Annual review 2007/08

In your area

North West

Making a difference

We are leading the development of innovative new service types and good practice models to support service users and carers in our region. We’ve gained a strong reputation based on high quality and professional mental health advocacy. It has been a year of putting Rethink well and truly on the map in the North West.

Making it happen

• Rethink and CSIP in the North West have jointly produced an innovative good practice guide, which sets out what carers should be able to expect as partners in the care process. This was launched across the region at events in Liverpool, Manchester and Kendal.
  
  
• We were commissioned by Wigan MBC Economic Regeneration Department to produce a best practice model for supporting people with mental health needs into work, especially those claiming Incapacity Benefit.
  
  
• Rethinking Student Mental Wellbeing is a newly established 3 year project. The project is part of the Time to Change programme funded by Comic Relief and The Big Lottery Fund. It‘s working in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to improve student mental wellbeing, challenge stigma, and to encourage students to seek help when they need it.
  
  
• In April 2007 we were successful in gaining the contract to provide the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service in Manchester. 
  
  
• Our expertise in advocacy was recognised in a successful bid to lead on providing independent advocacy at all Partnerships in Care Independent Hospitals in England.

Making an impact

• Our good practice guide to involving carers in out of area treatments has been highly praised by carers because it clearly expresses how they should be involved and provides a simple checklist for commissioners and providers to follow.
  
  
• The report on supporting return to work was recently delivered to Wigan Economic Regeneration Department. It’s an opportunity for all parties to adopt a more joined up, strategic, approach to vocational support and to develop services that will really support people who want to find and remain in work.
  
  
• The Student Mental Wellbeing project will develop a pathway of support for students and assist staff when dealing with student mental health issues.
  
  
• People now have vital advocacy support when serious decisions are made on their behalf. The service is underpinned by several good practice tools developed in the North West.
  
  
• Patients detained in secure hospitals at Partnerships in Care Hospitals have access to a professional and accessible advocacy service that empowers them and meets their needs.

Moving forward

• We’ll be working to promote the good practice guide for carers and ensure that service commissioners and providers across the country take a pro-active approach to involving carers. 
  
  
• Wigan Economic Regeneration Department will review the report and circulate it to stakeholders, which will enhance our reputation.
  
  
• After our launch in spring 2008 we will be working to carry out the Student Wellbeing project according to plans.
  
  
• Our IMCA service in Manchester will continue to support the most vulnerable in society and ensure that people that are deprived of their liberty also receive support when new safeguards come in.
  
  
• All Rethink’s advocacy services are working hard towards April 2009 to ensure that the new statutory right to advocacy for detained patients in the Mental Health Act is fully realised for all patients.

Moving you forward
If you would like to know more about our service in the North West Region please contact 01704 511015 or email northwest@rethink.org.