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Mental health given a new focus

A service aimed at encouraging people who experience mental health difficulties to recover from their illness and live full and independent lives has been launched in Barnet.

Timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day, the launch of The Network (formerly Community Network) sees a departure from the traditional care model for people who access mental health services. The focus has now moved to enabling people to decide how they can best be helped to achieve independence and avoid ongoing dependency.

The new service is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and who meets the Social Services eligibility criteria. They will then be assessed by one of the Network's team who will decide, with them, what level of programme to undertake.

For many people, picking up the pieces of their everyday life following an episode of acute mental illness can be a daunting and frightening challenge. The Network offers the opportunity for people to develop a personalised recovery plan, skills in daily living (such as budgeting and running a home) and short courses on how to deal with some of the psychological barriers that may stop people realising their potential.

Following this "enablement" programme, people will be assisted to develop their own personal support plan using a range of resources, including education and volunteering. They will also be advised and assisted to access programmes leading towards employment. People may qualify for financial help to achieve their plans.

There will also be a number of self-run groups supported by the Network called "Friends in Action". The groups are run by "hosts", who have themselves experience mental health services and have been trained to carry out the role.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "These days we are much more aware of mental health problems and are trying to help proactively. "The Network" helps move people away from simple care and enable users to be more independent."

The Network can be contacted by calling 020 8359 3230 or by emailing the.network@barnet.gov.uk.
 

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