We are a community for people with lived experience of mental health to campaign for change.
Dear Members, Supporters and Friends of the Independent Mental Health Network,
We write to you today to deliver The Independent Mental Health Networks statement of intent for 2024 to 2025.
Over the past year, our organisation has faced unprecedented challenges, marked by the loss of a dear colleague and friend. The aftermath of these events has undoubtedly shaken the trust and confidence within our community. However, never has it been truer that it is in times of adversity that resilience and strength emerge. Over the past eight months since joining IMHN, I have been deeply impressed by the dedication and perseverance displayed by each member. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of our small community as we work together to break down barriers and champion mental wellness. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead such impactful work.
Looking ahead to the promising year of 2024-2025, our work will be shaped by a steadfast commitment to a path of healing, growth, and progress. Central to this journey will be dedication to our core values of inclusivity, bravery, respectfulness, determination, and innovation. These values are not just words on paper; they are the guiding principles that shape every decision and action we take. You will have already noticed the dedicated efforts of the Engagement Co-Ordination team to re-centre Inclusivity and Respectfulness into our work. The new fully co-produced Code of Conduct will be instrumental in ensuring that going forward we foster an environment where diversity thrives, and every voice is heard, valued, and respected. This work to re-centre our core values will only continue over the next year.
As we commit to this path of healing, growth, and progress, we are pleased to announce the introduction of several new members to the Board of Trustees. Among these is Mark Dale, our newly appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and fresh perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to our collective vision of the future. Together with our existing board members, Mark and our new trustees will play a pivotal role in guiding IMHN. I would like to thank them for their expertise, dedication, and passion in advance. This having been said, I would like to invite each one of you to join us in this endeavour. Only with you continued contributions can we build a stronger, more resilient Independent Mental Health Network – one that embodies our values, fosters trust and confidence within our community, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness.
Catrin Beynon,
IMHN Head of Operations
April 25, 2024 at 6:59 pm
IMHN wrote this statement in response to the comments made by Mel Stride MP – the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Mel Stride says mental health culture has ‘gone too far’. He’s wrong – The Big Issue
April 15, 2024 at 8:45 am
PLAIN TEXT VERSION:
“We are incredibly concerned to hear that the Government plans to cut £4bn from the welfare budget, citing that they aim to get people “back into work”. We are worried that these cuts will disproportionately affect those with mental ill-health resulting in them losing their benefit entitlement and forcing them back into work, against their wishes.
We are clear that for some individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, work can be fulfilling and aid recovery. However, that is not true for everyone, and it should be for the individual and their medical teams to make that assessment – not civil servants or Government ministers.
During a cost-of-living crisis, which has had a detrimental impact on both the finances and the mental health of millions across the UK, we believe it would be grossly irresponsible for those with disabilities and mental health conditions to bear the brunt of the Government’s drive to save costs. Indeed, the fear of losing welfare support could exacerbate poor mental health further.
We urge the government to rethink this decision.”
This statement has been approved by IMHN’s Lived Experience Representatives.
November 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm
Health and care leaders and representatives from voluntary sector organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will come together at a summit to help tackle suicide next week. A self-help community group, a talking group for men and a bereavement support service will be some of the innovative suicide prevention initiatives being discussed at the Suicide Prevention Summit, which will take place on Wednesday 16 June 2021.
Leaders from health and care organisations across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are gathering virtually to discuss some of the latest work in suicide prevention happening both locally and nationally, and reflect and build on what has been achieved.
The organisation of the event has been led by Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN), in collaboration with local health and care leaders from across the area. It will be chaired by IMHN CEO, Tom Renhard.
As well as details on local initiatives to support suicide prevention in BNSSG, the conference will include presentations from Dr Geraldine Strathdee OBE, Co-Founder of the Zero Suicide Alliance, and Tom Chapman, Founder of The Lions Barber Collective, an international collection of top barbers who have come together to help raise awareness for the prevention of suicide.
Other keynote speakers include:
- Cllr Asher Craig – Deputy Mayor, Bristol City Council
- Martin R White – Health and Wellbeing Programme Manager, Public Health England
- Dr Eva Dietrich – Clinical Director, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
- Ben Akers – Co-Founder, We Talk Club
- Mohamed Sayaqle – Somali Youth Voice Bristol
- Marina O’Brien – Second Step
- Dominic Hardisty – Chief Executive, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
- Jo Walker – Chief Executive, North Somerset Council
Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor, Bristol City Council said:
“We know the Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives and has impacted on people’s mental health in many ways.
