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20 March 2012

Network Members Forum - 24 April 2012 - Care Programme Approach

Want to know more about how people involved in your mental health should be working?
Please click here to find out more about this exciting and important meeting.

Changes East Staffordshire

Burton and Uttoxeter have published new Schedules, please click here for more info

Employment and Support Allowance

The Department of Work and Pensions have announced changes to ESA. If you have been claiming Contribution-Based ESA for 12 months or more and are NOT in the Support Group, you should have recieved a letter informing you of how this will affect you. Please contact your local Job Centre Plus for information. The following link outlines the changes:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/changes-to-contribution/

Mid-Staffs Mind - New Courses

Changing Lives through Drama & Art, Music and Creative Writing in Stafford and CannockUsing creative arts can help develop a range of skills, overcome barriers and encourage positive life choices if used in an appropriate way. Courses will run weekly. Music and Creative Writing
Starts Tuesday 17 April 2012

Stafford Quest 10am-12noon

Cannock Mind Office 1.30 –3.30Drama and Art

Starts Wednesday 18 April 2012

Stafford Quest 10am -12noon

Cannock Asda Community Room 1-30pm– 3.30pm

There’s no need to book. If you would like more information, contact Sophie on:

01543 462907 or 07971 050881

09 March 2012

Changes Lichfield Open Day

Don't forget Changes have their Lichfield Open Day TODAY, 10am - 4pm - just pop down and see what they are up to and the great work they are bringing to the area. Check out the poster at the bottom of this page!

Network Members Forum

Our New Network Members Forum kicked off with a good start in Cannock, the next Forum is at Wombourne on 24 April 2012. Click here for more information!

South Staffordshire & Shropshire Healthcare Foundation Trust - Involvement

The Trust who provide many of the mental health services in the area (such as CMHTs) have a number of opportunities on at the moment:

Improving Psychological Services: An Event to talk with Service Users, Carers, Parents and Trust MembersWednesday 28th March 2012 (9.30-4.00) Click here for poster. We will be running a stand at this event!

An Invitation to Participate in a Consultation on the development of an Acute Care PathwayFriday 30th March 2012 at Mellor House. Click here for poster.

Equality and Diversity SurveyThe Trust are looking for your views on accessing their services - this is through a questions and answer survey you can download here. Email your completed surveys by 15 March 2012 to the email address listed at the end of the survey.

05 March 2012

Changes: 12 Step to Mental Health

Please click here to updates to Changes Services and Schedules.
From 10 March 2012, Lichfield Wellbeing Centre will run Saturday morning peer support 10.30-12.30pm as requested.

Mid Staffs Mind - Stafford

Mid Staffs Mind have organised a 'Swish' Party and would like to invite ladies to this on Thursday 8th March 2012 - 2.00pm till 4.00pm

Click here to download a poster and find out more.

Remploy - Welfare to Work

Remploy now provide a service to support people with mental illness to stay in work - find out more by clicking the link below:

http://www.remploy.co.uk/employment-services/welfare-to-work.ashx

24 February 2012

Richmond Fellowship Life Links

Richmond Fellowship have also published details on their services for March 2012.

Click here to download their programme or here for their leaflet.

Network News - Spring Edition 2012

- See your work published!If you wish to contribute to the next edition of Network News, see send in any contributions by 9 March 2012. You can send in artwork, poetry, success stories, news on services, anything relevant that you think our Network Members would like to see!

Email to sunetwork@ssnmentalhealth.co.uk

Mid Staffs Mind Work Clubs

Due to the success of the Cannock & Stafford Work Clubs please Mid Staffs Mind have announced Wombourne Work Club will start on Tuesday 6th March 2012. It will run every fortnight 10.00am - 12.00pm.

For more information contact Sophie Phillips, Development Officer, Mid Staffs Mind, on 1543 462907.

