Whilst I’ve never felt comfortable with the notion of ‘personality disorders’ as a diagnostic concept, the event itself was a fine showcase for utilising creative and holistic approaches to help people reach an emotionally safe place, hence the title of the event being “What Makes Me Well”.



The event was a mixture of pre-booked creative workshops and keynote speakers/performances. Of the latter, Kathryn Smith, a Consultant Occupational Therapist, delivered a stimulating and well pitched talk on sensory integration in relation to personality disorders. Kathryn managed to convey successfully a potentially complex subject in layperson’s terms. Claire Shaw showcased her poetry, sourced from her own travails, and highlighted the fact that often “the personal is the political.” After a hearty buffet at lunchtime, singer/songwriter Kayla Kavanagh treated us to a short musical set. Kayla’s ethereal and haunting voice proved a fine way of soothingly aiding the digestion of lunch! Her lyrics were moving and highly personal, relating the highs and lows of a passionate life.


Each person attending the event was able to sign up to two workshops from a schedule containing options based on creative personalities, alternative therapies, experiential drumming, drama and media orientated approaches to maintaining wellbeing. I attended the drumming workshop facilitated by Paul Butler. His sense of fun and enthusiasm transmitted to all in his session, and the cathartic effect of pounding African hand drums left the palms of my hands black and blue for a few days. I certainly took on the persona of an artist suffering for their art! Alas I had to leave the event slightly early and so I cannot comment on the wrapping up of the event, but I had a great day!


Writing about this five days later I feel privileged to have been to the event. The idea of using creativity to maintain wellbeing transcends personality disorders or other mental health labels. The vast majority of people need expressive outlets to achieve some form of emotional equilibrium. One other feature of the day that impressed me was the blurring of ‘professionals’ and service users. This concept of equality is essential for mental health services to advance positively.


Written by the Service User and Chair from 'Your Voice' in Sheffield.

Sheffield 28th May 2010 - watch the film from the event here

January 2010 Highlights from the 2nd Regional Conference

This year’s conference saw the launch of “New Beginnings – A Strategy for working with Personality Disorder across the Yorkshire & Humber Region”.

The development of the strategy has been supported by the involvement of service users, practitioners, commissioners, workers and managers from across a range of settings and agencies.

We have consulted upon and agreed a set of principles and priorities for action. The conference has been designed to enable us to continue to work together towards a future in which we have a range of options and appropriate services to effectively work with the challenges of personality disorder.

Please follow this blog for further updates and information. We were delighted to have the Resurgence Theatre Group perform a very moving piece called 'Differentia,' featuring Fiona Thompson actor who has been actively involved in the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Learning Networks.

Tom Mullen introduces the 3rd Yorkshire and Humber Regional Learning Network at Beveley Race Course near Hull

Fiona Thomspon Actor performs her poems

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The following text is the feedback from the 2nd Regional Learning Network held at the Retreat in York on the 28th May 2009.

More information is available at www.personalitypathways.co.uk

I’ve learnt that however well thought through and considered the approach to incorporating TC principles into more budget conscious approaches early life experiences that are traumatic need sustained effort from both the patient (resident) and the service to bring about lasting change however significant, and that like a virus it lingers and can return.

I’ve learnt that you don’t have to be creative to be able to put something on paper. I’ve learnt that a lot of emotions can be expressed through art.

I have learnt that patients have to take responsibility of their behaviour and how it impacts on others around them. Dishing out medication is not the answer when patients are distressed/anxious. Instead it’s a cultivation of another problem.

I’ve learnt that actually even some health care professionals understand what a deep hole BPD sufferers can find themselves in and how difficult and lengthy recovery can be.

I’ve learnt there are many different ways of working with people/together – more drama therapy! More horticultural therapy!

I have learnt that I can join in this community called the world.

I have learnt today that there is scope for change in reducing the stigma of mental illness and that I AM capable of doing a speech and I HAVE A VOICE TOO!

Thank you to all those who took part in sharing their experiences and ways of working.

I have learnt that a TC will pay for itself in 16 months (but I would like the reference please?) (Ta).

Wide variety of creativity on the day – in short space of time. Nice willingness to open up and share with the group. Found this very inspiring.

Drama – all involved opened up and created a great environment to be creative.

People who felt shy were able to get lost in the activity, big thanks for offering the opportunity.

Creativity was wonderful way to find self and illustrates the brain – how to remember peoples names and all the emotions it opened up.

Strangers making friends and connections quickly, difficult to do.

Relaxed atmosphere, smiling and laughter.

The grounds aided in the environment.

Change of emotion from the positive smiles to the ‘inner chicken’.