Spirituality & Recovery Event

Guest post from Bev:

Service User Network meet monthly. It is for people who are or who have accessed LYPFT services within the past 12 months, including carers.

In January 2015 we had Reverend Michael Mkpadi attend to discuss Spirituality and Recovery. We all completed a Compassionate Care survey, to score from a list of values their importance, when people are unwell; here are the top themes:

Love

Being accepted

Trust

Safety

Compassion

Peace

Patience

Kindness 

The event in January was well attended, over 40  people were there. It was a very inspirational interactive discussion, where all  people shared their own spiritual experiences. Everyone’s feedback was extremely positive and they requested this session should be repeated again. You can read the testimonials here. 

I wish to advertise  16^th December SUN meeting (see poster above) where  we will again be  discussing with Michael Mkpadi Spirituality and Recovery. I hope to see many new faces there. If you wish to find out more information please contact the Chair Bev Thornton, details on the poster.

Thanks

 

My Journey through Mental Health

In this post, Sabine writes about her journey with Mental Health……

By Sabine

My journey with Mental Health started in 2010 when my life went from being normal with a job and a happy home life, after 2 major events I no longer knew who I was, I had fear of leaving my house, being judged and being attacked again.

In 2011 I was referred to Touchstone and then onto the PD Network to do a programme called Journey, with the combination of the two I was able slowly to come out of my home and start to live my life better. Also in 2011 I was informed about a group called The SUN (Service User Network), and it was for service users using or used the services.

I was sure about going as I still had a fear that everybody knew what I had gone through and I would be judged again and worst still attacked for what had happened to me in 2010, a very nice gentleman called Tony, an Independent Involvement Worker from the PD Network, said he would come with me so that I wouldn’t be scared or alone, so I went and the rest is history.

I don’t know why I was scared as the first people I met were Beverley and Anne and they welcomed me with big smiles and made me feel so welcomed I went back month after month. Since I have been with the SUN I have got involved with a Hospital Inspection, reviews, events and helping with the refreshments and my confidence has grown that I now have a job working for Touchstone (Service User Consultant) and the Network (Involvement Worker) and it has also given me the confidence to try new things that even before my melt down would never have heard of or thought of doing.

So I would like to say a huge thank you for everyone who have helped and encouraged me to move forward in my life, given me that extra boost of confidence, encouragement and power to get my life back and to do the things I am doing today, because without Touchstone, Tony, Beverley, Anne and everyone else who have helped me to get to the position I am in today I don’t know what I would be doing or where I would be.

So a HUGE THANK YOU

Thank you for listening

Peace/Joy/Love/Kindness/Laughter at SUN

An update from Bev Thornton about Leeds Service User Network, sounds like it was a very lively event…..

Hello Everyone,

I wish to give some information about our SUN in Leeds of which I Chair, as well as an overview of our last SUN (Service User Network) event on the 7^th January 2015 where we had Deacon Michael Mkpadi (LYPFT) discussing Spirituality and Recovery in mental health.

The SUN was re-launched in September 2012 and we were then having monthly meetings at Inkwell, our membership has steadily grown which meant we had to find larger more accessible premises. We then moved to St Chad’s function Hall Otley Road. We continue to promote and publicise SUN to have more people attending as we want to hear the service user/carer voice. SUN has become recognised in the Trust and we are now consulted on all policies/practises. A great achievement! We have guest speakers of member’s choice at every event.  All new members are welcomed and are encouraged to participate; it is a friendly environment, with refreshments available – you can read about the meetings here.

At SUN we have been involved in a piece of work which identifies important issues, from service users and carers points of view e.g. (Key Messages from SUN). Our Chief Executive Chris Butler has endorsed this. We have also initiated looking at YOU having a say in YOUR CHOICE of mental health worker, changing worker. Donna Kemp responsible for the Care Programme Approach in LYPFT is jointly working with us on this.

The SUN wouldn’t be where it is today without on-going support and contribution of Zara Farshi RASI (Recovery and Social Inclusion Team Manager) and Anne Perry RASI Team Administrator.

In our January 2015 event Deacon Michael Mkpadi was in for a big surprise when he arrived at St Chad’s there were 43 people there all welcoming him and were keen to discuss their individual stories of how their own spiritual beliefs had played a major role in their mental health recovery. We had people with diverse faiths and beliefs even Atheists, yet for those who shared their own story they had utmost respect shown to them. The atmosphere for the event was well in my opinion spiritually Awesome. Michael handed round a form and we collectively completed it asking us about Compassionate Care, in times when we are anxious/in crisis with emphasis on how important certain values rated to us. For example Peace/Joy/Love/Kindness/Laughter was among the list.

