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Mental Health and Wellbeing Networks

Mental health and wellbeing networks and forums offer local groups an opportunity to meet with other organisations, share ideas and concerns, develop interagency partnerships and to agree voluntary sector standpoints to take forward into consultation with statutory bodies.

If you are an individual or a group from Bridgend County Borough who promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, or provide a service for people with a mental health issue, please contact BAVO.

We can give you information, training and advice on mental health policy, funding etc. If you are a mental health service user, or a carer, we work with other agencies in mental health service planning to best fulfill the needs of service users and carers.

If you want to set up a group we can give you advice about getting started and provide you with resources and access to other specialist groups who might be able to help you further.

Contact the mental health networks listed below if you are an individual or group whose aim is to promote mental health or provide a service for people with a mental health issue within Bridgend County Borough:

Drug Alcohol Mental Health Third Sector Network

This network brings together:

• Local and national organisations who work in the field of mental health and mental wellbeing;
• Workers, volunteers and volunteers that are involved in supporting people and/or working to combat substance misuse issues.

The network creates 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, which provides services to people who may also have mental health issues, to link in, share information and work in partnership.

If you work with or support people with a mental health issue and would like further information on how to be involved and kept informed, contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or E: bavo@bavo.org.uk

Mental Health and Well Being Board

The Mental Health and Well Being Board (MHWB) brings together members from local authorities, third sector and health across Bridgend, Swansea and Neath and Port Talbot county boroughs.

The specific role of the MHWB is to guide, monitor and facilitate the coordinated approach required to deliver the national Together for Mental Health Strategy and has the following core aims:

• The mental health and wellbeing of the whole population is improved;
• The impact of mental health problems and/or mental illness on individuals of all ages, their families and carers, communities and the economy more widely, is better recognised and reduced;
• Inequalities, stigma and discrimination suffered by people experiencing mental health problems and mental illness are reduced;
• Individuals have a better experience of the support and treatment they receive and have an increased feeling of input and control over related decisions;
• Access to, and the quality of preventative measures, early intervention and treatment services is improved to increase recovery;
• The values, attitudes and skills of those treating or supporting individuals of all ages with mental health problems or mental illness are improved.

For further details, contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400, E: bavo@bavo.org.uk  or Hafal’s Service User and Carer Representative based in Commercial Street in Maesteg, T: 01656 732085.

SUN – Service User Network

This network supports the full and effective participation of individuals within mental health services. Comprising of service users from various mental health services within Bridgend County Borough, the network provides peer support and training to its members.

Group’s aims:

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

These aims are worked on through: 

Participation:

• Representation in all mental health service planning;
• Member input during annual World Mental Health Day in October each year.

Information:

• Sharing information on a wide variety of mental health issues in a confidential manner
• Raising public awareness through displays and promotions.

Meetings are held on a monthly basis and are open to all who access mental health services in Bridgend County Borough.

For further details, Hafal’s Service User and Carer Representative based in Commercial Street in Maesteg, T: 01656 732085.

Contact us

For further details contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or E: bavo@bavo.org.uk