Mental Health Service User Alliance
Who are we?
We are a group of mental health service users and former service users who meet to discuss topics of interest. We comment on proposed changes and additions to mental health services in Neath and Port Talbot, and help service providers to identify poor performance and gaps in services. We also supply service users to sit on advisory and monitoring groups, and on appointment panels for statutory service jobs.
When do we meet?
The Alliance meetings are held approximately once a month, usually at premises in the centre of Neath.
A buffet lunch is provided and transport to and from the meetings can be arranged if this helps service users to be involved in meetings of the group.
For more information on the Service User Alliance, contact Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631246.
Aims of the Service User Alliance
- To provide a mechanism for communication to take place between Neath Port Talbot CBC and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust and the people who use their mental health services.
- To create a more powerful voice for service users, leading to improvements in service planning and management.
Objectives
- To provide opportunities for service users to discuss services.
- To identify gaps in services.
- To appraise service users’ experiences of new mental health service developments.
- To encourage people who use the hospital services to have a say in how the hospital services are delivered and developed.
- To encourage hospital management to actively seek the participation of the people who use their services.
- To raise public awareness of mental health issues and the relating stigma experienced by service users.
- To create a more effective service for users driven by shared values and common goals.