This followed a round the table discussion about how we all felt spirituality had aided our personal recovery. There were very moving stories, even people sharing who had attended SUN for the first time.  Everyone seemed to feel safe, secure and comfortable as well as knowing what was discussed was all confidential.

The event lasted 20 minutes longer than usual and at the end I was approached by some members to enquire if we could do this again but in an intimate way as they found it to be very uplifting. We intend to invite Deacon Michael Mkpadi to another SUN event later on in the year. So watch this space! You can read more about the impact of spirituality on mental health here.

Our next SUN event is on the 4^th February 2015, 12.45pm – 3.00pm at St Chad’s when we will be having a discussion on ‘Increasing service-user involvement in care planning project’. Hope to see you there.

Bev Thornton, Chair

Please contact me know if you require further information tel O113 30 56758; email beverley.thornton1@nhs.net or SUN.lypft@nhs.net

Service User Networks – January dates

The next LYPFT York, Service User Network Meeting will be held on 30th January 2015. The network covers Easingwold, Selby and Tadcaster as well as York. I am pleased to inform you that a representative from the Charity Together: for Mental Wellbeing which is an initiative to tackle mental health issues working with vulnerable groups of people who as a result of mental distress are intensive users of council, police, ambulance and fire services is going to attend to provide an update of the project and how it operates within this area.

As ever all are most welcome.

The next LYPFT Leeds Service User Network meeting will be held on 7th January; the topic will be Spirituality. All welcome to come along; if you want to know a little more about what the meetings are like, then click here. The minutes from the December 2014 can be found here.

 

York Service User Network

The York Service User Network started in September 2014 and now meets monthly. The next meeting is on Friday 28th November at 1.15 and is at a new venue on Friargate. The meetings are relaxed and informal, the first half hour is devoted to welcoming people and sharing a cuppa. There is an agenda and this month there will be a discussion about Recovery, followed by a Q & A session. Some time will be put by to discuss the coming year and what the group would like to be included on the agenda. Everyone is welcome!

 

 

‘Service User Network’ York

Delighted to share that the next meeting of the York Service User Network (name yet to be decided) is 31st October; all welcome to attend:

Service User Network: what it’s all about

Here, Bev Thornton and Anne Perry tell us all about the Service User Network…….

What is the Service User Network (SUN)?

It’s a monthly get together which service users, carers and staff attend to share their ideas, give feedback and shared experiences which are used to directly influence practice. The main aim of the group is to work hand in hand with Trust aimed at improving services provided.

The events have a very friendly atmosphere which is hosted by two recovery and social inclusion workers, Bev Thornton and Anne Perry, who help encourage service users to give their views on topics that relate directly to the members.

Service users are also encouraged to participate in community involvement events as well as socialising and bringing general queries about Trust services to SUN. SUN meetings are based on the Recovery principles of empowerment, hope and equality, acceptance, choice, actively encouraging interest and participation in doing something meaningful, believing in people.  At the same time incorporating the Trusts values of respect, dignity, commitment to quality of care, working together, improving lives, compassion, and everyone counts.

SUN has guest speakers every month to involve and advise the service users giving them valuable information and two way feedback in aiding service users continued personal recovery.

Who are the SUN members?

They are service users, carer’s and staff who represent a diverse community groups.  Bev and Anne have promoted the SUN to outside community groups and have established a good attendance from these groups, providing diverse and wide range of knowledge and life experiences.

Current Membership

Current membership is 47.  Bev and Anne are continually canvassing to increase membership.  They are now looking to establish a SUN in the West of Leeds and in the future the South.

 What can SUN do for me?

You can bring your ideas or concerns about Trust Services to SUN and it will be reported to the Trust governance/committee meetings for comment and action ensuring service users issues are addressed and dealt with.

From service users point of view SUN has helped them in their own recovery by giving them a voice, which is listened to and valued.  For example changes to the Care Programme Approach were due directly to service user’s feedback, which shows how valued and respected the SUN’s opinion is.

People are encouraged to tell their own stories, which prove to be a positive experience for all service users and unites the group. People are invited to participate in involvement requests from the Trust i.e. interview panels, Psychiatrist training, test ward rounds prior to Care Quality Commission inspections

SUN‘s success has meant that all Trust policies and procedures are brought to SUN for consultation prior to implementation.

