Coventry & Warwickshire Mind

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

Our ‘Healthy Lives’ strategic business plan identifies people who experience loneliness and isolation as a priority group of individuals to target between 2016-2021. In addition, suicide prevention, transitions and self-harm as priority topics in which the organisation recognises the importance of continuous striving and ongoing development of existing and new services.

CWM’s vision is of a society that promotes good mental health for all and that values, as equals, people who experience mental health problems and the organisation works hard to ensure that the vision creates a common purpose and focus for all.  The vision is inclusive of all people and their needs, it motivates the organisation to be respectful; accepting, enabling, empowering, supportive and valuing of each individual as an equal and important person who can receive from and contribute to the organisation.

The vision creates a framework for the delivery of a range of interventions and campaigns to support individuals in crisis or risk of reaching crisis can receive the support they need.

We are involved in the work of the Sustainability Transformation Plan and in particular sit on the local STP board for suicide prevention. In addition we have been involved in the development and delivery of  ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ which is a local campaign to raise awareness amongst middle aged men of the need to talk about how you are feeling, particularly in times of crisis.

We have also produced a film for use in schools and with young people’s community group to encourage young people to be open about how they feel and able to talk about suicidal thoughts both in relation to themselves and also being a good friend who listens.

Our CEO is also the chair of the Suicide Prevention Steering group facilitated by Public Health.

What are your current priorities?

The business plan has three main workstreams, these being:

· Staying Well – helping people to develop the skills they need to stay well and not need to access mental health services.

· Being Well – supporting people whilst accessing mental health support services to reach their full potential.

· Living Well – encouraging people to make the most of moving on from mental health services and actively engaging in the community.

Implementation and oversight of the work of the business plan is managed by individual goal groups, which includes representatives from CW Mind along with individuals who have lived experience.

CWM’s vision is of a society that promotes good mental health for all and that values, as equals, people who experience mental health problems and the organisation works hard to ensure that the vision creates a common purpose and focus for all.

The vision creates a framework for the delivery of a range of interventions and campaigns to support individuals in crisis or risk of reaching crisis can receive the support they need.

What challenges are you currently facing?

Challenges include managing the amount of people who currently access our services, with an average 10% increase year on year.

Also having capacity to manage a wide range of services, to meet the needs of a diverse population.