## **Annual Report October 2024**
Including data from the 2023/2024 year
**The service user and carer voice of lived experience in developing mental health services, and in supporting individual and community awareness, wellbeing and resilience across Southern Trust area**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice
## ~~**on Charity Informat**~~
## **Established in August 1993**
## **Current Management Committee**
Chairperson: Teresa Nugent Treasurer: Margaret McGuire Secretary Caroline Ferguson Trustee: RoseMarie McDonnell Trustee: Laurence Bradley
**Forum Manager** Karl Hughes **Development Officer** Elaine Fogarty lobby@mentalhealthforum.co.uk elainefogarty42@gmail.com
## **Address & Contact Points**
The Mental Health Forum, Ballybot House, 28 Corn Market, Newry, BT35 8BG Office telephone number: 028 3025 2423
Website: www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk Facebook: @serviceuservoice
## **Registrations and Affiliations**
Charity Commission Northern Ireland: NIC104166 HMRC Charity Reference: XR28528 Information Commissioners Office: ZA125814 Zero Suicide Alliance : Member Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action: Member Confederation of Community Groups: Affiliate Institute of Leadership & Management: Staff Membership British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy: Counsellor Accreditation
## **Advice and Support Services**
Banking: Allied Irish Bank 42-44 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1AU Payroll: Confederation of Community Groups Ballybot House, 28 Corn Market, Newry, BT35 8BG Insurance: Autoline Direct Insurance Consultants Ltd 2 Ashtree Enterprise Park, Rathriland Rd, Newry, BT34 1BY Independent External Examiner: Marian Shields
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 2
## ~~**Foreword**~~
By _Teresa Nugent_ Chairperson, The Mental Health Forum
2023-24 again proved to be a particularly challenging year for the community and voluntary sector. As ever, investment in that sector fell far short of what was required but again the third sector rose to the challenges presented and continued to deliver much needed services to our communities
The challenges affecting our health and social care system impacted on every sector of society. In spite of this, the Mental Health Forum continued to deliver services ranging from counselling, individual advice, support and signposting right through to training and involvement opportunities for people with lived experience. Our suicide awareness workshops continued with financial support from our local primary care multidisciplinary team. Our engagement with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust involved improving service delivery in both In-patient and community settings, and we continue to work closely with the Department of Health and our local political representatives to address both the immediate and long term challenges facing our communities.
Once again I want to take the opportunity to thank all our Forum staff and volunteers for their continued commitment and dedication to serving the needs of those across our communities struggling with daily mental health challenges and the continuing cost of living pressures. I am proud of the achievements of our staff in the face of evermore challenging conditions, and I hope that the value of our work will be duly acknowledged and recognised by central government in seeking to deliver on the recommendations of the Mental Health Strategy in the year ahead.
## _Teresa Nugent_
Chairperson Mental Health Forum
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 3
## ~~**Who we are**~~
**The Mental Health Forum has been serving the Southern Health & Social Care Trust area of Northern Ireland for 30+ years, and acts as the official voice of the service user community within the internal processes and planning of it’s Mental Health Division.**
The charity was established as a means of communicating authentic mental health service user and carer opinion to service providers, and as a conduit to receive key community information from service providers. Since 1993 We have provided advice, information and signposting for service users, carers, professionals and the general public in relation to mental health services throughout the Trust area. We engage directly with service providers in planning, delivery and monitoring mental health services both locally and regionally, and a large part of that vital independent role is still facilitated by our unique User and Carer Service Improvement Group which was established in 2007.
Over time, our support and tailored capacity building structures have evolved to fulfil our goal of being a truly Peer-Led organisation in every aspect of our work. We have a reputation as leaders in Coproduction Practice and since our earliest days have been passionate champions of person-centred, recovery-focused, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches; this all strongly aligns with current government and HSC evidence and strategy.
Our peer-involvement and peer-leadership priorities allow us to communicate and lobby for the interests of service users and carers with authenticity: we are proud to be
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 4
## ~~**What we do**~~
**Some of our volunteer Lived Experience Team Members Our Staff Team**
**Pauline Reid** Public Awareness Coordinator. Editor in ‘Flights of Hope’ Project
**Trudy Beattie**
Senior Public Awareness Rep
**Karl Hughes** Manager
**Kevin Heaney** Senior Peer Trainer and Facilitator
**Eoghan Heron** Digital Platforms Coordinator
**Elaine Fogarty** Development Officer
5
## **Overview of main MHF services 2025**
- **Accessible by the general public** ◼ **Open to Adult MH Service Users or Carers in SHSCT area (past or present)**
- **Self-referral by General Public (adults) in SHSCT area, but subject to clinical criteria**
- **Open to Businesses, Groups, Organisations, Services, HSC Teams** ◼ **Forum Members**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Information, signposting & advice about mental health issues,
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
services and supports.
