Swindon Trauma Group

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Archive

The Invisible Injuries Post Trauma Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, remembering the forgotten illness - Gulf War Syndrome

Venue of Workshops Kingston House Swindon SN5 8UB

Timings and costs: PTS/ PTSD 0945 -1600 Friday 5 April 2024 and Gulf War Syndrome 0945- 1600 Friday 19 July 2024.

Cost for both workshops £25-00 per person. Please also see-

www.swindontraumagroup.org.uk or contact the group on 07505 476139

In 1997 Parkinson states “If it can be proved that there have been genetic as well as severe physical effects as a result of anti nerve agent medication for example, then other causes as well as traumatic stress will need to be considered”.

Bubu – inflammation and swelling of a lymph node, especially in the armpit or groin and in bubonic plague swelling of the buboes is very much prevalent. In 2011 Professor Turnbull voices his concerns about above concerning himself to the medical officer at Princess Alexandra’s RAF (Hospital) Wroughton Swindon Wiltshire just prior to going on active service in the Persian Gulf December 1990.

Complexities highlighted remain the issue today which will form part of the workshop on Friday 19 July 2024.

What about Post Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 1998 Kinchin states “I had never heard about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and wanted to know more”. Today there is so much in the press about PTS and PTSD, yet are people being treated for the condition? The workshop Friday 5 April 2024 will look into this issue.

PTS/PTSD workshop review: In the workshop in April there were six people present who found the experience interesting and worthwhile; also good chance to network. Comfortable venue and all thanked Kingston House for their generosity. Enjoyable buffet and £71-40 was raised for STG.

References

Turnbull G (2011) Trauma from Lockerbie to 7/7: How trauma affects our minds and how we fight back

Bantam Press

Parkinson P (2017) A Short Journey into Trauma. Understanding and Coping with Post Traumatic Stress

Merlin Press

Kinchin K (2005) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – The Invisible Injury

Success Unlimited

Swindon Trauma Group 5th Annual Draw

Basepoint Business Centre

Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7EX

Date: Tuesday 11 June 2019

Timings: 1000 to 1630 hrs

Draw tickets to cost £2-50 with top prizes to include Sunday lunch for two with tea or coffee with chocolate mints at the Cast Iron Bar and Grill Restaurant, Swindon Marriott Hotel and cinema tickets from Cineworld Shaw Ridge Leisure Park Swindon.

Funds raised from the draw will help sponsor STG’s 10th Annual Conference at the Swindon Marriott Hotel on Friday 18 October 2019. Speakers that are already booked are international pianist Emilie Capulet returning after her success last year, Richard Castle presenting 'Grenfell Tower Disaster - Lessons Learned' and Frank Parkinson whose presentation is 'A Short Journey into Trauma - Understanding and Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress'.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on the day kindly sponsored by Swindon Basepoint

For further details please phone 07505 476186

The 10th Annual STG Conference - Another Great Success!

The Conference took place on Friday 18 October 2019 at the Swindon Marriott Hotel.

The theme of this year’s Conference was 'Moving On'.

Click here for details

A full report will be published in due course.

An article about the conference appeared on page 8 of the September 2019 Swindon Link Magazine:

Click here to read the article online

SWINDON TRAUMA GROUP (STG) PRESENTS

Our Duty to Others - a review

Wednesday 13 June 2012-Timings 0915 to 1630

Venue:-Tregoze Room Lydiard House Conference Centre, Lydiard Park, Swindon, Wiltshire

Thought for the Day

“Lo importantees no olvidar,” Mayor Gorrono “The important thing is not to forget.”

0915-0950: Welcome why not a cuppa?

