Rethink annual general meeting and national members day 2007

17 November 2007

Rethink held its annual general meeting in London on Saturday 17 November when over 200 members, staff and people using our services came together to celebrate our successes and look forward to the year ahead. Here you will find details of Award winners and speakers.

Main speaker Professor Robin Murray

AGM Prof Robin Murray This year we held the event at The Hotel Russell in London. In the morning we were delighted to have Professor Robin Murray as our main speaker, talking about the causes of psychosis. We also had a number of presentations from Rethink members and staff detailing different aspects of our work, as well as offering 3 informative breakout groups.

See the 2007 programme AGM Programme (26 kb)

Robin Murray's presentation can be viewed on the Members' area of our website.

The breakout groups were:

1. Current rethink hot topics. This was facilitated by Jane Harris, Head of Campaigns, and Ruth Bettie, National Membership Manager.

2. Breaking down stigma and discrimination. This was facilitated by Paul Corry, Director of Public Affairs, and Sarah Taylor Peace, Director of Fundraising and Marketing. You can read more about Campaigning for change

3. Fit for Work? The Personal Capability Assessment and back to work issues. Facilitated by Mary Teasdale, National Advice Service. Factsheet

Launch of the sibling network

AGM 2007 Lucy Canning and Ruth Bettie

At the meeting a new internet based service was launched by Lucy Canning and Ruth Bettie. It is aimed at the brothers and sisters of those directly affected by mental illness. To visit the site and/or register for the siblings network please visit www.rethink.org/siblings

Rethink Pringle Awards 2007

Group of the Year 2007

AGM Suzanne McBaine This award was presented to the rethink County Durham Group. Suzanne McBaine, Group member, collected the certificate and £500 prize money.

Clare Findlay is the co-ordinator of the Rethink County Durham group. They are very active and have worked hard to raise the profile of rethink, campaign for services and provide education and support to the benefit of both carers and service users.

To find out more Search for groups

Activist of the Year 2007

AGM Roger Oliver This award was presented to Mr Roger Oliver. He has tirelessly run the Croydon carers service for a number of years, along with the day support group (which he has done for much longer) and his wife Irene runs the evening support group. Roger has in the last few years stepped up his work and initiated a number of extra projects. He runs CETP programmes, carers pampering days, carers workshops, and external training for local statutory sector teams, even though he is employed 4 days a week.

Project of the Year 2007

Aap Ki Awaaz (Our Voice)

AGM Ajaib Khan This award was presented to a service in Small Heath, Birmingham. Ajaib Khan, Service Co-ordinator, collected the certificate and £500 prize money.

This is a rethink community development project working with the local Muslim community. This innovative work has developed a programme of activities in the local community, looking at the mental health views, concerns and needs.

Find out more Search for services

The Bill Pringle Award for Art or Poetry 2007

AGM John Kingston This award was presented to Mr John Roy Kingston for poetry. The poems will be published in future editions of Your Voice.

Marsh Award for Mental Health Work

AGM Lorraine Ryan and Prof Murray Awarded to Professor Robin Murray for his contribution to mental health work. The award was presented by Lorraine Ryan, Marsh Christian Trust.

Robin Murray is Professor of Psychiatry at the Maudsley, Kings College, University of London; and consultant psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital in South London.

He runs the National Psychosis Unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital, which has an international reputation for developing innovative interventions for treatment resistant schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. His work in this field has prospered over many years by his close working relationship with service users and carers, creating interventions that are tailored to individual need that have often gone on to change mainstream medical practice.