Co-producing Cornwall’s mental health strategy
People involved in all aspects of Cornwall’s mental health provision packed Lanivet Community Centre to listen, learn and collaborate.
They included representatives from Healthy Cornwall, Papyrus, Active Plus, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change, the Rice and Peas diversity in action community, Pentreath, Cornwall College, and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum. Each talked about what they do and affirmed their commitment to working together as a partnership board.
They were joined by the Healthwatch Cornwall team, the newly appointed chair of the board Councillor Colin Martin and individuals prepared to speak about their own lived experience of mental health challenges.
“We don’t always feel empowered to speak up,” said one of them. “Being involved gives us a voice and that’s important because we’re all human beings.”
Healthwatch Cornwall CEO Debbie Gilbert introduced the four-hour session.
“It was lovely to see so many professionals, carers and service users in the room and get their collective approval for a joint way forward,” she said.
“Everyone had a mental health story to tell, and common themes were identified that will help inform local strategy and commissioning plans.
“The board will meet four times a year at different locations and participation from anyone who wants to have their say is actively encouraged.
“Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.”
