Service Users and Carers

We aim to ensure that service users and carers are at the heart of the implementation project. We recognise that service users and carers bring a unique perspective of what the Act means in practice.

Therefore, we have formed a Mental Health Legislation Service User and Carer Sub-Group (SUCS Group) to support and advise on the work of the Mental Health Legislation Programme. The Group works closely with the National Implementation team, and a service user and a carer attends each National meeting.

The group members are selected on the basis of their experience of the Mental Health Act 1983 and their role as carers and service users, but also their willingness to;

  • work as part of a National multi disciplinary implementation group.
  • recognise the validity of other people’s values, knowledge and experience.
  • appreciate the ultimate aim of the programme, which is to support successful implementation of the Mental Health Act 2007.
“The new Mental Health Act is happening. It's essential that service users and carers are fully and meaningfully involved with the implementation process, to ensure it's done properly and causes the least possible distress. The expertise of service users and carers is integral to best practice, particularly in the day to day working of the Act. I believe it's the duty of service users and carers to make sure it's implemented in a way that benefits and protects the individual who will be subject to the Act. I'd encourage my service user and carer colleagues to be involved, nationally, regionally and locally to achieve the highest standard of practice." - Chris Wright

The SUCS Group has worked with a number of carers groups to produce a document summarising the main changes to the Act. Although created espcecially with carers in mind, it is likely to be useful to a range of other stakeholders. The summary can be downloaded here.

The Group, in conjunction with the Department of Health, has also produced a list of Frequently Asked Questions (with answers). This can be downloaded here. The Group has also inputted into a FAQ on Supervised Community Treatment, which can be found here.

You might also be interested to visit the Making a Real Difference (MARD) site, which contains recommendations for improving Service User and Carer involvement throughout NIMHE.

The SUCS group presently consists of: Rampaul, Chamba, Andrew Bailey, Chris Wright, Christine Halliday, Nick Nalladorai, Priscilla Brown, Lou Brewster and Jim Symington. Please see the Role Description for Group Members. The Facilitator of the Group is Mark Drury.

 

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