In Saffron, we now have a lively and enthusiastic group of volunteers that meet every two weeks to discuss mental health and pathways to well being. Many of the group members are local residents with first-hand experience of a mental health challenge, such as depression or anxiety.
Karen Pickering, the Saffron Community Health Development Worker, said
“The community dialogue project is beginning to pick up pace in Saffron and is generating a lot of interest with residents and organisations alike, who are delighted to influence decisions and to be asked their opinions regarding NHS services…..”
All of the group members are keen to make a difference to Saffron, and it's exciting as we discuss shared hopes and possibilities. The first discussion captured the following points:
CHALLENGES
- Setting up social networks
- No continuity of projects
- Sustainability
- Access to information
- No robust system to refer to
- Local projects
- Funding
- Do not parachute things into the
- Community
- Relationships
SOLUTIONS
- Train local people
- Social courses
- Talking therapies
- Saffron women’s group
- Allotment Project
- Volunteers in the community
- Trust
- Commitment from community
The second meeting will aim to develop connections and rapport in the group and continue to capture ideas and feelings, which is a key part in our co-production process.
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