West Sussex Mind has been chosen by the NHS to create a new collaborative network to shape the design and delivery of mental health services across the county. Called the West Sussex Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Mental Health Network, the network is open to organisations of any size that deal with people’s mental health directly or indirectly.
The NHS Long-Term Plan calls for a new integrated model of primary and community mental health care to support adults and older adults with severe mental illness. It also wants to increase alternative provision for people in crisis through local authorities and VCSEs working together to meet the needs of patients, carers and families.
The network brings together organisations involved in mental health to share their ideas and collaborate to create these integrated care systems and to involve local populations in improving services.
“The network is a great opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to bring its experience and expertise to influence what community mental health looks like in the future,” said Kerrin Page, deputy CEO of West Sussex Mind.
If you have any questions or are interested in joining the network, please email Alison Lake, VCSE Mental Health Network Manager at West Sussex Mind, at vcsementalhealthnetwork@westsussexmind.org