Get involved
Many of us have an interest in mental health for one reason and another. For some this interest comes from personal, lived experience. We may have experienced mental distress ourselves or been close to someone else who has. We may have used or be using mental health services. We have been close to someone else who has used mental health services. Many of us wish to get involved and share our ideas, skills, knowledge, experience and expertise in this area.
These pages aim to try and tell you about the opportunities that there are to get involved in Powys and beyond. We will use these pages to highlight any participation opportunities within the field of mental health that may be of interest to you.
If you see an opportunity here that interests you but you are not sure about getting involved, feel you need some support or training or have any questions, then please just get in touch with us and we will try and help. You can email laura.gallagher@pavo.org.uk or call the team on 01686 628300.
Also if you don’t see an opportunity that you are interested in but have an idea about how you might like to be involved then please get in touch with laura.gallagher@pavo.org.uk or call the team 01686 628300.
eParticipation
Consultation - Proposed interim arrangements to take forward the new Supporting People Programme
As a result of the responses to the previous consultation, the Welsh Government is now holding a short consultation on Chapter 2 of the Guidance to take forward interim arrangements for the administration of the Supporting People programme.
You can link to the consultation here. It will run until 12 June 2012.
Cymorth Cymru is holding a consultation event at the Media Resource Centre in Llandrindod Wells on 30 May 2012 where we will discuss this with members as well as:
- The Housing Bill.
- The Social Services Bill.
- Chapter 2 of the SP Guidance.
If you would like to book a place please contact
Lisa Noice - Admin Assistant, Cymorth Cymru, Norbury House, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3AS
Tel: 02920 553687
Together for Mental Health - A Cross-Government Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Wales
The Welsh Government is asking for comments on their strategy for the future of mental health services in Wales.
You can find out more about the consultation here.
Start of consultation: 08/05/2012
End of consultation: 31/07/2012
‘Together for Mental Health’ is the new mental health strategy for Wales, covering people of all ages. It aims to address the needs of people with mental health problems or a mental illness, whilst also improving mental wellbeing.
Draft Information & Advice Strategy for Carers in Powys
Powys t HB has produced a first draft of the Carers Information and Advice Strategy under the Carers Measure for consideration by stakeholders including Third Sector providers. It is work in progress. The draft document sets out early thinking on:
- How information and guidance will be provided to carers that will assist them in carrying out their caring role effectively.
- How carers will be consulted and involved in decisions affecting them and those they care for.
You can download the document on the PAVO website here.
You can respond using track changes to: Wendy Morgan, Head of Quality & Safety Unit, Powys teaching Health Board by 10 May 2012. Your comments will be incorporated into the next draft in time for discussion at a workshop to be held on 23 May in Llandindod Wells. If you have not yet had an invitation to this workshop and feel you could make a contribution please contact PAVO to arrange.
Opportunity to deliver the 'Connecting with People' Suicide Awareness training and Emotional Resilience training within North Wales
Recruits wanted to deliver the 'Connecting with People' Suicide Awareness training and Emotional Resilience training as part of the Rural Health Project within North Wales. This opportunity is open two non healthcare colleagues from statutory services and the third sector and two people with lived experience.
The new recruits will attend a two day Train the Trainer programme to help prepare to run the 'Connecting with People' sessions. They will be taught enhanced facilitation skills and will have the opportunity to practice their new presentation and facilitation skills in a supportive environment. Attendees will receive a comprehensive trainer pack with all of the materials required to deliver their own Connecting with People training.
You can download an overview document regarding the Connecting with People training and the details of the Train the Trainer Programme attached. This project involves building the capability of delegates to deliver Module 1 and 2 of the Suicide Awareness/Suicide Response training and Module 5 – the Emotional Resilience training. Recruits will also be provided with training material to deliver training direct to the public as a public health approach to enhancing awareness, reducing stigma and promoting resilience and help seeking behavior.
The Train the Trainer programme
This opportunity involves a funded place and there is no license fee to the training so there will be no costs involved other than the ongoing costs of delivering the training. It will be run on Thursday/Friday 7 and 8 June and Thursday/Friday 21 and 22 June. Both courses are to be held in North Wales, venue to be confirmed.
