Learning from Experience

27 January 2005

‘They think that you’re just someone wrinkly and old and don’t know anything and, you know, push you aside.’
– Dot, Valuing Experience contributor

We are all getting older. As we face the challenges of ageing, many of us will also deal with mental health problems. However the fact is that older people with experience of mental distress can live actively and well with the right treatment, support and help.

Valuing Experience: older people and mental health is an inspiring new training video and workbook from Mental Health Media. Supported by Age Concern, Help the Aged and the Alzheimers Society, Valuing Experience explores the needs of older people who are experiencing mental distress by listening to the real experts – older people themselves.

The video features testimony from older people with mental health problems speaking powerfully about the isolation, discrimination and difficulties they’ve faced. Significantly, they move on to share positive experiences of the help and support they receive, alongside their own involvement in making decisions about their care, that enables them to live well.

Valuing Experience also features interviews with older people’s advocates and highlights exceptional examples of work in the voluntary sector that demonstrate good practice in person-centred care and promoting well-being and an active lifestyle.

Research shows that older people are frequently let down when they really need help and support.

• 1 in 20 people over 65 have some form of dementia
• 1 in 10 older people may experience depression – rising to about 40% for those living in care homes

Many older people experience mental distress brought on by isolation, loneliness or loss, but these problems often go unrecognised.

cont’d…
‘Being older means facing up to the end of your life – that’s hard, its not surprising that I get down’ – Valuing Experience contributor

Everyone who works with older people wants to help enhance their health and well-being, offer the right kind of support and treat them with dignity, respect and hope.

Valuing Experience is an essential learning and discussion resource for everyone who works with older people, offering an opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and work together to provide health and care services that truly help and support older people to live well.

"This video is a powerful and thought provoking resource that provides a unique insight in to mental health from an older person's perspective."
– Jonathan Ellis, Policy Manager, Help the Aged

Ends

Notes to editors

1) For press enquiries or to request a copy of Valuing Experience:Older people and mental health please contact Katie Brudenell on 020 7700 8171 or email katie.brudenell@mhmedia.com

2) The Valuing Experience training pack has been developed to raise awareness of the needs of older people who are experiencing mental distress and to highlight models of good practice in care.

The pack features:

• Video (42 mins, VHS)
• Workbook (20 pages) including:
- step-by-step guide to using the video
- discussion points for trainers and facilitators
- practical, engaging sessions for a wide range of groups and settings

Price: £49.95 / £39.95* including VAT and p&p (reduced prices are for organisations with ten or fewer full-time employees

3) To order a copy of Valuing Experience: Older people and mental health order online at www.mhmedia.com

Alternatively, email sales@mhmedia.com or call 020 7700 8171 to request an order form

4) Valuing Experience: Older people and mental health was produced with funding from the Big Lottery Fund and support from Age Concern, Alzheimer’s Society, Depression Alliance, Help the Aged, Mental Health Foundation, Rethink severe mental illness, and the Social Care Institute for Excellence.