Wide Publicity for NAPS
27 Jun 2008
Radio 1's "Newsbeat" highlights NAPS' work for PMS Sufferers
NAPS Publicity
Radio 1 "Newsbeat"
A huge "thank-you" goes to Maddy Savage for promoting NAPS and the needs of PMS sufferers.
On Wednesday, 18th June, a feature, which she pioneered on Radio l's "Newsbeat", highlighted the concerns expressed by many who contact the Association, that women with PMS are being prescribed antidepressants as the first line of treatment. Thus, instead of being treated for PMS, they are being diagnosed with depression and all that a diagonosis of depression might entail.
There was an excellent write-up on the BBC website and a videocam of Michelle who was interviewed in her "good" time and her "bad". There was also a direct link to the NAPS website. The information was made available for seven days.
Following this feature, coverage on the day included Five Live Morning Report, Five Live Midday News, The Asian Network, BBC1xtra, BBC Northampton, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands and BBC Leeds. Jackie Howe also gave interviews on Southern Counties Radio, BCB (Bradford), and G Company Media (Capital Radio and other commercial stations).
The following day NAPS was contacted by a journalist from "The Guardian" newspaper. Jackie Howe, Nick Panay and Laura Binns were all interviewed for an article. "The Daily Telegraph" also interviewed Nick Panay for a piece on whether Prozac is an appropriate treatment for PMS.
Statistics show a marked increase in the number of hits on the NAPS website on the day of the broadcasts.
What is puzzling, however, is that, including that day and the four following, only three women signed up as members. Given the significant benefits of becoming a member, in particular being able to access advice from leading PMS experts, it is intriguing to say the least, as to why so few severe sufferers are tapping into such a valuable service. We would welcome any comments on this from readers of the bulletin.
The Nursing Times
Thanks also to the Vartys for their article published in The Nursing Times intended to raise awareness of both PMS and NAPS amongst practice nurses, and to Peggy Pryer, ex-NAPS Secretary, retired RGN and long-standing member of The Royal College of Nursing, for her assistance in this initiative.
