News and Events
03.10.11
More than 100 people packed into the Premier Inn at Old Trafford
for an Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a difference.
As well as hearing about the
Trust's improved performance over the year, guests were treated to
a stunning performance and talk by acclaimed singer-songwriter
Emily Maguire (pictured right), who has Bi-Polar Disorder.
Emily shared her personal experiences of psychosis and life as
an inpatient during a 30 minute set and dedicated her last song to
the mental health staff present in recognition of the support she
has received from services in her hometown.
Speaking of the stigma attached to mental illness she said that
she was nervous before publishing a book of her experiences but
came to realise that 'the people that matter don't mind, and the
people that mind don't matter.'
Attendees also had the chance to learn more about the Trust in a
marketplace held before the start of the formal session, which
featured stalls and information including smoking cessation and
promotion of wellbeing in Manchester. Guests were also given
a bookmark featuring the Five Ways to wellbeing and asked to share
their top tips for staying well.
Chair Wyn Dignan opened the event, saying that the AGM was a
welcome chance to take stock before Chief Executive Jackie Daniel
presented on the progress made over the past year, telling staff
they could be proud of what had been achieved, particularly
those who had been nominated for national awards.
The day finished with a productive question and answer session
covering themes such as engagement with GPs, the use of medication
and whether the Trust could make more use of holistic
therapies.