23 February 2012 Network Members Forum

Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health Changes have published schedules for March 2012, click on links below to download these:

14 February 2012

We have now published our response to the Inpatient Beds Consultation. You can download this by following the link below:
http://www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/GettingInvolvedinotherways/ConsultationonAcuteInpatientBeds

13 February 2012

Engaging Communities Engaging Communities Staffordshire are looking for a new Chair to support the organisation. See the following link for further details:

http://sdvsheadlines.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/engaging-communities-staffordshire/

10 February 2012

Inpatient Beds Consultation
The Public Consultation closes on Monday 13 Feb 2012. If you haven't shared your views on the potential closures of mental health inpatient beds, please do so now! If you have a paper copy of the feedback form, get this in the post TODAY (using the freepost address on the form) - Or visit the website:
http://www.southstaffordshirepct.nhs.uk/HaveYourSay/activeConsultations.asp

Don't miss your chance to be heard on this critical topic!

We have submitted our response, and this will be available for view after the consultation period has ended - click here for more details.

Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health- Lichfield, Burntwood
Changes Lichfield have announced their Open Day on Friday 9 March 2012:

Changes Coordinator Course
Changes are holding NOCN Open Days on 14 Feb 2012 1-3pm at Burntwood branch, The Old Mining College, Queen Street, WS7 4QH and Tamworth Branch 17 Feb 10-1pm, 6 Lady Bank, B79 7NB.

They are looking for people to train as Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators for our CHANGES mutual support groups.
By becoming a Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator you can help others on their journey of recovery, whilst also benefiting yourself.
This 17 week long FREE Training Programme is accredited by the National Open College Network, with credits at Level 2 and 3.
Jigsaw at Changes BurntwoodDue to the above event, Keri will now be presenting the Jigsaw: Overview of Mental Health Services on Monday 5 March 2012 from 10.30am

Trust's Community Engagement Group

Service users, carers, partner and community organisation representatives are invited to meet with Trust staff to share ideas on
how to achieve services free from inequalities,discrimination or stigma.

Tuesday, 21st February 2012, 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Click here to download a poster.

Trust's Service User Questionnaire - Confidentiality and Information sharingThe Trust are looking for people to complete a short online survey to make sure they are taking the right steps so that people are confident that information is properly treated. Please click on the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W655XS6

30 January 2012

Update to the New Members Forum - Monday 27 February 2012 2.45pm - Cannock Fire Station

Download a poster to our new Forum by clicking hereWe have Nick Bowyer from the JCU presenting on the Care Programme Approach (if you want to know more about Care Plans/Wellness Plans, you'll get a lot from this!) and we will be signing the Time to Change Pledge!

Nick has previously presented at the Mental Health Matters Meeting, so we know this is not to be missed!

Changes Lichfield

Due to member feedback, Changes Lichfield have changed the times of the Wednesday Mutual Support Group at the Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL from 5.30-7.30pm to 6.00-8.00pm as of 8 February 2012.

25 January 2012

Date for your Diaries: Network Members Forum -More details to follow. Make sure you are coming to our new exciting Forum to have your say on mental health services!

Research on Bi Polar and Advance Directives (Living Wills)If you have experience of Bi Polar Disorder and would like to participate in some ongoing research by the Trust, please download an invitation by clicking on this link.

Inpatient Beds ConsultationAll information regarding this important consultation has been given its own page! Click here.

Personal budgets'Together' is currently gathering evidence to demonstrate how the administering of direct payments or individual budgets is falling short of meeting people's needs. This could be either because they are being denied the choice of how to spend them or the support offered is inadequate. We are asking for people who feel they have been affected in this way to come forward to tell their story. In the first instance please contact:

Mandy Chainey, Together, 12 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BE

Network NewsIf you would like submit an article, poem, artwork,success story, or whatever you would like our membership to see, please get this to us by 9 March 2012, see contact us for more information.

19 January 2012

Benefits - Employment and Support AllowanceThe Government has cut the time allowed for completion of the ESA50 forms from 6 weeks to 4 weeks. This may lead to people struggling to gather evidence in time. The Citizens Advice Bureau are looking to hear your stories if you have been affected by this issue so they can campaign further. Please get in touch with your local CAB office with your story before 28 February 2012,

http://www.citizensadvicestaffordshire.co.uk

18 January 2012

Changes Lichfield......have announced new dates for their 8 Week Wellness Course, the course starts again from Week 1 on Monday 23 January 2012.. although you are welcome to join in on any week. For more information click here (opens Word Document).

