WELLBEING CHALLENGE 2020 - THE WELL-GARDENED MIND - Charlie Waller Trust
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WELLBEING CHALLENGE 2020 A change of venue this year – from school to home THE WELL-GARDENED MIND We review Sue Stuart-Smith’s timely new book YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS We look at how parents can support their children SEPT 2020 • ISSUE 42
WHAT’S INSIDE
SEPT 2020 • ISSUE 42
29
Charlie Waller was a strong, funny, popular, good-looking and kind young Features
man, with a close and loving family. To the outside world, he had everything to
22
live for. Yet in 1997, at the age of 28, Charlie took his own life. He was suffering
from depression.
12 Same sea, different boat
David Weaver calls for
In response to this tragedy, his family founded the Charlie Waller Trust, to open
urgent action for BAME
up the conversation around depression, and ensure that young people can look
communities
after their mental health and spot the signs in others. We have since become
one of the UK’s most respected mental health charities. 14 Children with mental
Charlie sits at the heart of our story, our vision and our purpose. health needs
Our support for parents
and carers
34 19 Book reviews
A look at three books with a
Our mission Our work Our approach Our vision mental health theme
Our mission is to educate
young people – along
We provide mental health
training, resources and
We don’t offer direct
support to individuals.
Our vision is of a
world where people
Regular s 22 Wellbeing Challenge 2020
Highlights of this year’s
with parents, carers, consultancy to schools, However, we sponsor the understand and talk challenge – under lockdown!
teachers, college and colleges, universities Charlie Waller Institute at openly about mental 4 Welcome
university staff, and and workplaces. We the University of Reading, health; a world where From our Chairman 24 Our work in colleges
employers – about their build partnerships to facilitating training young people and those Charlie Waller’s partnerships
mental health. help create a long-term in evidence-based who support them are 6 Financial report with colleges across the UK
We aim to give them culture of wellbeing. psychological treatments equipped to spot the From our Treasurer
and increasing the signs of mental health 28 Pushing through the pain
knowledge and skills We focus on support for
availability of therapists. problems in themselves 7 News A poignant, life-affirming
to help them support young people throughout
themselves and others, their journey from Our training is free. and others; to maintain Updates from our CEO fundraising challenge
and confidence to talk primary school to the The only exception will and enhance their
mental health and 32 Fundraising highlights 29 Food for thought
openly about the subject. early years of their be our future work with
working lives. employers, the income wellbeing; and to have Celebrating our fundraisers’ The links between what we
from which will be the confidence to seek achievements eat and our mental wellbeing
invested in extending help when they need it.
our work to support
young people. Get involved 22
36 Friends of Charlie Waller
Find out how to join
GET IN TOUCH our new scheme
hello@charliewaller.org 38 What’s on
Positive Proven pr actical 01635 869754 A look at the diary for 2020/21
We take a positive approach Our consultancy, We give people practical COVER STORY
to mental health. We focus training and resources strategies and tools to care
FIND OUT MORE 39 Supporting us Annabel Mansfield,
on prevention and early are all based on sound for their mental health, charliewaller.org How you can help co-winner of our
Wellbeing Challenge
intervention, and recognise clinical evidence. and to support others
40 Looking for help?
the importance of in doing so. FOLLOW US (with her brother
Edward)
offering hope. Sources of direct help for
mental health problems
LETTER FROM GET INVOLVED
WELCOME
10 SEP – 10 OCT 2020
OUR CHAIRMAN
WALKIES
FOR
It has been a busy period for the Trust. the Charlie Waller Trust to be trusted for our I mentioned in my last letter, my mother,
WELLBEING
Our trainers have adapted brilliantly and expertise but known for our warmth. We Rachel Waller, is stepping down at the end
switched to offering virtual training, our have freshened up our logo and branding to of this year as head of fundraising and to
office team have been working tirelessly to try and capture this, which we hope you like. mark that momentous development we are Walk, jog or run with
transform our digital capabilities and our setting up the ‘Friends of Charlie Waller’ in
trustees have been busy putting in place a The trustees have also held a strategy day her honour, which I hope as many of you as your four-legged friend
roadmap for the Trust’s future. We have also where we have set ambitious but achievable possible will feel able to support. Sadly, we
engaged in a little re-branding, which we targets. We want to significantly increase have had to cancel many of our usual events Find out more at
hope you will all like. the number of partnerships we have with this year so Mum’s final year is not what
universities and colleges. We want to develop we hoped it would be. However, if we can charliewaller.org/events/
Our fundraisers, despite having many of and expand our work with parents. We are
their carefully planned events cancelled, also determined to extend our work within
get some momentum behind the Friends of walkies-for-wellbeing
Charlie Waller that would more than make
have remained upbeat and quickly embraced state schools. This obviously all needs up for it.
virtual alternatives, such as our celebrity paying for. We currently offer high quality
quizzes. We are all very grateful to them, but workplace training free of charge. We are I hope you enjoy the newsletter and thank
perhaps more importantly, to you for your therefore going to look at the possibility of you again for your support.
continued support in these testing times. charging for our workplace training, where
Your generosity has ensured that we can appropriate, so that we can fund our free RICHARD WALLER QC
keep delivering our vital work, with a special work in schools, colleges and universities. CHAIRMAN
thank you to Lucia Bloom and her friends Hopefully, employers will see this as not only
for raising over £34,000 for us by walking an investment in their employees’ mental
eighteen blistering kilometres in stilettos in wellbeing, but also in the wellbeing of the
memory of a dear friend. next generation of employees.
