Category Archives: CAMHS

Episode 42 – Talking about Self Harm and Scars



In this Podcast Marianne and Molly are joined by Young People Alex and Maiya, to discuss self harm, the misconceptions and how to take care of yourself. They are also joined by Bongi, a CAMHS nurse who offers their unique perspective. The podcast looks at defining self-harm in a subjective way and dispelling harmful rhetoric surrounding misconceptions. The young people offer their advice and resources they’ve found helpful. Below are some of the resources mentioned in the podcast: 
*TW*: This podcast may contain sensitive content, while we intend for our podcasts to be educational and insightful, our priority is your well being. If you feel overwhelmed by the content, please do take a break from listening in order to care for your well being.
Resources:
Text “Reflect” to 85258 – if you’re feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or not quite yourself – FREE and anonymous
The Butterfly Project – https://www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/butterflyproject/

Episode 39 – Autism in Females and Those Assigned Female at Birth



Co-hosts Marianne and Kim are joined by three young people, Maddie, Sam and Zoe, with lived experience of autism to discuss the misconceptions of autism in females and those assigned female at birth, experiences at school and tips on how to better support people with autism. They are also joined by Tyrone and Freya from the Mental Health Schools Team who work with young people in schools.

Abbreviations used throughout
ASC: Autism Spectrum Condition
ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Old Term)
MHST: Mental Health Schools Team
EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan.
TA: Teaching Assistants

Immie Swain: How to spot signs of Autism in pupils https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hrFwfhwNw

The Times Educational Supplement: ‘Lack of teacher training ‘hitting autistic pupils’ education’
https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/lack-teacher-training-hitting-autistic-pupils-education

[00:00:22] Introductions
[00:06:06] Misconceptions of Autism in Females
[00:11:19] Masking
[00:14:43] The Effects of Age of Diagnosis
[00:18:07] Autism Diagnosis and School Support
[00:23:30] Strategies for coping with Autism
[00:30:40] Sensory Overloads
[00:35:00] Bullying
[00:40:18] Special Interests
[00:43:04] Outro


Episode 38 – Mental Health in the Media



In this episode, we meet Kim, a participation support worker who joins Marianne, Molly and Maddie to discuss the representation of mental health in media. We also are joined by Kieran, to bring his clinical therapist in training perspective to the discussion.

 


Episode 37- Learning to Cope with Exams



In this episode we meet Marianne, who will be sharing CAMHSTalk hosting duties alongside Niki and Aisling moving forward, and discuss everyone’s favourite thing… exams! Marianne and Aisling are joined by Molly and Shana to share their experiences of exams (before and after COVID), the importance of looking after your mental health and share helpful advice as we head into exam season.

Aisling Callaghan- Participation Lead
Marianne Bahadur- Participation Worker
Shana- ex CAMHS service user
Molly- ex CAMHS service user


Episode 36- Living with Depression



Trigger warning: This episode explores depression and references suicide, please look after yourself and exercise self care when listening.

In this episode, Niki and Aisling are joined by Keeley, Ashleigh, Jay and Shana to discuss depression. We talk about our experiences of depression and how it has impacted our lives, including masking our feelings and symptoms our friends and family noticed. We also share helpful ways we have found to cope, what people can do to help and support, and our experiences accessing therapy and medication.

Niki Scott- CAMHS Participation Lead
Aisling Callaghan- CAMHS Participation Lead
Keeley- CAMHS service user
Ashleigh- CAMHS service user
Shana- ex CAMHS service user
Jay- ex CAMHS service user


Episode 32 – Music and Mental Health



Aisling, Sam and Shalhavit have worked together to develop a song and music video about mental health: Mental Obstacles Can Enlighten You. In this podcast, we explore the importance of sharing mental health support and information in a meaningful and relevant way and reflect on the process of song writing, editing and the importance of creativity and mental health.
Aisling- CAMHS Participation Lead
Shalhavit- Simcha Cohen- PhD researcher musician
Sam- CAMHS service user
Listen to the song and watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c9pd51DsPk

Episode 31 – Let’s talk about Dialectical Behavioural Therapy…



In this episode we explore Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, commonly known as DBT. We are joined by Sue Hollingsworth who discusses the therapy from a professional perspective, and Chloe who shares her insights as a young person who has experienced the therapy. We talk about what the therapy involves, who might access DBT and the different, our experiences and how it compares to other interventions. This episode explores treatment options within our CAMHS service and our personal experiences.

Sue Hollingsworth- CAMHS Practitioner
Chloe – CAMHS service user


Episode 30 – Digital diagnosis and neurodiversity



Professionals, parents and young people across Bedfordshire and Luton have joined forces to utilise their expertise and collaborate in the development of a co-produced ‘Diagnosis Support Pack’ – a one stop place for information, support, guidance in multi media format in the lead up to, or following a diagnosis of a neurodiversity. In this podcast we discuss how, why and what the diagnosis support pack is all about and the journey that went in to its creation.

The Diagnosis Support Pack can be found here: https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/beds-luton-community-paediatrics/diagnosis-support-pack


Episode 28 – Transitions



In this episode, Aisling was joined by Chloe, Molly, Freya and Lorna to discuss transitions. Freya and Lorna share their perspective as professionals in our Mental Health Support Teams, and Molly and Chloe share their own experiences as young people currently experiencing transition. We discuss why experiences like moving house or changing school can be challenging, and share tools and advice we have found helpful.


Episode 26 – Bedford Borough summer of SEND



In this episode, Niki talks with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, Chief Education Officer Ben Pearson, Councillor James Valentine and our Local Offer Officer about the Summer of SEND. After a really challenging 16 months for families and young people, Bedford Borough have organised a fantastic and engaging summer of events and activities. SEND is everyone’s responsibility so listen in to see how you can GET INVOLVED.

Here’s the link to the Summer of SEND page on the Local Offer website:

https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/site.page?id=Iuldx0e38aA

Twitter handles:

Bedford Local Offer – News and events for children and young people with SEND in Bedford Borough and their families. RT does not mean endorsement. Replies during office hours.- @bedfordlocalof1

BBPCF – An independent forum for parent carers of children & young people with disabilities or SEN to participate in developing and influencing local services. @BedsBoroughPCF

James Valentine – Labour Councillor for Kempston West, Lead Member for Education & Children’s Services, Bedford Borough Council – @JamesEValentine