Carers news issue 9 accessible
Mental Health Act overhaul bids to empower patients
Recently the government unveiled its long-awaited plan to replace the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA), and pledged to empower individuals to control their care and treatment and tackle racial disparities.
The reforms are designed to enhance the autonomy of people subject to the act.
To replace the nearest relative role, with that of a nominated person that they would choose to be involved in decisions about their care.
To allow people to make statutory advance choice documents setting out their preferences for inpatient treatment, which clinicians would have to take into account,
To expand the role of independent mental health advocates to offer greater support and representation to patients and limiting the circumstances in which people with autism or learning disabilities can be detained.
A commitment to ending the practice of using prisons as ‘places of safety’ for defendants with acute mental illness.
Decisive action to tackle the substantial racial disparities in the use of the act.
This white paper is an excellent opportunity to update the law and improve support for everyone who needs it. I strongly support the objective to give people a stronger say in their treatment, with inpatient beds being the last resort.
Jonathan Warren, Chief Executive
Updates from Tiff
Tiff Cecchini, charge nurse family liaison, based at Hellesdon, offers updates for carers whose cared-for person is currently on one of the wards.
The update covers such topics as:
Visiting
Staying in touch
Receiving updates on your relative/friend
What’s in place on the ward to protect people from getting COVID-19
What happens if a person on the ward shows symptoms of COVID-19
Patient leave
Click on the NSFT COVID pages and the document Carers during COVID: Hellesdon is on the left.
What are you doing for yourself?
I have been out with my sister over the last three weeks. This is our solution to reducing my isolation.
We have discovered walking and talking, starting from my home. I have got a lot of my anxieties and stresses dealt with and it lifts my spirits and I sleep a bit better.
Norwich carer
Not everything is locked down
contributed by a carer
Sunrise is not locked down
Fresh air is not locked down
Friendship is not locked down
Creativity is not locked down
Prays are not locked down
Hobbies are not locked down
Hopes and dreams are not locked down
Kindness is not lock down
Learning is not locked down
Conversation is not locked down
Imagination is not locked down
Sunsets are not locked down
Hope is not locked down
Cherish what you have
Amen
Let’s meet
Terri-Ann Perkins, Carers’ Lead for Ipswich IDT
First CD/record bought: This is a bit embarrassing – J. Geils Band Angel is a Centrefold.
Favourite food: Mum’s steak and kidney pudding with mash, sprouts, mashed carrot and swede.
Terri-Ann says: My background is varied, including the Armed Forces, housing, in mental health, substance misuse and as a family worker in a prison – life experiences that have helped with my own mental health issues.
Experiencing family and friends’ mental health difficulties, I am aware that caring for someone with emotional issues can be just as hard as dealing with a physical disability as it’s the hidden cost of caring that takes its toll – feeling isolated, weary, financially stretched, to name a few.
One of the most important life skills I’ve learned is to not be ashamed or embarrassed when experiencing problems – we all have them and we all need help at times. Sharing the load by talking and taking action when you can is a huge step forward and can give a completely different perspective, which is why I feel privileged to be able to help within this role.