Following a comprehensive two-year process of engagement with service users, families, carers, staff and members of the public, Hywel Dda University Health Board has officially launched a new public consultation to help change adult mental health services for the better across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

‘The Journey to Recovery’ asks people for their opinions on proposals to change how we provide care and treatment to meet the mental health needs of people now as well as future generations.

Having discussed and explored the issues that our current services encounter together with the people most affected we have worked together to co-design a model that encompasses:

• Twenty-four hour services - ensuring anyone who needs help can access a mental health centre for support at any time of the day or night

• No waiting lists - so that people receive first contact with mental health services within 24 hours and for their subsequent care to be planned for in a consistent and supportive way

• Community focus - to stop admitting people to hospital when it isn’t the best option and provide support in the community when people need time away from home, extra support or protection

• Recovery and resilience - services that don’t purely focus on treating or managing symptoms, but instead help people to live independent, fulfilling lives with the help and support they need

Libby Ryan-Davies, Director of Transformation, said: “The work we have done on Transforming Mental Health has helped us to think differently about how we design, plan and deliver services locally. We know we do not always help people with mental health difficulties at an early enough stage and services do not always feel joined up, with people having to endure repeat assessments before they get the right care. We want service users to have better access to higher quality services in their communities, helping them stay well and out of hospital where possible.

“I am delighted that we are launching this consultation to ask people for their opinions on the proposals that we have jointly designed. We want to do our best for everyone who needs adult mental health services across our counties and we know the best way to do this is to take into account the views from as many people as possible to help us develop plans that meet the needs of our services users, their carers, friends and families.”

Angie Darlington, Director of West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH), said: “Over the last two years we have worked with a variety of service users, carers, organisations and interest groups; I would encourage everyone to get involved with this consultation, to make their views known. It is great to see such energy and determination to work together to improve mental health services across Wales. This consultation offers a fantastic opportunity to develop forward thinking recovery focused mental health services, that offer care, compassion and proactive support. By working together to shape this work we can all make a positive difference.”

Dr Warren Lloyd, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Director for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities: “The mental health needs of local residents have changed significantly and we want to ensure that our services are configured in a way that helps people to receive the support that they need as close to home as possible. It’s vital for the future that we have the backing of our service users, healthcare professionals and the public, so that we can implement an adult mental health service model that is truly co-designed by those who both access and provide the services.”

To take part, residents are asked to read our issues paper and answer an accompanying questionnaire. An easy read version is also available.

Documents can be accessed or requested by:

Writing to Freepost Hywel Dda Health Board

Calling on 01554 899 056 (please leave a message for us)

You can also complete our questionnaire online at: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/mentalhealth

Or take part in one of the Helath Board’s events: