Mental Health Reform’s goal is for an Ireland where people with mental health difficulties can recover their wellbeing and live a full life in their community.
Recovery…
About Mental Health Reform
what you should expect from a good quality mental health service
Mental Health Reform is the national coalition of organisations working to promote improved mental health services and social inclusion of people with mental health conditions. We work with our members through education, advocacy and support to help bring about structural and cultural changes in mental health services. If you would like to get involved with Mental Health Reform and our work, please contact us: Website: www.mentalhealthreform.ie
Email: info@mentalhealthreform.ie
www.facebook.com/mentalhealthreform
Cover photo: Alan Whelan
Phone: (01) 612 1422
@MHReform
“ Treat people as you wish to be treated.” - Participant at Mental Health Reform public meeting
mentalhealthreform.ie
What you should expect from a good quality mental health service For Mental Health Reform, there are five key things that you should expect to experience in a good quality mental health service:
Hope Listening Partnership Choice Social inclusion This is what we mean by “recovery” orientated services. The Government is committed to a recovery approach for mental health services.
About Recovery Recovery is a personal journey. Recovery does not always mean that the symptoms of your mental health difficulty stop. It is about recognising that you might still be vulnerable to mental health difficulties but that you can build on your inner strength and resilience, learn new skills, pursue your goals and live a full life in your community.
Hope
Choice
The hopeful attitude of a mental health worker or family member can make a big difference in helping someone to recover from poor mental health. You should expect staff to be encouraging about your future.
People want and need choice in terms of treatment, and there must be a variety of options available that are more than simply medication, including counselling and psychotherapy, occupational therapy and home-based treatment, among others.
Listening
Social inclusion
People living with a mental health condition come to understand their condition over time, and know what works best for them. They are experts by experience. You should expect to have your preferences, knowledge and aspirations heard and respected.
Mental health services have an important role to play in supporting people with a mental health difficulty to participate in their local community, have social relationships and engage in meaningful activities including education and employment. You should expect support from your mental health team to access welfare benefits, housing, education and employment.
Partnership Good quality mental health staff work in partnership with you as a service user or family member. You should expect to play an active role in planning your own recovery. If appropriate, family members should be included.
“People must take responsibility for their own wellbeing and need to be supported in their own recovery.” – Participant at Mental Health Reform public meeting