Experience/ skills required for potential trainers:
- Worked in Mental Health for more than 5 years or have extensive lived experience of services (there will be 2 places for people with lived experience/carers who wish to co-deliver the training).
- Able to present confidently to large groups of people.
- Able to build rapport quickly and engage the group.
Interested applicants to send a brief email outlining their reasons for wishing to attend the Train the Trainer, relevant experience and a commitment that they are able to deliver 6 x 2 hour sessions of the training in the first year to: Dr Alys Cole-King, alyscoleking@btinternet.com
Research opportunity for involving people network
Are you interested in joining the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) Advisory Committee ?
If so, the advert below may be of interest to you.
The deadline for responses is the 11th May 2012. The advert includes details of the type of commitment that will be required and how to register your interest.
Opportunity Title: | National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) Advisory Committee
|
Run by:
| Dr Liz Forty/Prof Nick Craddock Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff |
Background Information | The aims of NCMH are to · Facilitate and undertake high quality mental health research. · Inform and educate patients, carers, professionals and public about mental health research and practice. |
What is required? | We wish to include a number of individuals (patients/service users/carers) on the NCMH Advisory Committee. This committee will advise NCMH in various areas, with a particular focus on: public engagement (how NCMH can best engage with the public) and the Wales Mental Health Network (the research study part of NCMH). |
Commitment | The NCMH Advisory committee will meet twice a year (approximately). The meetings are likely to be held at UHW, Cardiff. NCMH will also contact the NCMH Advisory committee members via email where advice is required at other times. This is likely to only occur approximately once every two months. |
Who can get involved | We are looking for between 2 and 4 individuals who either have a personal history of, or are a carer for someone who has, any of the following diagnoses: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer’s disease. |
How to register an interest | Please submit four or five paragraphs saying why you would like to be considered for this opportunity and list any relevant experience. |
Deadline for responding | Please send your expression of interest toinvolving.people@wales.nhs.uk by the 11th May 2012. Alternatively, you can post your expression of interest to Involving People, NISCHR CRC, 3rd Floor, 12 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ. |
Expenses | Honorarium / Payment for Time will be paid by Involving People at a rate of £65 per meeting. Expenses will be covered by NCMH. Successful candidate/s will be sent a copy of the Guidelines for Expenses. |
Disability Wales seeks interviewees and volunteers
An oral history film project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund; capturing the experiences and memories of disabled people born in 1972 and living in Wales.
The project will reflect changing policy and attitudes towards disabled people over the past four decades and will be produced in the context of Disability Wales' 40th Anniversary.
There are two ways in which people can become involved in the project: as members of the production team; and as interviewees!
Production Team
We are seeking disabled volunteers of all ages to take part in this project through a number of different ways; by conducting interviews, using new media to create digital stories and, film and edit material – become part of the production team!
Interviewees
We are keen that the film represents the different experiences of disability and the diverse community of disabled people in Wales. We are looking for disabled people from a range of backgrounds who are 40 this year, live in Wales and are willing to share their lived experiences to camera.
All volunteers will receive full training including learning about interviewing techniques, filming, editing, and cataloguing as well as disability equality and the history of disabled people.
Please contact Disability Wales now on 029 20887325 or email: info@disabilitywales.org to register your interest.
Help us to create a piece of living history, and inform current and future generations about the lives and times of disabled people in Wales.
Social Services Bill (Wales) consultation
The consultation document explains what we consider the Bill should contain and asks for comments on the proposals.
The proposed Social Services (Wales) Bill will provide us with the legislation required to take forward the change programme outlined in the Welsh Government’s white paper, 'Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action'.
It will also provide, for the first time, a coherent legislative framework for social services in Wales.
You can link to further information on the Welsh Government website here.
Shared Vision - North Powys
Do you, or have you been in contact with mental health services? Would you like to be able to join us to share information about mental health services in North Powys? Do you have ideas about how we might improve our mental health services? Do you want your voice heard? Please come and join us at Shared Vision, we get together every three months in Welshpool.
