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Dr Seb Thompson

Talking about children’s mental health

This week it is Children's Mental Health Week. In our latest blog Dr Seb Thompson, Cygnet's National Psychology Lead for CAMHS Services, answers questions about children's mental health including the most common mental health problems that affect children, and how parents/loved ones can support a child who’s suffering from mental health difficulties.

Bridgitte Calder, Principal Forensic Psychologist

Tips for talking about mental health

Today is Time to Talk Day 2023, a day all about having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. In this blog Bridgitte Calder, Principal Forensic Psychologist, shares her expert insight on how why it is important to talk openly about our mental health and provides tips on how to best support somebody who is opening up about their mental health.

Sally Whittle-Long

Supporting colleagues through Sustaining Resilience at Work

Sustaining Resilience at Work (StRaW®) is a peer support system designed to help detect and prevent occupational mental health issues and boost psychological resilience. We spoke to Sally Whittle-Long, HR Administrator, who shares her experience as a StRaW Practitioner and how it can help promote staff wellbeing.

‘I wouldn’t be who I am today’ – My journey on Roseacre Ward

In this powerful account Rachael shares the struggles that she has had with her mental health and writes about how the team on Roseacre Ward, Cygnet Hospital Maidstone’s specialised personality disorder service, supported her to learn coping strategies, engage in therapy and ultimately achieve a successful discharge.

Dr Jon Van Niekerk

‘A gift to my body’ – Why I am taking part in Dry January this year

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Alcohol Change UK’s Dry January campaign which encourages people to stop drinking alcohol for an entire month. In our latest blog Dr Jon Van Niekerk, Cygnet’s Group Clinical Director, writes about his commitment to completing Dry January this year as well as the physical and mental health benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month.

How to cope with loneliness at Christmas

You might be alone on Christmas for different reasons, such as social anxiety or living far from relatives and loved ones. But there are ways to make sure Christmas can still feel special and fulfilling for you. We asked our team of Occupational Therapy experts at Cygnet Health Care to share some valuable advice on coping with loneliness at Christmas for those who may find themselves struggling alone this festive period.

My Journey on Roseacre Ward – Rachael’s Story

In our latest blog Rachael, a former service user at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, shares her journey on Roseacre Ward, the hospital’s specialised personality disorder service. Rachael writes about her mental health difficulties, how the ward team were able to support her, as well as her own determination to make her stay on the ward a success.

Dr Tony Romero

No Wrong Door – a response from Cygnet’s CEO Dr Tony Romero

On Friday 2nd December the NHS Confederation published a report they had commissioned from the Centre of Mental Health called “No wrong door: a vision for mental health, autism and learning disability services in 2032”. Cygnet's CEO, Dr Tony Romero, has lent his support to the visions and themes outlined in the report and you can read his response below.

Charmaine

My Schizophrenia Journey

In our latest blog Charmaine, a resident at Hansa Lodge, talks about how schizophrenia has affected her and her ten year journey with the condition.

Chris Stone

International Men’s Day – Chris’s Story

In recognition of International Men’s Day 2022, this is the second of two blogs written by male colleagues at Cygnet who have shared their feelings about male stereotypes growing-up. In this one Chris Stone, Group Training Manager, reflects on his upbringing and the importance of boys and men not imposing unrealistic and unfair expectations on themselves.