Lorna Thomas
Lorna is Head of Learning and Education at Our Time.
Activity
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Kelly Brown
Hi Kelly, it's great to hear that you are considering the whole family in your work. I hope you find this course useful!
-
I agree that when you think about it, these statistics make sense. From my experience it's just not something many people have spent time considering before. Have you heard about this issue before Gabriel?
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Gabriel L
Yes I think stigma, shame, fear and feeling alone are huge factors at play.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Gabriel L
Hi Gabriel, it'd great to have you! It's good to hear your motivations, I am looking forward to hearing your insights throughout the course.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Dawn VM
Hi Dawn, sorry I don't think my previous comment posted so replying again - sorry if this comes through twice. Thank you for completing our course, I am glad that you have found this knowledge useful and good luck in your new role!
-
Totally agree with all these suggestions Dawn, a whole school approach is key.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Dawn VM
Hi Dawn, glad to have you on the course. I hope you find it useful to your new role, looking forward to hearing your perspective from working in a school!
-
Yes, from our beneficiaries we have heard just how important an explanation is.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Hannah Ryan
Love your first point Hannah!
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Hannah Ryan
Yes I agree, fear of external intervention in the family is such a strong barrier to children speaking openly about their parent's mental illness.
-
Definitely, every family is different - fostering an open and non judgemental atmosphere is essential to the workshops.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Hannah Ryan
That's true Hannah, the risk of being bullied is a reality for many children. That is why I feel ensuring there are strong policies and procedures around bullying in schools is essential. I think it is also important that there is an open culture where children can speak openly and report issues to teachers, and also to educate other children about the topic...
-
I totally agree Jerry, I think your last point is very important to emphasise.
-
Thanks for your insights Jerry, your last point is very interesting - we find drama such a powerful way to connect with children in our workshops, but it isn't for every child. What other techniques have you found work?
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Jerry Donaldson
Hi Jerry, thank you for joining us and sharing your experiences. We are also glad that you have had an opportunity to dedicate time to thinking about parental mental illness and reflect on your own role!
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Amanda Bosley lcgi
It is discouraging to think that the same cycles of stigma are being repeated! However, it is encouraging that those with lived experience are willing to speak up, we want to listen and amply these voices at Our Time https://ourtime.org.uk/.
-
Thank you for all your input along the way Amanda!
-
I think that is such a good point Amanda, it is so important that this approach is really embedded
-
Lorna Thomas replied to V L
Yes, I really appreciate your focus on being non-judgemental, it's so important when really listening to someone else.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Amanda Bosley lcgi
Yes being factual and providing an honest explanation is often what is actually most reassuring - not alternative sugarcoated myths. How do you think it is best to go about creating a balance between reassuring fears by debunking myths, without creating new ones Amanda?
-
Thanks so much for this insight Amanda. Do you see any disadvantages as classifying these children as young carers? Sometimes we find that children growing up with a parent with a mental illness do not relate to this label. It'd be interesting to hear your thoughts.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to V L
Yes, listening to the voices of those with lived experience is so important.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to V L
Hi V L, really glad to have you learning on this course with us. I'm really looking forward to hearing about how you apply your knowledge from this course in practice! We know that professionals can make a huge difference.
-
Lorna Thomas replied to Amanda Bosley lcgi
Hi Amanda, thanks so much for joining our course - it is amazing to have your insights from lived experience and extensive professional work. I am really looking forward to learning from your comments throughout the course!