Carers in Norfolk and Suffolk are being given the opportunity to be involved in a pioneering programme to redesign mental health services.

Carers of people with mental ill health are being invited by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to join a monthly focus group dedicated to helping the organisation shape future services.

The focus group is part of an innovative project called Radical Pathway Redesign, which sees doctors, psychologists and other mental health professionals taking a fresh look at what, where and when the Trust provides treatment.

The group, announced during Carer’s Week <18 – 22 June>, will directly influence the programme by putting forward thoughts, ideas and suggestions about how services can be improved.

“Carers have a unique knowledge of mental health and the services we provide,” said Sharon Picken, who leads on carer engagement for the Trust. “They can see better than most how their loved one’s wellbeing is changing from day to day so it is really important to us that carers are put at the heart of everything we do.

“Like all NHS Trusts, we are looking at making our money stretch as far as possible, as public sector finances are under pressure. We are developing innovative ways of using that money to ensure we are getting people the right treatments at the right time and in the right places. We need to get it right, and so the involvement of family carers is really important.”

Carers interested in joining the group should visit www.nsft.nhs.uk and fill out the online form. Carers who would like to have their say but who cannot commit to monthly meetings are still invited to get involved and can find out more by calling Greta Neiss on 01603 421421.

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