0950-1000: Administration / Housekeeping. Welcome to the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon Councillor Mick Bray and his wife Ruth

1000-1015: Introduction to the day. The Mayor of Swindon

1015-1030: Brief on what PTS / PTSD is, not Forgetting GWS

1030-1100 Better by far you should forget and smile. Than that you should remember and be sad - Christina Rossetti Forgotten heroes –Guernica 1936, Calais1940, Cowes and Bath 1942, and Lima 1986 Resilience and Trauma Dick Hilling

1100 -1130: Morning tea or coffee with homemade biscuits

1130-1230: Shining a Light into the Black Hole of Trauma-Professor Gordon Turnbull

1230-1330: Two Course Buffet Lunch

1330-1410: “The Gulf Between”-poem by Keith Hilling MA., BA-Baedeker Raids paintings by Davey-R (both local artists) followed by presentation on Critical Incident Debriefing v Counselling v Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

1410-1430: The Importance of Insurance Nigel Ashley BMA (Insurance Services) Ltd

1430-1500: Walk and talk- a chance to see the Walled Garden or the historic house.

1500-1530: What about the Swindon Trauma Group?

1530-1600: Afternoon tea with homemade cakes-hopefully “Doughnut Therapy”

1600-1630: Endings – the future?

Cost-£50-00 (inclusive of refreshments and buffet), plus visits also to the walled garden and the historic house-free entry. Money raised after expenses will be donated to STG and the Thanet Phobic Group

On behalf of The Swindon Trauma Group a safe journey home to everyone

Recommended books to read

Hilling K R-J (2012) An Elephant Remembers Sticky Mud Lulu Kennerley H (2001)

Overcoming Anxiety - A Self Help Guide using CBT Techniques Robinson

Turnbull G (2011) Trauma from Lockerbie to 7/7: How Trauma affects our minds, and how we fight back Transworld Books

Further recommended books and pamphlets please see STG website

The Thanet Phobic Group is celebrating its’ 40th Anniversary this year. Dick Hilling Chairman of the STG first came in contact with Sylvia Hadley the Chairman of the group way back in 1992. Sylvia was part of a comprehensive Flying Phobia Programme that successfully got people flying following significant traumatic events concerning people flying. This programme was implemented by the RAF Psychiatric Services at the Behaviour Therapy Unit at Princess Alexandra’s RAF(Hospital) Wroughton between 1991 and 1995.What I remember about Sylvia is her encouragement, empathy and humour in helping people to “face their fears” before embarking on their Fear of Flying Programme at Wroughton Hospital

Swindon Trauma Group 5th Annual Draw

Basepoint Business Centre

Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7EX

Date: Tuesday 11 June 2019

Timings: 1000 to 1630 hrs

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on the day kindly sponsored by Swindon Basepoint

For further details please phone 07505 476186

A Summary of Swindon Trauma Group Activities over last year 2017 to 2018

STG members continue “meet and greets” at various venues in Swindon for a chat and a cuppa.

On Saturday 29 April we had bag packing and information hub at Asda West Swindon. Jan Kilby (Asda Community Champion) has now retired; STG thanks Jan for her enthusiastic support over the years.

On Tuesday 2 May STG was invited to Gloucester House, an excellent addictions facility in Highworth, near Swindon. The group was particularly impressed with the décor, OT department, nice open admin department and the lovely garden with reasonable amount of space.

Presentation on Addictions , Clarendon Suite, Marsh Farm Hotel

This was an excellent afternoon workshop. Feedback was very encouraging, for example:

Thank you for such an informative day on Friday. The guys were inspirational. A great presentation from all at Gloucester House.
A line to say how much I enjoyed Friday’s meeting, Ashley and Andy were outstanding and gave many accounts of their experiences.
Great to see you all and the work that is being done at Gloucester House.
Excellent worthwhile workshop in pleasant surroundings, coffee as good as usual.

Swindon Half Marathon

Sunday 3 September was an inspirational day. Sarah Church completed the half marathon in 1h 51m 46s and raised £355 for STG so that Doctor Richard Castle can run a Mental Health First Aid Course at RBL Drop In Centre this March.

