Pink Therapy News
Keeping YOU in the Frame
December 2008
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Greetings!
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 So this is the last Pink Therapy News of the year. Where did it all go?
It's been a good year for us in many ways, although the New Year seems a bit uncertain as the credit crunch starts to bite. I'm noticing the bookings for some of our exciting workshops have slowed down as some of you are becoming more cautious about investing in your CPD, and also budgeting for Xmas.
However, the evaluations for our courses - particularly the Essentials course which we've run several times now, just get better and better and so I am confident that we are doing good work and hope to see more of you on our workshops in 2009
Can
I please remind you to not leave your bookings too late given that we
have to make a decision about whether we can run a workshop one month
before the event. So if you want to attend one of our
workshops book early, this is particularly relevant since space is
limited at our Archer St offices and we have sometimes had to turn late
bookers down. If you can't pay with your booking, do at least register
your interest and ask us to hold you a place.
We've also started to experience the implications of the London HIV Commissioners decision to withdraw some of the counselling funding from PACE and THT who had been seeing large numbers of LGBT clients with enduring mental health problems for free or low cost. Many of these people now have fewer if any options and this is putting a strain on the remaining voluntary sector agencies. This is something for those of us who are socially aware to consider as we're likely to be asked more often for low cost therapy spaces.
But I want to close on an upbeat note... We were recently asked to programme a conference for UKCP and they've accepted
what I am confident will be a very exciting and interesting
programme and so when Santa brings you your 2009 diary, please mark the UKCP/Pink Therapy conference in it for the evening of 15 and the daytime of 16 May 2009. More details will follow in the New Year.
Which just leaves me to wish you a the greetings of the Season, however you are chosing to spend it and all good wishes for 2009.
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Transgender Issues with Christina Richards
Saturday 24 January 2009
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 This workshop will give some basic information about trans as well as up-to-date research. It will examine a variety of trans practices, such as transsexualism with physical body modification; cross dressing; gender queer and gender variant presentations and identities; and the mainstream culture's 'playing' with gender and gender constructions.
The workshop will challenge common misconceptions around trans, while encouraging participants to reflect on their own beliefs and understandings. Attendees will consider various case-studies to think about how they might work with trans clients, including those whose identity/practice is unrelated to their presenting problem as well as those who are concerned about their identity/practice. Relationships between trans and suicide and/or self-harming practices will also be explored.
Please register your interest before 20 Dec if you're want to come to this workshop. There are limited bursaries for volunteers in LGBT Counselling organisations for this workshop.
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Introduction to Therapeutic Groups with Charles Neal and Tim Foskett
31 Jan & 1 Feb 2009
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 We've had a lot of requests to help therapists prepare to run therapy groups and therapeutic group work for sexual minorities. We're fortunate to have Charles Neal and Tim Foskett who between them have decades of experience of running such groups. This weekend course is a unique opportunity to study with two of the countries most experienced gay therapy group workers.
The focus is on participants developing their own skills and interests in facilitating groups and using the opportunities provided in group work to support therapeutic growth.
The programme focuses on planning groups, facilitator styles, co-facilitating, group work exercises and working with diversity.
The workshop offers an opportunity to participate in 'live' mini-groups with feedback and to initiate peer support. We plan a follow up group later in the year to develop the work arising from this introductory weekend.
At present, we've had mostly women booking for this workshop and so I'd really like to encourage men who are interested in running therapeutic groups to book ASAP as it would be wonderful to have a balance of genders.
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Essentials of Sexual Minority Therapy
17 & 18 Jan, 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr 2009
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Our first five day Essentials of Sexual Minority Therapy has been extremely well received. The move from a four day course has made a lot of sense and we're really happy with the content and the response from the current participants has been extremely enthusiastic.
We'd like to invite YOU to come along and really have a chance to dig into working with gender and sexual minority clients. I'l let the feedback speak for itself and for further course information click on the link below.
Some quotes from people who have taken this course:
"It was really inspiring, challenging and very very warm. Full of new concepts and novel ideas."
"This
is the first training course I've attended in a long time where I
really learnt something new. An extremely well organised course with a
great deal of supporting material. The experiential learning was
particularly helpful."
"An excellent, well prepared and
presented course concerning essential aspects of this important
subject. Informative, engaging, thought provoking and professional."
"Very useful. High
standard and have provoked much further thought and possibilities to
explore. I feel I have learnt a huge amount."
"In the last twenty years of my career in teaching one of my main
duties has been to source, to evaluate and to propagate CPD for
colleagues.
It is always a pleasure to see first class material
being presented by genuine experts in a way that is considered and
sensitive to the needs of the group."
