Double opportunity to attend local NHS event

Local people are being invited to have a say in the way mental health services are managed in the future.

The South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust is hosting two events to talk with people about its plans for the future, including applying to be an NHS Foundation Trust.

The content of each event will be the same, so people can choose the most convenient date and venue. They will take place on: • Monday 5 June 2006, 10am – 4pm, at the Cedar Court, Ainley Top, Huddersfield • Wednesday 7 June 2006, 10am – 4pm, at the Holiday Inn, Brighouse.

People who work for the Trust, as well as those who use services and their carers, have been invited as well as representatives from other local health and social care organisations and the voluntary sector.

Foundation status would give local people the opportunity to become members of the Trust and have influence over how its services develop. It would also give the Trust greater financial freedom and less restrictive monitoring arrangements.

Speaking about the events, Sukhdev Sharma, chairman of the Trust, said, ‘The events are a great opportunity for people to come along and deepen their understanding of local mental health and learning disability services. This is an early opportunity for people to get involved and to influence our plans for the future.’

Anyone interested in taking part in an event should contact Tara Hickey on 01924 327135 or tara.hickey@swyt.nhs.uk