SOBS Conference

On 19 September STG members were invited to a Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Conference at the Swindon Town Football Club Heroes Lounge. It was a very interesting day with some moving presentations in a pleasant environment.

Swindon Trauma Group 8th Annual Conference

Last year’s conference was again held at the Marriott Hotel on Friday 6 October. It was a great success with some superb presentations reflecting on the 1st World War to how people can move on from war and tragedy. The theme started with the story of Annie Moore;

“Her image will forever represent the millions who passed through Ellis Island in pursuit of the American Dream”

Sarah Church presented her cheque for the MHFA course - thank you.

59 people attended the conference with many positive comments including:

What a fantastic day, thank so much, wish you and all at STG all the best.
Congratulations to the organisers on what was a great conference.
Best STG Conference I can remember.
Congratulations on an excellent high calibre and thought-provoking conference. Really enjoyed the conference and doughnuts.
Congrats best STG conference so far.
Thoroughly enjoyed conference; excellent speakers and well run.

Fourteen attendees attended the meal in the restaurant in the Marriott in the evening which concluded a positive day in pleasant surroundings.

A Short Journey into Trauma - Presentation by local author Frank Parkinson

On Wednesday 1 November an excellent presentation took place at Swindon Central Library to a packed audience where Frank was introduced by Leon Flower of Swindon libraries after a welcome cuppa on a cold winter's evening. Please see recommended reading and viewing for information on Frank’s book.

STG’s Christmas Dinner at Lydiard Park Conference Centre

Another excellent two course dinner at Lydiard. Staff was very attentive with delicious Christmas pies and lovely coffee as usual. The decor was attractive and the music from the CD player put us all in the Christmas spirit.

Friday 4 January 2018- First STG meeting of the year at Swindon Basepoint

Robert Buckland QC MP along with a member of his staff Arron and presented the group with a cheque for £200. Lovely surprise with money donated from MORI. Enjoyed a nice cuppa and with mini cakes this time - thank you Lyn and Sandra.

Summary

Another positive year for STG and the chair would like to thank STG members for all their support from Accounts to IT and to arranging the draws. Interest concerning the group has been worldwide which is encouraging as Post Trauma Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder remain very much the invisible injuries.

Passing thought;

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Helen Keller

Swindon Trauma Group 9th Annual Conference

Theme: 100th Anniversary of the RAF &100 years of Psychiatry

Friday 5 October 2018, 0900 to 1730

Venue - Uffington Suite Swindon Marriott Hotel

Dress - Casual but Smart

Cost £35 per delegate, £20 per STG member

Programme subject to change

From the early days and shellshock to the struggle to establish PTSD as a condition, with the move towards Holistic Psychiatry, the link between inflammation and psychiatry and the birth of immunology

Thought for the Day

All things great are wound up with all things little.

Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables

0900:0940 Meet and Greet. Why not a cuppa? Tea, coffee and biscuits and introducing “Music while you Work”

0940:0945 Introductions including administration and health and safety. Richard Hilling ARRC Chairman Swindon Trauma Group to reflect on Annie Moore Ellis Island New York

0945:1000 Mayor of Swindon Councillor Junab Ali welcomes all attending this conference to the Marriott and Swindon. The Mayor was born in Bangladesh and is married with three children. His wife the Mayoress Rajhia Ali works at Millbrook Primary School in Swindon. Is a keen sportsman, chess player and successfully completed the Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday 2 September 2018 and is also running the London Marathon next year for his nominatedcharities.

1000:1100 Debriefing the mind and body after Trauma - Professor Gordon Turnbull and Sheila Beer M.C.S.P. Gordon was team leader Post Trauma support of 1st Gulf War POW’s and Beirut hostages Gordon now works as a private practitioner at Brinkworth House a picturesque setting in Wiltshire and also at the Capio Nightingale Hospital London. A visiting Professor at Chester University and author of From Lockerbie to 7/7: How Trauma affects our Minds and how we fight back. Sheila is a physiotherapist specialising in Craniosacral work with an interest in the Impact of Trauma on the body. Works privately and has a clinic at Brinkworth House and one in the attractive village of Chedworth, Gloucester.