17 January 2012

Development Worker Visits
You can find out when Keri Lawrence, Development Worker, is visiting your local service in the next few months by checking our Day Opportunities and Peer Groups Page.

03 January 2012 - Happy New Year!

The Office is now open and we are looking forward to hearing from you regarding our event on 10 January 2012 in Burton regarding:

Consultation on closing Inpatient Beds

See below for more details or download the poster here.

22 December 2011

Have a great Christmas and New Year! The Network office will be closed from 1pm, 23 December 2011 to 9am 3 January 2012.
The Helpline (0808 800 2234) is open as normal (Weekdays 7pm-2am, Weekends 2pm-2am)Inpatient Beds Consultation Event - 10 January 2012 - Burton on Trent We are looking for people who access mental health services and/or their carers to come and feed into the on-going consultation looking at options around closing Inpatient beds at Margaret Stanhope, George Bryan and/or St George’s Centres.

Tuesday 10th January 2012, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Burton Caribbean Association, 346 Uxbridge Road, Burton on Trent DE14 3JS

Download a poster for this event by clicking here.

This might be the last chance to get your say directly on this very important issue before the consultation period closes on the 16 January 2012.

Unlike the three previously promoted events, we intend this meeting, held in partnership with CASS, LINk, and the PCT, to be in an informal style where you can drop in, have a chat with people involved with the consultation and have your say, which will go towards the final report made to the PCT Board before they make their final decision.

Please let us know if you intend to come, so we can keep an idea of how many people to expect - 01543 301139

Changes Lichfield have announced: New Foundation Wellness ProgrammeStarting in January 7 sessions x 2 hrs each allowing you to get more introductory information and foundations before progressing onto Wellness, if so wished.

Informal sessions for those wishing to improve their mental fitness.If you would like to know more about:
·      Mental health and recovery
·      Goal setting
·      Self esteem
·      Understand your feelings better
·      Healthy thinking
·      Healthy behaviour
·      Wellness Action Plan

Then come along to either Changes Lichfield (The Pavilion, Beacon Park, Lichfield, WS13 6QZ)
or Changes Burntwood (The Old Mining College, Queen Street, Chasetown Burntwood WS7 4QH)

Changes Lichfield starting Wednesday 18.01.2011 10.30-12.30
Changes Burntwood starting Friday 20.01.2011 1-3pm

New Changes Peer Support group starting 4th of January at Mansell House.
Come along to our new weekly Peer Support Group at Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL 5.30-7.30pm

Meet up with others ‘in the same boat’ to support and encourage each other’s recovery. The meeting is open to anyone in mental distress over the age of 16. Access to any group is open and open-ended, no referral is necessary, just come along.

15 December 2011

Issue 41 of Network News is now available from our downloads page.

14 December 2011

Public Consultation on Health & Social Care ServicesStaffordshire County Council are holding a public consultation on its Health & Social Care services. They particularly want to know what you think about significant new proposals to change the way health and social care complaints are handled in the future.
The deadline for input into consultation has now been extended until 16 January 2012.

There are also 3 public events that can be attended:
CANNOCK - Monday 9th January 2012, 6pm start, The Civic Ball Room, Beecroft Road, Cannock WS12 9SA
LICHFIELD - Tuesday 10th January 2012, 2pm start, King Edward VI School, Upper St John Street, Lichfield WS14 9EE
STAFFORD - Wednesday 11th January 2012, 6pm start, The David Jones Centre, 96a Stone Road, Stafford ST16 2RS

Get involved! For further information visithttp://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/healthandsocialcareconsultation

13 December 2011

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours Please find below download links for opening hours of services you may visit:

Mid Staffs Mind
Richmond Fellowship
Changes East Staffordshire (Burton & Uttoxeter)
Changes Uttoxeter
Changes Burntwood, Lichfield, Tamworth

The Network has prepared a big list of all the services, including details of groups open on Christmas Day, click here.
Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health Press ReleasePlease click here to find out more about Changes Services in Tamworth, Burntwood and Lichfield

Changes Uttoxeter have also released their programme for January 2012 - click here!