MHF Website Information, Facebook Page, YouTube channel
MHF Monthly Newsletter
Forum Members meeting with peer-mentorship
◼ ◼
Monthly meeting by Zoom with info exchange, wellness discussion, and learning
MHF Capacity Building for service users & carers 18yrs+
Peer-Mentored Programme to build skills and confidence for Involvement &
Coproduction and sharing of Lived Experience. ◼ ◼
(with weekly group zoom sessions and 1:1 sessions via zoom)
PeerChat… 18yrs+
Peer-Led Service offering Peer-Support by appointment to any member of
the public or service user/carer experiencing low level challenges or worries → → ◼
about their mental wellbeing or coping tool options
Peer-Led Workshops, Talks, Awareness sessions or Info Stands
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Suicide Awareness, MH & Wellbeing, MH Lived Experience, etc
(subject to availability.) (Bespoke workshops can also be created for a small fee)
MHF Community Volunteer Programme 16ys+ ◼ ◼Placements
Opportunities for members of the public to support the varied activity of (work preparedness, experience,
Mental Health Forum services university or college, volunteer
element of youth programmes)
(with ‘office-based’ and ’work-from-home’ options as available)
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The Me2024 A **n** nual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice tal Health Forum www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk Enquiries: elainefogarty42@gmail.com 078 76261033 6
## ~~**Supportng Community Development and Resilience**~~
By _Karl Hughes,_ Manager, Mental Health Forum
Throughout the past year the Mental Health Forum continued to develop and grow its engagement with a wide range of community based providers. Building on existing
partnerships and evolving new opportunities for co-working continues to provide ever greater reach into our communities and adds strength to the importance and value of our community and voluntary sector.
The following are agencies with whom the Forum has engaged throughout the past year:-
- Daisy Hill Hospital Future Group and Daisy Hill SOS Group – Political, Business and
- Civic society working in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- Wellness Action Partnership across Newry, Mourne, Down and South Armagh
- CAUSE – Carer Support Service
- Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)
- Lifeline
- Mindwise
- Action Mental Health
- Community Advice (Newry, Mourne and Down)
- Community Foundation
- Newry Mourne & Down District Council
- Housing Executive
- Newry GP Federation / Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Rural Health Partnership
- Clanrye Group
- Southern Regional College
- Kilkeel Development Association
- Women’s Aid (Newry & Armagh)
- Newry Enterprise Agency
The Forum will continue to engage with a wide range of agencies across both the C&V and Statutory sectors to ensure the very best outcomes for our clients and our communities.
## _Karl Hughes_
Manager Mental Health Forum
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 7
## **The Impact of our Peer-Led Services (2023/2024 year)**
## **At least 426 accessed**
**‘Public Awareness Events & Talks’**
intended to provide impact of: improved mental health knowledge, coping tools, or access to support the community
**----- Start of picture text -----**
At least
(excluding website)
5,325
Areas of personal impact
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**107 people accessed ’Talk2me…’ Peer-led Professional Counselling** intended to provide impact of: decreased mental distress in relation to presented personal issue, and improved
**861 people accessed ‘Peer-Staff signposting/advice’** intended to provide impact of: being better informed or connected directly with appropriate mental health support or services
self awareness, self-care skills & resilience. **959** sessions provided across face to face, zoom, and walk **‘n’** talk
**13 people accessed ‘PeerChat’ Peer-Support by appointment**
**& at least 32,650 visits recorded on the Forum Website** intended to provide impact of: improved mental health knowledge, connection or learning opportunities, coping tools, or access to advice, advocacy, or support & services in the community.
intended to provide impact of: improved self-awareness, coping tools and resilience to better manage personal mental wellbeing. Supported by tailored community signposting. **67** sessions offered
**31 people accessed The Forum’s mentored ‘Capacity Building Programme’ Pathway** intended to provide impact of: improved opportunities, skills, knowledge and confidence in coproduction practice, while simultaneously being exposed to opportunities and tools for personal development. **26** 1:1 mentorship sessions & **41** Group sessions offered
**52 people accessed ‘Flights of Hope’ archive project contribution opportunity 28 people accessed** intended to have impact of: **‘Take5 Ambassador’ info sessions** increased resilience, confidence, and intended to provide impact of: capacity for self-care, through sharing improved self-awareness and ability to better part of own personal story with others self-mange personal wellbeing using the public who may be struggling with their mental health model of ‘Take5’ wellbeing in some way.
