As part of TIME TO TALK day I was Joined in the studio by Jay Thornton (Buddy Scheme Co-ordinator) from SEPT (South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust) and our very own Scott W (MH Campaigner, Service User & Phoenix FM Sports Co Host) to talk about THE BUDDY SCHEME.

To get involved with The BUDDY SCHEME and for more information call 0800 085 7935

INTERVIEW

Nurse Buddy Scheme – This is a scheme where mental health service users (aka ‘Buddies’) team up with second-year student nurses for a period of time (four one-hour sessions approx.). The aim is to enhance the student nurses development and understanding of mental health issues from the perspective of the service user at the receiving end.

Co-Production – is the involvement of mental health service users in the development and improvement of the delivery of mental health services.

SEPT – South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust provide community health, mental health and learning disability services for a population of approx 2.5 million people throughout Bedfordshire, Essex and Luton.

services include:

⦁ Mental Health Services – provide treatment and support to young people, adults and older people experiencing mental illness. Including treatment, in secure and specialised settings.

⦁ Community Health Services – provide support and treatment to both adults and children in community hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries and in our patients’ homes.

⦁ Learning Disabilities Services – provide crisis support and inpatient services and our community learning disability teams work in partnership with local councils to provide assessment and support for adults with learning disabilities.

⦁ Social Care – provide personalised social care support to people with a range of needs, including people with learning disabilities or mental illness, supporting people to live independently.