The Wellbeing Approach to Involvement Angela Newton & Heather Murray

The Service User Directorate Established in 2004 Gives people with experience of accessing services a strong voice at local, regional and national levels Internal and external focus All staff within the Directorate have experienced mental health problems and / or accessed mental health services Developed the Wellbeing Approach to Involvement

The Wellbeing Approach to Involvement Service user involvement activities enhancing individual wellbeing Good practice in co-production Training and supporting service users to undertake voluntary work in chosen areas to improve & develop services Helping service users to help Together to help other service users

The core principles Based on service-user experiences of involvement, the Approach was developed to: 1. add to individual wellbeing 2. support local groups and communities 3. be service-user led 4. provide a collective perspective

The Key Elements Role Descriptions Individual Portfolios Equality of Access Leadership Training

Public-speaking, presentations & peer feedback Health and wellbeing Learning and working together Emotional literacy and wellbeing Self-esteem and confidence Legislation and policy Stigma and discrimination Media and internalised stigma and discrimination Equality and diversity Planning for the future

Heather’s involvement Leadership Training Summer 2007 Specialist financial literacy training Regional Steering Group National Steering Group Delivery of training, workshops & presentations Recruitment & Selection Personalisation Event Mental Capacity Act Events

Heather... Does it add to individual wellbeing? Definitely Increased self esteem Increased confidence Helps sense of achievement

Heather... Has it supported local groups & communities? Together services not local to where I live Influence local services though through knowledge and skills I bring back Mental Capacity Act Financial Literacy Sharing good and bad practice locally

Heather... Is it service-user led? Leadership training is service-user led Money Matters – developed by people who have used services (led by staff) Further involvement opportunities led by me – group work / presentations / publicity One thing has led to others, increasingly led by service users

Heather... Does it provide a collective perspective? Mostly provides a collective perspective Not just about one person’s ideas, thinking what issues affect the majority of people Publicity work – my own experience Recruitment – personal judgement about what’s needed

Some benefits for service users Leadership training – confirms what already know and do, builds confidence Effecting all service users, not just individuals Two way for staff and service users Learn and take back good practice to own area and vice versa Problem solving Networking Continuity of involvement staff

In small groups, discuss the benefits and limitations of the Wellbeing Approach to Involvement for the following groups:- service users carers staff commissioners organisations society

How will this new knowledge influence you after today?