My Blog

After 11 years of speaking at events about perinatal mental health, I am still excited to do so. I confess that when it involves getting on an aeroplane, it adds an extra dimension of pleasure! For a number of years there has been the possibility of me going to the island of Jersey to do so. I had met Julie Mesny, their Head of Education, Learning and Development at States of Jersey Health and Social Services, whilst I was a member of the Nursing Programme Committee at the Open University. We decided that I would do two       1-day workshops for a wide range of health and social care professionals.  The aim was to raise awareness on perinatal mental health. The days were arranged for the 19th and 20th May; there were many bookings for both days, representing the widest range of service people I have ever spoken to. It was also very good that the days coincided with Mental Health Awareness week. On arrival at the Radisson Blu hotel in St Helier, there was a display by the charity “Mind” – a great start indeed!

I have never been to Jersey before and was immediately impressed with how clean and pretty it appeared. I also was surprised to discover that they still have pound notes here.

This trip had additional treat as I was accompanied by Mike Coote, for whom I am the part-time PA for his executive coaching and leadership training company. His skill at teaching the importance of language and communication was to be part of the training days. I was able to meet up with Julie and her colleagues Julie Mycock, Head of Midwifery and Liz Auld, perinatal mental health nurse, and check the programme and venue.
On Thursday 19th May the training room was full and it was a pleasure to present to a very receptive audience.

Julie Mycock and I

At lunchtime I had a call with local radio station Key 103 and we were filmed by BBC Channel Islands news.

The delegates were very responsive in all the sessions we covered. I am very pleased to say that the day qualified under the CPD accreditation scheme.

The following day began with an early start as Liz and I were interviewed at BBC Radio Jersey.   We had another successful and enjoyable day with a new audience at the Education centre.

It was a very rewarding two days spent with very enthusiastic people. Back at my hotel room I was then really pleased to see that we had been featured on the news! Please click here to watch.

On BBC Channel Islands news

It was a pity that it rained on Saturday, although we still were able to see a few sights.

Cup of tea in St Helier market

Fountain in St Helier market

St Aubin

Big hand in St Aubin

I do hope that we managed to inform and inspire the teams in Jersey to continue to build upon the very good services they already have in place for perinatal mental health. Thank you for asking us and making us feel so welcome.

My next event is London on Tuesday!

Elaine