“The writing has been on the wall for the Trust almost since the day it was set up”.

What I want to focus on at this moment is the importance of listening to users of services – particularly at a time of change. Over the years Macc has had strong involvement in mental health work with the public and voluntary sector (all led by my former colleague John Butler who left us only a few weeks ago following funding reductions).

Mental health spending in Manchester could be cut by £1.5m next year – against NHS guidelines

Mental health spending across Manchester could be slashed by £1.5m next year, new figures show – despite the government handing an extra £40m to city health bosses.

The cut, revealed by a Labour Freedom of Information request, directly flouts government guidelines.

Mental health problems for call centre staff a bigger and bigger issue, says Manchester union representative

The mental health problems for call centre employees is becoming a ‘bigger and bigger issue’, a senior Manchester union representative has warned.

Linda Craven from the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) told MM of the increasing pressures on call centre employees, based on her own experiences.

Mental health spending cuts forecast

Mental health spending cuts forecast By Sophie Hutchinson Health correspondent From the section Health Mental health trusts in England are forecasting significant cuts to their funding over the next four years, figures seen by the BBC suggest. Data from three-quarters of trusts shows from 2014-15 to 2018-19 income is expected to fall by 8% in […]

Man Uni student suffering from schizophrenia faces daily battle with ‘evil voices’

Man Uni student suffering from schizophrenia faces daily battle with ‘evil voices’
A Manchester man who suffers from schizophrenia has got his life back on track despite still hearing ‘disturbing voices’ on a daily basis.

Colin Evans, 31, from Littleborough, was diagnosed with the disorder at university in 2003, aged 20, and subsequently had to drop out and move back home with his parents.

Veterans’ mental health: Referrals rise by 26%

Veterans’ mental health: Referrals rise by 26%
Mental health referrals for ex-servicemen and women have increased by 26% in the last year, says a specialist mental health charity for veterans.

Combat Stress said referrals for ill mental health or post-traumatic stress disorder rose from 1,802 to 2,264.

It said an increase in veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan seeking help was the main reason for the rise.

MANCHESTER PREPARES FOR A CHARTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS

MANCHESTER PREPARES FOR A CHARTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS

“As a direct result of ‘Patient’ (Services Users) receiving some of the poorest commissioned mental health care in the country , Manchester services user groups have been working with MACC and other mental health support groups on a Manchester Mental Health Charter; which already holds the support of Manchester Services User groups and carer groups and is presently seeking pursuant to further consultation with ‘Services Users’ and the Manchester People and which will eventually give legally binding protections from discrimination because of mental disability and should contractually enlist all members of staff who work for the three Manchester commissioning Groups who commission for Manchester mental health services for patients within their remit.”

Staatement Made By MUN Chair To North Manchester CCG Full Statement: https://www.manchesterusersnetwork.org.uk/2014/03/12/patients-put-questions-north-manchester-clinical-commissioning-group/

Below we have published three recent examples of what patients, users of mental health services (services users) in Manchester have been saying they now want in a charter for mental health. Please leave in the comments section below what you would wish to see in a Manchester charter . The three Manchester mental health commissioning bodies are listening so please add your voice and be heard “It’s Time to Be Heard”