“We have been responding as a city with a range of initiatives, including the Thrive Bristol programme to help protect the mental health of the most vulnerable people in our city. Improving mental health and wellbeing is one of the key priorities for Bristol’s Health and Wellbeing Board and is a priority area of focus for this year and next.
“The One City Plan outlines our ambition to become a zero suicide city and, as we look to the future, it is vital that we continue to work with other organisations and ensure we are offering the right support, at the right time, to those who need it.”
At the end of the event, organisations and individuals will be invited to pledge their support to take the 20-minute Zero Suicide Alliance training and encourage others to do the same. This is part of a local ambition for the West of England to become a Zero Suicide region.
Following on from the success of the first conference held in 2020, organisations have worked in partnership with the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) to host the upcoming summit which is part of the Shine On Suicide Prevention Campaign.
Tom Renhard, Chief Executive of IMHN, added:
“Given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had, we continue to feel it is vital to be creating spaces for community groups and individuals with lived experience that are leading the fight to prevent suicide and self-harm across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
“We are supporting a wider regional ambition to reduce the number of people taking their own lives and doing that requires a grassroots approach as well as support from senior leadership. Our aspiration needs to be zero suicides. One life lost is one too many, and there is plenty for us all to do to ensure people know there is support available out there and play a role in improving things for the future.”
Dr Jonathan Hayes, Clinical Chair of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“We are really pleased to be supporting this event and working together with our partners, the local community and the public to help tackle suicide prevention, as well as help to reduce the stigma around mental health.
“Looking after our mental health is more important than ever. So many people experience mental ill health at some point in their life and every suicide is a tragedy that impacts families and communities in such a terrible way. Ensuring people know where to go for help and support and helping others to recognise signs of suicide is so important.”
Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality of Opportunity at South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“One life lost to suicide really is one too many. That’s why all of us at South Gloucestershire Council are putting our support behind the Shine On Suicide Prevention Campaign to help break down the stigma around suicide and self-harm. We look forward to working with local partners to encourage greater dialogue and bring this important issue out into the open.
“There are several suicide prevention initiatives working across South Gloucestershire, including two that will be presenting at the Suicide Prevention Summit – Men’s Talk South Glos, a talking and listening club for men, and Citizens Advice Bureau South Glos, which is delivering a project called Mindful Money and support clients who are experiencing extreme mental health issues and need help with their debt situation. I would also encourage people to take the free 20-minute Zero Suicide Alliance online training.”
Jo Walker, Chief Executive of North Somerset Council, who will be speaking at the summit, said:
“Suicide is preventable. This is such an important message and I’m pleased to be taking part in the summit, working with partners across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to support this vital work.
“Suicide attempts, self-harm and suicidal thoughts represent a major public health challenge. And while early data shows there’s been no overall increase in suicide rates since the pandemic started, this could change. The last 16 months have been unprecedented and challenging in so many ways. But we can all learn more about preventing suicide, stay alert to warning signs and get through it together.
“I’d encourage everyone to sign up to the free training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. It takes about 20 minutes to do and, having done the training, I definitely feel better placed to identify when someone is presenting with suicidal thoughts or behaviour, be able to speak to them in a supportive way and signpost to the correct services or support.”
Dominic Hardisty, Chief Executive for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust, said:
“We see every life lost to suicide as a tragic and catastrophic event and at AWP we believe that no suicide death is inevitable.
“I am really proud to be involved in the 2021 Suicide Prevention Summit and look forward to hearing from those with lived experience to help us learn and identify more suicide prevention opportunities.”
Members of the public are also invited to attend the event to share their experiences and ideas about suicide prevention.
The suicide prevention conference takes place on Wednesday 16 June from 10am – 1.30pm on Zoom. For more information and to register, please visit the Eventbrite page.
For more information, please email: .
June 11, 2021 at 1:53 pm
We are working with people and communities in Greater Manchester (GM) to shape mental health support. To ensure people with lived experience play a key role in this, we are looking for representatives to participate in the following opportunities:
- Mental Health Lived Experience Leadership Forum
- GM Adult Mental Health Delivery Board (facilitated by GM Health and Social Care Partnership)
- GM Mental Health Programme Board (facilitated by GM Health and Social Care Partnership).
At the Independent Mental Health Network we value ourselves on being inclusive; brave; respectful; determined and innovative. If this sounds like you, read on and send in an application.