With my father stepping down as chairman Since my last letter, we have said goodbye
of the Trust after 22 years, it was the right to another stalwart of the Trust, Sue
time to take stock, freshen up and set out Shenkman. She has been a hard-working
a roadmap for the future. The Trust’s focus trustee for many years and has been
has always been and will continue to be instrumental in helping transform the
on young people and those who support Trust’s fundraising capability. Sue and her
them. We see the Trust’s primary role as family’s contribution to the Trust has been
being there to help young people safely immense. We are extremely grateful to Sue
navigate the key transitional stages in their and I am delighted that she will remain an
lives: moving through school, to further important part of the Trust community in
education and into the workplace. We are her new role as a patron. FIND OUT MORE
there to help young people stay mentally
Please turn to page 36 for more
well during these challenging transitions
details on becoming a Friend of
and to help those who support them, such as
Charlie Waller
parents, teachers and employers. We want
4 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 5
REPORT FROM NEWS & UPDATE
FINANCIAL REPORT
NEWS & UPDATE
OUR TREASURER FROM OUR CEO
The Trust’s 2019 accounts have now been and this is likely to be the case for the Since the last edition of this newsletter, the It’s exactly this sort of
audited and I am pleased to report that at foreseeable future. At the same time Covid-19 pandemic has affected all our lives,
£1.347 million income was very similar to increased levels of anxiety brought about by physically, emotionally and mentally. Our evidence-based research
the previous year (£1.333 million). Grants the disruption to people’s lives will surely staff, trainers, trustees and volunteers all that informs our work.
from charitable trusts, donations and place additional demands on the Trust. A had to change the way they worked almost
funds raised at our very popular events further increase in the established charitable overnight and have responded magnificently. Professor Roz Shafran, a Charlie Waller
all increased whilst our much-valued programmes was already planned before Working from home, making use of digital trustee and former director of the Charlie
supporters continued to make a vital the pandemic and despite the anticipated communications and, for our trainers, Waller Institute at the University of Reading,
contribution through a broad range of shortfalls in income this will go ahead switching to online delivery – no mean feat I is part of an expert panel that has published
initiatives, some strenuous, some less so! funded, if necessary, from reserves. can assure you – it’s become almost business a paper with a call to action for mental
as usual. Stepping in at an unusually health science.
The Trust has no endowment and is almost The unaudited accounts for the half-year challenging time, our new Chairman –
entirely dependent on money raised year on ended 30 June 2020 show a small surplus Richard Waller, Charlie’s brother – has done That emerging evidence is coming from
year. In 2019, thanks to the growing support after some modest investment losses. a wonderful job of leading the Trust in a sources such as a survey of parents and
it has enjoyed over recent years, expenditure Income was up on the same period last very positive direction. young people conducted by Professor Cathy
was increased to £1.109 million, up from year, largely due to increased grants from Creswell and Dr Polly Waite from Oxford
£991,000 in 2018. £935,000 was spent on charitable trusts. Fundraising held up well Both during and as we emerge from and Reading universities respectively. The
charitable work, notably the core Schools despite some events having to be cancelled lockdown, there is an impact on people’s purpose of the survey was to learn more
and Families, Colleges and Universities, but training-related donations and income mental health. I have no doubt there will about how families have coped with the
Primary Care and Workplace programmes, from supporters’ events declined. As be more need for our work following this challenges of Covid-19 and what parents can
and £174,000 on raising funds. There was an planned, expenditure on both charitable difficult time, in particular in terms of do to help support their children’s mental
operating surplus of £238,000 and after net work and raising funds increased over the transitions – moving back to school or health. It’s exactly this sort of evidence-
investment gains of £177,000 accumulated same period last year. college, starting at college or university, based research that informs our work.
funds stood at £2.185 million (2018: £1.770 going back to or starting work. You can read more about the results of the
million) at the year-end. The trustees are The outlook for the second half is very survey at emergingminds.org.uk
uncertain as, in addition to the areas
committed to building on this success and a
where we have already seen income
Our new Chairman has I hope you enjoy this edition of the
sound financial base is essential for the long
term growth of the charity. fall, some major fundraising events are done a wonderful job of newsletter and that you like the design.
at risk and we cannot rely on receiving leading the Trust in a very This is in line with a new look for the Trust
The full trustees’ Report and Financial the same exceptional level of grants as we continue an exciting phase of our
Statements have been filed at Companies as we have so far this year. Over the
positive direction. development.
House and with the Charity Commission. coming months we will, as always, be
Please contact the Trust’s office or email enormously grateful for the continuing It’s no exaggeration to compare the effects of CLARE STAFFORD
hello@charliewaller.org if you would generosity of our loyal supporters. the pandemic to a world-scale psychological CHIEF EXECUTIVE
like a copy. experiment affecting every country. Across
ROBIN BOOTH FCA the world, scientists and academics are
This year Covid-19 has brought new TREASURER considering the emerging evidence and
challenges. Inevitably income from our research priorities stemming from Covid-19.
own and others’ fundraising events and Continues p8
training-related donations will be less
6 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 7
A WARM WELCOME FURTHER EDUCATION
NEWS & UPDATE
NEWS & UPDATE
We are delighted to welcome five more PROJECTS
trainers to our expanding colleges and
universities team: Kath Caffrey Julie Castleman Satinder Panesar Further education (FE) is an increasingly
Trainer Trainer Trainer important area of work for the Trust and we
Kath Caffrey has a background in education, are now working with 36 colleges across
working as a secondary school teacher. She the UK. Many college students come from
qualified as a counsellor in 2011 and has disadvantaged backgrounds and so are more
since practised in high school and university vulnerable to depression, anxiety and other
settings, while also running a private practice mental health problems. One of our key
in Southport. She has developed training college projects, working with three colleges
workshops around ethical practice with in Glasgow, is now nearing completion, with
children and young people, working with risk, Jamie Smith Alex Cochrane Alice Palmer clear benefits to those taking part.
mindfulness, anxiety and self-compassion. Trainer Trainer Guest Speaker
We have recently begun working with two
Julie Castleman (who joins us as a colleges in the North East – Newcastle
consultant trainer) has 13 years’ experience Since completing his counselling training, and Gateshead – where we have started
in mental health and counselling, in private Jamie Smith has mainly supported clients delivering training on a range of topics,
practice and with colleges and universities.
