15 million reasons why mental health matters in (South) Wales

Area:

Wales

Programme:

Mental Health Matters

Release date:

28 2 2007

On Tuesday February 27, representatives of various mental health organisations in Wales will come together at the Galeri Centre in Caernarfon, North Wales, for the launch of BIG’s new ‘Mental Health Matters’ (MHM) programme. (for picture, filming and interview opportunities, please see end of release).

One-in-four adults will have mental health problems at some time in their lives and one in ten children will need professional help for a mental health disorder. One-in-20 people over 65 are also affected by dementia. People with mental health problems are some of the most disadvantaged people in society and often experience multiple deprivation.  Many are isolated, and have low self-esteem and low aspirations. Their condition is made worse by the stigma, lack of understanding and discrimination they face daily.

BIG is launching the MHM programme to support people with serious mental health problems to live fulfilling lives in their communities and reduce incidence of relapse or crises. As well as supporting projects that raise awareness of mental illnesses, the programme will help improve access to appropriate support for those at greatest risk of serious mental health problems or suicide.

A glowing example for people set to benefit from this new programme is 65-year-old Gerwyn Jenkins from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. From the age of 14, Gerwyn knew that something wasn’t right in his behaviour. It wasn’t until he was 28, when he started seeing a psychiatrist, that he was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – a psychiatric disorder commonly characterised by obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions, like tasks or rituals, which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

The condition has had a huge impact on Gerwyn’s life. Gerwyn said: “You check everything twice or more. For instance, if you’re leaving the house, you’ll go back on numerous occasions to check if you’ve locked the door. It affects all aspects of your life. It got really bad when I was at work. Everything became an obsession and I would check things over and over again. It meant more stress, coming in earlier, finishing later and taking double the time to complete tasks. It puts a lot of strain on you and the more tired you get, the worst you become as you don’t have the energy to fight it. I would get tired, nervous and would feel under constant pressure. That’s when it takes a grip and you become depressed.”

Gerwyn reached breaking point when he was 28 and had to go and see a phsychiatrist. He has now learnt to cope with the disorder. Gerwyn said: “I didn’t know what was wrong with me and I thought it was just me, until I saw a psychiatrist. I’ve now accepted that I have the condition and I’ve come to terms with it. But lot’s of people haven’t and they don’t know what’s wrong with them, because there isn’t enough information and support out there. Things are getting better though, especially since world famous celebrities like David Beckham have admitted suffering with OCD. This gets rid of some of the stigma attached.

“It’s surprising how many people suffer with mental illness and how little is known about disorders such as OCD. Treatement for OCD needs to start when someone is very young, so they can learn how to deal with it. The MIND organisation has a support group in Cardiff and it’s surprising how many students come to the sessions. I hope this new programme will help set up more support groups to satisfy the demand.”

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Big Lottery Fund Wales Country Chair, Huw Vaughan Thomas, said: “During our consultations, the lack of mental health provision in Wales was a subject that came up time and time again. We have been working closely with specialists in the field of mental health to provide a clear focus for the programme. As we developed the programme we tried to understand the issues facing mental health practitioners and service users.

“This programme will have a significant impact on the lives of people who suffer with mental health problems in Wales. Our funding will make an important strategic contribution to developing mental health services across the country, by helping people with mental health problems and supporting projects that try to overcome the barriers that they face.”

The programme also complements the Welsh Assembly Government’s Mental Health Action plan. In a show of support for the programme, the Welsh Assembly Government Health Minister, Brian Gibbons, said: ““I would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for this important contribution to the development of mental health services in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making sure mental health becomes a firm part of the modernisation agenda. The Big Lottery Fund’s Mental Health Matters programme will provide added and much valued support to many initiatives that are currently being carried out in Wales. In particular for those who are working to address the social exclusion and discrimination still faced by many people in our society.“

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAUNCH EVENT AND THE PROGRAMME

During the launch, Llanelli’s Gerwyn Jenkins will be available to speak about his experiences of dealing with mental health problems. Caernarfon MP, Hywel Williams, who is a strong advocate of mental health issues, will also be giving a talk. Those attending the launch will also be able to see and hear, for the first time, a piece of poetry commissioned by Big Lottery Fund to raise awareness of mental health issues, which has been created especially for the occasion by a young Welsh poet from Carmarthen, Catrin Dafydd.

BIG is also developing a series of initiatives during the year to raise awareness about mental health issues. The initiatives will include research projects, general events and resources. With a theme of “More than a number”, the initiatives will aim to inform people about the prevalence of mental health issues, how illnesses can affect us all and how we can all play a part removing stigmatism. Catrin Dafydd will hold workshops with young people to help them develop their creative skills and her poetry will also be used in BIG’s publications during the year as part of the awareness campaign.

For further information about the ‘Mental Health Matters’ programme and how your group can apply for funding, log onto the Big Lottery Fund website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.

To find out more about interview, photo and filming opportunities, see information below and contact Oswyn Hughes at the Big Lottery Fund press office by e- mail or on the numbers below.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 02920 678 207
Out of hours contact: 07760171431
Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030
Textphone:  845 6021 659
Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

PICTURE, FILMING AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund rolls out close to £2 million in Lottery good cause money every 24 hours which together with other Lottery distributors means that across the UK most people are within a few miles of a Lottery-funded project.
• The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.
• On 1 December 2006 the Big Lottery Fund was officially established by Parliament and at the same time assumed the residual responsibilities of the dissolved National Lottery Charities Board (Community Fund) the New Opportunities Fund, and the Millennium Commission. The Fund is building on the experience and best practice of the merged bodies to simplify funding in those areas where they overlap and to ensure Lottery funding provides the best possible value for money.

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