Richmond Fellowship Life Links Services December 2011Please click here to download information on Richmond Fellowship's Services in December 2011.

17 November 2011

Rural Transport ReportOur fantastic volunteer-led Rural Transport Report has now been published and is available for download from our Download page.

Thanks to Sarah and Rachel for all their hard work on this!

Changes: 12 Steps to Mental HealthChanges are starting new a Wellness Course in Burntwood, for more information download the programme here.

...and the Burton office has forwarded their programme for November 2011, you can download this here.

27 October 2011 Public consultation about mental health inpatient care in South Staffordshire

The much anticipated consultation for the proposed changes to mental health inpatient care in South Staffordshire has finally arrived. South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is working in partnership with South Staffordshire & Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust (SSSFT) to collect opinions from service users, carers, professionals, organisations, general public on their thoughts of the proposed changes to inpatient services. It will run from now until 16th January 2012, any comments submitted after this date will not be considered in the analysis.

The document demonstrates the consideration of various options for change that (depending on the option) would affect St Georges Hospital in Stafford, George Bryan Centre in Tamworth and Margaret Stanhope Centre in Burton on Trent. However, the preferred option is the removal of all beds at the Margaret Stanhope Centre.

You can read the full consultation information and find out how to have your say by visitinghttp://www.southstaffordshirepct.nhs.uk/HaveYourSay/form/mental-health-inpatient-services.asp

If you need to request a printed copy, please contact 0845 602 6772 ext. 1529 or email consultation@southstaffspct.nhs.uk

There are three scheduled public events, where you can find out more and discuss the proposals.
 Monday 21st November. 5:30pm, Arthur Findlay Centre, 96a Stone Road, Stafford, ST16 2RS.
 Thursday 24th November. 5:30pm, Burton Albion FC, Pirelli Stadium, Princess Way, Burton, DE13 0AR.
 Monday 5th December. 6:00pm, Main Hall, Wiggin Centre, Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital, Tamworth, B78 3NG.
You are asked to book your place so they can keep track of expected numbers.

Things to think about when having your say
 Your views can be positive, negative or indifferent – everyone’s view is entitled to be heard during the consultation.
 Remember feelings and facts are different. Of course feelings are very important, but if you can, add examples of what would happen to you or someone you care for if any one of the proposed options happened.
 Try to consider how all the options would affect you, as well as the preferred option.
 Think outside of inpatient care, the modernisation of local mental health services is also about treating more people in their own homes – is Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team working for you or someone you care for?

For clarification
South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health is not acting as a pressure group in this consultation. It is not our role to form an opinion; we act as an independent charity to represent and feedback service user’s views in the most appropriate way.

We will be in attendance at all scheduled public meetings to capture views and discussion expressed during the event and will feed these back into the consultation by the appropriate methods. We will not be the official facilitator of the events; SSNMH will be contributing separately to this. For an example of how we have done this in the past, please view our submission to the PCT for the consultation of the closure of Day Centres.http://www.ssnmentalhealth.btck.co.uk/Campaign/EngagementonTrustDayServices

If you want to let us know your views please get in touch, however, we encourage all our members and interested people to submit your own comments and suggestions directly to the PCT via the listed channels in the consultation document as this will have the most impact.

We understand in the past SSNMH has collated views, any information we have collected up until now will be submitted to the PCT for consideration. However, it is important to continue to submit your current up-to-date opinions and stories.

If you wish to be involved in pressure group activity against the proposed closure of Margaret Stanhope Centre, the community organisation Friends of Margaret Stanhope are taking this role. You can contact them through Dr Long on 07983 864114. The Burton Mail newspaper is also running a campaign to save the Margaret Stanhope Centre.

If there are any pressure groups acting for St Georges Hospital or George Bryan Centre, please make us aware.

21 October 2011

18 October 2011

AGM - 2nd November
Our Annual General Meeting is taking place on Wednesday 2nd November 2011 at Wade Street Church in Lichfield from 12noon. We have guest speakers talking about Brendan House and our llama project (sorry, no llamas were available to attend). Every welcome - you do not need to be a member. If you are planning to attend please let us know in the usual way so we can make sure you have some lunch! Hope to see you on the day.