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Pink Law - Legal Advice Centre
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 The Queen Mary University of London Legal Advice Centre operate a free legal advice centre which provides advice to the public on a pro bono basis (free of charge). Over the past two years they have provided advice on issues relating to landlord/tenant disputes, leasehold/freehold issues, employment law, consumer law, contracts, defamation, personal injury, medical negligence and intellectual property. Their students interview clients under the supervision of volunteer lawyers and provide written advice to the clients. The students receive the educational benefits of additional research and CV skills, and the clients benefit from a free and confidential service.
This year they are launching Pink Law. This service will operate on the last Wednesday of every month during term time and is aimed purely at the LGBT community, covering areas such as employment discrimination, cohabitation and civil partnerships.
www.advicecentre.law.qmul.ac.uk
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Trans - A practical guide for the NHS
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The Department of Health has today published a brand new guide, designed to support NHS Managers to fulfil their responsibilities under the Gender Equality Duty.
Download :
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089941
Trans: A practical guide for the NHS is a hundred page manual covering every aspect of what managers need to understand and do in order to ensure that trans people experience equal outcomes with NHS organisations - both in the provision of services, and in access to employment.
The new guide provides extensive background on trans people's lives, along with clear direction on why it is important that NHS policy should ensure equal outcomes. It covers the requirements of the law in detail, and identifies areas where managers should be seeking to do more than merely comply.
Separate sections deal with employment and with service commissioning and delivery - with practical tips for what to include in the action plans for equality schemes. Service planning and delivery issues do not just focus upon gender reassignment, but include life-long care for patients who have a trans background.
Extensive annexes provide further reading, a comprehensive glossary of terms, and explicit guidance about commissioning services and how to set about effective consultation with stakeholders.
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Loving Men at New Year |
With only a month to go there are still places on Loving Men at New Year, held at Croydon Hall, in Exmoor National Park. The workshop is filling up and some types of accommodation are already sold out.
The workshop promises to be an extra special celebration of the turning of the year, with a relaxed mix of fun, warmth, connection with others, opportunities to reflect on your year and plans for 2009, and a vibrant party after midnight on new year's eve.
Prices range from £305 to 380 depending on your choice of accommodation and there is a bursary scheme to assist people on low incomes. Please see the website below for more information.
www.lovingmen.org email: enquiries@lovingmen.org tel: 07973 188280
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One in Four mental health magazine
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 One in Four Issue 2 Out Now!
Issue 2 of One in Four, the aspirational lifestyle magazine for people with mental health difficulties, for those who know and live with them and for the community at large, was published in the second week of June.
The glossy, full colour quarterly contains a mixture of articles, news and information written predominantly by people with mental health difficulties, for people with mental health difficulties. It explains services and treatments, discusses health and wellbeing and inspires by showing positive images of people with mental health issues.
One in Four fights stigma and exclusion by challenging negative images of people with mental health difficulty, dispelling myths and increasing understanding.
Issue 1 has articles on:
*Debt - overcoming your own credit crunch
*Parenting - parents experience mental health difficulties too
*Education - how to get the qualifications you want, without the stress
*Smoking - giving up or cutting down smoking is a big decision
*Treatment - how do you know you're getting good therapy?
*Plus news, interviews, real lives, reviews, letters and mythbusters.
Check www.oneinfourmag.org for a sneak preview!
Single copies of One in Four are available online at the Mental HealthShop, a website founded by the charities, Rethink and Mental Health Media. The magazine costs £2.50:
www.mentalhealthshop.org/products/rethink_publications/one_in_four.html
One in Four can be found in many libraries, GPs, primary care trust facilities, universities, Mind charity shops and similar places. It is expected that the numbers of such outlets will increase over time. You can ask for a copy at one of these places near you and encourage them to subscribe if they don't already. You may even wish to print the subscription form to show them how to order copies.
Download a subscription form or telephone Social Spider on 020 8521 7956.
Subscription form: www.oneinfourmag.org/subscription.pdf
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LGBT History and Archives Conference - Curiouser and Curiouser
Saturday 6 December 2008 9.30am - 4.30pm
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LGBT history and heritage ideas are going from strength to strength. But what are the challenges around collecting, conserving and communicating the history of LBGT people and who and what is that history for? Come and join us for a day of talks, Q&A sessions and workshops and find out more.
The programme includes speakers currently working on a variety of LGBT heritage projects including:
PROUD HERITAGE: HOW PROUD ARE BRITAIN'S MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES? - Jack Gilbert
Over the last three years Proud Heritage has been on an unprecedented journey, working with leading figures at UCL and Leicester University to analyse the challenges facing LGBT memory and cultural ancestry in the heritage sector - and developing some innovative ways forward.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE'S RAINBOW HERITAGE - David Edgley
Celebrating Nottinghamshire's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) lives, hidden history and culture, the website gives many opportunities for interaction.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH: MILITARY PRIDE - Catherine Roberts and James McSharry
Military Pride maps personal experiences across forty years of changing laws and evolving social attitudes toward homosexuality. It presents a unique snapshot of military life for gay men and women.
