Cumbria Mental Health Group “speaking up for the mental health community”
The Cumbria Mental Health Group is a charity organisation run by local service users and carers across Cumbria. The group is a supportive and proactive voice for the local mental health community. In September, six discussion meetings were held in Penrith, Carlisle, Workington, Barrow in Furness, Kendal and Whitehaven. The meetings allowed service users and carers to meet with staff from the Primary Care Trust, Partnership Trust, County Council, Voluntary sector, GPs and other Cumbria Mental Health Group members.
These local meetings will be held every two months and anyone with an interest in mental health services through being a service user or carer are encouraged to attend. The group is very welcoming and is trying to increase membership and attendance at their meetings in order to listen to and support the views and needs of as many people across Cumbria as possible. You will be able to share your experiences and ideas to improve and develop stronger services for the future. The meetings are also a chance to voice any concerns or difficulties that you are encountering regarding mental health support and services.
It is important to publicise the group and the local meetings as widely as possible to allow more people the chance to take part and be heard. The group will address priorities but also provide a social gathering and a support network. In addition to the bimonthly meetings, the group are involved in consultation work, community development and increasing engagement with service users and carers to improve local services. If you feel unable to attend the meetings you can still get involved in a way that suits you.
If you or someone you know would like to find out more about the group or the local meetings, please contact the group on 01229 827870 or contact Zoe Cowgill, Senior Community Development Worker on 01228 227159 or zoe.cowgill@cumbriacc.gov.uk. The next meetings are now being planned for November and it would be great to see more service users and carers there!