She has been developing and delivering
who are in crisis or have lost someone
to suicide. He is currently a lecturer in
including Managing Stress in Today’s World
and Careers Guidance for Anxious Students. BOYS IN MIND,
bespoke mental health awareness and stress
management training for over 10 years.
counselling at Glasgow Clyde College
and also works as an External Verifier for We are delighted to have received funding GIRLS MIND TOO
the Scottish Qualifications Authority for from the Bridgepoint Charitable Trust for
Satinder Panesar is an integrative a project in Newham Sixth Form College Boys in Mind, based in Bath and North
counselling qualifications. East Somerset, aims to improve the mental
counsellor and psychotherapist who has with a focus on Covid-19, deprivation and
worked in charities, NHS and private sector Alex Cochrane manages the Re-Connect the effects on young people’s mental health. health of boys and young men by addressing
for 25 years. She has a particular interest counselling units within The Wise Group, Please turn to page 24 to read more about our and understanding the particular barriers
in facilitating group clinical and wellbeing which offer counselling to people on release work in colleges. they face. Alongside students, staff and
supervision and delivering training from prison. He has also provided mental parents from Beechen Cliff School, young
to students. health support for young people who have people from Boys in Mind have produced
been homeless. He works closely with college a film demonstrating the benefits of the
counselling units and provides supervision to whole school approach. The film charts the
trainee and qualified counsellors. changes that have taken place in the school
since they partnered with the team from
DO YOU EVER SHOP Alice Palmer joins us as a guest speaker
for our schools programme. With lived
Boys in Mind. It highlights the difference
the partnership is making to the mental
ON AMAZ ON? experience of her own mental health wellbeing of their pupils (evidenced in a
struggles, 25-year-old Alice is a workshop recent OFTSED report).
Please support our work through practitioner, public speaker and advocate
for young people in emotional distress. She You can see the film at
Amazon Smile. boysinmind.co.uk/whole-school-approach
is looking forward to sharing her story and
• Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the listening to those whose voices often
net purchase price (excluding VAT,
returns and shipping fees) to Charlie
go unheard.
ONLINE TRAINING
NEW OFFICE STAFF
Waller on eligible purchases.
We are now delivering a huge amount of
• You can set us up as your chosen
charity in the Settings section of your
DIGITAL training online. Our trainers have adapted
Amazon.co.uk account by searching
Charlie Waller Trust.
Welcome to Debs Burles who joins us as
an events and fundraising officer. Having
TRANSFORMATION to this change in method very positively
and, while it is different from what most
spent the majority of her career in the sports of us are used to, it has some interesting
In its 23 year history, the Trust has benefits. For example, face to face support
events, TV and entertainment industries,
moved with the times, embracing new for parents in person is limited to those
she is now enjoying village and
ways of spreading vital messages who can attend a group or event. However,
school life with her family. A
about mental health. As the lockdown we have found that many more parents
good friend of Charlie’s, Debs
came into force, we were embarking have engaged with online delivery and
is excited about becoming
on a programme to use digital the response has been very positive.
involved with the Trust,
technology to improve our entire We’ve also been able to reach many more
especially from an events
operation. This was very timely! parents and carers because our sessions
and sponsorship angle. Continues p10
are still accessible online afterwards.
8 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 9
WEBINARS FOR
NEWS & UPDATE
NEWS & UPDATE
EVERYONE
There are some great webinars available on
our website which have been designed by
our trainers, many specifically to address
issues that have arisen during lockdown
– for instance, ‘Mindfulness and staying
present when the future is uncertain’ and
‘Being kind to yourself’.
NEW WEBSITE
PRCA DARE AWARDS
Talking of our website, we have just
launched our new site at charliewaller.org. Cambridge-based PR and marketing
It offers a more personal journey for the agency Conscious Communications has
many different groups of people who need been nominated for its #RunForWellbeing
our support, including teachers, parents campaign in support of our partnership with
JONATHAN’S VOICE
and students. the Cambridge Half Marathon earlier this
year. It has been shortlisted for the Charity/
Another key audience group is graduates,
who in 2020 face unprecedented We always try to work collaboratively with
EVERY MIND MATTERS Not for Profit Award and the Low Budget
Campaign Award. The winners will be
challenges in moving from university other charities and were delighted when We are delighted to have been asked to announced in September.
into work. Our website provides evidence- Val and Graham McCartney, founders of be one of the charity partners for Public
based and targeted materials to support Jonathan’s Voice, contacted us. They set Health England’s Better Health Every
them, developed in partnership with up the charity in 2017 in memory of their Mind Matters campaign, which launched
graduates, including those working for son, who took his own life at the age of 35.
international energy services company Jonathan was a patent attorney, a career
on 8 September. This is a major public
mental health campaign aimed at parents FOND FAREWELLS
Centrica. The content has been designed that he loved, but he appears to have been and their children aged 5 to 18. The focus
to help them understand the emotions particularly affected by the stress and is on returning to school or college and Long term supporter of the Trust
they’re experiencing. It aims to give them pressures of the profession. how parents and children can look after Susanna Westmeath passed away on
confidence that they’re not alone in feeling their mental health in the wake of the 5 July 2020. She taught Charlie the
as they do, practical self-care advice and Taking the advice and views of professionals clarinet at Elstree School and was
within the intellectual property community, Covid-19 crisis. The campaign aims to
tips to help them manage situations such as reach young people and parents through a great friend of the Waller family.
interview stress. There is also support and we have produced ‘Protecting your mental For many years she ran the Trust’s
health and wellbeing: A guide for patent and print, broadcast and social media.
guidance for employers of new graduates. website and produced all the artwork
trademark professionals’, that will resonate Alongside national charities Mind, for our events, and she never missed
with many people in other high-pressure YoungMinds, Place2Be and Anna Freud, we the biannual newsletter ‘stuffing day’.
professions. The guide is available to were selected because of our expertise in This job became more onerous as the
download from our website: children and young people’s mental health, numbers increased but it was still a fun
charliewaller.org/resources/patent-and- transitions (from one level of education get-together for our many enthusiastic
trade-mark-professionals/ to the next) and our distinct materials for volunteers, Susanna chief among
further education college students. We are them. She will be sorely missed.
being included in all the publicity and on the
website, and are very pleased to be able to We were also very sad to hear of Caroline
lend our experience and knowledge to this Gilbey’s death on 18 July. Caroline was
vital campaign. a wonderfully supportive member of
the London Fundraising Committee
from January 2016 to May 2019. She
masterminded a Wine Quiz in London on
22 March 2017 and was quite undeterred
when West London was closed due to the
Westminster bomb incident. All those
who knew Caroline appreciated her
kindness and generosity of spirit. She will
be greatly missed.
