Press Release Issued on: 02/10/02 Issued by: NSF (Scotland), Tayside Carers Support Project Embargo until: 03/10/02 BRINGING HEALTH HOME: HEALTH BOARD SAYS 'YES!' TO CARERS AT THE START OF NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK Tayside NHS Board has launched a raft of funding designed to involve carers and the users of mental health services as part of the Tayside Involvement Plan. Neil Fraser, Health Board Clinical Services Manager seconded to implement the Mental Health Strategy, was enthusiastic: "we hope that in three years time, carers will feel they are engaged and involved in service delivery at three levels: Service delivery, decision making, and in service design". Quoting the Strategy, Neil added "there is now the opportunity to sufficiently and systematically support involvement in a sustainable way for the first time" The three-year starter package for carers, to be managed by the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), encompasses a real wish for Tayside NHS Board to include carers in the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of services for loved ones who are suffering from mental distress. Sue Pryde, Carers Involvement Worker, commented: "This work will cover all mental illnesses- the National Schizophrenia Fellowship isn't just about schizophrenia. The Board is keen to look at all the mental health services, from Community Care to acute in patient services, and we're excited about the possibilities. Tayside produced a plan of action two years ago, and we're seeing the fruits of that plan now." Sue warned against complacency: "We don't want this to be yet another dull opportunity for carers to endure endless bureaucratic meetings. We already know that it's easy to be tokenistic, and as a starting point, I know that Tayside NHS Board is keen to look at partnership working. I think the time for "consultations" and "information sharing" is past: Its time to see carers and service users as integral parts of the mental health systems- not just as outside visitors." Asked how the Project intended to involve carers, Sue said, "We'll be facilitating a range of fora throughout Tayside, and will be asking carers to join in with health providers. All expenses will be paid, and if any carer of a person with mental health problems has something to say about their needs, we'll be there to make sure they are heard in the right places. We're looking for real changes to happen!" Sue was particularly keen to scotch the idea that "only suits need apply": "Carers need to be able to be involved when and how they themselves want; if that means lightening up meetings, or not having meetings at all, then that's the way it'll be. There'll be less jargon and meaningless descriptions being used too- carers are looking for plain speaking with no hidden agendas". Note for editors: The National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) is a member led organisation that works to improve the well being and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, including families and carers. We represent the interests of our 600+ members, and our service users and promote meaningful involvement and empowerment of service users and carers in all support and services. National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) provides community-based services, information/education and promotes greater understanding of schizophrenia. We issue this press release in particular relation to National Mental Health Week, which runs from 07/10/02 to 13/10/02. For further information, contact: Paddy Carstairs, Sue Pryde Operations Manager Tayside Carers Involvement Worker NSF (Scotland) Tayside Carers Support Project Tel: 0131 557 8969 Tel: 01382 305712 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]