from past students of MHWB Coaching Diploma

• ‘Brilliant, life-changing’
• ‘A really worthwhile investment’
• ‘a fantastic learning experience which challenges you to develop yourself in the hope of being able to help others’
• ‘It’s challenging, enlightening and developmental and I will use it in all aspects of my life’

 

As part of our ‘You can take control’ campaign Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Nichola Mallon let us ‘take control’ of the city for a day.

‘Mayor for a day’ Kevin (32) from North Belfast accompanied Lord Mayor, Cllr Nichola Mallon as she undertook her formal civic duties, offering his perspective on
how to run the city.Kevin, a MindWise service user, was referred to MindWise in July 2010, first to the Supported Housing Service in Skegoneill and then to the
Belfast Resource Centre.  With our support Kevin has a personalised care plan to manage his illness, and is setting a new goal to seek employment in the future.

Speaking at the beginning of his experience he said;

“Fear and misconception about my mental illness makes it easy for people to write me off. With the right support I have learned to manage my illness and take
control of it. Through MindWise I have made new friends and rediscovered my creativity through art, photography and film making projects. Today’s experience
is a part of my ongoing recovery and building up my confidence to find employment.

“I don’t know many other people who have had the opportunity to oversee their city. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope my experience encourages others to find
confidence to speak about their mental health issues or find the support they need.”

Lord Mayor, Cllr Nichola Mallon commented;
“I am delighted to have Kevin shadow me for a day and to give me a valuable insight into his perspective of our city.  In my role as Lord Mayor I have been opening
up City Hall to a wider audience and I have organised a number of work shadow placements to give people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience the
civic role of Lord Mayor.

“I am delighted to support MindWise with this specific initiative.  This charity and others are doing so much good work in raising public awareness and tackling the
stigma around mental health issues, and I applaud all that they are doing to help communities across the city”.

A recent survey found that fewer than four in ten employers would consider hiring a person with a mental health problem. Stigma and fear ensures that many
people with mental illness are less likely to be in employment, more likely to lose the job they are in, are often considered violent despite being more likely the
victim of violence and can face friendship losses and social rejection.
 

Mindwise CEO, Edward Gorringe explained the importance of the campaign:
“There is a huge public stigma to try and breakdown. More than one in four of us, in Northern Ireland, are directly affected by a mental health issue, but fear
prevents many talking about their illness. This can stop people finding the support they need, and reinforces a negative stigma.”

“It is a commonly held belief that people with mental health issue or illness cannot live a normal or fulfilling life; that they cannot recover. MindWise want to
challenge this. We believe that recovery from mental health means finding the support to live well in the presence of mental illness. This is the message that
we want more public to discuss through our You Can Take Control campaign.”

The campaign aims to encourage public discussion about recovery from mental health, and allow more people to talk openly about their experience of mental
health illness and issues. Using the hashtag #takecontrol on social media and a dedicated Youtube channel we are supporting the sharing of experiences,
advice, treatment and support that is available or helped others take control of their lives and mental illness. The campaign has already had the endorsement
of comedian Stephen Fry, who tweeted his support for the campaign to his 7 million followers shortly after the campaign launched in April.

If you would like to get involved in the campaign by sharing your story or showing your support please contact Communications Officer
Lee Campbell, [email protected]

 

 

 

A meeting of the All Party Group on Mental Health has been arranged for Tuesday, 10th March 2015 at 12.30 p.m. in room 342 in Parliament
Buildings in Stormont. This meeting will focus on mental health and criminal justice. Presentations will be given by Action Mental Health, on
their work with the prison service and MindWise, on their Linked-In project aiming to reduce youth re-offending.

The All party Group is a forum for MLAs and mental health sector representatives to meet and discuss mental health policy. For MLAs this is an
opportunity to educate themselves so they can make well-informed decisions; for sector representatives it is a chance to share their experience
and expertise and influence policy-makers.

Refreshments will be provided following the meeting and new members are welcome.
 
Please confirm your attendance by 05/02/15 with Lee Campbell at 028 9040 2323 or e-mail [email protected]

Questions or requests for further information are also welcome.