National Workshop on Mental Health Rehabilitation on 28th Oct 2011

National Workshop on Mental Health Rehabilitation (Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting) on 28th October 2011 Background Note Introduction Rehabilitation has been defined by the WHO as the application of measures aimed at reducing the impact of disabling conditions and enabling disabled people to achieve social integration. Implicit in this definition are two components. First, an active process through which a person adapts or acquires the skills needed to mitigate the constraints of disease, and second, an acknowledgement that there may also need to be changes in the environment, including the attitudes of non-disabled people, if optimal social integration is to be achieved. The ideal rehabilitation service provides a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, collaborative and patient-oriented approach. Continuum of Care The full range of comprehensive mental health services in any contemporary society which should be available includes a variety of outpatient & inpatient services for acute / short-term treatment, crisis intervention & rescue services, and community rehabilitation service viz. Day Care Centres, Occupational / Vocational Rehabilitation Centres, and Residential Care Centres. The concept of continuum of care is also important so as to ensure smooth transition & phase-wise application of different types of services for each patient & his/her family, as per the need in the life course of the person with mental illness. Needless to say, the range of services has to go beyond availability, to ensure accessibility & affordability for all sections of the Society. Psychiatric rehabilitation: Indian perspective Psychiatric rehabilitation in India can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, comprising the first 25 years since independence, most of the services were hospital based and largely confined to the government mental hospitals. The emphasis was on keeping the long-stay patient occupied with some form of work or activity. It is the second phase, from the early 1970s that saw concerted efforts being made to reintegrate the patient with the family and the community. In contrast to the slow and sporadic growth of psychiatric rehabilitation in the hospital setting, the response in the community has been very encouraging. These initiatives have largely come through NGOs. Community-based rehabilitation Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is very appropriate in the Indian cultural setting, where social and community bonds are quite strong and deep-rooted. The challenge of CBR, and its success, depends on whether people with disabilities, their families and communities, and the concerned governmental agencies pertaining to health, education, welfare and social service can work together to make use of the resources in the community. The ultimate goal for majority of mentally ill person is to achieve right to living independently in the community as per article “ 19” of the UNCRPD. It is the most desirable goal, & now statutory obligation of the state, however, there are varying dimension to the process which need to be recognized and it has to be stepwise process. o Preparedness and sensitization of the community o Preparedness of professionals, NGO, civil society to work towards this goal. o The development of system and infrastructure conductive to the goal. Need for the National workshop The field of mental health rehabilitation is making rapid advance worldwide but in India there is slow and sporadic growth of psychiatric rehabilitation. There needs to be a consensus on the best possible model suited to the unique needs of the entire community. In this background, a national level workshop is being organized on rehabilitation in mental health to discuss the various models/approaches, the needs and difficulties and to attempt to arrive at a consensus on the way ahead. The need for such workshop can be justified in the light of the following background: - 1. Experience of tertiary care mental health institution like IHBAS The IHBAS has been constantly and vigorously doing the rehabilitation activities especially in the line of deinstitutionalization and rehabilitating the long stay patients back into the family / community. However, the basic need of mental health services for effective rehabilitation of the person with mental illness aimed at reducing the impact of disabling conditions and enabling disabled people to achieve social integration has always been felt and considered a significant barrier. The homelessness is a significant area of concern which is significantly linked to the deinstitutionalization coupled with lack of range of rehabilitation services in the community. 2. Users and Carers’ perspective In our experience after frequent interaction with the users and carers’ groups in the last few years on various forums and occasions, the similar need has been echoed from the users and carers’ group and there is significant need felt for having Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) model and services even for the person with mental illness living with the families. 3. UNCRPD and recent policy initiative by the planning commission India has ratified the UNCRPD. The ultimate goal for majority of mentally ill person is to achieve right to living independently in the community as per article “ 19” of the UNCRPD. It is the most desirable goal, & now statutory obligation of the state, The planning commission has constituted a working group on ‘empowerment of persons with disability’ in order to formulate the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) in the disability sector. The working group has formulated a draft report which has been discussed and finalized in the recent meeting of the working group held on 03rd October, 2011. The draft report has been compiled keeping in mind the spirit of the UNCRPD and mental health rehabilitation has been highlighted as a thrust area under the policy for 12th FYP and proposals related to the same have been incorporated in the draft report. Keeping in view the need felt from various stakeholders as mentioned above and policy initiative being undertaken by the policy makers in