Voluntary Networks

Mental Health Networks.

If you are an individual or a group whose aim is to promote mental health, or to provide a service for people with a mental health problem, if you haven't got in touch with BAVO, then perhaps you should.

Bridgend County Borough Mental Health Voluntary Sector Network

The Forum brings together a number of local and national organisations who work in the field of mental health and mental well-being. It enables opportunities to discuss current issues, potential joint projects, maximising service opportunities and avoiding duplication of work. It is also an opportunity for the wider voluntary sector, who provide services to people who may also have mental health issues, to link in, share information and work in partnership.

It also provides voluntary sector representation at strategic level alongside statutory agencies and public bodies and the Forum is also heavily involved in county wide planning processes.

The next meeting of the network will be on Wednesday 19th May 2010 at Hafal, Unit 49, Tondu Enterprise Centre, Tondu, Bridgend, subsequent meetings for 2010 are planned for the following: Wednesday, Wednesday 21st of July, Wednesday 15th of September, Wednesday 17th November, all meetings are at Hafal begining at 10am.

For further details contact Andy at BAVO on 01656 810400.

Download the MHVS Network terms of reference and Download the latest minutes.

If you work with or support people who have mental health issues and would like further information on how to be involved and kept informed, please contact us on 01656 810400.

Download the report on the meeting of the Third Sector and Mental Health Planning on 19th May 2009.

SUN - Service User Network

The Forum Supports the full and effective participation of individuals within mental health services. It comprises a group of service users from various mental health services in Bridgend County Borough.

The network provides peer support to its members.

The members of the Forum can access training opportunities in committee skills, self-empowerment and any other areas deemed necessary by the members and the mental health development officer to ensure the success of the Forum.

All members are volunteers but travel expenses can be reimbursed.

The aims of the forum are:

To be a focal point for people using or having previously used mental health services.
To act as a force for change in services.
To improve communication between service users and service providers.
To promote high standards of service provision and the consideration of new services in Bridgend County Borough.

These aims can be achieved through:

Participation
- Representation in all Mental Health Service planning meetings.
- Forum input at the World Mental Health Day in Bridgend.
Information
- Sharing information on a wide variety of mental health issues in a confidential manner.
- Raising public awareness through display and promotion.

Service User Network meetings are now held at Coed Parc Information Library, Park Street, Bridgend on the first Monday of every month starting at 4.30pm. The meeting is open to all who access mental health services in the Bridgend County Borough. Download the latest minutes.

Further information about SUN can be obtained from Tania Dickinson, Service User & Carer Participation Officer, based at Hafal, Tondu. tel 01656 729191, email; sucpobridgend@hafal.org

Mental Health Promotion Wales

Download the latest edition.