PEOPLE are being invited to help develop the district’s mental health strategy for the future.

NHS clinical leaders in Bradford want to find out the public’s views on how the district’s mental health services should be developed and delivered to make sure everyone has the best support to prevent mental ill issues and achieve mental wellbeing.

Voluntary and community services are hosting an engagement event this Thursday at Carlisle Business Centre so people can share their experiences of using mental health services and consider proposals for the new mental health strategy covering Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

The strategy will focus on themes of hope, wellness, recovery, and quality and what can be done to promote and retain good mental health, put an end to mental health problems and improve the health and wellbeing of people living with and recovering from mental illnesses.

Voluntary sector groups and the Bradford clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) want as many people as possible to get involved by sharing their experiences.

As well as the core mental health services, there is also a need for local people and organisations, the NHS, local authority and voluntary sector to do the things that will support good mental health and wellbeing and remove barriers that prevent people from accessing care, said Dr Brendan Kennedy, GP and chairman of the CCGs’ group responsible for the transformation of mental health services.

Dr Kennedy said it might include providing choices that promote good housing and a place in the community, strengthen families, enable friendships, build networks, and support employment, activities and positive lifestyles.

In January, the CCGs announced they were getting £5.5m of Government funding to help transform mental health services, including those for young people.

Dr Kennedy said: “We are using the money allocated in January to develop mental health services for children and young people in Bradford and Airedale over the next five years.

“We are specifically focusing on prevention, early intervention and making services more accessible to all, including the most vulnerable.

“We will be looking to expand on some of the great services already available in our area.”

To book a place for Thursday, contact 01274 481590 or email info@equalitytogether.org.uk