The Schizophrenia Commission

A message of thanks

Chris Cox — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:55:20 +0000

We’ve had an amazing response to our report. It’s sparked far-reaching debate about what must change to improve recovery for people with schizophrenia and psychosis. This is a special message for those who made it possible – the people who took part in our inquiry. You were one of over 2,500 people who submitted evidence …

The report is here

Chris Cox — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:25:01 +0000

It’s launch day 100 years since Eugen Bleuler coined the term, schizophrenia remains stigmatised and misunderstood. Today our report is published on one of the largest ever reviews of the condition in England. We’d like to tell you about it – and how to share our message. An independent inquiry In November last year, Rethink Mental …

The final meeting!

Annaliese.Grist — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:48:20 +0000

Hi everybody! Today the commissioners are meeting to finalise their recommendations. We have had a busy Summer analysing the surveys, and writing our report – expected to be published in November, be sure to check our website for updates on this, and future events. A massive thank you to everybody that filled in a …

Schizophrenia in prison

Vanessa — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:17:32 +0000

The commission visited Nottingham prison on 27 June as part of its evidence gathering process. We had a round table discussion with prison staff, a local magistrate and the local offender health team, a session with prisoners and a prison tour. It was a very challenging day – reflecting on how you manage experiences …

Commission visit a “shining example of peer led support”; ‘Safety Net Charity’

Annaliese.Grist — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:52:19 +0000

On 22nd June 2012 , our commissioner Terry Bowyer visited the peer led and ran charity ‘Safety Net’ which provides peer support for the local community’s mental health and wellbeing in Hertford. The charity, which is a year old in July, offers a whole array of peer led therapeutic activities for those seeking local support. …

Guest Blog: ‘”Nice (Not NICE)” Early Intervention Programmes

Annaliese.Grist — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:09:28 +0000

Stephen McGowan is the Early Intervention Service Lead in Bradford & Airedale. Stephen & his colleague Ben recently gave evidence to the Schizophrenia Commission, and we are grateful for their comments below. Hi – My colleague Ben and I were invited to give evidence to the Schizophrenia Commission, and we are pleased to share our …

Students discuss improving care & support with Terry Bowyer

Annaliese.Grist — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:54:32 +0000

Last month our commissioner Terry Bowyer visited Bournemouth University to hold a discussion with some 3rd year Mental Health Nursing students. Students are the workforce of tomorrow, and using our Schizophrenia Commission evidence gathering survey, a group of Mental Health nursing students discussed current practices they believe are successful, as well as the challenges to improving care and support for people living with …

The Schizophrenia Commission visit ‘start’

Annaliese.Grist — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:32:49 +0000

In February, The Schizophrenia Commission visited Start ; a recovery pathway programme, which is part of the Manchester Mental Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. (L-R: Wendy – Team Leader START, Commissioners, and far right Jessica – Project Director NHS Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust) Art therapy is proven to be effective in …

Schizophrenia Commission update

Vanessa — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:53:28 +0000

We are starting to put material from our events on the web site. The presentations from the afternoon event at the Imperial War Museum on 10 January 2012 are available to view alongside short summaries of key points raised. We also have two lived experience videos up from our morning session from a family member and …

Commissioner Jeremy Laurance: ‘Scientists shocked to find antibiotics alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia’

Annaliese.Grist — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:17:36 +0000

Commissioner Jeremy Laurance is Health Editor for The Independent newspaper Jeremy Laurance writes about new research suggesting that the antibiotic Minocycline, normally used to relieve acne symptoms, is being linked to alleviating psychotic episodes. The schizophrenia commission heard from Professor Bill Deakin of The University of Manchester, in February about a UK trial due to …