the background of the UNCRPD, it is felt perceived need that this is the most appropriate time to consult and interact with multiple stakeholders and crystallize ideas which can be conveyed to the working group on empowerment of Persons with Disability (PwD) as in next 3 months time the report of the working group will be submitted to the planning commission for consideration for 12th FYP. The Workshop details In this background, a national level Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Mental Health Rehabilitation is being organized by IHBAS in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation, an NGO with partial funding from the said NGO on 28th October, 2011. We have requested World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) India Chapter to be the co-organizer for this workshop. Since this workshop will cover issues of ground realities of Mental Health Rehabilitation, the scope of this workshop does not cover Mental Retardation, Neuro-rehabilitation including Dementia and related geriatric disorders, substance use disorders and issues of law and legislation on rehabilitation Specific Objectives: 1. To assess needs and service gap regarding Mental Health Rehabilitation services in India 2. a) To enlist the a) Types of rehabilitation services/models currently available in the country and b) To review and appraise about the proposals under consideration/development in the area of Mental Health Rehabilitation 3. To establish networking with various Government and Non-governmental organizations working in the field of rehabilitation for mutual experience sharing. 4. To identify and enlist the essential and necessary components of Mental Health Rehabilitation. 5. To enumerate various sectors and agencies contributing to and needed to join efforts in rehabilitation services. The invitees and participants for this workshop include technical experts in the field of Mental Health Rehabilitation, NGOs working at the ground level, Users and Carers’ groups, Mental Health Professionals from Government and Private Settings, Member Secretaries of State Mental Health Authorities as well as senior level Government administrative officials and policy makers. The role of the organizing agencies for the workshop is delineated as: · IHBAS as a tertiary care Neuropsychiatric Institute and academic body is to provide technical expertise, infrastructure, advocacy as well as coordinate with concerned Ministries and Government bodies. · Sambandh Health Foundation is expected to bring in the civil society’s concerns, caregivers’ perspectives. · World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) India Chapter will be bringing in professional perspective in mental health rehabilitation; best practice models and takes the recommendations to other forums for wider dissemination. Methods and Approaches to be used: This workshop being a National Consultative Meeting of all stakeholders will use panel discussions method on the themes mentioned below to facilitate the dialogue. Each panel discussion will have about four panellists from the related disciplines who will put across their remarks and key messages based on their experience and expertise. Each panel discussion will be of one hour and each panellist will get 4-5 minutes each followed by discussion for half an hour and summarization of important points. There will be no lectures or presentations. The identified themes include: 1. Overview 2. Alternatives to hospital care : Deinstitutionalization and other services 3. Continuum of care: Types of rehabilitation facilities 4. Needs for rehabilitation services: users & carers perspectives 5. Possible consequences of inadequate rehabilitation services This workshop is expected to have discussions focusing on the concept on continuum of care, its components, how many of these components are available at present and what are the possible mechanisms to create such facilities and how to sustain it in long term. At the end of the workshop it is hoped to achieve better understanding and consensus about possible models of Mental Health rehabilitation besides establishing the urgent need for such model. Monitoring & Evaluation and follow up: (a) Evaluation Feedback Questionnaire (b) 1) Networking through World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), India Chapter ii) Implementation of emerging ideas related to Mental Health Rehailitation (WAPR), India Chapter ii) Implementation of emerging ideas related to Mental Health Rehabilitation (c) Initiation of Residential and non residential rehabilitation services across Delhi in one year and across the country in 12th Five Year Plan (d) The recommendations and outcome of the workshop which will be submitted (within 3 months) to the planning commission through the Working Group on empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is expected to influence the Mental Health Rehabilitation policy for 12th Five Year Plan proposals under MOS&JE and MOH&FW, GOI NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION (Stakeholders Consultative Meeting) Organised by IHBAS in Collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation Date: 28th October (Friday), 2011 Timing: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM Venue: Mini Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Academic Block, IHBAS, Delhi PROGRAMME SCHEDULE 09:30 AM-10.00 AM Inaugural session 10:00 AM-10.30 AM TEA BREAK 10.30 AM -11.30 AM Overview of Indian Experience on Mental Health Rehabilitation- Canadian Experience on Mental Health Rehabilitation- NGO perspective on Mental Health Rehabilitation Civil Society’s perspective on Mental Health Rehabilitation Recent Initiatives at Mental Health Rehabilitation in Delhi State 11:30 AM-12.30 AM Panel Discussion on Alternatives to hospital care : Deinstitutionalization and other services 12:30 AM-01.30 PM Panel discussion on Continuum of care: Types of rehabilitation facilities 01:30 – 02:00 PM LUNCH 02:00 – 03:00 PM Panel Discussion on Needs for rehabilitation services: users & carers perspectives 03:00 – 04:00 PM Panel Discussion on Possible consequences of inadequate rehabilitation services 04:00 – 05:00 PM Synthesizing : Summary of individual sessions 05:00 – 05: 30 PM Valedictory Session