10 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 11
FEATURE
Culturally appropriate
therapeutic interventions JOIN OUR FREE
BOOK CLUB
should be government
policy.
David was among a coalition of campaigners,
peers, academics and religious leaders
who signed an open letter calling for the
Government to launch a Covid-19 race
A free mental health book
equality strategy. club for teachers and others
Following the PHE report, the Government’s working with children and
work in this area is being taken forward
by Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, young people
who has said that “more needs to be done to
understand the key drivers of the disparities
Join the club and once a term you’ll
identified and the relationships between the
have the chance to receive a book which
different risk factors.”
promotes understanding of mental health.
David says, “We already know that a
What people have said about our previous
disproportionate number of people from
book club titles:
BAME communities are dying from Covid-19.
Any further government research must
move things forward. BAME communities
SAME SEA,
are in a state of trauma exacerbated by the
racist murder of George Floyd. Culturally
appropriate therapeutic interventions should This was an amazing
resource. I used it to
DIFFERENT BOAT
be government policy.”
support various young
With David’s support, BACP is calling on the people, particularly
government to work with them to develop a those struggling
clear action plan to deliver a comprehensive with anxiety.
mental health response to the Covid-19 crisis.
They want this to be informed by evidence
to ensure resource can be targeted at those
Coronavirus has brought into sharp focus the BAME communities, and to look at culturally communities and people most affected by the
inequalities experienced by the UK’s BAME appropriate high-quality therapeutic disease, especially for BAME communities,
communities and the resultant impact on interventions. families in deprived areas and frontline
their mental health and wellbeing. David workers who have no access to mental health
He spoke following a Public Health England Year 2 and 3 boys
Weaver, President of the British Association support through their employer.
(PHE) report that outlined the disparities in enjoyed reading ‘Mud
for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Boy’…The story addresses
has called for urgent action. the risk and outcomes of Covid-19 and found
that BAME people were more at risk of dying the issue of bullying
David is working with the Charlie Waller from the virus. in a sensitive way that
Trust on a pilot project with Newham Sixth captures the emotions of
Form College, drawing on his experience in David said: “This report recognised what we young children.
mental health and his high profile amongst already knew. While we welcome that this
BAME communities in London. David will has been acknowledged, the Government
offer advice and expertise to help us meet now has to take urgent action on this.
the needs of the very diverse population in “We want to see a strategy that addresses the
Newham. It is clear that people from BAME
communities are facing trauma because
ongoing trauma that is being faced by BAME
communities. We need the government to
Sign up today
of the pandemic and the inequalities it has see the importance of counselling services To find out more visit
magnified. Back in June, David urged the at this time and the role they can play in charliewaller.org/what-we-do/
Government to put a strategy in place to reaching these communities.” for-educators/charlie-waller-book-club
address these issues, to recognise the role
counselling services can play in reaching
12 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 13
SUPPORT
I was desperate for help to Pathway to the future
SUPPORT
manage what our family Wendy’s vision for PLACE is that, for parents
of a child struggling with their mental
was going through. health, no matter where they live, there
will be help available – one-to-one support;
help in navigating a complex, multi-agency
Place for a national network system; help to gain the knowledge to
As Rollercoaster developed locally, Wendy understand their child’s mental health
CHILDREN WITH
became involved on a national level, through condition and the skills to support them;
NHS England and the National Collaborating parent and carer support groups; and, finally,
Centre for Mental Health. Along the way, she an opportunity to have a voice and a role
MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
was introduced to the Charlie Waller Trust. in service development. This final point
reflects Wendy’s ultimate vision:
“I’d already started linking with support
groups in other areas, and Charlie Waller “I’d love there to be a qualification for parent
was interested in supporting the creation of peer support workers. Lots of people leave
a truly national network”. a job to care for a child and then want to do
SUPPORTING PARENTS
something to help. But there’s no pathway.
The result is PLACE, the first national There’s a real staff shortage in the mental
AND CARERS
network for parents and carers supporting health system, and loads of really skilled
children and young people with mental people with hugely relevant lived experience
health difficulties. The name reflects a who could be part of the solution.”
passionate belief of Wendy’s:
The Rollercoaster model is currently
“There should always be a place for parents being externally evaluated by the
and carers in children’s and young people’s Association for Young People’s Health
At Charlie Waller, we offer support to a Wendy, Charlie Waller’s Parent Lead, explains:
mental health care, but they can’t always and Northumbria University, funded by
growing number of parents whose children
”When your child is so unwell it’s the most find that place. PLACE’s guiding principle Charlie Waller. This process, which will
have mental health issues. John Olsen
frightening place to be. And then you find is that it is ‘parent-led, professionally also take account of other models from
talked to the three mothers at the heart of
you have no place in anything that’s being supported’”. across the PLACE network, will result
the programme.
offered. I’d sit in the waiting room while my in national guidelines (funded by NHS
Funding from Charlie Waller has enabled England) and encourage the funding of
What would you do, as a parent with a daughter had an appointment, but I wasn’t
PLACE’s rapid expansion, with over more parent support services by Clinical
teenage daughter suffering acute mental involved at all, and got no support.
40 organisations now involved, and Commissioning Groups across the country.
illness, if you felt the system excluded you
“I was desperate for help to manage what our lockdown and the explosion of Zoom-style
from the care she was receiving? Or, with
family was going through. So I just thought ‘I communication is accelerating this progress.
two autistic sons, you were bounced from
pillar to post within the healthcare system? need to do something here’.”
