Mental Health Day Services - RBKC Vital Messages...Service user survey: Summary of findings Mental...

Mental Health Day Services

Consultation to inform strategic review

Summary report of consultation findings

Report written December 2018

Gary Wilson Consultation Manager Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 020 7361 3616 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Introduction

Mental Health Day Services: Consultation to inform strategic review 3

Introduction

The Council is undertaking a strategic review of mental health day services it funds. As part of this review the Council sought the views of service users and from professionals working with service users. These views are important to make sure the services provided meet the needs of the people that use them now or will use them in the future. In order to capture as many views as possible, a variety of consultation techniques were employed. These included a service user survey distributed via the mental health day centres in the borough, discussion groups with service users in each of the Council funded day centres and a survey of professionals working with service users. This report contains a summary of findings of these activities, which took place between September and November 2018. Separate, more detailed reports on each activity are also available.

Methodology

Service user survey:

A service user survey was designed and distributed via mental health day centres in the

borough in September and October 2018. A total of 92 responses were received to the survey.

Survey of professionals:

A similar survey to the service user survey was designed and distributed to professionals.

Unfortunately, only two professionals took the opportunity to respond.

Discussion groups with service users:

Qualitative discussion groups took place with service users at Hestia at the Grove, Hestia at

Oremi, SMART and Mind Kensington and Chelsea.

Reports This report pulls together findings from all of the above consultation activities. The main body of the report contains findings from each of the activities undertaken. Separate, more detailed, reports on each of the activities are also available. Acknowledgements The Council would like to thank Hestia at the Grove, Oremi, SMART, Kensington and Chelsea Mind, their staff and all those that participated in the consultation exercise for being so welcoming and contributing their thoughts, ideas and suggestions into the consultation exercise.

For more information For information on the results please contact Gary Wilson, Consultation Team Manager on 020 7361 3616 or e-mail on [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Overall summary of findings


Overall summary of findings The below is a combined summary of findings from the consultation activities undertaken, more detail can be found in the main body of the report. Day centre attendance and activities/services used Under half of those responding to the service user survey (39 of 92) indicated that they attend a mental health day centre at least once a week. The most commonly used facilities or activities that survey respondents attend to take part in were meetings or counselling, group activities a safe space to drop in, and to socialise. In the service user discussion groups participants spoke positively about the wide range of activities, classes, training courses and activities on offer. Participants also spoke about the importance of centres being there for service users to drop in, as and when they need to and the importance of opportunities to socialise and meet up with other service users (including organised trips). Praise for counselling services and outreach work was also given during sessions. Those attending Hestia at Oremi spoke about the importance of a centre specifically targeted at African, Caribbean and Arabic service users. Participants spoke about the unique nature of the centre and that they felt they wouldn’t get the same support elsewhere. Staff at the day centres In all of the service user discussions participants praised staff. In most discussions participants gave examples of how staff had supported them, expressed empathy and assisted them with tasks (e.g. supporting service users with housing queries or medical appointments). Participants spoke very highly of staff. Impact of mental health support services In the service user survey, respondents were very positive about the impact mental health support services had on them. The majority of respondents ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the services support them to stay well, are helping in their recovery from mental illness and give them confidence to get out and about. During the discussion groups participants also spoke about the positive impacts attending a day centre had on them. This included increasing confidence, reducing feeling of isolation, boosting self-esteem, increasing opportunities to socialise and building skills. A number of participants felt that mental health support services had kept them out of hospital. Some had used the accredited training courses to get them into voluntary or paid work. Although one health and social care professional responding to the survey expressed concern that services can create dependency and another would like to see these services integrate better with other mental health services. Day centre buildings The majority of respondents to the service user survey agreed that the buildings they visit are accessible to those with physical disabilities, the layout of the buildings is suitable for the services provided and that there is enough space to provide the services they require.