Suicide Survivors Day

International Survivors of Suicide Day Organizing a Conference Site: October E-Bulletin Would you believe that International Survivors of Suicide Day is just 6 weeks away? Please help us to finalize the list of participating cities as quickly as possible. Are you holding a conference site this year? Let us know by: · Registering now · Or replying to this email · Or calling us at the numbers below We’d also like to know if you are experiencing any difficulties. Can’t organize a site? We completely understand. Just let us know if you would like us to be in touch next year. (And please let survivors in your area know about the free webcast & live chat on Saturday, November 19th. More info at www.afsp.org/survivorday) Thank you. We hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237 www.afsp.org

centres of Independent living

Captain Johann samuhanand, BANGALORE INDIA 91 80 42023252 www.captainjohann.blogspot.com SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIVE! Serving Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities In Centers of Independent Living: A Fact Sheet The national network of Centers for Independent Living increasingly serves individuals with psychiatric disabilities, or a combination of physical/sensory/intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disabilities. This revised and updated publication from the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities provides CIL staff with clear and current information to help them better respond to the needs of people in recovery from mental illnesses. Developed in conjunction with CIL staff and mental health consumers from around the country, the revised Fact Sheet - first issued last year - provides brief responses to twelve frequently asked questions (e.g., What is psychiatric disability? Do people with psychiatric disabilities recovery? Where can people with psychiatric disabilities turn for clinical care and rehabilitation services? What impact is the mental health consumer movement having on MH system services? How can CIL staff respond to the needs of mental health consumers?, etc.) as well as online linkages to websites with more detailed information and instruction for each topic. The publication is designed both for individual CIL staff and for use in CIL staff training programs focusing on this growing portion of the CIL consumer base. Serving Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities in Centers for Independent Living: A Fact Sheet can be downloaded at no cost form the Temple University Collaborative website (www.tucollaborative.org) or by clicking here. This document is also available in a variety of accessible formats. Please contact Richard Baron at rcbaron@temple.edu with requests. --------------------------------------- New! A Research and Practice Brief from the Center on Adherence and Self-Determination The Center on Adherence and Self-Determination (CASD) investigates the concept of "service engagement" as an alternative to "compliance" or "adherence", asking what influences the individual's choice to engage with or disengage from services. CASD's third Research & Practice Brief (R&PB) summarizes CASD's research into succinct statements that might be used by advocates, policy makers, and other interested parties to promote self-determination with regard to service engagement. R&PB No. 3 offers a discussion of the use of the terms "compliance," "adherence," and "service engagement" as they relate to the concepts of consumer choice and self-determination, and the need for models to understand decision making processes, both rational and socially based, for service engagement. Research and Practice Brief No. 3 is available by clicking here. The Temple University Collaborative, including Dr. Mark Salzer, is a proud partner with CASD. To learn more about the Center on Adherence and Self-Determination, visit their website at: http://www.adherenceandselfdetermination.org/.

Suicide survivors webinar

International Survivors of Suicide Day Organizing a Conference Site: October E-Bulletin Would you believe that International Survivors of Suicide Day is just 6 weeks away? Please help us to finalize the list of participating cities as quickly as possible. Are you holding a conference site this year? Let us know by: · Registering now · Or replying to this email · Or calling us at the numbers below We’d also like to know if you are experiencing any difficulties. Can’t organize a site? We completely understand. Just let us know if you would like us to be in touch next year. (And please let survivors in your area know about the free webcast & live chat on Saturday, November 19th. More info at www.afsp.org/survivorday) Thank you. We hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237 www.afsp.org