Or if you struggled to obtain support when It’s a rollercoaster
PLACE
your son was diagnosed with an eating
That ‘something’ involved Wendy creating a
disorder?
parent support group – Rollercoaster – in her
At the centre of the Charlie Waller Trust’s native County Durham, in partnership with
work with parents are three mothers – the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental There is always a PLACE for parents and carers in
Wendy Minhinnett, Jenny Langley and Jo Health Service (CAMHS). children and young people’s mental health.
Billington – who experienced just that, and
“For the first three months, no-one came – it PLACE works to develop, promote, and sustain parent-carer
who have given up their previous careers to
was just me, a CAMHS nurse, and my sister support and involvement in children and young people’s
dedicate themselves to making the system
all sitting by ourselves in a room. But we (0-25 years) mental health across the UK.
work better so the support parents really
kept going, spreading the word.”
need is available to them.
Eventually, the partnership between NHS
organisations and the local authority
acknowledged that a gap existed, and that a
service was needed to support parents with
children suffering mental ill-health. Five A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for
years on, Wendy now focuses full time on Partnerships Learning Awareness Care Equality
her parent support work, and Rollercoaster is
a commissioned service in County Durham, A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for A PLACE for
Wendy Jenny Jo running regular parent support groups, Peer Support Lobbying Action Collaboration Experience
Minhinnett Billington Continues p16
Langley
advisory work and training.
14 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 15
SUPPORT
Supporting children with eating disorders So Jo is now a Doctoral Researcher at the “It’s about helping a family to thrive, not
SUPPORT
Like Wendy, Jenny Langley’s journey to the University of Reading’s Centre for Autism, just survive,” says Jo. “Wendy and I quickly
Trust started with her becoming frustrated focusing on autistic students’ wellbeing saw how much this was needed during
by the lack of support she experienced when, in mainstream primary schools. She has lockdown – trying to normalise a really
aged 12, her son became desperately ill also lectured on Special Educational Needs challenging experience, connecting families
with anorexia. and Inclusion at Oxford Brookes University, and reducing their isolation”.
supporting trainee teachers in developing
“The initial challenge was actually getting inclusive practices in the classroom. Linking schools and families
a diagnosis; this was 20 years ago and When she talks about the issues lockdown
the stigma was enormous. You could see In her work with Charlie Waller she focuses is creating for children with SEND, Jo
people thinking ‘what have you done to give on helping schools to support children with becomes passionate:
your son anorexia?’. They worried he could special educational needs and disabilities
somehow pass it on to their own children”. (SEND), and their families. “We cannot overestimate the level of
challenge ahead. If the education system
Jenny left her City career behind and for Reaching more parents Online course for parents doesn’t prioritise wellbeing over academic
15 years has dedicated herself to helping These skills can also be readily translated Recently, Jo has created an interactive catch-up, those challenges are going to be so
parents in a similar situation. She wrote a into other scenarios: online course for parents on understanding much more severe and long-lasting.
now renowned book, ‘Boys get anorexia too’, and supporting a child with SEND during
became part of a self-help network created “The key is keeping lines of communication Covid-19, which aligns perfectly with Charlie
by BEAT, a leading eating disorder charity, going when there are high levels of anxiety Waller’s core principles: Positive, Proven,
and was introduced to the world-famous within the household. It’s relevant to all Practical – and comprises four sessions:
Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent situations where a family member has poor
Eating Disorders, with whom she has mental health – not just to eating disorders.”
worked closely ever since.
So, alongside her specialist work, Jenny is
“The Maudsley ethos is that any parent, closely involved in Charlie Waller’s more
carer, friend or family member can be a key general work in schools – whether around
part of the solution. But the challenge is resilience, exam stress, perfectionism or PARENTAL SELF-CARE
teaching them skills that professionals take general wellbeing. The importance of parents first
ten years to learn.” looking after themselves
When I spoke to Jenny, she had just finished
A toolkit for parents and carers a Zoom session with 25 families, focused
Addressing that challenge is central to the on returning to university with an eating
New Maudsley model, providing parents and disorder. She feels that, whilst remote
carers with a toolkit to care more effectively delivery can never fully replicate face-to-
for someone with an eating disorder, giving face sessions, the move online demanded by
lockdown has had real benefits: UNDERSTANDING OUR
them similar skillsets to those used in an CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR
inpatient setting. This approach lies at “It’s a great opportunity to reach more
the heart of the work Jenny now delivers Looking at causes of stress in children
parents – including those who would never with SEND during lockdown and how
through Charlie Waller: come to a face-to-face session for misplaced
“We know parents are highly motivated reasons of guilt or shame.”
these link to behavioural difficulties WHAT PEOPLE
to help. The model is based on Parenting children diagnosed with autism ARE SAYING about
communications skills used in motivational
interviewing, and the four phases in the
Similar to Jenny, Jo Billington’s work with our wor k
the Trust is focused on a specialism borne
transtheoretical model of change – pre- Amazing – we arrived
out of personal experience.
contemplation, contemplation, preparation SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN’S dispirited and sad; we leave
and action. It’s a very clear process, and Faced by the challenges of bringing up two EMOTIONAL REGULATION hopeful and energised.
parents love it.” young sons diagnosed with autism and Practical strategies for the
frustrated by the lack of joined-up support whole family The skills we are learning on
available for parents in her situation, she the course are going to change
stepped away from her successful computer us all for the better. This is
programming business to focus full-time on really transformative.
The key is keeping lines her family. Completely inspirational – you
of communication going “After a while I went back to university manage to instil a sense of
REFLECTION hope in a room full of desperate,
when there are high levels part-time because I was finding parenting
so challenging that I needed something to A final session of discussion around anxious and fearful carers.
of anxiety within the take me out of that. I got my degree and was these strategies in action I can’t thank you enough.
household. encouraged to do a PhD.”