Overall summary of findings


Views of the two health and social care professionals responding were more mixed on the suitability of the buildings. During the discussion groups participants identified specific suggestions for improving the buildings (e.g. improving accessibility, suggested refurbishment or replacement of equipment). These can be seen in the main body of the report. Improvement ideas Some participants at the discussion groups made suggestions for additional activities and classes. Those undertaking accredited courses at Mind would like to see ‘level 2’ courses offered, to increase their chances of gaining employment, some would also like to see courses offered for more than two days per week. Suggestions for additional volunteering or business opportunities were also made during the discussions. Some service users at the Grove would like to see a closer relationship with the services on offer at Oremi. They felt that amalgamating some activities would build relationships, provide access to a wider range of activities and help with numbers taking part in particular events or activities. Future services Respondents to the service user survey were asked, thinking about future services, to rate the importance of a range of facilities and activities. Services and facilities attracting the highest number of ‘very important’ ratings were: 1-1 support or counselling, a safe space to drop in and information and advice. Both health and social care professionals felt that peer support, accredited employment courses and information and advice were ‘very important’ for the future. Personal budgets During the majority of discussions with service users it was clear that there was a lack of knowledge of the subject and what the benefits might be. Many were sceptical about the benefits and would prefer to stick to the current system. There were fears that they would not be able to access the services they wanted, when they wanted.

Service user survey: Summary of findings


Service user survey The below is a brief summary of findings from the service user survey undertaken between September and November 2018. The survey was distributed via mental health day centres in Kensington and Chelsea, a total of 92 responses were received. Summary of findings

Support services A total of 36 respondents indicated that they receive support from Kensington and Chelsea Mind, whilst 31 receive support from Hestia at the Oremi and 26 from Hestia at the Grove. The most commonly used services or activities taken part in were group activities (51), 1-1 support (46) and a safe space to drop in (30).

Base: All respondents (92)




Day centres A total of 31 respondents indicated that they attend the Oremi, with 19 visiting the Grove and 12 attending SMART. The most commonly facilities or activities respondents attend a day centre for were meetings or counselling (47), group activities (45) and a safe space to drop in (43).





Impact of mental health support services Respondents were asked how strongly they agreed or disagreed with a series of statements about mental health support services. Statements attracting the highest level of agreement were: mental health support services support me to stay well (75), are helping in my recovery from mental illness (69) and give me confidence to get out and about (67).


Day centre buildings The majority of respondents agreed that the buildings they visit are accessible to those with physical disabilities (62), the layout of the buildings is suitable for the services provided (65) and that there is enough space to provide the services they require (59).




Future services Respondents were asked, thinking about future services, to rate the importance of a range of facilities and activities. Services and facilities attracting the highest number of ‘very important’ ratings were: 1-1 support or counselling (79), a safe space to drop in (77) and information and advice (74).


Health and social care professionals survey: Summary of findings


Health and social care professionals survey In addition to the service user survey, a similar survey was distributed to health and social care professionals. Unfortunately, only two took the opportunity to respond. Due to low response, a detailed analysis of responses was not worthwhile. Below is a brief summary of findings. Services respondents had experience of working with or referring to

Both respondents had experience of working with or referring to Hestia at the Grove and Kensington and Chelsea Mind.

One respondent had experience of working with or referring to Hestia at Oremi and Smart.

One respondent indicated that their clients accessed 1-1 support, safe space drop in sessions, group activities, employment training and skills development courses.

Thoughts on the current services Respondents were asked to indicated how strongly they agreed or disagreed with a series of statements about current services.

Both respondents agreed that mental health support services were helping their clients to socialise and meet people.

Many of the statements saw one respondent ‘agree’ and another respond neutrally. Including, mental health support services are helping clients recover from mental illness, give choice in how clients’ needs are met, provide good quality one to one support and give clients confidence to look for work.

One respondent disagreed with each of the following statements: mental health support services support clients to stay well and give clients confidence to get out and about.

One respondent commented that they were concerned services could create dependency and another felt service could be better integrated with other mental health services.

The environment

There were mixed views on the day services buildings with one respondent agreeing and one disagreeing that buildings are accessible and layout of buildings is suitable for services provided. One commented that SMART and Mind’s building could do with revamping.

