A new strategy to help adults with mental health problems on the Isle of Wight is being launched at a special event at the Riverside Centre, Newport, on 2nd June 2008.

The event is being hosted jointly by the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust and the Island Council and will be attended by around 50 to 100 invited guests from the local NHS, Island Council, voluntary sector and service providers as well as a number of service users who have contributed to the development of the strategy.

The Island has a good track record in this area, investing above average levels of resources in mental health, meeting national targets arising from the National Service Framework for Mental Health and successfully implemented reforms to give people more choice and support in the community.

Helen Shields, Director of Commissioning for the PCT, said: 

“We have identified mental health as a high priority locally and are investing an extra £1.6 million over the next two years.  We have also attracted Government funding of £500,000 in 2008 to provide more psychological therapies.

“The new strategy will focus on the recovery approach whereby people are helped to deal with the adverse impact mental health can have in many areas of their lives and supported to regain control of their lives.”

Councillor Dawn Cousins, IW Council Cabinet Member for Health and Community Wellbeing, added: 

“The whole approach is working in partnership at all levels – agencies working together with service users, carers and volunteers and those providing professional help doing so in partnership with their service users to help them gain the confidence, understanding and techniques to overcome the problems their illness causes.

“The wide range of people invited to attend the launch event is a reflection of this partnership approach and the day will be spent establishing firm priorities for future developments in this important field.”

Related News:  In March, Island Nurse Teresa Day, scooped a prestigious national award, becoming the Learning Disability Nurse of the Year in Royal College of Nursing and Nursing Standard Nurse Awards 2008.

Sponsored by The Regard Partnership and Choice Support, the award was presented by former MP and Health Minister Edwina Currie (pictured) in a gala awards night in London on March 27th 2008.

IWC Media Gavin Foster:  Isle of Wight Community Information @Island Pulse.