16 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 17
Pr actical tips
BOOK
SUPPORT
Our overarching mission
BOOK REVIEWS
for parents… is to educate young people
REVIEWS
about their mental health.
…from parents
Above all, accept and try “In some places I see a huge chasm between
to understand your child’s schools and families – and it’s even more
difficulties – educate yourself as acute in SEND. What’s so powerful about
much as possible about your child’s
mental health challenges.
Charlie Waller’s work is that it reduces that
chasm. We work with schools, parents
WE LOOK AT A SELECTION
and pupils, looking at the whole school OF BOOKS WITH A MENTAL
Be kind to yourself. If you don’t
look after yourself first, you won’t
community, to support the wellbeing of HEALTH THEME
everyone within it. You don’t see that in
be able to look after your child. many other places.”
Ask for and accept help from Through trauma towards growth
professionals, family members or
support groups – you don’t have to Wendy’s, Jenny’s and Jo’s journeys,
their work with Charlie Waller, and the
THE WELL GARDENED MIND:
do this alone.
positivity of their approach, all reflect the REDISCOVERING NATURE IN
Until your child has the right help recognised psychological phenomenon THE MODERN WORLD
and support in place, remember of ‘post-traumatic growth’ – the positive
that many of their everyday psychological change that can be by Sue Stuart-Smith
behaviours may be driven by their experienced after a crisis. And this sits well (William Collins, £20)
mental health needs. with the genesis of the Trust – created by
the Waller family in response to the loss of These are testing and disturbing times. But where Sue, who is a good friend of the
There is no one right answer. Charlie to suicide, with a determination to Even before the Coronavirus pandemic Waller family, strikes out on her own and
It takes time to work out the best change things for the better. turned our worlds upside down and forced makes The Well Gardened Mind such an
support and interventions that will us to adopt a strange and cloistered way essential read, is her in-depth knowledge of
work for your family. Be patient. Clare Stafford, Charlie Waller’s CEO, sees the of life, the challenges of the 21st century – both psychiatry and her love of gardening
parent programme as central to the Trust’s deep political division, unfettered populism, (her husband Tom is an acclaimed garden
Find simple little things to help overall strategy:
you cope – meet a friend for a rapid climate change, naked racism and designer). This combination makes her
coffee, play a sport you love, go for “Our overarching mission is to educate sustained misuse of on-line platforms – had uniquely placed to discuss, and analyse, not
a walk. Giving yourself permission young people about their mental health, combined to make even the most positive just HOW gardening has such a beneficial
to take time out for yourself will from primary school to early years of work, optimist think twice. effect on mental health but also WHY.
help you care for your child. and to ensure they are as well supported as Inevitably, as Covid-19 tightened its grip Using case studies of people struggling with
possible by those responsible for them. across the globe, the incidence of emotional depression, trauma and addiction, as well
Forgive yourself if you say or
do the wrong thing. You will be “If parents and families are given the skills distress, heightened anxiety and full-blown as a tremendously moving account of her
learning alongside your child and and confidence to play their part, they depression increased exponentially. Hidden grandfather’s shattered return from the First
doing the best that you can. can form the golden thread of support beneath the disturbing daily Covid-19 death World War, Sue explores the transformative
throughout that journey.” toll, were numerous suicides – each as effect that gardening can have on even
There are times when you need desperately sad as a death from the rampant the most troubled and restless mind. She
to trust your instinct – remember With the experience of lockdown pushing virus – but, for this year at least, not accorded discusses how prisoners, given the chance
that you know your child better parents into new and uncharted waters, the same importance or media space. to grow their own plants, are less likely
than anyone and that you are a the pivotal role they can play in supporting to reoffend; how wayward teenagers can
crucial part of their support team. their children’s mental health is coming into In this context, Sue Stuart-Smith’s riveting experience redemption through the soil; and
sharper focus than ever before. new book The Well Gardened Mind is how elderly people, who love their gardens,
It’s okay to feel however you feel – extremely timely. Of course, the link live longer, happier lives.
sad, angry, upset, numb. Go with it, between the enjoyment of gardening and
but if the negative feelings last for good mental health has been discussed This passage, in particular, encapsulates
too long, get help. at length, ever since Voltaire’s novella what this book is all about: “Just as the
Hold on to hope, no matter how
further help Candide in the mid-18th century. Candide,
you may remember, after a lifetime of most
state of the planet is unsustainable, so our
lifestyles have become psychologically
difficult things seem. Just being We have a number of resources for extraordinary, and sometimes horrific, unsustainable. Depression has recently
there, listening and offering hope parents and carers. Visit our website experiences, decides that the only thing left overtaken respiratory illness to become the
is the most important thing you for details of these and other to do is: “cultiver notre jardin”, to “look after leading cause of ill-health and disability
can do. helpful organisations. our garden”. Those words are as true today worldwide. Neglecting what people need Continues p20
as they were then. in order to thrive is a symptom of the same
18 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 19BIG BOYS DON’T CRY? HEAD TALKS
BOOK REVIEWS
mindset that has failed to help nature thrive. feel to open up, whilst also showing the
And that issue takes us to the heart of what
it means to cultivate.”
MEN OPENING UP NOT circumstances in life and society which
cause men to feel anxious, inadequate, and
MANNING UP hopeless that need to change too. Recovery Would you like to hear from a huge
The Well Gardened Mind reminded me is not masculinised or romanticised; range of people talking about mental
forcibly of Gardeners’ World icon Monty by Fabian Devlin and Patrick Addis rather it is shown to be difficult and full wellbeing and what helps them?
Don, whose book The Jewel Garden was a of false starts. None of these men offer a
despatch from the frontline of the lonely war As a man with lived experience of mental Head Talks is a non-profit digital
health difficulties, I really enjoyed reading single sudden solution, but describe a slow platform that aims to open up the
that is depression. Both books are testament ongoing process of gradually building self-
to the healing powers of nature. Monty Big Boys Don’t Cry. The book, endorsed conversation about mental health
by CALM – the Campaign Against Living understanding and a mentally and wellbeing. It doesn’t advocate
wrote: “Half an hour of warm sunshine and healthy lifestyle.
a drying wind in February in our garden can Miserably, is a compilation of men’s any one perspective or therapy;
wipe away the weeks of December gloom. personal stories of navigating mental Overall, a great read to understand more it offers a toolbox of habits and
As we get older, we realise that the days are health difficulties, written by men [and about men’s mental health which I would disciplines that have worked for
more precious and half-moments of intense some female partners of men] from all ages, strongly recommend for both men and others. Some speakers have a
joy are more valuable than jewels.” backgrounds, and experiences. The stories women, for those with experiences of professional background in the
are short, relatable, and engaging, with a mental health difficulties and without. mind: psychiatrists, academics,
As we try to come to terms with the many summary of helpful advice highlighted nutritional experts or spiritual
lessons of the Coronavirus pandemic, at the end of each story. This format is Michael Priestley, Student Involvement teachers. Others are simply
Sue Stuart-Smith’s inspirational book is a accessible and unintimidating, allowing Coordinator for Charlie Waller sharing what works for them.
valuable companion and roadmap. We must readers to dip in and out, read from cover to
treat nature with love and care, she argues, cover, just read the stories about particular Head Talks aims to help banish the
for both nature’s sake – and our own. mental health conditions, or read each stigma surrounding mental ill-health
contributor’s ‘top tips’ for looking after and promote practical things we can
Robert Beaumont is a freelance writer and, more mental health. It is full of personally do to maintain our mental wellbeing.
importantly, Charlie’s uncle recommended self-help resources and As well as providing a platform for
details of professional services, providing interviews, debates, documentaries,
an invaluable resource to help navigate the speeches and podcasts, Head
support options available. Talks currently features a series
of ‘Coronatalks’ designed to bring
Reading Big Boys Don’t Cry, I found it “words of advice, inspiration and
particularly striking that, despite the HEALTH IS comfort in difficult times”.
diversity of individual circumstances and
experiences, the different voices clearly MADE AT HOME Amongst some of the talks on
coalesce around one message: finding the the site are:
courage to share thoughts and feelings by Nigel Crisp
• Former CEO of Unilever,
can both foster self-recognition and self- The Trust was honoured to be mentioned Paul Polman, on the importance
understanding to help prevent difficulties, in Lord Nigel Crisp’s book ‘Health is made of investing in mental health
and can mobilise the resources and support at home’, in which he acknowledges the in the workplace
of others on the road to recovery. It therefore charity’s contribution to creating positive • Singer and songwriter –
both identifies and contributes to a cultural mental health. A wide-ranging call to build a Will Young
imperative for men to open up. Because health-creating society, the book challenges
at the heart of so many of these men’s • Buddhist monk – Matthieu Ricard
readers’ assumptions about the way we view
struggles lay a fear of appearing to others public health, including mental health. Lord • Former hostage and Colombian
as weak, vulnerable, or a failure, especially Crisp says: “Health and wellbeing are about politician Ingrid Betancourt on
in relationships and in the workplace. ‘Men so much more than the absence of disease. resilience and mental wellbeing
are not supposed to be like that’, David puts They are about life and freedom, being all • Author, former headmaster
it, ‘we are supposed to be strong, dependable. that we can be.” and Board Advisor to CWT
We do the looking after!’ (p.53). Time and Sir Anthony Seldon on
again, this reluctance to share difficulties ‘Health is made at home, hospitals are for mindfulness in education
only perpetuated and prolonged the repairs – building a healthy and health- • Best-selling author and activist
experience of isolation, pain, and conflict creating society’ is published by SALUS, Andrew Solomon on mental illness
with oneself and others. priced £9.99. within the LGBT community
But this isn’t just the same old story. Lord Crisp is a crossbench peer. He was Chief
Because the range of personal voices gives Executive of the English NHS and Permanent
this message an authenticity and appeal Secretary of the UK Department of Health from Find out more
which truly captures just how challenging, 2000 to 2006. He is also a Board Advisor to the
confusing, and uncomfortable it can Charlie Waller Trust. headtalks.com
20 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 21WELLBEING
“In previous years the challenge was
WELLBEING
organised through teachers but this year we
were able to raise awareness directly with
parents and they could embed the activities
directly into family life.”
As in previous years, the challenge was
for the children to complete at least one
activity for each of the five steps to wellbeing
and document it by sending us a photo. To
inspire and encourage the children, this
WELLBEING
year we sent out activity packs full of ideas
and activities, one for primary and one for
CHALLENGE 2020
secondary-age children.
The feedback from parents has been
A FAMILY AFFAIR
fantastic, not just because the challenge
gave the children something positive to do
but also because it supported their wellbeing.
One parent said: “As someone who struggles
with anxiety and depressions myself and
whose daughter has been displaying signs Amy says: “It was really heart-warming to
of anxiety, I’m well aware of the need to read the parents’ feedback and to see the
look after our mental health as well as our children’s photos. It was clear that they’d
physical health. done the activities and taken on board the
messages about wellbeing.”
“As the pack says, it’s not always easy to
talk about feelings, so I really welcomed
NHS the pack with all its activities. It reinforced
There were 81 entries to the competition but
the reach extended far beyond that to around
FIVE Steps a lot of what my daughter and I had been
talking about. It was something she could
180,000 visiting the Charlie Waller website.
Amy says: “Teachers used it as a resource
to MENTAL do independently too, so she felt a sense
of achievement.”
that they could send out to pupils; some
Wellbeing Our Wellbeing Challenge usually takes
schools used it as their own challenge and
many more families completed at least some
place in schools. This year, however, of the activities.”
