We’ve been discussing gaps in local mental health provision in Northern Devon
Following similar events in the Eastern locality late last year (specifically, Tiverton and Exeter), the Devon Mental Health Alliance and Encompass South West held a “Creative Solutions” event in Northern Devon on Thursday 23 February 2023. Hosted at Node Cowork in Barnstaple, the event saw 55 individuals in attendance from a large variety of organisations, teams, and sectors across the local area, all discussing gaps in mental health provision and sharing innovative solutions to help improve services.
The event started with a number of presentations, including information about the System Change Action Alliance (SCAA) and the work that has already happened in Somerset as part of their Open Mental Health alliance. This was followed by some table discussions of particular themes identified as important — accessibility, staff wellbeing, group work, and partnerships.
The event received positive feedback from many of those in attendance:
“Many thanks for organising [the event], and for the range of organisations and people you managed to get in the room.”
“Great event. Really well organised and a brilliant idea. I learnt loads.”
“[The event was useful because] so many of us from different organisations are well aware of the shortcomings of much service provision and the lack of trauma understanding, but we can’t tackle or voice it on our own. Collectively, we find strength and at least a fighting chance of empowerment — that’s what the (event) gave hope for...”
If your organisation, group, or team wants to be involved in future conversations about improving mental health support in Northern Devon, please contact our Northern locality team by filling out the form below, or by emailing north@mentalhealthdevon.co.uk.