Who we are and what we do

Mission Statement

This page is to be reviewed in near future, please contact us directly if you like more information on our work

To improve the quality of life for individuals in the Districts of South Staffordshire who have personal experience of mental distress; by enabling user involvement, active representation and a campaigning voice.

 Our work will be guided by our commitment to

  • Inclusiveness. We believe in mutual respect and value equality and diversity.
  • Openness. We are committed to a culture of partnership working and operating in a transparent manner.
  • Participation. We recognise the valuable contribution our service users and volunteers make to achieving our organisational aims.
  • Quality. We strive for high quality delivery and continuous improvement.
  • Campaign. We believe in challenging stigma and discrimination.

Aims & Objectives

Aim 1:

To promote the interests and rights of people who use mental health services in the area.
  • To improve communication, accountability and increase attendance of service providers at appropriate forums relevant to mental health which have a user focus.
  • Regular consultation with service users will ensure a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences underpin the work of the Network.
  • Signposting of service users to other agencies to provide tailored/complimentary solutions for individuals.

Aim 2:

To ensure the involvement of mental health service users in improving existing services and developing new ones.
  • To engage with mental health service providers both statutory and voluntary to ensure individuals living with mental health issues are fully involved in decision making processes.
  • To facilitate the delivery of drop-in sessions in needs led localities.?
  • To encourage inclusion by offering a friendly listening ear and providing interaction with other people.
  • Outreach work to identify and engage socially isolated people.

Aim 3:

Act as an advocate for improvements in local services to reflect the needs and interests of local communities.
  • Provide independent representation on key decision making boards and groups
  • Respond to other local service provision issues raised by users e.g. bus passes
  • Work in close partnership with referral bodies e.g. GP's and Community Psychiatric Nurses

Aim 4:

Increase accessibility to information relating to local and national services relevant to mental health.
  • Provide a central administrative base providing information, advice and guidance on weekdays.
  • Maintain an up to date comprehensive information resource on the availability and presence of local services in the area. e.g. network website, relevant internet sites
  • Produce a quarterly service user newsletter (Network News)

Aim 5:

To promote service user potential and recovery through supporting access to self development opportunities.
  • Offer a range of volunteering opportunities within the network
  • Explore accreditation possibilities for volunteers who want undertake training via avenues such as Skillbase and Staffordshire County Council interagency training.
  • Signposting to specialist training, education and employment agencies to improve knowledge and access to employment services i.e. Making Space
  • Provision of in-house volunteer mentoring support to new volunteers who may lack confidence and self esteem.