Donna Urquhart said...

I think it's very important for all services, organisations and charities who may be able to help older people to forge links with one another. If one service helps someone but are not able to pass on, or offer to pass on, the person's details to any other organisations of the person's choice(and with their permisison) that may also be of benefit to the person I think that's a wasted opportunity. If we can all cross refer to each other, all the person's needs have a much better chance of being addressed (e.g. Care & Repair can adapt their bathroom to install a level access shower and at works completion can pass on contact details to other organisations the client choses, like the Hearing Resource Centre if they have hearing problems, Befrienders Highland if they suffer from any mental health issues and need a friend, an Arthritis organisation should they need info or help if they have a condition, etc, etc)

David Stallard said...

I am interested and involved in services for people with severe and enduring mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness and severe depression or anxiety. I am afraid that the very particular needs of this group can be lost within a broad heading like "people with mental health problems."
I would endorse the findings of the HCCF consultation in 2009 that important things which help to maintain health and independence for this particular group are supportive friends, being helped to become socially active and access to interesting, involving activities.
After long involvement with a befriending scheme, I have learned that there are many people with serious, longterm illness who are almost completely socially isolated. For many in this position, their own unaided efforts are most unlikely to bring any shange to this because of factors like low self esteem, lack of confidence and stigma.
I would like to see considerably more resources used to create social networks and activities for people isolated as a result of mental illness. The voluntary sector has a key role to play here and is playing this role but on far too small a scale to meet the need. And most of this activity has no secure, longterm funding. I would like to see more resources invested on a long term basis,by The Highland Council, the NHS and others, in creating and maintaining supportive friendship networks for those isolated and deprived of rewarding social lives by enduring mental illness. At present, the quality of life enjoyed by many people living in the community with serious mental illnesses is extremely poor. The impact of present financial pressures on reduced Support Worker and day services is noticeably making the problem worse not better.

Dave Allison said...

I think the site need translations in Gaelic, Polish, et al
Please check with The local community planning partnership equality and diversity group