It’s dark, it’s wet, there’s a pandemic on. It’s taking its toll, particularly on mental health. So listen up, particularly men and boys.
There is light, and no it’s not Boris Johnson’s cavalry. It’s your friends, family and other support networks. This week we’re chatting to Desmond Richards, formerly one of Bristol’s best breakdancers, but now working with young people in tough circumstances to stop their heads spinning, as a mental health worker. Neil and Desmond have an intimate chat about personal experience, men’s mental health and how its as much about you as it is the circumstances you’re living in.
Just a little note that we do touch on suicide and other tough themes.
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Inside: Bristol's Private Mental Health Services Edition 25
Bristol to go even longer without mental health beds for children
The gap in services was revealed by the Cable, reporting on ward closures at private psychiatric hospital the Priory Bristol
Investigations
Luke Naish’s family ‘still having to fight’ after ‘uncritical’ inquest into his death
Luke’s Naish’s loved ones say care he received from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership was inadequate, and that his inquest did not deliver justice. They are the third family to criticise the Avon Coroner in recent years, and are now seeking a judicial review.
Reports Inside: Bristol's Private Mental Health Services
Private mental health hospital has serious problems, say inspectors
The CQC has demanded urgent improvements at the Priory Hospital Bristol after uncovering issues with staffing, leadership, medication and safeguarding.
Struggle For Trans Health Equality Reports
‘She was just left to it’: bereaved mother slams mental health care before death of her trans daughter
Family of Alexandra Greenway, who died in 2019, say she was let down by unfit and under-pressure NHS services, and by a ‘trans-blind’ approach that leaves people’s needs unmet.
Black History Month Features
Misunderstood and excluded: How to build mental health services fit for diverse communities
The Cable speaks to Nilaari, Project Zazi and other local practitioners calling for more culturally competent mental health provision for BAME communities.
