Final call for comments: ‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ and improve mental health services

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who have used mental health services to make sure their views are heard by completing the ‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ survey, before 31 October.

The PHA, Health and Social Care Board and Guidelines and Audit Implementation Network (GAIN) want to hear service users’ and carers’ personal experiences of mental health services from across Northern Ireland, in the last three years. The results will help to shape mental health services in the future, highlighting the quality of mental health services and showing which areas need improvement.

‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ questionnaire, is available online at: http://eu.sensemaker-suite.com/gain/index.html or on paper, from GAIN on (028) 9052 0629.

Dr Stephen Bergin, Consultant in Public Health, PHA, said: “We launched this survey in August and have received a number of excellent insights from many people, but I would encourage those who have not replied, so far, to do so before 31 October. 

“We are interested in anyone who has used mental health care and treatment services since 2009, in any setting, to go online and let us know how it was for them: their experiences, thoughts and feelings of the journey.

“People can log onto the website, tell their story and spend a few minutes answering eight questions. Those who don’t have web access can also participate by contacting the GAIN office directly.

“Your Story can Change Lives – help us plan future changes in mental health services and staff training.”

Everyone’s contributions will be used anonymously and put into a report which will be available on the GAIN website later in 2012.

Louise, a service user and Volunteer Peer Advocate, added: “Over the years I've taken part in surveys, told my story and shared my experiences but I’ve often felt that no-one in charge was really listening to me. However, I now know that my experiences of mental health services are important and need to be heard, and having helped to develop this survey, this time we have the best opportunity yet to use those experiences to bring about change for the better.”

The ‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ questionnaire is open to share your experiences and story until 31 October 2012.

For further information and to share your story on paper, contact Nicola J Porter, GAIN Manager, Room C4.17, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SQ.

For more information on GAIN (Guidelines and Audit Information Network) go to: www.gain-ni.org

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