People in Suffolk are being given the opportunity to get involved in changes to mental health services as the first in a regular series of focus groups launches in Stowmarket next week. 

The meetings, which are aimed at service users and carers that may be affected by changes, are hosted by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Suffolk User Forum and Suffolk Family Carers.

The first groups take place at The Cedars Hotel on Monday, 4 March 2013, with the service user focus group in the morning followed by the carers’ group in the afternoon. 

Anna Vizor, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for proposed service changes in Suffolk, said: “These groups are part of our continued commitment to listen to and respond to all feedback in regards to our Service Strategy. 

“The Service Strategy is a clinically-led response to the challenges the Trust faces including the need to reduce our costs by around 5% per year for four years. The current proposals have been drawn up in partnership with staff, some service users, family carers, commissioners and other local providers.” 

The focus groups invite attendees to offer their thoughts, ideas and suggestions on a range of mental health topics such as accessing services, depression, children and young people with severe mental health problems, adults with mental health problems, and dementia.

The first meeting will be a chance for service users and carers to find out more about the groups and how they can get involved. Service users and carers interested in this or future meetings can visit www.nsft.nhs.uk for more information.