Connections

There’s more to Michael than fantasy adventures and personal development writing. Beyond the Books offers a glimpse into the experiences, causes, creative projects, and community work that have shaped both the author and his writing over the years.

Alongside his books, Michael has spent much of his life working within mental health, counselling, leadership, organisational development, and community support. He also continues to enjoy music and performance as a member of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, an important creative and social part of his life.

This page is a collection of additional projects, publications, reflections, and connections that readers may find interesting beyond the main book collection.

Psychiatric Nursing Skills

A professional guide focused on compassionate psychiatric nursing, patient care, and effective communication within mental health settings. Drawing on extensive experience, the book offers valuable insight into supporting individuals with empathy, professionalism, and understanding.

Psychiatric Nursing Skills: A Patient Centred Approach is now out of print, although second-hand copies may still be available through sellers such as AbeBooks.

Buy Now

PLEASE NOTE: This title is currently out of print and some online listings may be significantly overpriced. Readers interested in the book may wish to look for second-hand copies or check local libraries and used-book sellers.

York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir

Alongside his writing, Michael is also actively involved in the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, where he served as Chairman for over 4 years between 2021 and 2025 from Covid to Centenary celebrations.

Founded in 1925, the choir has a long-standing reputation for bringing people together through music, friendship, and community spirit.

Music and community have always played an important role in Michael’s life, and his involvement with the choir reflects the same values found throughout his books, connection, encouragement, compassion, and shared experiences.

Family Connection: George Walker Milburn

George Walker Milburn, my great-great-uncle, was a prolific York sculptor, woodcarver and stonemason whose work remains part of the city’s artistic and architectural heritage.

His carvings and statues, including work associated with York Minster and other landmark sites, continue to be admired today.

A detailed account of his life and work has been written by my cousin, Dr Anthony Power, in The Stories Behind the Carvings of George Walker Milburn.

View the book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DZCMM3FN

Quaker Voices on Mental Health

Quaker Voices on Mental Health is a Quaker Recognised Body and a national network of Friends who share a concern for mental health and wellbeing.

The network seeks to encourage reflection, dialogue and action on mental health in ways that are grounded in Quaker values, lived experience and the need for compassionate reform.

Mike was involved in the early foundation of this network and has contributed a chapter to the Quaker Voices on Mental Health book. His chapter, “The Tuke family’s contribution to mental health and its relevance today,” reflects on the historic Quaker contribution to mental health care and asks what this legacy means for us today.

More about Quaker Voices on Mental Health can be found here:

https://quakervoicesonmh.org.uk/

The free eBook can be downloaded here:
https://files.quaker.app/xv2qaj