E.I.P. ALIVE & KICKING IN PORTSMOUTH

by Lee Stevens
 
The Early Intervention in Psychosis Service held its official launch day at Portsmouth Guildhall in September. The day was an interesting overview of early intervention, combining a good mix of speakers and workshops.
 
Broken into morning and afternoon sessions, the morning consisted of speakers such as Jo Fuller, Early intervention development consultant for CSIP / NIMHE in the South East and Dr Eric Davis from Gloucester recovery in psychosis.
 
Jo's presentation was certainly interesting, and early on she made us realise why we were all there by her comments that "effective and sustained intervention over the initial period maximises the potential for recovery, protects against relapse, and improves the individual's long term trajectory and outcome."
 
She went on to quote a World Health Organisation report from 2001, which read, "Psychosis ranks as the third most disabling condition, following quadriplegia and dementia." I found her presentation both informative and inspiring. Inspiring because of her hopes to challenge stigma and discrimination.

Dr. Eric Davis

Dr Eric Davis followed, with news from the Gloucester recovery in psychosis team, and Dr Lucy Valmaggia from OASIS Outreach and support in South London then ended the morning session.
 
Workshops then followed, in topics such as recognition of people at risk, transition, engagement, and psychological interventions.
 
The day ended with Portsmouth Early Intervention Team's 'story so far'.
 
Let us hope they continue the excellent work they have started and that early intervention flourishes in Portsmouth, a much needed service in our local area.