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Well Issue 3: Autumn/Winter 2003/04
Profile: Robert Cook
It was a job that Robert Cook never intended applying for. But he's very glad now that he did.
The Project Convener for Mental Health Options for Older People with Depression (MOOD) based in Whitburn, Robert manages nine groups of six people mainly over the age of 60 who may be at risk of developing depression or mental health problems. Previously a social worker at St John's Hospital in Livingston, a job which he thoroughly enjoyed, Robert was reluctant to apply for the position, but after four years and the immense satisfaction of seeing so many older people (that's anyone over the age of 55) live happier, more fulfiling lives he's convinced that he's perfectly suited.
"It doesn't matter how much money or success you have," suggests Robert, who has lived in West Lothian most of his life. "The most important things in life are people and relationships. That's what MOOD is all about.
"Although depression is not a normal part of ageing, people are living longer so they're more likely to experience physical problems, emotional loss, or loss of their role or mobility, so they're much more susceptible to becoming depressed.
"At MOOD we provide a range of resources designed to prevent the onset of illness - talks, social events, music, quizzes and outings. It's designed to help people develop new skills, boost self-esteem, make new friends and have fun on a regular basis. In short, MOOD gives them a sense of purpose and well-being."
Since MOOD was established in 1999 by an inter-agency group for mental health with funding from the Scottish Executive and the West Lothian Social Work Department, 200 older people in the west of West Lothian have been referred to the project by a variety of health professionals - community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, wardens, psychiatrists and GPs. Currently covering a population of approximately 60,000, additional funding is now being sought to roll out the MOOD initiative to the whole of West Lothian.
Robert is a busy man and in addition to developing relationships with the local Croftmalloch Primary School on behalf of MOOD he is also, along with the 50+ Network and Acredale Day Centre, helping to establish Older Men Under Stress (OMUS) which targets men over the age of 55 who are at risk of suicide. He is also the convener for ANSWER (Addressing Needs and Serving Whitburn Elderly Residents) which is leading a bid to raise 300,000 to build a day centre in Whitburn which can be rented by a variety of groups, including MOOD.
For Robert, the level of job satisfaction is immense and he believes that working with older people is fascinating: "Older people hold a wealth of information. It could be about the war, their hobbies, their life experiences or places they've visited. We're learning about life all the time and building relationships in the process. We're also providing a complimentary service to carers and consultants by helping to keep people at home who might otherwise be in hospital or by supporting them if they come off medication. It's the most satisfying job in the world."
Using the Beck Evaluation Scale for measuring depression and anxiety, the MOOD project is evaluated on a six-monthly basis so that evidence of improvement is monitored. Feedback is also harnessed from group members who are encouraged to discuss any concerns or suggest new activities, the latter being something that Robert is also particularly good at.
"It was never my intention to indulge my own personal interests but it just so happens that carpet bowls is a hobby of mine. This idea went down a treat with the MOOD members, so we now have three groups - at Stoneyburn and Blackridge for men who need to sit down to play, and one at the Polkemmet Country Park which is for more active men.
"I also play keyboard and we have a Harmony Group with an average of 14 ladies attending on a weekly basis. We did Beatles, songs the other day - there's nothing like a few bars of 'Yellow Submarine' to give you a mental boost!"
Contact: Robert Cook,
Mental Health Options Older People with Depression (MOOD)
Tel: 01501 749974
Email:robert@moodproject.org.uk
www.moodproject.org.uk
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