PAMH Board of Directors Profiles

 Diane Forest

 Q1: How long have you been on the board?

 I have been on the board since the last AGM, when I was voted in and seconded. I was asked if I would consider this before deciding to go for it.

Q2: How and why did you become a member and what is the purpose of the board?

 I enjoy working with a team of people who are all focused on one aim--in this case, the promotion of PAMH services. I have always been very interested in contributing to developmental ideas, and try to "pull my weight" as much as those also involved.
My involvement in mental (and general) health services, and their attendant issues, is now longstanding. As a current worker in the statutory services, I feel that the time is now right to try to return some of the help PAMH offers, by way of offering my help in whatever way I can--in this case bringing knowledge gained from my time in the NHS to contribute to PAMH as a board member. I don't think there is any mystique in what a board of members’ do- they are there to ensure that staffs are able to carry out their jobs, in the face of very difficult circumstances sometimes. I hope the board is also seen as a form of support for staff, and consequently also attendees where there are matters needing discussion or, in the case of ideas, exploration.

 Q4: What plans have you for PAMH?

A very interesting question! One I am happy to try to answer. The plans for PAMH are linked to some extent to the targets and areas for concern identified by the Scottish Health Dept, and local government. These plans therefore have to reflect these nationally identified concerns (for example, the local "Choose Life" initiative to attempt to reduce the possibility of suicide). However, if given free reign, it would be good to promote the role of PAMH day and educational services, and demonstrate how they contribute to meeting such targets-I am currently involved in working with staff to draft a presentation for NHS and Social Work teams who provide care for people with severe mental health problem, hopefully explaining their usefulness in meeting such targets in caring for individuals.

Amanda Millar

Amanda Millar joined the PAMH board in 2007. She is a court solicitor with particular interest in the areas of Mental Health and Incapacity Law. Amanda has lived in the Perth area for in excess of eight years.

Doug C Cheyne

I joined PAMH as the receptionist, administrator and book-keeper in August 1997.I was co-opted onto the board to take and record the minutes. Becoming Secretary/ Treasurer without full board membership until December 2007. Over the years working at PAMH, I joined in various activities with the Day Services; trips to Edinburgh, evening parties and bingo sessions near Christmas time, enjoying these sessions with friends.

I resigned my post in April 2007 due to personal circumstances but decided to maintain links by remaining on the board as Secretary/ Treasurer.

 Tricia Stewart

I am a retired teacher. I now teach Chi Kung / Tai Chi and am a Complementary Therapist.

I became involved with PAMH several years ago and was invited about 2 years ago to join the board. As I have no background in Social Work or the Health Service I feel I bring a different outlook to the meetings.

However it has been a steep learning curve with regard to Board issues and not least that of the ‘jargon’!

 Plans – I hope to recruit suitable professional people to bring more energy and expertise in order to broaden the skills available and to contribute to the smooth running of the board.

Ken Stewart

Currently Retired - Formerly Bottling Hall Programmer in the whisky industry and Work Study Engineer in the knitwear industry.

I was invited to join the board by my wife and it is my hope to support other members of the board where they deem any skills I may have will be of use to them.  I joined the board because I consider the work done by PAMH to be extremely important to the community.

 Linda Nicol (Chair)

I have been a board member for quite a number of years-approx 8 years. A then member of the board who was also a user of PAMH’s service put my name forward.
The main purpose of the board is to set and monitor strategic direction, which will determine the character and mission of PAMH. This will ensure that our organisation moves ahead as an efficient, flexible and integral part of our local community meeting the needs of our present and potential clients. We are also guided by local and national priorities e.g. the recent Tayside Mental Health Review.
Our vision is to maintain and develop PAMH as a centre of excellence working along with staff and users to ensure that we continue to meet the many demands we face from year to year.

I work full-time as a physiotherapist in Mental Health based at Murray Royal Hospital, Perth. I am therefore involved in both the physical and mental well being of people suffering from severe mental health problems. I participate in the strategic development of my own service and I am aware of the main drivers of Mental Health Reform, which I feel is very useful as a board member.
I live with my two children, who are now in their twenties, and always look forward to the weekend when I can catch up with friends and go hill walking (weather permitting!)
I am a West Coaster from Helensburgh and try to get home as often as I can.

Linda Alexander 

Q1: How long have you been on the board?

I was elected onto the Board in September 2007.

Q2: How and why did you become a member?

 Someone approached me from PAMH about it because of my connection
with the Association and my experience of working with service users.

 Q3: What is the purpose of the board?

I'm probably the least qualified to say really because my association
with the Board is just beginning. But perhaps one of the main purposes
would be to support PAMH in both its current work but also look at what
might be developed in the future

Q4: What plans have you for PAMH?

I don't personally have any plans for PAMH except to do my best to
listen to what's going on there, what service users want to happen both
now and in the future and hopefully to help PAMH grow from strength to
strength.

Gillian MacKenzie

My involvement with the Caladh Centre began in the earl;y 90s when I attended the monthly manic-depression (Bi-polar)

meetings. This led to me attending the drop-in sessions and activity groups, where I appreciated the support and encouragement

given to me by the staff.

In recent years, I have taken part in various sessions and Complementary Therapy taster days offered by PAMH. Since then I

have been working as a Volunteer, firstly as a Befriender and now in group activities.

As a founder member of PLUS, I am keen to see individuals progress through the development of their own characters and not

hampered by any mental health issues.

Amongst other pursuits I, for example, participate and volunteer in drama and art workshops and feel that opportunities such

as this can enhance the journey of an indiviual's recovery. I feel that I can add to and influence decisions that the board may make

in relation to attendees at PAMH.