3,600 Back Mental Wellbeing.

More than 3,600 people in Suffolk have signed up to become a member of the county’s first NHS Foundation Trust since the campaign was launched five months ago.

As a member, they will be able to influence NHS services for people with mental health or substance misuse problems and people with learning disabilities – as well as having a say in initiatives to promote wellbeing for everyone.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response we have received, both for our plans about how we will perate as an NHS Foundation Trust and for the number of people who have said they want to be a part of making life in Suffolk just that bit better,” said Robert Nesbitt, director of community engagement at Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

With staff members, the total membership for the new Trust currently stands at almost 6,000 people. NHS Foundation Trusts are new types of NHS trusts which are accountable to the communities they serve, rather than to central government. By becoming members, local people will be able to influence what and where services are provided – the result is a Trust which is more aligned to local need rather than to nationally-set directives.

The mental health trust submitted its application to the Secretary of State for approval on November 1. Over the next four months, the Trust will undergo a rigorous assessment process by Monitor, the NHS body which oversees NHS Foundation Trusts, and is hoping to gain the special status in April 2008.

To join as a member, visit www.newmember.info,
call 0870 707 1647,
email [email protected]
or write to Mr Nesbitt
at Suffolk House, St Clement’s Hospital, Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8NN