**At least 26 People engaged in supported**
> intended to provide impact of: **‘Coproduction in SHSCT MH Services’** improved self-awareness and ability to better intended to provide personal impact of: self-mange personal wellbeing using the public improved personal sense of contribution, health model of ‘Take5’ confidence, and mental wellbeing from
**639 booklets of these stories shared** with intended impact of bringing Hope, Inspiration and Encouragement.
**14 people accessed representation role at**
Inspiration and Encouragement. **User & Carer Service Improvement Group** intended to provide: **35 people** direct coproduction opportunities, strengthened **Now have increased knowledge,** personal mental health and sense of contribution **confidence and skills to potentially 3 people providing** through mentored and supported lived- **‘Teaching input with QUB & SWC’** experience contribution. **save lives of those in suicidal crisis** , reporting improved personal This is unique regionally, and is embedded in having attended the Mental Health Forum’s unique mental health through the SHSCT MH Division’s planning and quality ‘Survivor-Led Suicide Awareness Training’ sharing of lived experience on topic of improvement of it’s services mental health & wellbeing with students of HSC related courses
**All of this supported by at least 763 hours** of service user & carer volunteering within MHF ‘Community Volunteer Programme’ and ’Core CBP Team. With personal wellbeing impact for volunteers, as well as significant community benefit.
**46 Future Professionals learning about effective client approaches and benefit of Recovery-focused practice.**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 8
## ~~**Helping Individuals fnd or access supports and services**~~
**Our team offers information, signposting, and advice by telephone or fat our office.**
**And our Forum service user and carer members continue to play a leading role in it’s outreach into local communities.**
**Health fairs, events, courses and other opportunities allowed us to reach people with mental health and wellbeing Info and to provide tailored signposting.**
At least **842** People benefited from signposting to crisis support services during their involvement with the Forum in the 23/34 year.
**1472** Newsletter shares in 23/24 to MHF mailing list members, with extrapolated additional **4300** via partnership arrangements with other agency mailing lists.
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 9
## ~~**Peer-Led Services**~~
1:1 access to info, signposting & advice, access to relaxed group discussions on wellness tools, personal development skills, opportunities for involvement.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
wellness tools, personal development skills, opportunities for involvement.
Referral pathway: Self
(Often with recommendation from Social Prescribers, Key workers, Community MH professionals)
Cost: FREE at point of access
Criteria: 18+, live in SHSCT area, with history of Mental Health Challenges
Open to adults who have accessed any kind of community or statutory support
to help manage their general mental wellness or a diagnosed MH condition.
1 Apr 23—31 Mar 24
12 Peer-Led Membership meetings offered
92% Satisfaction Rating for Member meetings
(Average % Attendees returning either ‘Good or Excellent’ when polled)
**----- End of picture text -----**
Peer-led Involvement Experience & peer-supported learning **Referral pathway:** Active Forum members can access this additional learning **Cost:** FREE at point of access
**Criteria:** 18+, live in SHSCT area, and experience as SU/Carer with MH Services
**----- Start of picture text -----**
1 Apr 23—31 Mar 24
26 1:1 mentoring sessions offered
41 Group mentoring sessions offered
45 Drop-In mentorship clinics offered
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2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 10
## ~~**Peer-Led Services**~~
## **Talk2me…**
## **Peer-Led Professional Counselling Service**
Peer-led Peer-delivered Professional Counselling Service **Referral pathway:** Self, Primary Care MDT, and Social Prescribers **Cost:** FREE at point of access
**Criteria:** 18+, live in SHSCT area, & low presentations of MH issues/challenges **Open to** the public, service users, and carers.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
1 Apr 23—31 Mar 24
959
1:1 Counselling sessions offered
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **PeerChat… Peer-Support by appointment**
Peer-Led service offering a very flexible range of short term peer-support options with tailored approach and confidentiality. **Referral pathway:** Self, Social Prescribers **Cost:** FREE at point of access
**Criteria:** 18+, live in SHSCT area, and living with Mental Health Challenges **Open to** the public, service users, and carers.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
