Hello all,
Welcome to this August 2016 edition of the MHNE bulletin and we hope you are enjoying your Summer, as we mentioned last month it is a fantastic time to embrace the benefits of nature and the outdoors, especially with so many upcoming events around the region. On page 7 there is an opportunity to participate in research into the experiences of people living with personality disorders by the University of Manchester. This struck a very personal cord with me as I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in my mid 20s but was living with the impacts on mental and physical wellbeing as well as on my family, friendships, housing and em-ployment for many years previously. Like many with complex and misunderstood conditions such as BPD I struggled to understand myself what was happening to me and why I thought and behaved in what seemed like such extreme, self destructive and unpredictable ways, never mind being well enough to fully engage with or even find services and support.
I cannot say there is a happy ending here as I believe my story is far from over, nor do I want it to be yet—I believe in recovery and life in general is about constantly learning and progressing with the odd mistake thrown in—However I can say that through hard work, patience, understanding support I am in a much happier and more stable place. There have been some extraordinary individuals in my family, the NHS, police and the voluntary sector who have worked very hard with and for me .However these individuals are working in a sys-tem that is disconnected, underfunded and understaffed, too often relying on volunteers and peers to support those in need. Waiting times are still far too long, often the information and options provided to service users are inadequate and there is almost no focus on sustaining wellness or preventing relapse. I very much hope the government will look seriously at addressing these issues in a realistic and sustainable way in the months and years ahead as there are no quick fixes.
Victoria McGowan (MHNE Bulletin Editor/MHNE Volunteer)

August 2016 BULLETIN (see attached)

2. MHNE News
3 and 4. MHNE News
5 and 6. Promotional Piece - St Mar-garet’s Centre, Durham
7. Activities and Events
8. Funding Opportunities
9. MHNE Contact Details