Annual Survey 2011 results

For those of you who have received our latest copy of Network News you would have seen the summary of the results of the annual survey. If you wish to see the full report it now can be downloaded from our download page, as well as the full Network News publication.Facebook & TwitterSome of you may know we are now on facebook and twitter. Benefits of following us on these mechanisms include hot of the press real-time news, news direct to your news feeds on these sits and real-time interaction with us.

Join in with the 57 followers on facebook and 34 followers on twitter. www.facebook.com/ssnmentalhealth or www.twitter.com/ssnmentalhealth. Of course alternatively, you can click on the links to the right of this home page.

12 October 2011

Day Hospital Closure Evaluations
If you were affected by the following closures, then the Joint Commissioning Unit would like to hear your story.

St Davids – Wombourne , Spring Meadow – Cannock, The Friary – Lichfield,
Chartley Centre – Stafford, George Bryan Day Centre (at Albert House) - Tamworth

Click Here for more information

Network News Autumn
The latest Network News is available for download from our Downloads page

Changes - Lichfield Burntwood Tamworth, looking for Volunteers
Changes 12 Steps to Mental Health have an Open Day on 20 October 2011, 12noon - 2pm at Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL to recruit new volunteers undertaking a variety of opportunities. - call 01543 679000 or 01827 311006 for more information

13 September 2011

Live Music in honour of the late Chris Holley

Some of you might have read in our latest Network News of the sad loss of popular SSSFT employee Chris Holley. She was best known for leading in the development of the independent charity Emerge, helping those who have suffered from sexual abuse. In her memory a live music event called Stratosphere will take place on Saturday 1st October 2011, 7.30pm 'til late at St George's Sports & Social Club, Stafford. Tickets are £5 adults, £3 children over 6 years and free for under 6s. Family tickets are £10 for 2 adults and 2 children. Tickets sold in aid of Emerge. For further information please contact Jo Dykta on 01785 257888 ext 5729 or email joanne.dykta@sssft.nhs.uk Limited availability.

6 September 2011

The Directory of Day Opportunities, which includes community groups and other services too, has been updated. Click here to download this.

Don't forget to check the Staffordshire Cares website to find even more groups and activities in your area.

2 September 2011

New Partnership Trust launched

Yesterday (1st September 2011) Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership Trust was officially constituted as an independent NHS organisation. The new organisation has brought together in the region of 5,000 staff from three NHS organisations - NHS Stoke on Trent, NHS North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust. To find out more read a letter sent by the Chairman and Chief Executive of the New Trust.

New service in Lichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth now launched
The new contract awarded to Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health for day opportunities in the above areas commenced yesterday. Changes have bases at Mansell House, Lichfield (same building as us), the Old Mining College in Burntwood and on Lady Bank in Tamworth. Remember to let us know what you think of the new service! To find out more about Changes visit www.changes.org.uk

Annual Survey - results are in!
We are currently compiling the results of the annual survey - thank you for all your valuable comments and suggestions. There are some very good ideas submitted. The findings will be summarised in the next issue of Network News and full report available online.

25 July 2011

Whats your experience of home treatment in East Staffs?We are looking for people to tell us their experiences of home treatment teams in East Staffordshire area to feedback to commissioners. Your feedback can be good or bad and personal information will be kept in confidence. If you have had access to this service and are willing to tell us what you thought of it, please contact us 01543 301139 or email sunetwork@ssnmentalhealth.co.uk

New Day opportunities visiting times updated
Come speak to us about your experiences of local mental health services at various venues and times - see links on the side bar to download the sheet from your area. New East Staffs (Burton, Uttoxeter and surrounds) dates coming shortly.

28 June 2011
Have your say in the future of South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health

We value your opinions! Please do take a few moments of your time to complete our online Annual Survey 2011, powered by Survey Monkey. Any answers you give will shape the future plans of the Network. A paper version returnable by freepost is available the forthcoming issue Network News, which is about to be posted our to our membership.
Click here to take survey

Do you have what it takes to make a difference?

South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health are looking to recruit new Trustees to meet a minimum of 4 times a year to expand the range of skills governing the organisation and its activities. Please click here to view the post description. Trustee positions are voluntary with travel expenses reimbursed.

