Community Service User & Carer Forum
 
In September 1999, the Government published the National Service Framework(NSF) for Mental Health. The Framework was developed in consultation with those who use and those who provide services and spelt out national standards which detailed what adult mental health services should aim to achieve, how they should be developed and delivered and how performance should be measured.  In every local area across the country, including Portsmouth, teams were set up to manage the implementation and changes.
 
It’s been over 10 years since these meetings began and their purpose has come to an end.
 
The Integrated Commissioning Team at Portsmouth City Council want to continue this dialogue with those who use and are effected by services; so a Service User & Carer Forum has been established.
 
The aim of the forum is for service users and carers to agree and set the agenda for each meeting, decide who should be invited and advertise the meetings within the wider community.
 
The first meeting took place in May 2011 in the form of an information fair for service users and carers. All adult mental health related services were invited to have a stall to promote their organisation and the services they provide.  
 
A meeting is planned for early October looking at Advocacy, what they do and how service users can get access to an advocate; details of date and venue to follow.
 
We are looking for more service users and carers to become involved and help shape future meetings. If you are interested and could spare a few hours a week to help take the group forward, please contact James Gagliardini, details below:
 
James Gagliardini
Service User Involvement Officer
Integrated Commissioning Unit
Great Western House (2nd Floor)
Portsmouth City Council & NHS Portsmouth
Civic Offices
Portsmouth
PO1 2EP
 
T: 023 9268 8623
M: 07834 750 981
F: 023 9283 4896
E: james.gagliardini@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
www.portsmouth.gov.uk