January Arts and Social Network event
Friday, January 7, 2011 Arts & Social Network: Friday 28th January @ 1.30pm
Bridget Riley @ The National Gallery
contact: admin@emergenceplus.org.uk
tel: 0208 233 2854
What is it?
The Arts and Social Network is an opportunity for people who identify with the diagnosis of personality disorder, their carers and friends, to enjoy London based arts and cultural events on a regular basis.
What is it for?
The Network will support and promote users to meet together in a safe and containing way. It is being organised to give people who may be isolated an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the experience of going to cultural events with a peer group who can appreciate the difficulties of having a personality disorder. It is our hope that over time these experiences may help you to overcome some of your anxieties and assist you in strengthening your ability and resourcefulness to do and see things you may have not felt able to do on your own. If you have anxieties about walking in on your own please notify us as we can arrange for an EMERGENCE steward to meet you at a designated point close to the venue if this would be of help. In addition stewards will be in attendance at the venue to welcome you on your arrival.
Do I have to be diagnosed to attend?
The Network is for people who "identify" with the diagnosis of personality disorder. We also extend our invitation to carers and friends (who may or may not identify) so that new members feel safe and supported when they first attend. It is our hope that over time a new member will be able to overcome some of their difficulties and bond with the group. To achieve this we feel that after new members have attended a few events they should be encouraged to come on their own (if they are able) so they can gain a sense of their own resourcefulness and ability to tolerate their fears and anxieties.
& Finally... ... ... some boundaries
Arts & Social Network Events are stewarded for the safety and emotional well-being of all who attend. We would politely ask that people do not attend if they have consumed alcohol or used any substances that may impair their thought processes and behaviour. It is OK to attend if you are taking prescribed medication. EMERGENCE is a predominantly Service User led organisation so we all share and empathise with the challenges associated with PD. We hope you will be able to appreciate that we are not trying to limit your enjoyment of the events by asking you to keep these boundaries. They are not intended to be prohibitive; they are there to keep you safe.