Views and ideas sought on mental health strategy
Doctors and healthcare professionals in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay want to find out the views of local people on how the county’s mental health strategy could look in the future.
The NHS and local authorities have launched a draft commissioning strategy for adult mental health services and want people to say what they think about the proposals.
The draft strategy, which is for 2014-2017, has been developed in partnership with mental health service users and carers.
Four events are being run in June 2014 where people can meet those responsible for commissioning, or buying, mental health services on behalf of the population and have their say:
• Monday 16 June, from 2pm, Copthorne Hotel, Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 1AR
• Thursday 19 June, from 2pm, The Cedar Inn, Bickington Road, Bickington, Barnstaple, EX31 2HE
• Friday 20 June, from 2pm, ISCA Centre, Summer Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NT
• Tuesday 24 June, from 6:30pm, Buckerell Lodge, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4SQ
• Tuesday 8 July, from 10am – 2pm, Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ.
Dr Stephen Miller, a GP from Devon and Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group’s clinical lead for mental health, called for people to get involved in developing mental health services in the county.
“We would like people in Devon to have access to excellent mental health services and we invite everyone to get involved and tell us what they think about our draft proposals,” he said.
“Alongside the core mental health services we recognise there is a need for local people and organisations, the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector to do the things that will support good mental health and wellbeing.
“This may include providing choices that promote good housing and a place in the community, strengthen families, enable friendships, and support employment, activities and positive lifestyles.
“So we’d ask that people take the time to read through the strategy and tell us what they think.”
To book a place at one of the events or for more information, contact Kathy Mitchell, administrator, on kathymitchell@nhs.net or 01392 267 864.
