Transforming Mental Health – Public Drop In Event at Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli

Members of the public are invited to a drop in event on Wednesday, 12
July 2017 between 2pm – 7pm at the Selwyn Samuel Centre’s Lliedi Suite
(Llanelli SA15 3AE) to find out more about Hywel Dda University Health
Board’s Transforming Mental Health consultation.

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

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

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 our issues paper and answer
an accompanying questionnaire. An easy read version is also available.