Annual review 2007/08

In your area

Eastern

Making a difference

We have 25 Rethink services in the region, from Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), through to befriending and carer’s support. 13 Rethink Groups are run in our region too with about 800 members, and this year we plan to expand our membership and achieve even more for the people directly affected by metal illness in our area.

Making it happen

• The Essex Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) service is a completely new concept and has been active since May 2007. We’ve visited social care and health provider teams, as well as residential and nursing homes, the local prison, and carer’s support groups.
  
  
• Bedfordshire Carer Support has continued to work effectively with other statutory and voluntary organisations, and these partnerships have led to five successful social events for carers.
  
  
• The befriending service Rethink Good Companions in South Essex has continued to recruit, train and retain a large number of volunteers. It emphasises Mental Health Promotion and as a result has had several articles in the local press and the Guardian as well a several displays and awareness events. It’s also given talks and Mental Health Awareness training to the local police force, library staff and other organisations.
  
  
• The Norfolk Stuff Stigma campaign is part of the Time to Change programme, funded by Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.  Recently we organised an Annual Conference and we aim to produce further materials, organise a mass participation event, and engage with schools, colleges and community groups.
  
  
• South Essex services have recently undergone a restructure focussing on modernising our employment and community support services and providing more one to one time with service users.

Making an impact

• Gradually social care professionals are gaining an understanding of IMCA and their statutory duty to refer service users to us. Referrals are now steadily arriving and as a result service users’ best interests are now being recognised.
  
  
• The carers attending the five events said how grateful they were and appreciative of the break from their caring role.
  
  
• Rethink Good Companions reached over 400 individuals through their awareness talks and over 60 volunteers were trained to become befrienders.
  
  
• The Stuff Stigma campaign will develop innovative ways of engaging people with the issues surrounding mental ill health and physical activity.
  
  
• Staff and services users have embraced the Community Bridge Building ideology and have committed themselves to modernising and developing our services.

 
Moving forward

• Essex IMCA will continue to promote its work and to support individuals ensuring that their best interests are met.
  
  
• Rethink Good Companions will be organising an increased number of events this year since being awarded with an additional Mental Health Promotions post.
  
  
• The Stuff Stigma campaign will be developed to meet our aim of engaging with people and changing behaviour.
  
  
• Rethink in the Eastern Region will continue to be devoted to providing high quality and modern services that meet the needs of the whole mental health community.

Moving you forward

If you want to know more about our services in the Eastern Region please contact: Rethink Area Office, 43 St Andrew’s Street North, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1TH or phone 01284 719431