More information about each opportunity is below, applications are to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 30th July. If you have any queries please get in touch with us at
Join our ‘Lived Experience Leadership Forum’
The group will help to shape the future of mental health services across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, representing its diverse communities in an inclusive network.
The forum will meet on a monthly basis, ensuring that the lived experience voice is represented from the grassroots community level through to a Greater Manchester level. This will be essential to influencing change across the GM mental health network and ensuring mental health support is person-centred.
As a representative on the forum, you will shape the work plan and priorities, bringing in a wider range of experiences for wider communities. There will be the opportunity to discuss how we improve mental health support, services and education throughout GM, whilst holding people to account in a constructive manner where required.
This is a paid role and support will be provided by IMHN to carry it out. Full information about the post and how to apply can be found here.
GM Adult Mental Health Delivery Board
We are looking for lived experience representatives to join the GM Adult Mental Health Delivery Board meetings.
The aim of the role is to ensure that the lived experience voice is represented at a senior level, providing leadership in improving people’s experiences of mental health services and wellbeing support.
These meetings will cover a range of services provided across GM, including:
- Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
- Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP)
- Liaison mental health – Core 24
- Out-of-Area Placements
- Physical Health of people with severe mental illness (SMI)
- Personality Disorders
- Suicide Prevention
- Individual Placement Support (IPS)
- Older Adults
The GM Adult Mental Health Delivery Board usually meets eight times a year.
This is a paid role and support will be provided by IMHN to carry it out. Full information about the post and how to apply can be found here.
GM Mental Health Programme Delivery Board
We are looking for lived experience representatives to join the Greater Manchester Mental Health Programme Delivery Board meetings.
The aim of the role is to ensure that the experiences of those accessing mental health support are represented at a senior level, providing leadership in improving the experience of mental health services and wellbeing support.
The key areas of work covered include:
- 24/7 community-based access and crisis care for children and young people (CYP)
- GM iTHRIVE network and CYP workforce development (NHS, Local Authority and
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector) - Mental and emotional wellbeing in education settings (schools)
- Improving mental wellbeing, building the capacity and resilience of communities and
suicide prevention - Perinatal and parent-infant mental health
- Liaison mental health – core 24 access across GM
- Enhanced adult crisis and urgent care options
- Integrated Improving Access to Psychological Therapies / Primary Care Rapid
Assessment Interface and Discharge
The GM Mental Health Programme Delivery Board usually meets 4 times a year.
This is a paid role and support will be provided by IMHN to carry it out. Full information about the post and how to apply can be found here.
Additionally, the link to apply for these opportunities can also be found here.
July 9, 2020 at 1:23 am
Announcing IMHN as the Independent Facilitator of Mental Health Lived Experience Engagement across Greater Manchester
The Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) has been announced as the new Independent Facilitator for the Greater Manchester Adult Mental Health Service User Network.
IMHN will be working closely with people with lived experience of mental health problems and the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership to develop a strong network that will influence the design and shape of mental health support across the region.
IMHN CEO, Tom Renhard, said:
“We are delighted to be working with people and communities across Greater Manchester to support the development of a strong voice for those with lived experience of mental health problems, shaping future mental health support for years to come.
We are already working with members of the adult mental health service user network and the wider partnership to build strong relationships and explore the key priorities for the region. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever to bring people together ensure mental health support is the best it can be; with the voices of people with lived experience being instrumental in getting this right.”
The first steps are continuing to speak to people and communities across the region about experiences of existing mental health support, and how they would like to participate in shaping the network. We are keen to hear from the fantastic range of people, organisations and communities across Greater Manchester; so do get in touch.
Listed below are a number of ways to initially get involved. Additionally, members of the IMHN team are happy to join virtual meetings, taking place during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to introduce themselves and discuss topics of interest.
Ways to get involved:
- Sign up to our and tell us about what matters to you
- Anyone that would like to work with IMHN can get in touch at any time by emailing greatermanchester[@]imhn.org
- we are holding regular ‘virtual’ engagement events – details of these can be found by clicking here
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
What is the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)?
IMHN is a member-led organisation that works both for, and in the interests of, people with lived experience of mental health. Via our branches, we support work improving local mental health services; contribute and campaign on mental health matters happening both locally and nationally; and actively challenge mental health stigma by working with partner organisations.
What has IMHN already achieved?
