Feedback from groups:
- Peter fed back that groups are struggling with numbers and funding.
- General feeling from Forum members that people are anxious about their personal situation (housing, benefits, support). Also that a local project has required weekly attendance which has affected existing groups.
- Phoenix Art group is now for older people (not mental health) and meets in Haydock
- Some groups, including the Peer Support Network and women’s group, are going very well with increased numbers and referrals from the Social Inclusion Team
- Feeling that the more successful groups offer a structure and activities, and are helped by pro-active volunteers
Direct Payments
- Several members reporting long delays after applying for direct payments (currently still waiting for a decision after 2 months).
- Also describing a lot of bureaucracy and multiple forms to fill
- Request for someone from Direct Payments to attend the Forum meeting in May
- Also queries for more information about Personal Health Budgets
New projects
- Insight group – David/Tony are developing a poster for the new group
- Walks – David will organize walks to take place on the 1st Tuesday of each month – meet 1pm at the URC – open to all – a short stroll around town / to local parks – to help build confidence and encourage people to get out.
- Holidays – some members asked about organized holidays. It was felt that this is too ambitious for most members at the moment and people want something accessible (geography and timing).
Walk and talk
We organized this walk to support the new time to change campaign “time to talk”, which encourages people to talk about mental health problems. See www.time-to-change.org.uk
LIT
Karen (carers) and Sam (forum) are unable to attend the meeting.
4 members (Denise, Kim, Jaqui and Barry) have agreed to attend tomorrow’s LIT as observers and representatives for the Forum and the Carers group.
The issues they will take to the Forum / Carers feedback slot are:
- Direct Payments – concern over length of time to get a decision
- Oasis group – worry about the funding ending on March 28th
- IAPT – a question about what is happening with this now and whether it is accessible from secondary care
- Carers services – why was the service provided by together not funded, and how will individuals and groups be supported.
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