1 Apr 23—31 Mar 24
26 1:1 Peer Mentorship sessions offered
**----- End of picture text -----**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 11
## ~~**User and Carer Service Improvement Group**~~
## **UCSIG**
By _Elaine Fogarty_ Chair, and person of Lived Experience
## **What is UCSIG, and why does it matter?**
## **Expression of Interest pathway:** Self
**Cost:** FREE at point of access. Some meeting travel expenses reimbursed.
**Criteria:** 18+, live in SHSCT area, experience as SU or Carer with MH Services (past or present), willing to engage with support and mentoring in the MHF peer-led Capacity Building Programme., willing to contribute to coproduction activity. **Lived Experience involvement open to** both service users, and carers
**As part of the Forum's work, one of our service user members chairs UCSIG This is a partnership structure unique to SHSCT and was established with the Forum when the Trust itself was born back in 2007. There is a public-facing element to Forum activity as with all contracted agencies, however we** _**also have a unique inwardly-embedded function. UCSIG's independent voice and expertise is part of the collaborative leadership approach that strengthens Southern Trust Mental Health Division. The Forum coordinates and supports UCSIG, and it works best when All staff in the Mental Health Division are familiar with us, and All teams have communication lines open with us.**_
UCSIG membership includes: service users, carers, advocates, representatives from contracted community organisations, and Trust staff. Together, we sit at the heart of a regionally unique coproduction model that supports work of the teams, their clients, and new improvement initiatives. We meet monthly, and have a regular interface with the collective leadership team in mental health and we have direct communication lines cross-directorate. As appropriate, to speak to specific topics, we can also call for the attendance of specific staff across all areas and bands within our SHSCT mental health. The agenda discusses and contributes to mental health developments, strategy, and key drivers locally and regionally, and links through its reps to multiple workstreams. We intertwine seamlessly with the core work of the Forum with link with multiple stakeholders to facilitate effective communication exchange and cascade. Coproduction opportunities are created or managed through this joint model and have close liaison with the SHSCT Service User Consultant and feedback loops to SHSCT PPI* structures.
**Local Examples of MHF members contributing their Lived Experience**
**contributing their Lived Experience**
SHSCT UCSIG & Divisional Management and Service User Consultant Interfaces
Contribution to development of SHSCT MH services SHSCT Working Together Steering Group membership Newry Wellbeing Action Partnership
Towards Zero Suicide Workstreams
Contribution to and approval of various internal policy, strategy and procedure documents for SHSCT, as well as public-facing resources
Membership of various QI project teams
Southern Protect Life Implementation Group
Workstream activity and contribution towards the goal of a regional MH service.
Department of Health Engagement Events 10,000voice Surveys on multiple topics
Contribution to development of various resources and documents for regional use/learning
Contributions to work of Lifeline
Direct input to student learning spaces in QUB and SWC for their HSC-related courses
SHSCT staff access to LE-Led training / direct Q&A
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 12
## ~~**Membership Opportunites**~~
In 2024 a Member coproduction team helped to improve our Membership Structure and benefits. Based on that Lived Experience, and aligning with opportunities and needs of the coproduction landscape in Southern Trust, a new pathway makes joining even easier than before!
## **Who can Join?**
- Any adult living in or accessing services the Southern Trust area
- We welcome MH service users and Carers, and those who have accessed support or care for their mental wellbeing with a with a GP, accessed talking therapy in the community, or who support their mental health by attending MH support groups.
-
## **What are the benefits?**
- Information, signposting and advice from the MHF team re MH services/supports
- Regular Newsletters that include information on SHSCT-based wellbeing events or learning
- Peer-Led Monthly Zoom Membership Meeting - with discussions on wellbeing and personal development, information sharing, and confidence-building
- Access to occasional 1:1s support conversations via the regular online zoom ‘Support Clinic’
- Opportunities for supported Lived Experience contribution and/or involvement that could help improve Southern Trust MH services
- Potential for progression into the Forum’s structured Capacity Building Programme for those who want to become more skilled in Coproduction Practice and Sharing Lived Experience
- Potential for involvement in MHF projects or dedicated volunteer roles.