Lichfield, Burntwood & Tamworth Day opportunities contract awarded

As of yesterday it was official that Changes: 12 Steps to Mental Health have been awarded the contract from the JCU to deliver mental health day opportunities in Lichfield, Burntwood & Tamworth known as 'Area F'. The transitional period will start straight away in order for Changes to begin the new services from 1st September 2011. In due course Changes and existing providers will meet with service users and staff to discuss the transitional period. Changes have been delivering day opportunities in Burton and Uttoxeter since April 2011 and also operate in North Staffordshire. To find out more information Changes please visit their website on www.changes.org.uk

The Network has a new Rural Outreach Worker

We have now recruited a Rural Outreach Worker called Tracey Hackett who started in post last week. She will be working to support service users from rural areas across Southern Staffordshire. Coming to a village near you soon.

New Burton & District Mind website

Burton & District Mind have launched a new webite - visit it at www.burtonmind.co.uk

Updated day opportunities directory
Please click here to find the latest information directory for local mental health day opportunities.

10 June 2011
Local Engagement Meetings
Local Engagement Meetings are a great opportunity to have your say on mental heath services in your area. You can find more about them, including when your local meeting is being held, or how to be more involved here.

SSSFT Staffordshire Open Meeting
South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (which provide mental health services in the area) have announced an Open Meeting with the topic:
"Future Development of Mental Health and Learning Disability Services”
to held on 22 June 2011 at 7pm at Hatherton, Cannock.
To find out more, download the poster here.

3 June 2011

Development Worker Visits
Keri Lawrence, our Development Worker, has booked visits to many of the services in your area. If you have any thing to bring to our attention, or just want a chat and catch up, please click on one of the links below for a schedule:

East Staffordshire (Burton, Uttoxeter and surrounds)

- This poster has been updated 7 June 2011

Burntwood, Lichfield, Tamworth

Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire

Stafford Borough

Changes East Staffs
Changes have announced two Open Days for Uttoxteter on 22 June, 10am - 1pm and Burton on 23 June, 10am -1pm. This is great opportunity to find out for yourself what Changes are offering to support your mental health. Find out more at the link below:

http://www.changes.org.uk/

Chase CVS
Chase CVS have announced a number of workshops over the Summer, offering training on confidence building, CV and job hunting skills, volunteering, there's also some trips out planned. Find out more by downloading the flyer and application forms below:

Click here

19 May 2011

Our Directory of Day Opps for East Staffordshire has been updated.

Changes have announced to open day events for their NOCN Courses:

Changes Office, 222 Branston Rd (rear), Burton upon Trent, DE14 3BT
Monday 6 June 2011 10.00 – 12.00am OR Evening: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
01283 500 805 Or Email: burton@changes.org.uk

Changes Office, 23 Carter St, Uttoxeter, ST14 8EY
Tuesday 7th June 2011 10.00 – 12.00m OR Evening: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
01889 567 436 Or Email: uttoxeter@changes.org.uk

11 May 2011

Burton and District Mind have announced a 6 Week course on
Confidence Building and Anxiety Management

Facilitated by Stephen Wilson (BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist)
Starting on Thursday 2nd June 2011 6.15pm – 8.15pm.
For more information Contact Lynne Barrell on 01283 566696

Quest have a Tai Chi taster session followed by the Stafford Involvement Meeting on Tuesday 14 June 2011 from 11am.

The South Staffordshire PCT are seeking your views on how they should organise health and social care services within Staffordshire in the future.in the context of moving service provision over to the new Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent NHS Partnership Trust which will be formed later this year.