Ageing population can alter eco and health policies

Statistics of Ageing population in India 71 million in 2001 100 million in 2011(approx) 126 million approx projected estimate for the elderly population in 2026 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- India takes up old challenge Oct 2, 2011, 06.36AM IST TNN[ Malathy Iyer ] MUMBAI: On October 13, government officials in Delhi will discuss funding for an old-age issue: an ambitious project spanning 25 years to study how various socio-economic issues affect the country's senior citizens. The study will follow 30,000 people over 45 for 25 years to chronicle how factors such as nuclear families, migration of children, lack of pension, inadequate health system, etc impact their lives. India's 60-plus brigade-often neglected in discussions about our young population-has been growing steadily. The group accounted for less than 5% of the population in 2001, but will make up 14% by 2050. In sheer numbers, projections from the latest 2011 Census pegged the 60-plus population at 100 million. "In 2026, they will account for over 174 million," said Dr Fauzdar Ram, director of the International Institute of Population Sciences. The burgeoning population of senior citizens has the potential to dramatically alter existing economic policies. More greybeards, for instance, means that insurance and pension schemes have to be reworked. The rise in nuclear families, especially in urban India, underlines the need for better social infrastructure. These are just a few of the reasons propelling Indian experts to embark on a Longitudinal Ageing Study. One aspect that will be analyzed in all its socio-economic details will be the "feminization" of the aged or the fact that there are more 70-plus women than men who are financially dependent. "Most women don't have any financial independence. In rural areas, land is almost never in the woman's name. When they outlive their husbands, they have to depend on their children or relatives," said Dr Fauzdar Ram, director of the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS). The study, which will begin next year, will be undertaken by the IIPS, which is based in Deonar. The US National Institutes of Health will be the main funding organization, and Harvard University will be a partner. Next month, IIPS will announce the findings of a pilot study in Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka. "The pilot study helped us fix a module for the larger study," said Ram. For instance, people underwent diagnostic tests to establish health indicators such cholesterol, BP, etc. Many European countries as well as China, Japan, Indonesia and Korea are carrying out such studies. But India's issues are unique. "Families are becoming smaller, especially in urban India, but affluence is rising. Children are migrating, getting well-paying jobs and providing economic succour to parents. But what about the physical support that a 75-yearplus needs?" said an IIPS researcher. Healthcare here is not oriented for the aged. "Infant and maternal mortality still dominate. Even our doctors aren't oriented to think for the aged. It's going to be one of the biggest challenges for India," said Ram. One solution, say experts, would be to levy taxes on people with aged parents in such a manner that the state can build infrastructure for the aged in terms of homes, hospitals, etc. STUDY HIGHLIGHTS The International Institute for Population Sciences says that by 2050, the silverhaired group will account for over 14% of the population-up from 5% in 2001 The oldest old-the population aged 80 and over-will also increase from 1% to 3% Health insurance, work and retirement, income and changing family characteristics are some of the problems identified vis-a-vis senior citizens Now, the Indian government along with US National Institutes of Health will undertake a 25-year-long study to assess ageing and it socio-economic impact on the nation's population. The study will follow 30,000 people in the 45-60 age group. Population Aging and Social Policy Annual Review of Sociology Vol. 18: 449-474 (Volume publication date August 1992) DOI: 10.1146/annurev.so.18.080192.002313 Peter Uhlenberg Department of Sociology and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 FULL-TEXT| PDFPDF (808 KB)| Permissions Citation: Web of Science ® Download| Email notification| Web of Science ®: Related Records ®| Times Cited: 11 ABSTRACT As the life course currently is structured, old age is socially defined as a stage of life beginning in the early sixties, in which retirement from work and many other social responsibilities is expected. Few incentives exist for older persons to make productive contributions to the society, and obstacles to their engagement in productive activities exist. Consequently, large transfers from the working population to the retired are required, and potential contributions of the elderly to societal well-being are lost. Further, adult children often face a long period of being responsible for their aging dependent parents. Changes occurring in the older population challenge this existing arrangement. Not only is the ratio of the older to younger adults increasing, but also an increasing proportion of adults entering old age have the ability to make significant contributions (i.e. they are well educated, healthy, economically secure, and politically astute). Concern over this growing mismatch between older people's abilities and the roles they are expected to fill leads to a discussion of social policy. How might social policy increase the productivity of the elderly and/or reduce the burden of supporting a growing dependent older population. Three major categories of policies responsive to this question are considered. The outcome of these policy debates will significantly shape the future of aging in the United States. Go to full-text...

