Present: Jan Holloway (Chair); Dave Harper; Roger Keeling; Rufus May; Paul Godin; Sarah Rasch; Sara Stanton; Anne Cooke; Robin Hanan; Yan Weaver; Carla Willig; Sarah Dilks; Peter Linnett; Esther Mcalden; Louisa Mackrell; Ange Drinnan; Julie Warburton; Paul Wren; Sybil Ah-Mane; Chris Freudenberg; Diana Rose; Donnard White; Nina Stevens; Des Gaynor; Len & Bea Jackson; Adrian Clapham

Apologies: Mike Slade, Paula Reavey; Mark Bertram

· The discussion began with noting that discussions in the large group meant that some people did not wish to or get a chance to speak and Jan Holloway suggested that there was maybe a need for some informal time in the meetings and/or discussions in smaller groups. It was proposed that a smaller group discussion would take place towards the end of the meeting to discuss the statement on compulsory treatment.

· The group agreed for a need to respect differences; partly by ensuring that only one person would speak at one time. This was not to silence conflict -- there were likely to be differences of opinion but that these differences should be respected.

· The issue of confidentiality was discussed. We may need to ensure that if discussing the group outside, members’ names should be kept confidential. However, it was suggested that as a focus of the group was to campaign, we might well need to repeat discussions outside the group. If people say things they would not like to be shared outside perhaps they could note this in the meeting.

· The use of language in the group was discussed, and that due to people coming from a range of positions, individuals should make clear what they mean by those terms, eg 'illness'. This led to a discussion on the diversity of the group and the need to respect each other’s views. It was suggested that a useful topic for a later meeting might be the use of language within mental health systems.

· The need to avoid making assumptions about others in the group was highlighted. This led to a discussion about the need to work collectively, to be reflective as we participate in the group, and to be aware that we might be making assumptions.

· A general discussion took place on the focus of the group. One suggestion was that internally, the group might provide support and externally work towards campaigning. It was suggested that there might be a need for a small group to plan meetings and topics. Some expressed concerns that the numbers in the group had decreased (45 first meeting to about 25 the last two meetings). Others said that the group was bound to take some time to develop given the range of possible ideas raised. One issue that some wanted more time spent on was on defining in what ways we would like mental health services to change and positive alternatives. Another suggestion was to get more of these ideas into the media.

· Sarah discussed this group which has recently been formed. The aim of this campaigning group is to look at discrimination and legislation on mental illness. It is intending to draw attention to the fact that there is no legislation on helping those who have been given a diagnosis of mental illness in the past. Sarah handed out cards with the snappy title 'Psychophobia: A serious social disease'.

· Copies of the mental health magazine ‘Open Mind’ (published by MIND) were available during the meeting. Sara Dunn, the editor would like to hear from anyone wanting to write articles individually or collectively. Her contact details are in the magazine.

Dave Harper asked for help with a number of tasks and a few people volunteered. So thanks to: Carla Willig (mailing list) and Sybil Ah-Mane (room-booking and organising the whipround). Dave was happy to continue doing the emailing. It was agreed that chairing and minute-taking/typing would be organised each week (thanks to Louisa Mackrell for doing these ones). Rufus May said he would be happy to chair the next meeting.

· Jan Holloway raised the issue of how to ensure the group did not exclude others, noting for example that the group was mainly white. She wanted the group to discuss issues of diversity. The point was made that groups might well not wish to attend and to organise separately and there was a need to respect that. There was the issue of the balance between workers and survivors and service users. It was suggested that future meetings might address the debate regarding about racism in services and how to manage a mixed workers and survivors/service users group.

The group then divided into smaller groups to discuss Rufus’s statement on compulsory

treatment.

· Feedback was chaired by Rufus. Suggestions included a statement on capacity i.e. that it shouldn’t be assumed that because people have mental health problems they can’t make decisions. The assumption that medication is the definitive treatment should be addressed with more of an emphasis on a range of alternatives. It was suggested that the social causes of mental health, for example, poverty and housing should be addressed. The idea that the paper affects ,mental health workers was raised and their jobs may move more towards an emphasis on social control. Unfortunately we ran out of time to finish the feedback on this and we agreed to come back to it at the next meeting.

There was a whipround at the meeting. Dave Harper had wrongly calculated the amount at the last meeting. With the money left over from the last meeting plus the whipround at this one there was £33.38. Minus £24 for the room hire left £9.38 over towards the room hire next time.

· The next meeting will be at 6.30pm on Thursday 31^st May in the Lower Club Lounge at the Central YMCA (Great Russell Street, London). Note that this is a Thursday. On the agenda will be: Diana Rose discussing the media and the linking of violence with mental health. There was also a suggestion to have some time to finish off feedback on the draft statement on compulsory treatment and to decide on the name of the group (if we're going to publicise the statement in a press release).

The following meeting will be at 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 July (this is the first Wednesday available).