Via its branches in Bristol and North Somerset and with the support of our membership base, IMHN’s work has resulted in the organisation acquiring a reputation as a staunch advocate for effective and worthwhile change.
This is a result of work including but not limited to: co-designing the new IAPT service across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire; ensuring effective lived experience involvement in the introduction of brand new mental health crisis and recovery centres; and contributing to national campaigns, for example by leading the Bristol Time to Change Hub partnership, and delivering Peerfest 2017.
Where can I get more information?
IMHN’s website can provide more information about our ongoing projects, past achievements, and current operations.
Visit www.imhn.org for more information. The top menu can direct you to dedicated webpages covering latest news, our branches and membership, and the work we are doing dealing with the consequences of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
For specific questions, clarifications, and further information, please contact .
May 15, 2020 at 9:35 am
Are you someone with a passion for improving mental health services and empowering those with lived experience of mental health?
Do you support the principles of lived experience leadership and have a willingness to ensure this remains embedded in health and social care services?
If so – the Independent Mental Health Network wants to hear from you!
We are currently recruiting:
- Project Coordinator (Representation and Engagement) – fixed term, to 28 February 2021
- Project Coordinator (Communications and Engagement) – fixed term, to 28 February 2021
- Trustees – voluntary position for a three-year term
More information about each opportunity is below and if you have any queries please get in touch with us using the contact details provided.
Project Coordinator (Representation and Engagement)
Information about the post
Salary: £19,500 (pro-rata) – equivalent to £10 per hour.
Hours: Part-time – 30 hours per week (fixed term to 28 February 2021)
Location: Greater Manchester
The post-holder will be expected to provide all aspects of project coordination to the organisation’s representation and engagement functions in Greater Manchester. This will involve working closely with different stakeholders, including: IMHN Board of Trustees, IMHN members, funders, providers of mental health services, etc. This will also include providing support for representatives with lived experience of mental health problems attending meetings and engaging in shaping mental health support on behalf of the organisation.
The post will be based in Greater Manchester, with the opportunity for flexible and occasional home working. This will include travel to meetings across Greater Manchester. The role may also include occasional evening and weekend working hours.
Note: if the government restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are in place at the time of employment, the role will initially be home based
Full information about the post can be found by clicking the job description and person specification link.
Job description and person specification
IMHN Application Form – Project Coordinator
IMHN_Equal_Opportunities_Monitoring_Form
How to apply
To apply for this post, please send in your completed application form, CV and monitoring form to recruitment[@]imhn.org (make sure to remove the square brackets from the email address – this is an anti-spam measure), by no later than 12 noon, Monday 18 May 2020.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 28 May or Friday 29 May 2020.
Project Coordinator (Communications and Engagement)
Information about the post
Salary: £19,500 (pro-rata) – equivalent to £10 per hour.
Hours: Part-time – 30 hours per week (fixed term to 28 February, 2021)
Location: Greater Manchester
The post-holder will be expected to provide all aspects of project coordination to the organisation’s communications and engagement functions in Greater Manchester. This will involve working closely with different stakeholders, including: IMHN Board of Trustees, IMHN members, funders, providers of mental health services, etc. This will also include providing communications support for the organisation.
The post will be based in Greater Manchester, with the opportunity for flexible and occasional home working. This will include travel to meetings across Greater Manchester. The role may also include occasional evening and weekend working hours.
Note: if the government restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are in place at the time of employment, the role will initially be home based
Full information about the post can be found by clicking the job description and person specification link.
Job description and person specification
IMHN Application Form – Project Coordinator
IMHN_Equal_Opportunities_Monitoring_Form
How to apply
To apply for this post, please send in your completed application form, CV and monitoring form to recruitment[@]imhn.org (make sure to remove the square brackets from the email address – this is an anti-spam measure), by no later than 12 noon, Monday 18 May 2020.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 28 May or Friday 29 May 2020.
Volunteer opportunity – Trustee
Trustee Opportunity Information
It is expected you will be able to commit about a day a month to assist in influencing the development of a young, dynamic and growing organisation.
We recommend you take a look at the documents linked below. They will help you write your application, and assist with understanding the way that the charity operates
IMHN Constitution (last amended January 2017)
IMHN Constitution – Bye Laws (last amended January 2017)
How to apply
To apply to be a Trustee, please send in your CV and covering letter to trustees[@]imhn.org (make sure to remove the square brackets from the email address – this is an anti-spam measure), by no later than 12 noon, Monday 18 May 2020.