When and where does SUN & mini SUN meet?

St Chad’s

The first Wednesday of every month 12.45 to 15.00 at St Chad’s Community Hall, Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS16 5JT.  Refreshments are provided.  Public Travel expenses can be reimbursed.

 

LYPFT Question Time 3rd November 2014

Executives and senior leaders at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust form a panel to take questions from the Service User Network members on matters relating to mental health care provision. All are welcome to attend the event on Monday 3rd November in Leeds. If you have questions that need answering, or want to put your views across, then contact Bev Thornton (see poster) or leave a comment on the blog. Follow the conversation on Twitter #lypftsun

 

Information for people accessing services and carers about CPA

Care Programme Approach (CPA) is the term used to describe the way that a person’s care, support and treatment is arranged when they have a range of needs.  This is done through assessment, coordination, care planning and review.  Some people will have straightforward needs; their care, support and treatment are described as ‘Standard Care Plan’.  You can read our policy: The Trust Wide Care Programme Approach Policy (including arrangements for Standard Care Plan) here.

Information for people accessing services and carers about CPA

The single most important thing about CPA is that you should be at the centre; it’s about you; it’s about what you want to do with your life; about what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. This may involve support, care and treatment from others – people that support you, carers, your friends, family, it may also include mental health services, health services, social care, and other organisations near where you live. Some people also get support from others going through similar difficulties – this is often called ‘Peer Support’. You can access peer support in a number of ways, for example, Mind, local groups or online support.

 

There are four stages to CPA:-

1. Assessment
You will be asked questions about aspects of your life and past, for example: personal; health; social;  about your safety (this is sometimes called risk); about what you enjoy doing; about what you do to help manage; about anyone else all ready involved in your care and support, including any carer. Carers can have their own assessment.

 2. Care Coordination

A care coordinator will be named to work closely with you and your carer to arrange care and support and to work with you to agree goals.
3. Care Plan
This describes your health and social care goals.  The care plan says which services will help with recovery and wellbeing; and what you do to help too.

The care plan is about you. It is developed with you and includes your goals; what support is being offered; who is giving the support and when the support will be reviewed.  The carer will be included too if you want this.

You may write the care plan yourself, or write it with your co-ordinator, either way, you should have a copy of your care plan.

4. Review
These are sometimes called CPA meetings; they happen at least every 12 months but can be more often. This is where the care plan is reviewed.  This is done by discussing with you, your carer (with agreement) and any others involved in your care plan about what is working well and what may need to be changed to support your recovery and wellbeing. The review is usually held in a way that you prefer – for example, some people prefer more of a relaxed discussion with their co-ordinator, others prefer a full meeting with everyone involved present.

Have you recently had a review? If so, let us know how this was for you by completing a brief survey (12 questions) – click here for more information and the survey. Results tell us what we are doing well and where we need to improve.

Standard Care Plan

If you have straightforward needs and are seen by one mental health worker then your care, support and treatment is described as ‘Standard Care Plan’.

You can expect:

• A lead professional identified – this will be the person that you see
• A letter – this is the care plan
• Review – this is a chance to talk about how things are going and any further care plan agreed.

More written information

Click here for an information leaflet about CPA

Click here to read an information booklet on CPA – for people in Leeds

Click here to read an information booklet on CPA – for people in York and North York

These booklets are also available in Urdu, Farsi, Czech and Polish – contact donna.kemp@nhs.net for these.

Want to get involved and keep up to date about what’s going on?

The LYPFT Planning Care Network is a digital space for people who access services, carers/supporters, staff and partner agencies to share their ideas and experiences around care coordination and care planning.  Click here to visit the network; you are most welcome to post comments and to share your views and experience. If you want to write your own blog post, then contact donna.kemp@nhs.net to discuss.

You can also join the Service User Network – they meet monthly in a range of venues across Leeds; click here for more information.

