Jonny Benjamin: How mental health campaigner went from suicide attempt to MBE

He escaped hospital intending to kill himself. A fresh diagnosis of schizophrenia and incessant questioning about whether he was gay made him feel suicidal. Now he's been made an MBE

Jonny Benjamin: How mental health campaigner went from suicide attempt to MBE

By: Peter Walker, May Bulman  @petejohn_walker   A man who tried to throw himself from a bridge in London after escaping hospital has been made an MBE. A 20-year-old Jonny Benjamin tried to take his own life on Waterloo Bridge while struggling to come to terms with a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis and being gay.  Nine years on, […]

NHS mental health services failing young people, say psychiatrists

Seven in 10 psychiatrists deem Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to be inadequate at best, Guardian survey finds

NHS mental health services failing young people, say psychiatrists

BY: Denis Campbell Health policy editor   NHS services for the soaring numbers of children who have self-harmed, tried to end their life or are having a breakdown are woefully substandard and risk prolonging their suffering, according to their psychiatrists. More than seven out of 10 (72%) consultant psychiatrists who specialise in treating children and adolescents […]

“Last Christmas we had an NHS And the very next year We gave it away…”

Good Sir Richard Leese went out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even

“Last Christmas we had an NHS And the very next year We gave it away…”

CARDS, CAROLS AND ELVES TO SAVE GREATER MANCHESTER NHS   Last Christmas we had an NHS And the very next year We gave it away…and sometimes to no-one special…’   Save the NHS campaigners were out at the Albert Square Christmas Market in Manchester today, singing festive songs and carols with suitably changed lyrics, much […]

Mental health at Christmas: Millennials are ‘more lonely’ than older generations

The packed social calendar and financial stress of Christmas can make it a tough time for those struggling with mental illness

Mental health at Christmas: Millennials are ‘more lonely’ than older generations

BY: Kashmira Gander    @kashmiragander   Loneliness during the holidays is often associated with older people, but new research has revealed that millennials also struggle not only with isolation but stress and anxiety during what is supposed to one of the happiest times of the year. One in 10 people aged between 25 and 34 who took […]

NHS hospitals need to ‘radically change’ to stop people with learning disabilities dying prematurely

NHS hospitals need to ‘radically change’ to stop people with learning disabilities dying prematurely

By  Sue Learner, Editor It has been common knowledge for decades that people with learning disabilities and mental health problems are dying prematurely, yet a Government review has found hospitals are still not bothering to investigate these deaths. The report ‘Learning, candour and accountability’ commissioned by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and carried out by the […]

Bereaved families ‘let down by NHS’

Bereaved families ‘let down by NHS’

By Michelle Roberts Connor Sparrowhawk’s family raised concerns about how his death was investigated   NHS investigations into patient deaths are inadequate, causing more suffering to bereaved families, says a report. Too often grieving relatives were shut out of investigations or left without clear answers, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said. The report is the […]

Specialising in mental health

Specialising in mental health

  The Five-Year Forward View For Mental Health1 highlights that ‘nine out of 10 adults with mental health problems are supported in primary care’.1 Although there are increasing numbers of mental health nurses working in primary care, there is still a huge deficit. This article aims to develop awareness of the mental health nurse role […]

SHOCK SUICIDE SURGE ‘Lack of mental health care’ means more women than ever are now killing themselves

Politician describes suicides as a major national public health concern with increase in women's suicide labelled 'worrying'

SHOCK SUICIDE SURGE ‘Lack of mental health care’ means more women than ever are now killing themselves

BY: SHAUN WOOLLER WOMEN’S suicide rates are at their highest for a decade, alarming new figures reveal. But men are still three times more likely to kill themselves.   An average of 17 people a day took their own life in the UK last year as the overall suicide rate rose slightly from 6,122 in […]

Meeting With Care Quality Commission Monday 28th November 2016, 1.30pm.

Meeting With Care Quality Commission Monday 28th November 2016, 1.30pm.

“MANCHESTER USERS’ NETWORK” Have your say on your Treatment & Care!! Meeting with the Invited Kirsty Mc Kennell and Sharron Haworth Inspectors Of Health and Social Care Services. Monday 28th November 2016, 1.30pm. Held in the Users’ Office, Park House Hospital. All Patients, (Sufferers from Mental illness) WELCOME.

Ex-Bury FC star tells of abuse by football coach

Ex-Bury FC star tells of abuse by football coach

By: Daniel Holland , reporter / @DanHolland93 Andy Woodward playing for Bury FC.   A FORMER Bury footballer who has spoken of the abuse he suffered at the hands of a coach says the outpouring of support he has received has been “totally overwhelming.” Ex-Bury FC defender Andy Woodward last week told how he was abused […]