the joint project between National Survivor User Network, the Afiya Trust and SPN- is now well under way. A small Management Group has been established with 1 representative from each organisation. Now we need to get some active SPN members on the Advisory Group.
The attached advert and application form set out what is required. Essentially it is a commitment of attending quarterly meetings. A range of skills and expertise is required to contribute to the development of the project and those appointed will be able to claim a daily fee for attendance.
So what is NIP aiming to achieve. The Project wants to develop national standards for user involvement and secure their adoption by statutory and voluntary providers of mental health services. It will develop an infrastructure to support user involvement including the development of training programmes to support users and carers.
It is starting work in 3 pilot areas- Leicester, Newcastle and Hackney – so there will be particular opportunities for members in those areas to become involved but we hope members throughout the country will want to play a part. Please mention your membership of SPN on your application as the intention is to get a balance of membership across the organisations.
Well known SPN figures are already involved in the Project. Jayasree Kalathil, co-chair, is involved in the evaluation of the Project; Terry Bamford, former Director, represents SPN on the Management Group; and Raza Griffiths will be working on training and dissemination for NIP.
Documents
The next newsletter will have details of the AGM and a copy of the accounts. Please look out for it at the beginning of October.
Two SPN activists- Suman Fernando and Jayasree Kalathil- were instrumental in setting up this Inquiry along with survivor researcher and activist Jan Wallcraft and retired psychiatrist and writer Phil Thomas. Jayasree describes the purpose of the Inquiry and how it is progressing:
“The Independent Inquiry into the ‘Schizophrenia’ Label was launched in April to investigate the usefulness of ‘schizophrenia’ as a diagnosis and medical condition and the impact the label ‘schizophrenia’ has on people’s lives and collect evidence from mental health service users/survivors, carers and medical professionals among others.
The evidence collected will be examined by an independent panel who will produce a report based on this evidence which will be forwarded to a range of organisations including NICE, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, other professional and statutory bodies, private and third sector organisations, and the Department of Health.
The response to this Inquiry, undertaken with no funding from any source, has been overwhelming. Over 300 people have given evidence by responding to our survey and submitting testimonies via our website. The Inquiry is supported by 40 organisations and around 250 individuals.
The evidence collection phase will end by September. So if anyone wants to have their say, please visit our website and tell us what you think .
The use of the label ‘schizophrenia’ has always been controversial and there are increasing concerns about the use of this diagnosis in describing complex problems of living. We hope focusing on people’s experiences and views will throw further light on this issue and show some ways forward.”
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