 

If you require any further information regarding CPA or Standard Care Plan then please contact donna.kemp@nhs.net

Choice & how people want to be treated: key messages from SUN

At the March Service User Network (SUN) meeting there was a discussion carried forward from the previous meeting. The SUN members wanted to explore areas that they would like choice in. The following two questions were addressed at tabletop discussions, and the responses are condensed:

1. What would you like choice in?

• Which service I am involved with
• Choice of worker and who I work with – gender, CPN/Support worker/care coordinator, access to different professions, seeing the same worker
• Appointments – flexibility in where we meet
• Involvement in planning care – reviews: how often, who attends, what is discussed; involved in agreeing care plans;
• Medication – the different options, including not taking any medication, easy access to a second opinion
• Treatment and therapy options – CBT, DBT, TC; what we do not want and what we do want, including ECT; access to complementary therapies; mindfulness
• Access to peer support – including courses (Mind), easy access
• Personal independence budgets
• Where I live and the things I do – like cooking, what I eat, and watching sport
• To have the right to make my own choices

2. How would you like to be treated as an individual within Mental Health and Learning Disability services?

• Treated as a person, not an illness
• As an equal – regardless of my characteristics
• Non-judgementally – with respect, compassion and understanding
• As an intelligent person – just because I have a mental health problem doesn’t mean I’m stupid – people can talk down to you!
• As an expert in my own issues and life
• As a customer – eye contact, honesty, humane, respect my sense of urgency in crisis
• To be talked to, listened to and liked – to be seen as worth getting to know and be with
• That my feedback is accepted – that what I say has value

These points will be discussed at the April SUN meeting and next steps in moving this forward decided. How would you like to see this – as a charter? a ‘best practice’ support? All ideas welcomed!

What is your view from a mental health professional, carer or partner agency  perpective? Feel free to comment…..

Please leave a comment if you have anything to add to these suggestions…….

The next SUN meeting is on Wednesday 2^nd April at St Chad’s Community Hall in Headingley; the guest speaker will be Dr Jim Isherwood, LYPFT’s Medical Director – click here to see the flyer. All are welcome to attend, but if you can’t get there, please feel free to post any comments or questions you may have for him here or email donna.kemp@nhs.net

Is ‘Care Plan’ the right term these days? Have your say

CPA was the topic at this weeks SUN (Service User Network) meeting in Leeds.  Minutes from this will be posted on here once they are complete.  The event was well attended and it provided an opportunity for people to share some of their thoughts and ideas about some of the fundamentals about CPA.  These questions were asked and the responses are shared here too (yes, I checked that people were happy for this to go on the blog), please share your views and responses to the questions, the favoured terms will be identified and put to a vote early Jan 2014:-

Q.1 What should we call it when people are not on CPA?

CPA Lite	Support Plan	About Me
My Support	My Plan	Life Plan
Freedom Plan	Update Plan	Wellbeing Plan
Recovery Plan	Standard Care Plan	Care Plan

Should we have another name for CPA  – If so, what?

Coordinated Care Approach

Coordinated Care

Shared Care Plan

Q2. What should we call the CARE PLAN?

Moving Forward	Life Plan	Management Plan
Life Management plan	Personal Plan	My Plan
The Me Plan	The All About Me Plan	Life Control Plan

Q3. What should be in your care plan?

Support in achieving your goals (not service goals or professional) Structure of care plan defined by others eg. service/government; we need more control over this. Make it more personal or individual FamilyContacts/ contact details and telephone numbers for support out of hours Having access to your own care plan Other services you are involved with Hopes for the future/goals/dreams Friendships/ important people to me What is important in your life/ what is meaningful Relationships Keeping in touch with people  – can be complicated, may be relationships with staff who have known you for years Staff can be important to help us maintain friendships etc Bereavement and loss Sometimes feels like a tick box exercise for professionals How focused are they on us? and our needs We need choice about who the care coordinator is – i don’t want my psychiatrist to be I want more choice about professionals involved in my care – I need a CPN, i need more support, the support I need More choice, power and control in the process, what is important to us

Help with using PLAIN ENGLISH was asked for:-

What we currently say/use:	Suggestions made by SUN members:
Mental Health and/or Learning Disability	Feeling Well
Physical Health	Staying Well
Social, Occupational & VocationalWork, training, education and meaningful activity	Life & WorkPersonal Self Care Holidays
Medication	Tablets, injections & medicineMedsPills
DischargeDischarge Planning	Come out of hospitalStop using servicesStop seeing someoneMoving on
Family & CarersCarers	People important to meSupporters
Housing	Where you liveHome
Finances	MoneyBenefits advice & support(anxiety, fear, panic, stress about money, benefit reviews)
Supporting parents & Safeguarding Children	(more support for parents whose children are in care eg. groups)
Substance Use	Alcohol, drugs & smokingAddictions in general
Capacity IssuesMental Capacity Act	(not assuming people don’t have capacity, more personal choice, more weight given to advance statements/decisions)
Engagement	ConnectionRelationships(Engagement of services with us not just the other way around)
Safety & Risk	Staying SafeKeeping SafeThings to keep me safe