Service users and their families, health and social care professionals and anyone with an interest in mental health are invited to a special event looking at the complex needs of people who have mental health problems and use substances – sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis.
The aim of the event is to bring together a raft of information and professional perspectives about this mental health condition and to provide valuable insight into the lived experience and support available for individuals and their family.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Governors will host the half-day conference, called ‘Mental Health, Drugs, Alcohol… Complex needs. Effective responses?’ It follows the success of similar events organised by the Governors in Ipswich and Norwich last year which focused on dementia.
At the event there will be a variety of speakers from across the wider mental heathcare system that will help explore the following:
• Context and history around the concept of dual diagnosis, types of substances and their mental health impacts, and the challenges in responding to these
• Current research and assessment of local needs
• Exploration of effective approaches and access to services
• Lived experience, the complexity of the challenge and positive outcomes
• The impact of homelessness on wellbeing and the role of housing in recovery
• Insight into primary care and the pressures and challenges of shared care
• The Walnut Tree Project and the additional complexities of working with veterans
Nigel Boldero, an NSFT Governor who has been involved in planning the event, said: “ Effective support for people with both mental health and substance misuse issues challenges us all. This event looks at the problem from personal and professional perspectives and explores how we can work together more effectively through group discussion, a question and answer session and information points on local sources of support and services.
“It also provides a great opportunity for people wanting to find out about Trust membership and for existing Members to engage with the Trust’s Governors.”
Mental Health, Drugs, Alcohol… Complex Needs. Effective responses? takes place on Thursday, 2 March at The King’s Centre, King’s Street, Norwich, between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.
Anyone who would like to attend should book their place in advance by visiting: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Substancemisuseandmentalhealth2017Mar
For further information please email: [email protected] or call 01603 421144.
