TEVW Community Transformation Report
Download (PDF 847.91 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Darlington, Healthwatch Hartlepool, Healthwatch Middlesbrough, Healthwatch Redcar and Cleveland and Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees undertook joint research into what matters most to the people of the Tees Valley in terms of mental health support in the community. They spoke to 964 people, including seldom heard groups, who all have a vested interest in an effective mental health offering.
Many of the respondents had received help or support in the past from a wide range of practitioners, offering a wide array of support mechanisms, and over three in five felt that the support they had been offered did help them.
People living in the Tees Valley region cited the following as the most important factors for an enhanced mental health community-based offer:
- Better communication to the public of what is available in terms of wellbeing support.
- Awareness raising in communities to reduce the stigma of mental health. · Easier access through local community venues or supporting transport needs.
- Greater accessibility for those who face physical and mental health challenges.
- Provision of more creative activity, exercise, and social activity groups.
- Shorter waiting lists.
- Longer therapy pathways – for example more than 6 sessions.
- Greater exploration of therapies rather than medication.
- More empathy, understanding, respect and awareness of mental health conditions.
- Supporting those who have caring responsibilities, to attend wellbeing sessions themselves: care for the carer.
The report contains 7 recommendations and a response from the provider.