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 13
## ~~**Feedback from Members**~~
## **Including those active in coproduction**
_“The regular zoom meeting gives me a regular space to enjoy. Its where I learn and chat and don’t’ have to feel judged because everyone there understands”_
_“The video and discussion bits are my favourites.”_
_“Using the website and the newsletter I’ve found so many things to do and places to go within a reasonable distance from me. Surprised myself by actually signing up for some courses at the Recovery College.. It is SOOO nice to be getting out again after being unwell for a while.”_
_“I’m doing things now that even a year ago I wouldn’t have thought I could do.”_
_“Took some time to chat afterwards during private clinic time, and it was good to settle my anxieties about what’s happening a t the minute.. It was a bonus to get another fulllength session to start looking at my 1:1 WRAP :) “_
_“Lovely bunch of people, [-], and ways to learn and help others…”_
_“I was nervous to join, but I’m glad I did. I get a lot out of it”_
_“Yes, I’m using my lived experience, but people don’t see me as just that illness. They don’t see me as my job title either - I get to just do [-] things as [-]. Everyone should be able to step back like that and get to know themselves a bit better”_
_“We need to get more people . I wasn’t sure in the beginning what I was getting into but it is helping me in lots of different ways.”_
_“Others have shared some good tips over the weeks - there’s good support.”_
_“I’m in this now for the long-term.. I like the variety of the consultation and coproduction stuff we do in CBP, and I’ve gotten involved more deeply now with some roles and projects that are part of the Forum’s core work.”_
_“My confidence started to grow not long after joining. Thank you.”_
_“This new-style meeting has so much packed into it and its usually interesting and fun!”_
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 14
##
Our Peer-Led Professional Counselling Service was a response to rising community need and was created and run by a dedicated team that had their own lived experience of dealing with mental health challenges.
It was a community development approach rooted in the value of lived experience, and we were pleased to see it have such positive impact during its run
**April 2022 to May 2024.**
This had been fully funded by and **benefited 1676 individuals** in Newry & South Armagh and surrounding areas.
The service is currently suspended pending future investment, and while we continue to explore alternative sources of support it’s important to reflect and recognise the impact of this ground-breaking approach to community talking therapy provision.
We are both grateful for and very proud of the hard work and dedication from our Team. This service was conceived and delivered by people who had knowledge and passion, receiving a **100% satisfaction rating** from clients throughout its entire run.
Talk2me… was innovative and responsive in its first run and proved to be a scalable model of effective and accessible intervention aligned with the goals of the 2021-2031 Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. It demonstrated working partnerships and interfaces with local Primary Care MDT teams, Social Prescribers, and local Community Organisations and Services. We hope to have an opportunity to build on this with fresh investment.
**“Congratulations to the Team for this achievement, and for the positive change and resilience you helped clients create in their lives during those two years.”**
## **In a Case Study on Talk2me..., created for the DoH, their consultant wrote:**
“The approach taken by MHF can be considered a model of good practice in mental health for several reasons, and it offers valuable insights for others to learn from”
It then went on to celebrate Talk2me…’s approach and impact across key areas including:
Integrated approach, Addressing diverse needs, Integrated care, Early intervention, Tailored support, Reducing barriers, Building resilience, Embracing peer-leadership and
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 15
In 2024 our service user and carers in Project Team continued to promote our online archive of positive hopeful stories and inspiration on our Mental Health Forum website. (www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk)
We’d like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of those volunteers and the courage and generosity of the 5o+ people who shared their powerful stories, creative works, and insights during this past year!
Another 500 hard copy booklets have been distributed in hardcopy during the past year and the website carries a FREE pdf download version and Audio. This mixed approach has allowed us to share the positive messages of hope, shared experience, and possibility.
We invite people of all backgrounds and treatment pathways to be part of this positive movement by anonymously sharing something helpful and hopeful from their own journey. Contributions come from service users engaged with MH care, GP care, and from people using community treatment or support services to help with their mental wellbeing. We also get contributions from carers and professional or volunteer staff.
## **New in 2024:**
- **1:1 advice or support for potential contributors**
- • **Ability to record or edit audio/video contributions** ‘ ’
- • Expressions **workshop (Discussing Wellbeing tools and strategies, and supporting people who want to express hope in a short story or a poem)**
- • **Guidance for organisations or groups who would like to include ‘Flights of Hope’ in client activity programs or support groups**
- • **Our first video story live on the website archive**
Everyone has a story, insight, or example coping strategy …
Please tell others about the Flights of Hope project, and consider sending us something yourself...
You can submit a short-phrase ‘speech bubble’ and it can be done anonymously or carry just the person’s first name. Focus is on the ways we choose to manage our every-day mental wellbeing or recovery.
In partnership with Southern Trust Protect Life Implementation Group, the Forum will continue to build this resource.
