Agenda item

LJ thanked everyone for inviting her. She explained what the service offered and is looking for suggestions as to how to gain more interest. People from a young age do use the service but there is no age limit. But the proportion over 65s who use the service is low.

Some parts of the service are self-referral. With other services you have to go via your GP. The doctor can fill out a form and people can be referred that way.

Changing Minds is now called the IAPT service – Improving Access to Psychological Therapy.

MB : In her experience a GP no longer refers patients. Has a letter from her surgery to confirm this. 

ACTION: MB to send the letter to AM/NB, to share with Cllr Oldham and Roger Rumsey.

LJ reassured the forum that GPs do refer to their service. The organisation receives 12,000 referrals from GPs a year. LJ asked to see the letter too if MB has been refused a referral.

LJ  explained that an appointment is normally booked for the wellbeing service in the GP surgery.

If matters are more serious then patients can be referred to cognitive behavioural therapy if required. The service does not help people with drug or alcohol problems, as there are other services specifically for these issues.

There are also peer supporters available in the service. People can talk about their own experiences and can meet in social gatherings. Self-referrals are accepted for this service. There is also a service for people who have psychological problems or stress as a result of having health conditions such as stroke or diabetes.

Changing Minds also have webinars where you can access a class and an opportunity to interact with others. This can help improve your mind and there are different types that people can sign up to. These classes are free.

There is a worker who deals with people who have been in the Armed Forces. Jackie has links with forces Jackie can be contacted through AM.

MH explained that his daughter had acute mental health problems and lived on her own. She had an operation and no longer has support as Campbell House is no longer there. LJ advised that his daughter should ask her GP to refer her to Primary Care Liaison Workers who should be able to give her support. Sheila Cox should be the person for MH’s area. Community Law can also take up your case.

DH stated that over 6 million people do not use the internet. Asked LJ what geographic area they cover. LJ answered that they cover the whole of Northants.

DH stated that he is very angry about the treatment of elderly people in particular those who have very bad dementia. DH asked where the organisation help with provision of care. He knew a person who has bruises on his arms. How do we police this? People are inhibited to deal with this and the problems are increasing. LJ stated that they do not deal with this type of work, but the service could help with anxiety or depression. On the topic of the internet LJ commented that webinars are new system; the service also work face to face and via the telephone. There is a need to look into doing home visits.

VM asked what services are available in care homes. LJ will look into this further.

Cllr Oldham: Does your organisation have someone in all doctors surgeries?

LJ : Yes. Sometimes they are there for the day or half a day.

DH: GPs have a strict budget. Homes can give you up to 1 month notice before people are told to leave. If you haven’t got someone to advocate your cause it is very difficult.

MB: Went to an “Alzheimer Choir” – found it to be very friendly and welcoming. It was a relief to have this kind of pleasure.

ACTION: MB to give AM information about this. .

BN: asked whether LJ was aware of Diabetes Awareness Day on 3^rd October. There is an open at St Giles Church on 9.30am – 12.30pm. This may be a good place to publicise the service for people with Diabetes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

ACTION: AM /NM to try to find out further details for Changing Minds

TM : Had grandson who was withdrawn. He couldn’t face people. He was homosexual and had a difficult two years. How could you help people experiencing similar things?

LJ: Have a therapist who is very good with people. The wellbeing worker will talk to the person to get a good understanding. Sometimes people cannot face others and they can’t go out. Might be that they have been bullied. They don’t challenge this and the situation gets worse. They would have therapy and usually pin point the problem. Sometimes the first person that the sufferer tells is the therapist.