Interviews will take place week commencing Monday 1st June 2020. Please ensure you tell us about any dates that you cannot attend during that week when submitting your application.
For an informal conversation about the role or organisation, please email Tom Renhard at trustees[@]imhn.org (make sure to remove the square brackets from the email address – this is an anti-spam measure).
We would especially welcome applications from those with qualifications or extensive experience in any of the following areas:
- Finance
- Fundraising and bid writing
- Law and advocacy
- Marketing / Public relations
We would especially welcome applications from individuals who identify as:
- LGBTQIA+
- BAME
Further information about our organisation
IMHN exists to represent those with lived experience of mental health, uniting voices for positive change in how mental health services are delivered.
We’re governed by a board of up to twelve Trustees, who work alongside our branches and volunteers to develop a thriving and active organisation improving mental health services and empowering those with lived experience to have their voice heard.
The charity is young and working to develop its first strategic plan that will embed our core objectives into everything that we do. The charity has also launched in Greater Manchester. We will be playing a leading role in developing a network for people with lived experience of mental health that will influence the development of mental health support across the area.
It’s an exciting time for us having undertaken many successful projects including:
- Hosting Peerfest 2017 in Bristol with local partners after competing in a national tendering exercise.
- Taking part in several ward visits and service redesign exercises including Bristol’s mental health crisis houses.
- Delivering a workshop focusing on a new ‘crisis café’ that will be coming to Weston-Super-Mare later in 2019.
- Leading on the local Time to Change Bristol Hub, working with local partners to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.
- Shaping the specification of the new Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.
- We are also currently supporting the development of Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG’s mental health strategy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a key role in a developing and growing charity committed to changing lives and we look forward to receiving your application.
April 16, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Thank you to everyone that attended the Summit. You can keep up to date with our work in this area here.
In partnership with civic and healthcare authorities across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, the Independent Mental Health Network (‘IMHN’) are proud to announce the upcoming Suicide Prevention Summit.
The Summit will take place as part of the Shine On Suicide Prevention Campaignon Monday 13 January 2020 at City Hall, College Green Bristol.
The aim of the Summit will be to agree a clear call-to-action on working together to prevent suicide, providing space and opportunities for both people with lived experience of mental health, and from within wider communities, to help shape this.
IMHN CEO Tom Renhard, said:
“We feel it is vital to be creating spaces for community groups and individuals with lived experience that are leading the fight to prevent suicide and self-harm across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, to come together and play a crucial role in how this work develops.
We are supporting a wider regional ambition to reduce the number of people taking their own lives and doing that requires a grassroots approach as well as support from senior leadership. One life lost is one too many, and there is plenty for us all to do to ensure people know there is support available out there and play a role in improving things for the future.”
Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor and Bristol City Council Cabinet member for Communities, said:
“It is vital that we work with other organisations to help prevent suicide by offering the right support at the right time to those who need it.
“Of equal importance is listening to people who have felt suicidal, and to the families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. This lived experience can help us shape mental health services and ensure no one in Bristol is unsupported.’’
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (‘BNSSG CCG’) will be sharing details of the all-age mental health strategy currently being developed for the area, which will be published in 2020.
Julia Ross, Chief Executive Officer of BNSSG CCG, said:
“Suicide is preventable rather than inevitable, and every person that takes their own life is one too many.
We are delighted to be working with people and partners across the area, including those with lived experience of mental ill health and self-harm, to tackle this together. Creating the right support network for people at risk of suicide requires a combined effort – from the NHS, councils, community and voluntary groups, families and others.
The summit will play a key role in joining this up, so that people can get the support they need, when they need it.”
The event programme will also consider the latest research into suicide prevention, work happening nationally, and a focus on initiatives and stories by people in the local area. We will also be inviting attendees to share their experiences and ideas about suicide prevention, stating what role communities should be playing in this work going forwards.
Because of the range of individuals and organisations expected to attend, spaces are limited. Please visit to book an individual free place.
Please direct any queries to engagement[@]imhn.org.
Notes for Editors
What is the Shine On Campaign?
Shine On is a campaign focussing on suicide prevention across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, tackling suicide via a variety of initiatives; including a community grant scheme, the Suicide Prevention Innovation Fund.
The campaign is delivered by a partnership of organisations including Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Community Access & Support Service (CASS), Second Step, and the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN).
What is the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)?
