MENTAL HEALTH
Our thematic is open to any VCSE organisation that is working in or around the field of mental health . Our aim is to create a collaborative environment where we share information from our sector and the system. We offer meetings and workshops in order to engage operational and strategic members. These workshops and meeting provide an opportunity to share experience, support each other and build knowledge. Our bi-monthly workshops are informal , we share information , hold discussions, reflect and learn form each other. The bi-monthly meetings are recorded, we invite relevant speakers and address sector issues we wish to take forward to the assembly .
The MH Thematic group has over 50 members. Over the last two years our membership has grown, it spans Health and Social Care, Education, Housing, Advocacy, Counselling and numerous other VCSE organisations.
We have influenced the development of countywide strategies, consulted on system priorities and supported or established delivery partnerships.
Our members have identifies three priority areas :
Unmet Need - There is increased demand for support and the majority of members have reported increased waiting lists for all services over the last year. We want to evidence this and provide solutions.
Workforce wellbeing - Staff are overstretched, the complexity and amount of referrals have increased, leading to increased absence, burnout and some suffering from compassion fatigue. We want to grow and develop workforce wellbeing
Recruitment and Retention - There are increased roles across Health and Social Care leading VCSE to compete with each other and terms/ conditions of statutory partners. Staff vacancies within the system add to pressure everywhere .
We want to develop training pathways that attract individuals and retain them.
Over the next year the VCSE Assembly will continue to grow and develop. The Assembly will highlight the impact of the VCSE sector through its thematic approach. We will ensure that we are connected and collaborative, enabling everyone involved to play their part in our belief that we are one sector. The assembly is our voice !