People living with mental illness and their support were the subject of the Big Conversation at the Hub on Rye Hill on Monday, March 31. Led by East Sussex High Sheriff Lucinda Fraser DL, the event was an emotional and practical discussion about a subject which affects so many. Rye News has been talking to some of the key speakers from this highly successful day.
Charlotte Kneer MBE, CEO of Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital summed up the day’s aim: “The high sheriff, Lucinda Fraser DL (deputy lieutenant), held an event at the Hub on Rye Hill to mark the end of her shrieval year. We were thrilled that she chose this venue to invite a wide range of other charities to discuss how they work with people experiencing mental ill health. It was a beautiful day, the sun shining and the atmosphere at the Hub being one of collaboration and shared enthusiasm. We’re grateful to Lucinda for shining a light on charities doing incredible work, often with little resource. We are thankful that our charity contributed by offering our space to make this day such a success.”
Lucinda Fraser explained why she felt this event was a fitting end to her term of office:
“I focussed my year as high sheriff on mental health and visiting and supporting the organisations on the frontline dealing with the most vulnerable individuals in our county.
It became very apparent during my visits that these organisations are working so hard to solve their own issues that they never have time to share experiences, support or network with each other.
“In an effort to foster collaboration, with the support of Rother Voluntary Action and Citizens Advice 1066, we organised a gathering of organisations from across East Sussex, at the Hub on Rye Hill last week under the banner Mental Health: The Big Conversation.
“This event allowed everyone to share insights, support one another and address common challenges together.”
Kim Richards RVA CEO was so pleased to be asked to compere the high sheriff’s Big Conversation and she seamlessly drew the many threads of the tapestry together and kept everyone to time. “The event came about when Lucinda got a few of us together RVA, CAB and Place2Be, to talk about the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups and organisations she had met over the past year as she engaged with the people who, through their work, make Sussex a more hopeful, kind and resilient place to live and work.
“Lucinda had observed how many of these groups were talking about the significant challenges of delivering community mental health support in the current financial climate and been impressed by the innovation and motivation of Sussex’s community and voluntary-led organisations whose work is become increasingly essential in responding to that challenge. These are essential services that support the mental health of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Lucinda learned what that support has meant for struggling families, children and young people, older people and those who are experiencing isolation and loneliness, gaining an understanding of the increasing barriers they are experiencing accessing help.
“We all wanted to do something to recognise and champion this collective effort and help to connect the groups and individuals Lucinda had met, enabling connections to be made, the sharing of personal reflections about what is working, what is tough, and the asking of help from others present. This would give people a space to talk about how we are doing as the sector which is relied on for this work, and also to explore how we look after ourselves and each other.
“The event comprised speakers from VCSE groups, an expert panel and lots of time for chat. We know that when good folk meet and talk, good things happen, and the event was about conversations, shared challenges, and support.
“I was privileged to have this opportunity to introduce and meet so many individuals and organisations whose dedication to their communities ensures that people are fed, warm, connected and cared for and to start the Big Conversation about mental health.”
Paul Roskilly gave an emotional account of how his charity came in to being. He spoke from the heart and moved the audience with his passion for helping men with mental health issues.
“Ian Pickard and I formed the group in February 2020 following the death of a friend to suicide. In short ManKind SE is a mental health support group for men who meet weekly on three evenings in Eastbourne, Heathfield and Hailsham. Over six hundred men have joined us in that time and trusted us with their emotions. We have created a community of men who care for and support each other. I have attached a poster with details of the meeting locations.”
The closing remarks included the offering of a big ‘thank you’ to Lucinda whose sensitive and relational approach to her year ‘in office’ made so many of the charities feel seen and heard.
The event was a resounding success and one of the highlights was the time people had to network with each other after the talks and to create new friendships.
Image Credits: KT Bruce , Kt bruce .