The Flights of Hope Project Team
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 16
~~**Opportunites to contribute and to build skills and confdence**~~
## **Volunteer**
## **Programme**
Proudly working with those 16yrs+ from across SHSCT community
Across both our Community Volunteer Programme and the time volunteered to fulfil Specific Capacity Building Programme Roles, we have a group of very dedicated and passionate people. Their skills have supported our digital platforms, public awareness raising, counselling service, office administration, public training course, the Flights of Hope project, resource development, and the capacity building programme itself. Thankyou All.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Across both our Community Volunteering Programme and our CBP Roles
9 Volunteers active in 23/24
At least
763 Total Volunteer Hours during 23/24
**----- End of picture text -----**
## ~~**Suicide Awareness Workshops delivered by people who**~~ **have survived suicidal crisis**
In 23/24 our members continued to upskill and seek out opportunities to apply their lived experience to the nuanced area of workshop delivery of suicide awareness in the Southern Trust area.
Our Survivor-Led model is unique and we continue to receive very positive reviews about the impact of having learning spaces created and sustained by people who had actually been in a personal suicidal crisis. The Café– style environment creates a safe and comfortable space for group delivery of the Zero Suicide Training Module* and it’s added workshop element.
Our feedback tells us that people’s main ‘takeaways’ are things like:
“The essential skills and confidence are as easy to achieve as the ones for learning CPR or recognising and making safe responses to suspected stroke, using a defibrillator, or knowing what to do if someone was choking - every one can play a role in creating safer communities and the training isn’t just for doctors and nurses.”
“Talking about suicide doesn’t cause it to happen - It’s ok to ask.”
“Conversations with direct language are usually more effective.”
“The ‘See, Say, Signpost’ steps are easy to remember and apply even if a little nervous”
“Being present and providing a compassionate and patient space really helps”
“It’s not about having perfect words to say, it’s about being authentic and responsive to cues.”
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 17
## ~~**How we’ve made a diference for clients**~~ **in 23/24**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
98%
said Good or
Excellent
**----- End of picture text -----**
**How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Mental Health Forum?** (20/21 95%) (21/22 97%) (22/23 95.5%)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Has the Forum helped you
97.5%
feel more in control of your
said YES mental wellbeing?
(21/22 95.5%) (22/23 96%)
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
98.8% Would you recommend
the Mental Health
said Yes
Forum to others?
(20/21 92.5%) (21/22 94%) (22/23 95%)
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
“I I got a few ideas about where to go “Still nervous, but getting better
nest with getting involved. The girl at getting our and doing stuff. The
from the Trust had send me your way,
regular chats kept me going”
so we will have lots to talk about at
our next appointment.”
“This course is different. It doesn’t “Excellent. Very
“I think these new
just give the information about what
compassionate and
info clinics are great.”
is helpful or unhelpful. We get to
informative”
hear Why”
**----- End of picture text -----**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 18
**Forum Website Visits** during 23/24 year **32,650 Facebook Page Visits** during 23/24 year **2,761 Facebook Page Followers** as of end 23/24 year) **791**
“The girl on the phone was lovely and got me all the information I needed to start getting the situation sorted out” “I felt encouraged. Thankyou” ”I liked how relaxed the event was and the fact that it felt non“I learned so much!! I judgemental and the feeling that feel like I have more the people in the room cared” tools now to manage what's going on in my life.”
“He knew a lot of stuff. I’d definitely come back if I needed more help
“Thankyou very much for taking time to speak to our team and fill us in on what help is available for the people we are working with. Its always hard to know where best to connect them in.””
**Number of formal complaints 0 23/24 Number of adverse incidents 0 23/24 Number of safeguarding 0 incidents 23/24**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 19
## **Financial Statement 2023/2024**
2024 Annual Report of the Mental Health Forum 028 3025 2423 www.thementalhealthforum.co.uk @serviceuservoice 20
MH - Mental Health SHSCT - Southern Health and Social Care Trust HSC - Health and Social Care
MDT - Multi-disciplinary teams QI - Quality Improvement QUB - Queens University, Belfast CBP - The Forum’s unique peer-led capacity building programme (open to 18+ in SHSCT area who have accessed Trust or Community MH related services PPI - Personal & Public Involvement (The Legal responsibility placed on all SHC Trusts to involve those who use their services in development and quality improvement of those services.) UCSIG - User and Carer Service Improvement Group. (Facilitated by and integrated into The Mental Health Forum’s role. See page 11)
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