sparkadhd
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Post by sparkadhd on Aug 4, 2015 20:23:18 GMT
Hello all. Its good to be back. I was a regular on this forum a few years back, back when I was trying to be diagnosed and looking for answers. Thank you so much for the help and guidance you all gave me here. It made a huge difference and I went on to get my diagnosis and I have been taking my medication for 3 years now. My life changed quite a bit. Because/despite my diagnosis, I went on to work as a support worker. I work with ex-offenders and people at risk of homelessness and as you can imagine i come across a lot of clients that may have ADHD and most of their need revolve around impulsive behaviour, addiction and trouble planning. Anyway, I have a better knowledge of the condition now and I work everyday with healthcare providers, charities and organizations involved in supporting people's heath and social care needs. Despite the help available by the NHS, I believe a lot needs to be done for adults with ADHD and I started SPARK, a group that aims to help adults with ADHD get the help and support they need. It basically a facebook page at this point, but I have both the knowledge of the condition and relevant professional experience. I am posting here today because I need directions, suggestions and guidance so that I can make the most out of this platform and help the growing number of members in getting the help they need. www.facebook.com/CardiffAdultAdhd spark.adhd@gmail.com Thank you all for reading. Chat soon
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Post by annie on Aug 6, 2015 16:28:10 GMT
Hi there
Good to hear this website was helpful for you in the past. Also your success in getting a dx and treatment and better still a job where you can use your own experience.
Alongside your Facebook page, do you have regular meetings where people can have face to face discussions/support? What's the service provision for Adult ADHD in your area?
Sorry to be asking more questions, rather than give you some suggestions. Would love to hear more about what's available in your area.
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sparkadhd
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Post by sparkadhd on Aug 6, 2015 17:39:58 GMT
Hi Annie, thank you for your interest.
I personally cannot complain of Cardiff's services. I was lucky, i guess, and capable of putting my point across. Unfortunately mental health services expect patients to put their points across in a clear and objective way, so a lot of patients end up hitting a brick wall by saying the wrong thing. I also run across a lot of incorrect diagnosis, with doctors reluctant to correct their own (or other doctor's) diagnosis. Its a bit like asking a blind person to press the red button...
I was involved with a small local group that had meetings in a cafe. The group as since "disbanded". I'm afraid to set up a similar group because of the nature of our personalities... I'd hate to set up a group only to find people don't turn up or end up arguing. On the other hand, I may be able to moderate things in a professional way, now that I am medicated and trained....
What do you think? Have you been involved in user groups before? Did things go smoothly?
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sparkadhd
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Post by sparkadhd on Aug 6, 2015 17:41:05 GMT
I was thinking about working with Cardiff Mind and setting up a support group under their umbrella, perhaps benefiting from some guidance from their staff?
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Post by annie on Aug 8, 2015 17:02:38 GMT
Hi there
Yes, I have, am involved in setting up a user group and it's not without it's challenges - a room full of people with ADHD can be a challenge
Whilst a Facebook page can be helpful, it can be a bit too impersonal and people can be cautious (rightly so)about sharing information. It is a pity your previous support group disbanded, but maybe you are in a stronger place whereby you could set up a new one. Personally I think it's helpful to set up the group in conjunction with another voluntary organisation who might be prepared to offer you a free room/tea/coffee facilities/ photocopying. You might want to check out where Mind stand in relation to Adult ADHD - I think at one time, they didn't recognise Adult ADHD.
Being clear about what the purpose of your group is and setting out some simple, and not too many ground rules is a good place to start. When you say you "were lucky" does that mean your NHS is not well developed, in terms of Adult ADHD services in Cardiff? I know there have been people on this forum who have had problems accessing Adult ADHD services in Wales. Apart from offering support to each other, one of the purposes of your group might be to clarify with your local NHS where they are at in terms of providing an accessible service.
It is hard work setting up and running a group, but if people work in a collective way then they are more likely to see improvements in services.
Good luck and let's know how it goes.
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bella
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Post by bella on Oct 17, 2015 16:10:48 GMT
I was thinking about working with Cardiff Mind and setting up a support group under their umbrella, perhaps benefiting from some guidance from their staff? Hi, Grateful for your advice on diagnosis and services in Cardiff. I am sure my 21 year son has undiagnosed ADHD and he is now depressed and anxious. He is also getting quite isolated. We are waiting for appointment with psychiatrist but I want to make sure he see a good one. Is it worth going privately ? Thanks Bella
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auxilia
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Post by auxilia on Mar 29, 2016 11:17:36 GMT
Hi Spark - I have just joined your Facebook page - I can't tell you what a relief it is knowing I'm not alone!
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