IMHN is a member-led organisation that work both for and in the interests of people with lived experience of mental health. We support work improving local mental health services, contribute and campaign on mental health matters happening both locally and nationally, and actively challenge mental health stigma by working with partner organisations.
Why is the Shine On campaign, and the Summit being run for the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area?
In 2017, NHS England allocated an amount of money to address the higher than average suicide rate in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area. This fund is managed by the BNSSG Suicide Prevention Transformation Fund Working Group, and funds initiatives such as Second Step’s Hope Project, local campaigning and awareness raising, and more. This Working Group is supporting IMHN in delivering this campaign.
Who are the partners of the campaign?
This campaign is supported by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Transformation Working Group. The Working Group is a partnership of local organisations that aim to address the higher-than-average rate of suicide across the local area. The group consists of:
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
- Bristol City Council
- Bristol North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG)
- Community Access Support Service (CASS)
- Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)
- North Somerset Council
- Public Health England
- Second Step
- South Gloucestershire Council
- University of Bristol
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Where Can I Get More Information?
- the campaign website can be found at www.shine-on.life
- for further enquiries, please email engagement[@]imhn.org
December 20, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Press Release: Announcing Shine On
The Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN), with the support of its branches and partner organisations, are proud to announce the launch of Shine On, a campaign about working together to prevent suicide. The campaign will initially run over the winter period of 2019 to 2020, sparking conversations and opportunities to get involved in suicide prevention initiatives across the local areas of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The campaign will feature a range of events and activities exploring the complex topic of suicide, and how we can work together to prevent it. We will be discussing how we can move forward together with effective suicide prevention work, and how we can contribute to the wider conversation about the stigma that still surrounds mental health and suicide generally.
A booklet has also been produced in hard copy and digital format. It will be distributed across the campaign area, giving details of local mental health services and helplines, different lived experience perspectives of suicide prevention, and more information about the series of events.
Tom Renhard, CEO of IMHN, said
We want to bring people together to work more closely on suicide prevention. It is humbling to see how many organisations, community groups and individuals are signing up to get involved.
As someone who has experienced bereavement by suicide, I know how vital this work is and the difference it can make. By working together, we can enable more initiatives to flourish and support a wider regional ambition to reduce the number of people taking their own lives. One life lost is one too many, and there is plenty for us all to do to ensure people know there is support available out there.
Justine, chair of IMHN’s North Somerset Branch (Clarity-NSIMHN), said
Bereavement from suicide is deeply affective, both on an individual level, and as the ripples spread out through any community or network. The gaps left by those dying by suicide never go away.
Locally, Clarity-NSIMHN have roles in suicide prevention work and are collaborating with other partners to identify ways that may reduce deaths by suicide.
As IMHN’s North Somerset branch, we wish to shine a light on suicide and work together to prevent it.
Notes for Editors
What is the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)?
IMHN are a member-led organisation that work for and in the interests of people with lived experience of mental health. We support work improving local mental health services, contribute and campaign on mental health matters happening both locally and nationally, and actively challenge mental health stigma by working with partner organisations.
Why is the campaign being run in the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area?
In 2017, NHS England allocated an amount of money to address the higher than average suicide rate in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area. This fund is managed by the BNSSG Suicide Prevention Transformation Fund Working Group, and funds initiatives such as Second Step’s Hope Project, local campaigning and awareness raising, and more. This Working Group is supporting IMHN in delivering this campaign. You can find out more information here.
When will the campaign run until?
The campaign is ongoing over the winter months of 2019 into 2020. There will be a number of events taking place late November 2019, with activities continuing to run until January 2020.
What is the Suicide Prevention Innovation Fund?
As part of this campaign, £4500 is being distributed via a seed fund for local organisations and individuals to run their own event or initiative that combats suicide and related mental difficulties in some way. We are pleased to announce that a number of successful bids have been already made. You can find out more about the fund and its future here.
Who are the partners of the campaign?
This campaign is supported by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Transformation Working Group. The Working Group is a partnership of local organisations that aim to address the higher-than-average rate of suicide across the local area. The group consists of:
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
- Bristol City Council
- Bristol North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG)
- Community Access Support Service (CASS)
- Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)
- North Somerset Council
- Public Health England
- Second Step
- South Gloucestershire Council
- University of Bristol
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Where Can I Get More Information?
- the campaign website can be found at www.shine-on.life
- for further enquiries, please contact Ali at ali[at]imhn.org, or engagement[at]imhn.org
November 6, 2019 at 5:14 pm