For more information, please follow the link below:
http://www.southstaffordshirepct.nhs.uk/HaveYourSay/form/integration_health-and-social-care.asp

4 May 2011

Making Space "Work4You" Promotional EventsThe Work4You service can help you to find the best employment opportunities for you, giving you expert tailored advice you need to get into work, or work experience, or supported permitted work. If relevant, the can also advise on how your benefits will change. also offer help with retaining employment.Events are being held around Staffordshire to launch the service, all events are 11am - 1pm:Monday 16 May 2011 - Lichfield Library
Tuesday 17 May 2011 - Cannock Library
Wednesday 18 May 2011 - Uttoxeter Library
Thursday 19 May 2011 - Wombourne Library
Monday 23 May 2011 - Tamworth Carnegie Centre, Corporation Street
Wednesday 25 May 2011 - Burton Library
Thursday 26 May 2011 - Codsall British Legion, 22-24 Wood Road

For more information, call Making Space Work4You 01785 887813

14 April 2011

CBT Anger Management Course - Burton and District MindThere will be a CBT based Anger Management course starting on Thursday 21st April at Burton and District Mind,
87 Wood Street,
Burton on Trent, Staffs DE14 3AA

The course will run 6.15pm till 8.15pm for 6 weeks and will be facilitated by Stephen Wilson (BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural
Psychotherapist)

Please ring Lynne Barrell on 01283 566696 for further details6 April 2011
Making Space 'Work4You' has a vacant full job role, download the advert here4 April 2011

Burton Bipolar Explorer's have a new website and venue, find out more check out: http://www.mdfburtonbpe.co.uk

28 March 2011

The South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, who provide the NHS Mental Health Services in our area have asked us to support on a couple of involvement projects, find out more here.

25 March 2011

The Spring Edition of Network News is out now! click here to go to our download page.

If you recieve this by post, it should arrive by 31 March 2011.

7 March 2011

We have completed our formal response to the PCT on the Proposal to close Day Hospitals, you can find more information here.

7 February 2011

Job Vacancy - Rural Outreach Worker

We have a vacancy for a part-time rural outreach worker. If you are interested in this post, please go to our employment page for more information on how to apply

27 January 2011

Day Hospitals - Public Engagement

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) in partnership with South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (SSSHFT) are undertaking a period of engagement on a proposal for modernising some of the mental health day services in the South Staffordshire PCT area. This has just begun and will run until 9 March 2011.

The purpose of this engagement is to give mental health service users and their families, carers, voluntary organisations, staff and other interested parties the opportunity to express their views on the proposal for the future of a range of Adult Day Services. The proposal includes the closure of:
The Chartley Centre, Stafford Friary Day Service, Lichfield Spring Meadow Therapy Unit, Cannock St David’s House, Wombourne Task Group Work Preparation Group, Burton upon Trent Albert House, Tamworth (including George Bryan Day Service)Nuffield Unit Work Preparation Group, Lichfield The plans are to have engagement meetings at each of these locations, Dates can be found here as well as on the South Staffordshire PCT website, and on posters at each location. If you would like more information, you can download the proposal documents and feedback surveys from the PCT website here.

The Engagement ends 9 March 2011. If you think their proposals are good, let them know. If you believe there are gaps, you may even have ideas of how to fill them, let them know. If you believe they are wrong in their proposals, let them know. NOW!

The Network are happy to support people where possible, if you'd like more information, call Keri on 01543 301139.

05 January 2011 Happy New Year!

The South Staffordshire & Shropshire Foundation Trust have announced an event:

The Future Direction of Psychological Practice:Have Your Say in Developing A Trust Vision and Strategy
1 March 2011 at the Learning Centre at St George’s Hospital, Stafford
For more information, including how to book your place, please contact the membership office on 01785 221431 or tomembership@sssft.nhs.uk

22 December 2010

SSNMH Office Opening Christmas 2010

The Office closes on 23 December 2010 at 4pm and reopens on 4 January 2011 at 9am
The Penkridge Drop In on Wednesdays is now closed until 5 January 2011
The Stone Drop In on Thursdays will remain open throughout the period

The Network wishes all its members and partners a very Merry Christmas and Great New Year!

Advocacy Focus GroupThe Department of Health have commissioned a review of Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) Services.The local IMHA for this area is Asist. A focus group is being organised on January 18th 2011 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in central Birmingham. People who have experience of using IMHA services whilst detained under the Mental Health Act are being invited to join the focus group.
More information is available on the National Mental Health Development Service link -
http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/news/invitation-to-participate-in-focus-groups

A new survey is up!
If you live in the South Staffs District, we would be grateful if you could respond to our survey on support groups, you can find out more here.