Third sector scheme - a guide to ministerial meetings
In Wales the third sector has a unique opportunity to engage with, and put its views to, the Welsh Government. Wales Council for Voluntary Action has set out how Government and the sector will work together and communicate with one another. You can download a document here which provides details for third sector groups who would like to know more about this relationship and the sector’s meetings with Welsh Government Ministers.
Petition for Concessionary Fares
Following the announcement by the Welsh Government that the Community Transport Concessionary Fares scheme will end on 31 March this year, Community Transport Association Wales has been asked by its members to set up a petition on the National Assembly website to press for the continuation and expansion of concessionary fares on all community transport, on a separate fares basis. The petition can only be signed once by each person, and it is open for signature until 9 March.
Powys County Council Information and Advice Strategy Survey
Information and Advice strategy survey
English Version
http://surveys.powys.gov.uk/index.php?sid=77352&lang=en
Welsh Version
http://surveys.powys.gov.uk/index.php?sid=77352&lang=cy
UK Government consultation on the Disability Living Allowance & Personal Independence Payment
This consultation is intended to seek views on the second draft of the assessment criteria for Personal Independence Payment and in particular on the changes that have been made since the first draft, the proposed descriptor weightings and entitlement thresholds and the draft regulations.
During the initial consultation last summer, many disability organisations said that without the inclusion of descriptor weightings and entitlement thresholds for the rates and components of PIP, it was difficult to understand the impact of the criteria and therefore to comment fully on the UK Government's proposals. This further consultation should provide the necessary material to make that judgment, and we would encourage organisations in Wales to respond with any concerns.
Please note that this is a UK Government consultation on a non-devolved issue, and that any queries should be addressed to DWP.
Powys Community Safety Partnership Questionnaire 2012
Community Safety is the protection of everyone’s right to live without fear for their own and other people’s safety. Powys has one of the lowest crime rates in England and Wales and through proactive working, the CSP is further reducing crime and anti social behaviour to improve the quality of life for all those who work, live and visit Powys.
For a number of years Dyfed Powys Police, Powys County Council, Powys Health Board, and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been responsible for tackling crime and disorder in the county. These agencies, along with other key partners form the Powys Community Safety Partnership (CSP). We have recently introduced neighbourhood management here in Powys – this is just a way of partner agencies working together to solve local issues.
We are currently reviewing our priorities for reducing crime and disorder in Powys. Please let us know if there are any crime and disorder issues of concern to you in your local area by completing this short questionnaire – it will only take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans in Wales Consultation
The Welfare Reform Bill that is currently before Parliament abolishes the discretionary Social Fund and paves the way for delivery of new local services to replace Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans for general living expenses.
From April 2013 the Social Fund is being devolved to local authorities in England, the Scottish Government and to the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government will receive funding equivalent to that which was spent on the Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans in Wales at the point at which responsibility is transferred.
How should this money be spent and on what? You can feed in your views here, where there are further details of the consultation and how to respond.
Start of consultation: 06/01/2012
End of consultation: 30/03/2012
How Fair is Powys?
The council, in partnership with the local health board, is undertaking an exercise to consider current issues of inequality to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
Although significant progress has been made over the years, there is now compelling recent research evidence that issues of inequality are prevalent across Wales and the UK. The most compelling emerging finding is that low socio-economic status tends to underpin most types of inequality. This inequality also drains public sector resource as the impact on people's lives eventually requires costly intervention.
The council is gathering views to shape equality objectives to consider where improvements may be required. These will be based upon national research findings but also on gathered evidence from local people and employees. Please take just a few minutes to log your opinions to help this process and encourage others you know to take part and complete the questionnaire which can be found here.
Hard copies of the survey can be obtained, if you would prefer, by contacting John Thomas in the Communications Team on 0870 192 3755, email John.Thomas@powys.gov.uk
How to get involved in a Tackling Poverty Action Group
You can find out more by clicking on the following documents:
Tackling Poverty Exernal Advisory Group - Appointment of Members - English
Powys Volunteering on Prescription wants your help
If you have referred someone to Volunteering on Prescription, there is an online survey here.
If you had contact because you were interested in volunteering the online survey is here.
