Agenda item

Glyn Butcher, People Focus Group (PFG) / Safe Space, presented the Panel with his story of someone with lived experience of mental health issues through childhood and adulthood and a voice for other people who suffered with mental health.

Glyn stated that he had waited 38 years to be in the position he was,  at this meeting, being able to tell his story.  He outlined that from the age of 11 he had cared for his mother who suffered with mental illness and father who had suffered with substance misuse and as a result found himself in and out of the care system.

He wished to outline that the PFG provided a connection for people and for them to be heard, because mental health referrals were not what everyone required.  He outlined what he required as a individual was to take control of his life, to be heard, not shut down and asked not to be labelled as vulnerable or someone who has a problem.  He explained that he was a son, father, grandad, trainer and poet.

He outlined the power of connection with people and loved one, for people who suffered with mental health.  On a personal level to address his Autism he needed to connect with people, not be shut down and isolated.  He stressed that he used to think being alone was the worst thing that could happen, but it wasn’t, it was people who made you feel alone.  He continued to explain that everyone could make a bad choice but it was about resilience, learning about yourself and understanding the journey they were taking.  He highlighted that he looked at things differently to the “run of the mill”.  He also outlined that he lived in Rotherham all his life but his Community was in Doncaster where he felt loved and needed.  He stressed that his and family life had improved dramatically once he received the support he required.

He outlined that service and support in Doncaster was excellent and the people who were present with him at the meeting, from Doncaster Council and RDaSH were forward thinking who allowed him to be the person to ask the difficult questions.  He explained about what Safe Space offered and the Ambulance Service peer led crisis pilot.

Glyn finalised by asking for policy documents, where possible, to be jointly provided by partners rather than each organisation having their own document, avoiding duplication, so the public just have one version to read.  He made a request to not complicate systems.

Glyn thanked the Panel for giving the opportunity to speak.

Panel Members responded to Glyn by thanking him for such an inspirational speech and amazing enthusiasm.  They also thanked him for the kind words about Doncaster and reiterated that it was a good place to be part of, live and work.

The Panel continued to address the following areas:

Mental Health ambulance pilot scheme – It was explained that the service adjoined Safe Space and that the focus of the service was to offer an alternative solution to people requiring mental health support, rather than them being taken directly to Accident and Emergency.  It was not a traditional ambulance therefore removing any possible stigmas, more dignified and with crews that were mentally health trained.  It was explained that the Police could arrive at an incident to find someone requiring a mental health assessment and being taken to a place of safety, therefore use of this service was much more effective.

Funding for the scheme had been secured through the Integrated Care Board with a proposal to extend the pilot to expand the service to “business as usual”.  Service funding increased year on year and hopefully this service development could be spread across South Yorkshire.

It was noted that the profile of the Service required raising and this was being addressed.  The service is sought through 999 calls but with it being a new service, a number of issues required smoothing out.  The Police, DMBC and partners were addressing cases that could have use this service rather than use of a Police Car or traditional ambulance, to learn from and amend in future.  The PFG and YAS were working together on communications with regard to the service.

Support for Members addressing ongoing cases where people were suffering with mental health but refusing help – it was highlighted that some people with mental health had the capacity to make their own decisions, and assistance could only be provided if they wished to accept support services.  It was noted that there was a difficult balance with an individual response required for each individual. 

A member suggested that it would be helpful if there was a single point of contact within the Council where help could be sought by Councillors. 

In response to whether the My Doncaster system could be navigated effectively, the Panel was informed that it was problematic keeping the system up to date and work was being undertaken to possibly design a new website.

Glyn explained that some people experiencing mental health issues could be frightened by people providing services and would not want to tell them the whole truth about their condition and experiences.  He stressed that services were required in communities rather than in large institutional buildings eg. hospitals, and that problems needed to be identified earlier so their condition would not deteriorate.  It was stressed that accessing services within local communities was essential.

He also provided the Panel with referral statistics relating to Safe Space, highlighting that there was an increasing number of people trained to work there.  It was highlighted that since Safe Space opened the demographics had changed:

• the average age of people seeking support was 45 but it was now 24;
• 50 / 50 split of male and females seeking assistance;
• a wide range of people attend eg. teachers, ambulance workers, nurses, ex-servicemen;
• a night owl service was available;  and
• 772 people had used Safe Space thus avoiding Accident and Emergency or calling the Police, and in turn saving resources.

Mental health predictions – in response to a member raising Pansi and Poppi data, the Panel noted the poverty statement circulated earlier in the day, and that it was mindful of the poverty renewal group actions to address income and food.

It was also noted that there was a large databased that calculated expected numbers that could potentially access services.  In connection with commissioning individual placement support to help people with permanent employment, it was highlighted this initiative was continually growing.

Glyn commented that he worked closely with a food bank and highlighted the need for a strategy and joined up working to avoid food bank abuse.

Co-designing local core community services – It was reported that RDaSH had commissioned the People Focus Group to address the engagement contract.  An engagement event was undertaken addressing “If Doncaster’s services were perfect what would they look like?”  This was aimed at informing professionals of what was required, because what people want, could be much different to what organisations think should be provided, whilst noting there wasn’t one solution for everyone’s problems.  Co-production was important ensuring people had their voice and together finding the answers for individuals.

RECOMMENDED that:

1.         The information provided to the Panel, be noted;

2.         The Panel consider if it wishes to hold further discussions relating to adult mental health;

3.         Glyn Butcher be made aware of issues being considered at Scrutiny and an invitation be provided to future meetings, where appropriate, as part of his engagement with the Council; and

4.         It be considered if Glyn Butcher could support work being undertaken with children’s mental health eg. with educational establishments.