[UK] The Cairn of mental health

[David Baxter PhD]

The Cairn of mental health
Brincliffe, Dhuhill Drive West,Helensburgh G84 9AW,
The Cairn - info@thecairn.com
Bad Alice Music – info@badalicemusic.com
Telephone – 01436.676217

Training, Education and Awareness
The Cairn draws on the personal experiences of Suzy, Michel and Jean to design and deliver mental health awareness workshops aimed at a wide variety of audiences, including individuals with mental health problems, health and social care practitioners, student bodies and college faculty members.
Among the topics that can be raised and explored during the workshops are:

• Spotting and responding early to the symptoms of mental illness
• A carer’s perspective of what it takes to provide the right support
• A personal perspective mental healthcare, including what it is like to receive treatment in a psychiatric ward
• Self-harming – the personal perspective of the causes and resolutions
• The social consequences of mental illness – including how to manage personal relationships and friendships
• The challenges of confronting and dealing with social stigma
• Creating the right pathway to recovery

The workshops can be tailored to the needs of different audiences and are supported by readings from the books published by the Cairn,
The Naked Bird Watcher and To Walk on Eggshells; recordings of Suzy interviewed on radio; research undertaken by the Cairn on the needs of carers; interactive discussions; and facilitated exercises.

Michel Syrett, training partner at the Cairn, is an experienced trainer and workshop facilitator who has worked for Cranfield School of Management, The University of Hong Kong and The Roffey Park Institute. He would be happy to discuss your needs at michelsyrett@thecairn.com or 01436.674999

References and recommendations

‘At SRN we’ve worked extensively with The Cairn team. Collectively and individually they offer an informed and distinct perspective on all things mental health related. They bring insight and creativity to their work, communicating with clarity and passion.’ ~ Simon Bradstreet, Network Director, Scottish Recovery Network​

Thank you from all in our group and particularly myself for your contribution on Tuesday. I feel a sense of achievement having been so moved by Suzy and know that you both have given many food for thought. ~ Cindy Anderson, 4th year Psychology, Stirling University.​

Jean Johnston and Suzy Johnston have given me a valuable insight into mental health from differing perspectives. The mother and daughter speak from experience and are held in high regard as both are well respected voices in mental health. ~ John McFall MP, Westminster, London ​

Suzy Johnston is an articulate proponent of patient/service user primacy within the mental health system. She has the rare ability to marry personal narrative with political analysis and an astute understanding of the workings of the mental health system to present a powerful argument that keeps at its heart the individuals whose lives and hopes the subject intimately concerns. ~ Catherine Jackson, Editor, Mental Health Today Magazine.​

Nobody could describe or write about mental illness any better – she is spot on when it comes to telling what it is like. But people must listen to her – she is so wise about what is needed – and how it should be. ~ Tricia Bignall, Service user, Argyll and Bute.​

The best way to learn about recovery from mental illness is through the wisdom of those who are living the experience. She reminds us how integral support is – support from family, friends and communities as well as mental health services. Her writing is an invaluable learning resource for all who are working towards Recovery. ~ Christine Gayler MSW, CAGS, CCRC, CPRP, Consultant and Field Associate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, USA.​