SHROPSHIRE ARCHIVES: SOME PEOPLE ARE GAY. GET OVER IT! - Maureen Turner and Kerry Dickins
A resource for Key Stage 3 and 4 teachers and students funded by the MLA West Midlands' "Learning Links" initiative.
BRIGHTON OURSTORY: SODOMY AND SUFFRAGE - Linda Pointing and Tom SargantBrighton Ourstory are working on a major new exhibition for Brighton Pride 2009. Linda and Tom will relate some of the joys and perils of researching local LGBT history.
A MOST EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR - Rose McMahon
Interpreting the Legendary Ladies of Llangollen at the Plas Newydd House and Museum
There are also afternoon workshops to choose from led by, Rukus! presenting an informal discussion on the development of the rukus! Black LGBT Archive and its new project Sharing Tongues,
LGBT HISTORY MONTH - Building on the past and looking to the future - getting involved in LGBT History with Sue Sanders,
BUILDING A SPACE with Jane Standing of Kairos in Soho, Cabinets of Curiosity - Developing and exploring museums and their LGBT collections with Jack Gilbert, Rose McMahon, Catherine Roberts and James McSharry and
OPENING DOORS: INCLUSIVITY AND ARCHIVES - Developing LGBT collections in archives, opening up access and encouraging new users with Sue Donnelly, Parveen Betab and Anna Kisby
The Sixth Annual LGBT History and Archives Conference £10 / 7.50 (pre-booking essential)
London Metropolitan Archives 40, Northampton Road London EC1R 0HB
Call
on 020 7332 3851 or write to the above address.
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Save the Date!
Birmingham, Saturday 31st January 2009
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 In response to feedback from members we are holding this years AGM & Annual Conference on a Saturday making it more accessible for volunteers. Also the event has been moved to Birmingham as a central location and to celebrate the opening of our regional office in the West Midlands
The day will begin at 10am and finish at 5pm with an informal drinks reception from 5pm to 7pm providing the opportunity to further network with other delegates and organisations both nationally and locally
This year the Consortium is 10 years young so we will be looking to celebrate the work of the LGBT Third Sector that makes up our membership
The agenda is currently being finalised, therefore there is still time for you to contribute to the how the day might look and the workshops that will be provided. If you are interested in presenting, showcasing, running a workshop or facilitating please email us for further information: agm@lgbtconsortium.org.uk
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Gender Variant Children
Views of Professionals, Parents & Transgender Adults
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 I would like to invite you to participate in this research identifying the needs of children with gender variance and the needs of their parents. The ultimate aim is to develop an evidence-based supportive approach and environment for gender variant children.
This will be a study exploring, the childhood experiences of transgender adults and the experiences of parents who currently have a child with gender variance or who have raised a child with gender variance. Professionals working with the transgender community are being invited to include the voice of experience in contributing to understanding the support needs of parents and their children with gender variance.
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary and no individual will be identified in any report of the results.
Submitting a completed questionnaire/survey is an indication of your consent to participate in the study. You can withdraw any time prior to submitting your completed questionnaire/survey. Once you have submitted your questionnaire/survey anonymously, your responses cannot be withdrawn.
The study is being conducted by Elizabeth Anne Riley and will form the basis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Sydney under the supervision of Dr Gomathi Sitharthan, Research Coordinator, Faculty of Health Sciences.
Preliminary results will be presented at the WPATH conference in Oslo, 2009.
To take part in this survey, click or cut & paste the link below:
www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228CP3PGE8H
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Gay/Bi Men's Therapy Groups
with Tim Foskett
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Therapy in a group is a learning laboratory for relationships. The process you go through is a rich source of learning about yourself, and how you relate to others. This experience, and the skills you practise along the way, helps you develop authentic and intimate relationships in other parts of your life. The ongoing therapy groups facilitated provide a regular space to explore issues and concerns in your life with other gay and bisexual men. You can use a therapy group to gain selfunderstanding, support, feedback and assistance in making changes in the future. You can work on any area of your life, including: · Your relationships with other people - friends, family and lovers · Your feelings about yourself and your ability to deal with life's challenges · Unresolved issues and experiences from your past · Changes and transitions in your life · Working out what you want from life and bringing this into being Tim currently runs three groups for gay/bi men. Two meet fortnightly on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening, and the other meets every three weeks on Thursday afternoons. All groups also meet for one weekend day three times a year. Fees are £11.50 per hour of group time, paid on a termly basis. Some concessionary places are available for people on low incomes. If you are interested in joining a group, please email timfoskett.therapy@virgin.net or ring on 020 8292 0984 to find out more. More information is also available at www.timfosketttherapy.co.ukTim Foskett is a registered counsellor, psychotherapist and group psychotherapist, and an Associate Therapist with Pink Therapy. |
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Thanks for your interest and attention and please do keep us informed of relevant events in your area.
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Dominic Davies
Pink Therapy
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