NSF(Scotland) exists to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, including families and carers.
Since the publication of NSF(Scotland)'s last Forward Plan, there have been many external changes and developments central to, or impinging on, mental health policy and practice, with more proposed in the coming 3 years. Insofar as is possible, these have been taken into account in the preparation of this Plan - in terms of their possible impact on our community of interest, and on the Fellowship itself.
The aims and objectives which have been set for 1999 - 2002 reflect these external changes as well as the views of those who participated in our Strategic Review, which took place in the summer of 1998. We have also sought to build on the achievements of the organisation to date. These are detailed in Appendix (i) of this Forward Plan, and include:
- Further developing the voice and role of our membership - currently standing at 448 members;
- Further developing NSF(Scotland)'s links with other statutory and voluntary organisations,
thereby promoting the voice and views of our community of interest in a variety of settings;
- Further development of the provision of a range of quality community based services to service users, and those who support them - at the time of writing over 1400 users and 1200 carers benefit from our services around Scotland;
- Continuation of our much needed national information service, which responds to over 1000 detailed enquiries each year;
and
- Continuing work - within resources available - to raise public awareness and understanding of the issues and problems faced by people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and those who support them.
In the coming three years, we will seek to:
- Represent the interests of those affected by schizophrenia and allied illnesses in promoting the best possible treatment and care;
- Promote greater public understanding of schizophrenia
- Provide quality community based services for people with severe and enduring mental illness, and for their families, carers and friends;
- Provide information, education and advice to those affected by schizophrenia and allied mental illnesses;
- Promote involvement and empowerment of carers and service users in developing all support and services.
By means of the above activities, and through working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations, we hope that the aspirations of service users and those who support them, will come closer to fulfilment in the coming three years.
To improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illness, including families and carers.
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) is a National Charity concerned with schizophrenia and allied illnesses. We achieve our mission through campaigning, education and provision of practical help, support and advice.
We believe:
- that every individual has the right to be valued, and to share in the opportunities, enjoyment, challenges, responsibilities and choices of everyday life.
- that those who experience mental illness, their families and carers and friends, are entitled to quality support in the community or in hospital, as appropriate.
- that those who need care and support should be enabled to play an active role in decision making within service provision should they so choose.
- that people affected by schizophrenia have a specialised knowledge and expertise, which will be reflected in all that we do.
Our purposes are to:
- promote greater public understanding of schizophrenia, and thereby break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice and isolation.
- advocate on behalf of groups and individuals affected by schizophrenia to promote the best possible treatment and care.
- achieve full recognition of the impact of schizophrenia on all those affected by the diagnosis, including families, carers and friends.
- provide effective support to people affected by mental illness in a way which promotes self-worth, confidence, independence and empowerment.
- promote the development of appropriate services, alone and in collaboration with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
- co-operate with, and contribute to, research initiatives into the issues arising from mental illness.
