Wednesday 18 January
Today I’m in Belfast for an Academic Meeting
of the RCPsych in Northern Ireland. I’ve been looking forward to
the meeting, as it’s a great opportunity to meet
more colleagues.
Back at base, I’m concentrating on taking
forward collaborative actions with all the external partners I've
met with on your behalf over the last six months – those with
shared ideas and practical expertise.
Yesterday I met a truly inspirational young
clinical psychologist, Charlie Alcock, who is chief executive and
founder of a charity called MAC-UK which makes
mental health accessible to deprived young people. During her
clinical training, Charlie specialised in community work and
completed a placement in New York where she worked with young
offenders attached to street gangs. After this, she started to
engage with young gang members in London and established a project
called Music and Change – from which MAC-UK came into fruition.
Charlie reminded me of many of our young psychiatrists, who are
taking opportunities to engage with those at the margins to make a
real difference.
Debate and discussion over the Health and
Social Care Bill continues. The College’s service user and carer
forums have given me good feedback on their views on, and concerns
about, the Bill. Many are worried about the potential combined
effect with welfare reform. Although the Health and Social Care
Bill applies to England, I am receiving feedback from all the UK
countries because of concerns about the impact it may have on
postgraduate education across the UK.
Finally, don’t forget to put forward your
nominations for the RCPsych Awards 2012.
We were excited to receive our first entry last week, and are
looking forward to receiving many more. Don’t forget the deadline
for entries is Monday 27 February.
Sue
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