pet therapy-adopt a pet for therapeutic effectrs

Adopting a pet is therapeutic! ll Gajanan Khergamker Oct 2, 2011, 05.43AM IST Tags: Smriti Parmar| adopting pet Forty eight-year-old Smriti Parmar had been suffering from chronic depression and her blood pressure had shot up alarmingly since her husband's death last June. Medication didn't seem to be helping and her family was at its wits end trying to figure a way out of this problem. That's when somebody suggested pet therapy. And, it worked! "Since we got Pia, our one-and-half-year-old Alsatian home last month, my mother's health has improved considerably. Her blood pressure is under control and she seems a lot happier too," says Ms Parmar's son Chirag, an SYBA student. In fact, Ms Parmar spends most of her time with Pia, talking to her, disciplining her, singing to her or doing just about anything . And, now she also wants to get another pet Alsatian to "give Pia company' ," says Chirag. Research has proved time and again that petowners tend to be healthier and happier than those who do not have pets at home. They not just have higher survival rates following coronary heart disease ; they are also believed to be less prone to death due to heart attack. "Pets are great stressbusters , they're good companions , who listen to all your woes without any complaints!" offers senior veterinarian Dr Siloo Bhagwager . Besides the therapeutic value of keeping a pet, they are known to do wonders to a child's development. "Children who own pets develop a nurturing behaviour, positive self-esteem and an enhanced all-round development," says Dr Bhagwager. And then, pets are known to be much more perceptive than human beings. Your spouse may not notice that you are in a foul mood, but your pet definitely will! "Just as I enter my home, I know Tarzan - my two-year-old Doberman - knows how my day has been!" says realty consultant Tarun Mehra. "And, he'll do all that he can, roll on the floor; dance even play dead to fetch a smile on my face, if I've had a crappy day at work," adds Mr Mehra, who "can't really say the same" about his wife Nandini though. "Interestingly, dogs pick up even on the subtlest of body signals, especially of their owners. They can easily gauge your disposition from the smell of your body," explains Canine Behaviour Counsellor Shireen Merchant. "Besides, they understand your non-verbal signals - facial expressions, body language, et al - too well so you don't need to tell them everything," adds the counsellor. Unlike children, pets are not wilful; they don't have mood swings and never talk back. "Whether I'm irritable or not, I know Canny, my two-and-halfyear-old cat, adores me unconditionally. She makes me feel that I'm great just the way I am!" says marketing executive Deepika Pradhan. Now, that's something most human beings just can't do, can they? PET FACTS Pet-owners visit the doctor less often than those who do not own pets. Pet-owners are said to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-pet-owners . Pets reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness especially among single owners . Walking with a dog or sharing space with a dog, fills the pet-owner with a sense of security. Children who own pets are known to have positive self-esteem and better cognitive development. They tend to have an enhanced all-round development . Companionship of pets helps one deal better with some serious illness or death in the family. Ads by Google

No death penalty if convict can be reformed: SC

No death if convict can be reformed’ Mohan K Korappath, Hindustan Times Mumbai, October 02, 2011 First Published: 01:30 IST(2/10/2011) Last Updated: 01:32 IST(2/10/2011) Share more... 0 Comments Email print The Supreme Court (SC), in two recent judgments, has held that there is no reason to impose death penalty if a convict can be rehabilitated and reformed. The SC's remarks could put a different spin on the controversies surrounding clemencies for Afzal Guru and the plotters of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. On Friday, a division bench of justice P Sathasivam and justice BS Chauhan on commuted a death sentence to life imprisonment following an appeal by the accused Kishor Matkari. Matkari challenged a decision of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, which enhanced a life sentence to that of death. Earlier in the week, a division bench of justice DK Jain and justice Asok Kumar Ganguly, substituted the death sentence of accused Rajesh Kumar after he appealed against the sentence awarded by the Delhi high court. In both cases, the judges examined facts that went into making a case 'rarest of rare' and whether a significant mitigating factor justified exemption from a death penalty. The judges also noted that it was necessary to look into factors such as criminal antecedents and socio-economic background of the convicts. In Kumar's case, the division bench, referring to constitutional judgments and the internationally accepted standards, pointed out that "the death sentence should only be imposed instead of life sentence in 'rarest of rare' cases where the crime or crimes are of exceptional heinousness and the individual has no significant mitigation and is considered beyond reformation." The bench also observed that the court must show a real and abiding concern for the dignity of human life, which must postulate resistance to taking life through law's instrumentality. Except in 'rarest of rare cases' and for 'special reasons', death sentence cannot be imposed as an alternative option to the imposition of life sentence. Meanwhile, in Matkari's case, the high court held that there was no reason to disbelieve that the accused could not be reformed or rehabilitated or that he was likely to continue criminal acts of violence and be a menace to society.