1100:1130 “Teaching veterans how to stop traumatic nightmares and sleep peacefully throughout the night” Justin Havens Psychological Therapist and EMDR, UK and Ireland Accredited Practitioner having nearly completed his PhD at Ruskin Anglia University on Planned Dream Intervention. Justin is based at the Regency Clinic in Cheltenham. Served in the military with a particular interest in treating veterans

1130:1145 Break 1st music interlude where there will be “a little music” at each break and lunch and towards the evening.

1145:1215 History of Combat Psychiatry and Lessons Learnt from Afghanistan and Iraq. Doctor Walter Busuttil - Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director Combat Stress since 2007. Served for 16 years in the RAF and was based at the Neuro Psychiatric Centre Princess Alexandra’s RAF (Hospital) Wroughton. Was part of the team that rehabilitated the British Beirut hostages and for Veterans has set up Community Outreach Centres and has also set up residential and community services at Combat Stress.

1215:1230 TBA

1230:1330 Chefs choice of Sandwich Lunch (includes crisps, cakes and fresh fruit juices)

1330:1345 Introductions to the afternoon and a review of Richard Castle’s Mental Health First Aid Course at RBL Pop in Centre Swindon in March.

1345:1445 Healing from Trauma - a pragmatic approach. Caroline Purvey shares how her unique empowering 5 Step Programme, known as the Total Release Experience, releases the symptoms of stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD. Caroline is CEO and Lead practitioner for TRE UK(R). Like last year Caroline is leading a workshop in Swindon from 1100 to1615 hrs Saturday 6 October 2018. Special rate for Conference delegates.

1445:1515 Making Today, a Brighter Tomorrow. Deborah and Roy Selstrom, Surrey Heath Veterans and Families Listening Project and winners of local Surrey Eagle Radio Local Heroes Military and Emergency Services Award. Roughly one in five veterans experience mental illness and struggle to adapt to civilian life. The project helps ex service personnel with any problem however big or small. The project was founded four years ago, also has a monthly drop in centre facilities.

1515:1545 Break “doughnut therapy” with tea and coffee.

1545:1645 The effect of Classical Music on Stress, Anxiety and Mood. Emilie Capulet, MMus, MA, PhD Emilie is head of Classical Performance at London College of Music and University of West London. Is an award-winning international concert pianist, lecturer, writer and musicologist. She has written books and articles about music history, performance and music in healthcare.

1645:1700 STG draw - Prizes include Sunday Lunch for two at the hotel restaurant, Swindon Marriott. Price per ticket £2-50

1700: 1730 Questions from the floor to the presenters and a little light music to end the day introduced by Richard Hilling. Who’s for dinner tonight?

Recommended Reading: Overcoming Traumatic Stress 2nd Edition: A Self Help Guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Claudia Herbert, Overcoming Books - paperback £12-99. Sarah Stephens will have a stall at Conference. for people who would like to buy this award winning book. Please pay cash. (Claudia sends her apologies for not being in attendance due to unforeseen circumstances)

Proceeds after expenses from Conference and draw to STG

Evening function 1945 for 2000 start will be in the hotel restaurant with a two or three course meal. Dress - Lounge Suits.

Those wishing to stay overnight at the Marriott the prices for Thursday night are £74-00 per room with breakfast included in the cost with the same price for the Friday night.

Swindon Trauma Group thanks all that give time free of charge to help make the conference a success. STG wishes everyone a safe journey home. Grateful thanks to Swindon Marriott, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Rotary Club, Asda West Swindon, BLB Solicitors Swindon, Basepoint Swindon, Lydiard Park Conference Centre, Tesco’s Shaw Village Centre and Cineworld Shaw Ridge Leisure Park.