Consultation Draft Mental Health (Secondary Mental Health Services) (Wales) Order 2012
As part of the Welsh Government’s work in preparation for commencement of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010, a draft Order has been developed that provides further definition about what are to be considered Secondary Mental Health Services under the Measure.
A formal consultation is now commencing on this Mental Health (Secondary Mental Health Services)(Wales) Order 2012 and responses are required by 14 March 2012.
All the documents, including a response form and the Draft Order itself can be found at the Welsh Government website.
This Order has the effect of:
- excluding any service provided as part of a local primary mental health support service under Part 1 of the Measure from being considered as a secondary mental health service, and
- enabling secondary mental health services provided elsewhere in the United Kingdom to be considered as secondary mental health services for Part 3 of the Measure in Wales.
The Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) Study
The Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) is a group of researchers and research participants in the UK undertaking a major study aimed at investigating the underlying causes of bipolar disorder. The study is funded by two of the world’s leading research charities, the Wellcome Trust and the Stanley Medical Research Institute. Working with collaborators in Europe and the USA, it is the largest study of bipolar disorder in the world.
The study aims to investigate how genetic factors and environmental factors (such as stressful life events) interact and influence susceptibility to bipolar disorder. It is hoped that by increasing our understanding of these factors, developments may be made in the prevention and treatment of this debilitating disorder.
To date over 4,000 people have taken part in BDRN’s bipolar disorder research. However, everyone’s experience of illness is different and it is important to see many more people to enable the best possible understanding of the broad spectrum of bipolar illness. The Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) is being conducted by the Mood Disorders Research Team based jointly at Cardiff University and the University of Birmingham led by Professor Nick Craddock. They are aiming to find a further 3,000 people with bipolar disorder to help with their research.
If you are interested in participating in the study please go to www.bdrn.org and click on the link in the top left hand corner. Alternatively, contact the Mood Disorder Research Team on 029 2074 4392.
Survey of Service User Researchers
This survey is for people involved in mental health research who have also used mental health services. If this statement describes you, please take the time to read the information sheet and complete the questionnaire.
The study, approved by the Fulham Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 11/LO/1480), is being conducted by researchers from Imperial College London with support from the North London Hub of the Mental Health Research Network. The study is co-led by a service user researcher and is overseen by a working group of service users.
All responses to the survey are anonymous and will be treated with the strictest confidence. We do not ask for any identifying information.
If you would like further information please feel free to contact us.
Sue Patterson: susan.patterson@imperial.ac.uk
Tim Weaver: t.weaver@imperial.ac.uk (Chief Investigator)
Jenny Trite: j.trite@imperial.ac.uk (Chair Service User Working Group).
Opportunities for service users & carers in North Wales
The Mental Health, Learning Disability and Substance Misuse Clinical Programme Group is looking for a service user and a carer to join the Service User and Carer Experience Sub-Committee. The Sub-committee will support the work of the CPG Board in improving the quality of services and ensuring that service users and carers are effectively engaged in the work of the CPG.
Meetings will be held bimonthly at venues across North Wales.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Tina Foulkes, on
01745 816711 or email asstdirector@unllais.co.uk or Jane Jones, BCUHB on 01745 445608 ext 6642 or email jane.jones19@wales.nhs.uk
Opportunity with Dyfed-Powys Police
Can You Help Your Local Community by Becoming an Independent Custody Visitor?
Independent Custody Visitors are members of the public recruited specifically to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of people detained in custody and on the conditions under which they are held.
Dyfed-Powys Police Authority administers an Independent Custody Visitors scheme and currently has vacancies in Aberystwyth (Ceredigion), Haverfordwest (Pembrokeshire) and Newtown (Powys).
Consultation - Integrated Mental Health Strategy
The document is currently out for consultation, with a closing date of 24 November.
More information is available here.
You can respond to the consultation on this online survey.
latest news
How to support someone who is suicidal
Gwener 18 Mai 2012Suicidal feelings are frightening and painful for the person who is experiencing them and for partners, family, friends and colleagues. Anxiety and confusion about what to do and how to cope can add to a distressing situation.