MEMBERS of the public are invited to a drop in event this Thursday (July 6) between 2pm – 7pm at Letterston Memorial Hall to find out more about Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Transforming Mental Health consultation.

Launched on June 22, the consultation will run for 12 weeks until the September 15 with the aim to help change adult mental health services for the better across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

‘The Journey to Recovery’ asks people for their opinions on proposals to change how the Health Board provide care and treatment to meet the mental health needs of people now as well as future generations.

A spokesperson for the Health Board said: “Having discussed and explored the issues that our current services encounter together with the people most affected we have worked together to co-design a model that encompasses:

“24 hour services – ensuring anyone who needs help can access a mental health centre for support at any time of the day or night.

“No waiting lists – so that people receive first contact with mental health services within 24 hours and for their subsequent care to be planned for in a consistent and supportive way

“Community focus – to stop admitting people to hospital when it isn’t the best option and provide support in the community when people need time away from home, extra support or protection.

“Recovery and resilience – services that don’t purely focus on treating or managing symptoms, but instead help people to live independent, fulfilling lives with the help and support they need.”

Libby Ryan-Davies, Director of Transformation, said: “The work we have done on Transforming Mental Health has helped us to think differently about how we design, plan and deliver services locally. We know we do not always help people with mental health difficulties at an early enough stage and services do not always feel joined up with people having to endure repeat assessments before they get the right care.

“We want service users to have better access to higher quality services in their communities, helping them stay well and out of hospital where possible.

“We want to do our best for everyone who needs adult mental health services across our counties and we know the best way to do this is to take into account the views from as many people as possible to help us develop plans that meet the needs of our services users, their carers, friends and families.”

Angie Darlington, Director of West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) said: “Over the last two years we have worked with a variety of service users, carers, organisations and interest groups, I would encourage everyone to get involved with this consultation, to make their views known.

“It is great to see such energy and determination to work together to improve mental health services across Wales. This consultation offers a fantastic opportunity to develop forward thinking recovery focused mental health services, that offer care, compassion and proactive support. By working together to shape this work we can all make a positive difference.”

To take part, residents are asked to read the  issues paper and answer an accompanying questionnaire. An easy read version is also available.

Documents can be accessed or requested by:

Emailing: [email protected]
Visiting the website: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
Writing to them at: FREEPOST HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD

Calling us on: 01554 899 056 (please leave a message for us)

You can also complete the questionnaire online at: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/mentalhealth