Connect lockdown meant a change of venue – Children may have been As for next year, watch this space, but
with people you know the homes of children and young whether it takes place at home or at school,
people across the UK. experiencing anxiety and
we’re looking forward to many more
Be active this was one way we could children taking part in the Charlie Waller
Our graphic designer,
take a walk, jog or cycle or find Amy Martin, conceived of help them stay positive. Wellbeing Challenge 2021.
another activity you enjoy the idea of the Wellbeing
Challenge three years ago
as a competition to be run in
Keep lear ning schools. She explains: “It was
new skills can give you a a way that we could introduce the A SPECIAL
sense of achievement and
increased confidence
NHS Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing into
schools and encourage children to be aware
THANK YOU
of their own mental wellbeing.” We would like to say a special thank you to
Give This year, however, with nearly all
Sharky & George and to Boden for donating
the smallest act can count, some amazing prizes for our winners.
children being at home with their parents
whether it’s a smile, a thank you or carers during lockdown, it was clear
or a kind word to Amy that the challenge would have to Primary school Winner s
be run differently. “Lockdown gave us the Annabel and Edward Mansfield
Take notice opportunity to give parents things that they
be more aware of the
could do with their children,” Amy says. Secondary school WINNER
“Children may well have been experiencing
present moment Keira Bullivant
some anxiety and this was one way we
could help them stay positive.
22 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 23OUR WORK
FURTHER EDUCATION
This brings us into contact with many latest developments in their fields and
FURTHER EDUCATION
colleges and we are currently working in use these to inform their work with us.
IN COLLEGES
partnership with 36. In terms of our impact, We have experts in depression, suicide
via cascade training we are reaching tens prevention, eating disorders, anxiety, self-
of thousands of staff and students. Richard harm and other areas. Their knowledge
says: “With 85% of colleges reporting an and experience enable them to offer
increase in mental health problems in the tailored training, advice and guidance
past three years, it is crucial that all staff in that works for each individual college,
colleges have the tools and confidence they rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
need to support students who need it.”
Lockdown and the pandemic have presented
How our partnerships work particular challenges but we have taken the
ageS 16-25 In outline, each partnership starts with the opportunity to deliver training online. For
are associated allocation of a Charlie Waller trainer who example, during one 10-week period, our
with a number meets with leaders in the college to discuss trainers delivered 67 continuing professional
of r isk factor s their particular needs and to put together a development sessions to more than 1,000
plan. This might include direct mental health college staff. Topics included managing
training for staff and students and/or a train stress, mindfulness and bereavement.
the trainer programme for key staff; it might
also include training and mental health
resources to support the college’s initiatives.
The college has access to the Charlie Waller
From carpentry to business finance,
culinary arts to civil engineering, the
Transitions, including making the move
into college, can also be a time of increased
trainer for ongoing consultation and support
around generic mental health issues and
Newham Sixth
UK’s colleges offer an impressive array of vulnerability to mental health issues: for the development of new ideas. Other Charlie
Waller trainers with specific expertise can
For m College,
learning opportunities. We’re helping them
offer great support for students’ mental
those with existing mental health problems
there can be a lack of continuity of care also be brought in to deliver training on London
wellbeing too. when they move to a new setting; for particular topics as needed.
We’re delighted to have received funding
others there can be a lack of preparation, from the Bridgepoint Charitable Trust
There are more than 2.5 million students These partnerships with individual colleges
information and support. In addition, to support a new partnership with
in colleges across the UK. As well as often develop organically and can grow and
colleges often cater for those re-engaging Newham Sixth Form College, which
apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, change with the community’s needs. In
with education later in life, some of whom is situated in one of the most deprived
traineeships and A Levels/Highers, many some areas we work with groups of colleges
may have been unsuccessful in their local authority areas in England and has
colleges also deliver higher education, on projects for which we have been awarded
education before or face challenges in their a high number of students from black
including degrees. They play an important funding. These start with a more formal
personal circumstances. and minority ethnic communities.
role in reaching out to disadvantaged groups audit of colleges’ current mental health
to encourage them to participate in learning Vibrant partnerships practices – identifying what they do well
The college serves a highly at-risk
when they otherwise might not.1 This, Experience has led us to conclude that, and areas for development – and we then
population in terms of the mental health
combined with the fact that going to college whilst one-off training sessions can be work within this structure, with a clear start
impact of Covid-19 on both students and
often marks an important life transition, helpful, the most effective approach to and end point.
staff and the project will allow us to support
means there can be a high demand for embedding a culture of wellbeing is through those young people most affected by the
Our trainers
mental health support in colleges both from a ‘whole college approach’, involving pandemic as they return to their studies.
young people and mature learners. Charlie Waller trainers are based across
the entire college community, including
the UK and have many years’ experience Taking a whole college approach, expected
students, staff, contractors and visitors.
Vulnerability to mental health issues in managing and delivering mental health outcomes will include:
To help colleges achieve this we have
Whilst there has been significant services within the education sector;
developed our Mental Health Partnerships,
development by mental health policy their backgrounds include teaching, • a visible positive mental health
the aim of which is to contribute to, and
makers for schools and universities, colleges psychotherapy, mental health nursing, campaign within the college
support, mental health provision by raising
have arguably been less well considered in social work and counselling. Most of our • increased student and staff awareness
awareness, challenging stigmas and giving
some parts of the UK, yet there appears to trainers continue to work in these roles • greater confidence for staff and students
people the tools to stay mentally well.
be as much, if not more, demand for mental whilst training for Charlie Waller and in their own ability to deal with mental
health support among college students. CWT has built a strong working relationship so they are able to keep abreast of the health issues
Research has shown that the age period with the Association of Colleges (AoC), of
• increased staff capacity to support
16-25 is associated with a number of risk which 95 per cent of colleges in England are
students who are struggling
factors which can potentially affect a young members; the Association also works with It is crucial that all staff in
person’s mental health. Indeed, if someone colleges in Scotland, Wales and Northern • improved access to the most suitable
colleges have the tools and mental health resources for students
is going to develop vulnerability in relation Ireland. Richard Caulfield, the AoC’s
to their mental health, it tends to emerge Mental Health Lead chairs our College and confidence they need to and staff
Continues p26
between 14 and 25. University Advisory Board. support students.
24 charliewaller.org • hello@charliewaller.org 25You can also read