Both respondents responded neutrally when asked if there was enough space provided.

Future services Respondents were asked, thinking about future services, to rate the importance of a range of facilities and activities.

Services and facilities where both respondents had rated the service as ‘very important’ were: peer support, accredited employment courses and information and advice.

Those felt to be less important (where both respondents rated the service or activity as ‘somewhat important’) were: a safe space to drop in, socialising and group activities.

Discussion groups: Summary of findings


Discussion groups with service users: Qualitative discussion groups took place with service users at Hestia at the Grove, Hestia at

Oremi, SMART and Kensington and Chelsea Mind. Below is a brief summary of the

discussions, individual more detailed reports on each discussion are available separately (these

reports include some powerful quotes made by those attending).

Discussion with service users at Hestia at the Grove A total of 16 service users attended and took part in the discussion on 11 October 2018.

Services used

The majority attended both drop-in sessions and group sessions at the Grove. Two participants did not physically attend the centre, but benefited from outreach services.

Participants listed a wide variety of group activities that they attended, including: pottery, art, IT, walking, drama, gardening, relationships’ group, cookery and some indicated that they attended counselling sessions at the centre.

Aspects of the service that work well or are valued

Many of the participants spoke about the groups they attended, talking about how much they enjoyed them, how valuable they felt they were and how popular they were.

The importance of the centre as a space to socialise was emphasised.

Participants reported that they had enjoyed a range of trips, including trips to the seaside. Trips were often organised by the committee and were hugely valued.

Staff support and peer support

Participants reported that they received a lot of support from staff and their peers at the Grove Centre.

Participants commented on the vital role key workers play and those receiving outreach support were particularly complimentary about the support they received with a range of aspects of their life.

Value of the service

Having an accessible, stable service was valued by participants. One commented that the support available was so much better than when he had lived elsewhere in London.

Service users spoke passionately about how the service had helped and supported them and in some cases had prevented them from having to be admitted to hospital.

Participants felt the service helps combat isolation and loneliness. Improvement ideas

Some participants indicated that they would like to see a closer relationship with the services on offer at Oremi. They felt that amalgamating some activities would build relationships, provide access to a wider range of activities and help with numbers taking part in particular events or activities.

Access to hot meals (as at Oremi) was mentioned by some.

Participants would like to see increased staffing levels.

Some participants would like to see the roof garden improved (clearing and safety aspects).

Participants suggested making more use of the kitchen to provide or sell food.



Discussion with service users at Kensington and Chelsea Mind A total of ten service users and two tutors attended the discussion on 17 October 2018.


It was clear that all members of the group had found the training courses they attended

valuable and helpful to them. A number of participants commented that the course they

were attending was starting to prepare them for work.

Participants felt the tools and equipment used in training courses was of a high standard.

In addition to the training courses offered, participants reported that Mind had been very

useful in providing support and advice.

Staff

Participants spoke positively about staff. They commented that they were very calm and supportive. Staff are willing to listen and provide support beyond the training courses.

Staff at Mind were also praised for the information and advice they provided. Benefits of training courses

In addition to learning practical skills, participants were also complimentary about other

benefits the course has had. These included improving confidence, self-esteem and the

ability to deal with others.

Training courses also increased participants’ feelings of self-worth, as they were doing

things useful to the community. Improvement ideas

Participants would like to see training courses extended beyond two days per week.

A number of the group reported that they would like to see level two courses offered (currently only level one courses are offered). They indicated that they would have to travel further afield (e.g. Capel Manor) to gain level two qualifications.

Some of the group spoke about wanting to specialise in certain areas, for example wildlife preservation and permaculture. They felt this might give them an edge and make them more employable.

Although Mind offer assistance in finding voluntary work to further skills, the group reported it was difficult to find paid work. Some participants suggested re-introducing the market stall to sell gardening produce, helping to build business skills.

The building in Meanwhile Gardens needs attention, it leaks and needs heating. Personal budgets

Some of the group liked the idea of a personal budget. Although, they recognised that this would not suit everyone – especially those not coping well.



