Suzy Johnston has managed a psychiatric disorder for 20 years which has included 8 psychiatric hospital admissions. The Naked Bird Watcher, The Snow Globe Journals are her autobiographical accounts on living with and managing the condition. She set up The Cairn to raise awareness of mental illness, its many issues and to show that recovery is realistic. When Do I Get my Shoelaces Back? is the actual diary she wrote in 2008 when she was in acute psychiatric care for 7 months as a result of a protracted psychotic episode which was triggered when she contracted Viral Hepatitis A and her medication had to be stopped. All her books highlight the importance of good psychiatric care, self management and support from family, friends and colleagues can all contribute to recovery. To Walk on Eggshells by Jean Johnston is the carer's account of Suzy's journey of recovery.

The Cairn provides training for nursing and psychology students, psychiatrists, psychologists and support/advocacy workers. Covering such issues as spotting and responding early to the symptoms of mental illness, managing psychosis and suicidal impulses, self-harming, dealing with stigma and creating the right pathway to recovery, our workshops are supported by readings, broadcast extracts and facilitated discussions. The Team gives talks and holds workshops on living with and managing mental illnesses for service-users, families and carers.

Michel Syrett is The Cairn's Training Partner. He is an international authority and author on business management and creativity and, along with The Cairn's background in mental health awareness, The Cairn is uniquely placed to provide comprehensive workshops on mental health within the workplace. The workshops include preventative skills, self management along with supporting recovery from illness on returning to work. Michel is able to provide workshops and programmes to maximize productivity in team situation/performances.

Michel and Suzy are co-authors of Working Well with Mental Health - published by Stirling’s leading mental health charity Action in Mind (AIM). The guide was developed by AIM while taking part in the Scottish Parliament’s Community Partnerships Project.

Having spent 2 years giving support in mental health groups while monitoring the social websites such as Facebook, Bebo and My Space, our experiences give an unique insight, not only into the dubious support which is available, but also highlights the very real dangers and risks which are totally underestimated and, as yet, unrecognised.

To find out about either The Cairn Training, Education or Awareness programmes please click on the Training section at the top of the page or contact Michel Syrett direct to discuss The Cairn's presentations, talks and workshops or if you would like him to assist in the production and editing of magazines, publication materials or books for your organisation

Telephone - 01436.673649 or 01436.676217

‘At SRN we’ve worked extensively with The Cairn team. Collectively and individually they offer an informed and distinct perspective on all things mental health related. They bring insight and creativity to their work, communicating with clarity and passion.’
Simon Bradstreet, Network Director, Scottish Recovery Network