An additional listening session about autism services has been added to the schedule of events to gather feedback about the county’s mental health and learning disability services.

The additional session follows on from feedback received at the events that have already taken place in Carlisle and Barrow this month.

The session will take place in Kendal on Wednesday 26^th September between 9am – 12 noon. This session will complement the other listening events already planned. Other events for mental health and learning disability services are also taking place in Whitehaven and Kendal next week.

The Listening Events are being led by Service Improvement experts who want to talk to people that use services and the people who care for them.  The aim is to find out which bits need to improve and what ‘good’ services would be like – all ideas, feedback and experiences will be used develop future plans for Mental Health and Learning Disability services in the county.  The Trust is now half way through the planned listening events and so far there has been a great turnout of people coming along and sharing their thoughts.

Next weeks events:

Events at Whitehaven Golf Club

Monday 24th September:
Adult Mental Health | 9am – 12 noon
Older Adults | 1pm – 4pm
Children and Young Peoples services | 4pm – 7pm

Tuesday 25th September:
Learning Disabilities | 9am – 12 noon

Events at Kendal Town Hall 

Wednesday 26th September:
Adult Mental Health | 9am – 12 noon
Autism | 9am – 12 noon
Older Adults | 1pm – 4pm
Children and Young Peoples services | 4pm – 7pm

Thursday 27th September:
Learning Disabilities | 9am – 12 noon

Places can be booked via telephone 01228 603188 or email ServiceDevelopment@cumbria.nhs.uk. Please note that the events are not being run as drop in sessions and we would like attendees to stay for the full session where possible.

If further support to get to the events is needed transport can be provided; this should be stated when the booking is made.

For those unable to attend events, a questionnaire has also been developed for people to feedback their thoughts and ideas. The questionnaire is completely anonymous and can be accessed online via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/serviceuserandcarer.  Hard copies and Easy Read versions of the questionnaire are also available upon request.

Additionally, events for staff and partners are being held to hear their feedback; this will ensure rounded feedback is received from all involved within mental health and learning disabilities in Cumbria. A specific online questionnaire is also available for staff and partners.

All feedback from the events and online questionnaire will be collated and will be used to develop future plans for services.