Discussion with service users at SMART Five service users attended the discussion at SMART on 5 November 2018


Participants were very complimentary about SMART and its services. They particularly valued that it is open seven days a week, including some evenings.

Participants liked the flexibility to attend when they wanted.

Participants felt the centre was a safe place to go. They welcomed the rules in place to protect service users and ensure a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Participants praised the kitchen and food on offer. Staff

Participants also spoke very positively about the staff at SMART.

Participants felt that staff were good at directing them towards information and advice or places they could go for more information.

Participants also liked the fact that staff would assist directly with their issues and speak on their behalf when needed (for example assisting with housing issues).

Programme of activities

The group spoke about a wide range of activities they attended or had benefited from in the past. This included floristry, art classes, soap making, candle making, chocolate making, mindfulness and music therapy.

Access to free courses, trips and themed social evenings were also welcomed by participants.

Participants reported that SMART are keen to hear the ideas of service users and hold a fortnightly members’ forum where they can talk about what they like doing and suggest ideas for future activities.

Impact of services and activities on service users

Many of the group reported that attending SMART had built their confidence, skills and helped combat isolation.

Some spoke about how this had led them back to voluntary work or paid employment Improvement ideas

Participants would like to see a counselling service offered at SMART.

Improving the accessibility of the building was also requested. Personal budgets

Participants did not feel very well informed about personal budgets to judge whether they would be beneficial to them.

Many felt the current system works well.



Discussion with service users at Hestia at Oremi A total of 25 service users attended and took part in the discussion on 25 October 2018.

Programme of activities

Participants pointed to a wide range of services and activities on offer. These included counselling, sewing, dancing, cultural awareness groups and history.

Participants were very complimentary about counselling services offered at Oremi. Participants reported that it was ‘unlimited’ at Oremi, whereas elsewhere it is often limited to six sessions


Participants spoke very positively about Oremi, Hestia and the services they receive at the Oremi Centre.

A number of the participants reported that this was not their closest day centre, but they attended here due to professionalism and cultural respect.

Participants spoke very positively about trips organised by Oremi, including the annual trip to the sea side. One commented that it was the only time they left London.

Staff

Participants reported that staff always made time for them, to listen to them and assist them. They indicated that staff were caring and empathetic.

Some participants spoke positively about the assistance staff and key workers had given in respect of dealing with housing and other enquiries.

Participants reported that staff were good at passing on relevant information and support them with information and advice.

Cultural needs and respect of service users’ culture

Having a centre specifically targeted at African, Caribbean and Arabic service users was very important to service users. Participants spoke on numerous occasions about the importance of a dedicated service that respected their culture.

Participants spoke about the unique nature of the centre and that they felt they wouldn’t get the same support elsewhere.

The importance of the food was also mentioned by numerous participants. They liked that they were being served food they ‘grew up eating’.

Impact of services and activities on service users

Some of the participants spoke about how Oremi helps them when they feel lonely, giving them somewhere to go and socialise with others. This helps with their condition.

Participants indicated it helped them feel cheerful and have a more positive attitude. Improvement ideas

Some additional classes and activities were suggested including practical sessions targeted at men, sports sessions (e.g. table tennis). Others felt service users could get more involved in leading classes.

Some participants would like there to be a fund for travel so those feeling ill could take a taxi to the centre.

Participants generally liked the location of the centre, but that there were a number of improvements they would like to see to the centre, these included:



o Having access to outside space (currently health and safety issue due to possibility of things being dropped from flats above).

o Making improvements to heating and air conditioning. o Access to Wi-Fi. o Improved toilet facilities, kitchen facilities and furniture in the building.

Personal budgets

It was clear from the discussion on personal budgets that there is currently a lack of understanding on how the system would work or the benefits to the service user.

Many of the group were against the idea and preferred the current system. A number of the participants were concerned what would happen when their budget ran out and if they needed additional support.

Date post:	10-Sep-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	2 times
Download:	0 times

Mental Health Day Services - RBKC Vital Messages...Service user survey: Summary of findings Mental...

Documents