Keeping People Well one year on
restore working for mental health
Introduction We have now completed the first year of the new recovery and wellbeing services which, together, make up the ‘Keeping People Well’ mental health services in Oxfordshire. This report reflects on the process of commissioning the services, and of implementing the changes. It has been jointly written by Restore and Oxfordshire Mind, with contributions from Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust. We are keen to share these thoughts, take stock, and see how we can do even better in the future. Overall, and despite the upheaval of change, it has been a successful year. Oxfordshire Mind and Restore have provided services to 2,180 people experiencing mental health problems across Oxfordshire. The bidding process presented an opportunity for us to consult service users and to re-evaluate the way we were working. Restore developed a clear and consistent model of service user-led groups, supported by facilitated staff input. This is significantly more user-led than the previous services. Oxfordshire Mind broadened its services, aiming to increase accessibility, with a greater focus on promoting public wellbeing. A range of information sessions, peer support groups, short courses and recovery-focussed personal development opportunities are offered rather than a purely ‘drop-in’ provision. Both organisations have re-distributed resources to improve equity of service across the county. Previously, the services available very much depended on where you lived.
Oxfordshire Mind and Restore have provided services to 2,180 people experiencing mental health problems across Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust says that working with fewer providers has made commissioning more unified; it has increased efficiency and saved money. Providing more services for less money has presented enormous challenges but also opportunities. We have had to increase our focus on what people really want.
The transition from the old services to the new was difficult for all involved, especially people using the services, but there was less disruption than expected because of effective contingency planning and risk management. All of the organisations involved (including, to their credit, those losing contracts) worked together in the best interests of people using services. Staff, volunteers, and service users all supported each other. It has been challenging getting to grips with the new structure, and explaining it to people. The services may look similar from the outside but, in fact, much has changed as shown by some of the case studies which follow. However, initial feedback from service users suggests that the shake-up of services has had unexpected benefits. Restore is now more explicit about the recovery model and expectations from service users. Oxfordshire Mind is using innovative projects to reach more people who might not previously have accessed services. The new services encourage people to have higher expectations of themselves. Using a mental health service no longer has to mean an end to your hopes and ambitions; it can be the support you need to realise them.
The Orchard Recovery Group, Restore Job Centre Plus told me about Restore as it was obvious to them I wasn’t well. I was having a breakdown and I didn’t realise. I had lost my job because I was double-checking everything.
Ben Mostyn
I’ve been coming to Restore’s North Oxfordshire Service for 18 months and when I started we were in the old building. Everybody was so friendly and there was such a family atmosphere and we’ve brought that with us. Doing the move has made us feel part of everything – it feels like ours. I’ve been particularly involved in setting up the shop. I was really excited we could sell some stuff and pay back to Restore in some way. I had a vision for it and it’s come to fruition and that feels really good. Restore gives you such encouragement and support in whatever you want to try and do – not just the staff and volunteers, but the members support each other. I’m about to start work again as I now feel as though I can do it. It’s a part-time job for a call centre, working from home. Restore has been very supportive and it’s one step at a time. Once I’ve got that up and running, I want to volunteer here as I’d like to give something back. Restore has been a Godsend for me.
Skills for Living course, Oxfordshire Mind I attended the Skills for Living course in Oxford in early 2012. It was the first time that I had accessed a Mind service. I found the course by searching online for support with depression.
Peter Wolfes
I like the fact that the course was for women only. I felt that I could be more open about negative aspects of myself in a safer space where I would not be judged. I have had depression for a while – it comes and goes. I had a low period a few months prior to the course. I’ve never felt like I needed to take medication but I definitely needed something. The Skills for Living course seemed like it could be what I was looking for. A lot of things about the course were helpful. Firstly, it was just meeting people with similar problems. It was a good, safe environment to share and to hear other insights. It was somehow shocking to me that people looked so happy and well-adjusted. There was a realisation that we all have problems like this. It made me feel that I’m not weird and that it’s normal to have anxiety or depression. It was also helpful to learn techniques for examining my negative thoughts. I had always felt a lot of guilt about everything, it was plaguing me. Now I notice when I’m feeling this guilt and I’m learning to treat myself more compassionately. The course also had an element of Mindfulness which I found very helpful, and I have now signed up to do a Mindfulness course.
Elder Stubbs Recovery Group, Restore
Chris Fulton
I came to Restore about six years ago for a couple of years and then left. It was good in many ways but I felt uncomfortable with the way things were – it seemed too static. I found it frustrating. I went to Gemini and loved the opportunity to draw. I was very annoyed to have to leave when it closed, but being at Restore is better for my health. The project now seems to have more emphasis on being autonomous. We’re working hard and trying to earn as much as we can and that in some ways lifts you above the mental health system. Before we were making some money but now there’s a lot more input from us – we have planning days, we dream up schemes and we have to make them work. It’s so much more fun, if nothing else. You can do it, because you have to. The sense of pride in what we do here now feels like it comes from the bottom up. Another big difference is that service users are recycled into volunteers. Who wants to do a job without prospects? I know now that if I’m well enough, one day I can progress somewhere – there’s a purpose to it within the project.
Amy Wackett
Football, Fitness and Wellbeing course, Oxfordshire Mind I saw details of the Football, Fitness and Wellbeing course with Oxfordshire Mind and Oxford United in the local paper. I’m a big fan of Oxford United, I love football and I go to games with my 13-year-old son who is on the autistic spectrum. I struggled with depression in the past as a result of pressure at work and the challenge of fatherhood. I spent a few months off work and, at my worst point I was unable to leave the house alone because I had panic attacks in crowded places. I was interested in the course because of the link with football and better understanding my illness. I found the wellbeing sessions really helpful, particularly workshops focusing on the cognitive cycle – it helps you understand what’s going on in your mind. A thought can lead to a mixture of feelings, it’s much more complex than just happy or sad. The fitness sessions were a real buzz, it makes you feel better. I noticed a real difference in just five weeks; I was lifting bigger weights and running longer distances. I’m trying to keep up the exercise and looking in to joining a gym. I haven’t got depressed again since going on the course. Sometimes it’s helpful to look back and remember how to challenge negative thoughts. You use whatever’s relevant at the time. Without the course, I wouldn’t have known where to look to find out about groups or courses that help with depression. Men don’t talk about these things, they don’t talk to their mates. There’s no shame in asking for help if you need it, or in just learning more about mental health so you can identify any problems that crop up and be aware.
Root and Branch Recovery Group I was in hospital this time last year. I can’t believe the progress I’ve made. It’s a daily battle to feel well but Root and Branch has been really important.
Chris Fulton
It’s brought routine to my life and raised my confidence levels. It’s helped me socially; I’ve made friends and we support each other. Before, I felt ostracised by society. Coming here normalises mental health problems and makes it seem not such a big deal. I’ve been volunteering in an Oxfam shop while I’ve been unwell and that’s helped keep my hand in without the pressure of paid work. I was working at Waitrose when I became ill. They’ve been brilliant and have kept my job open for me. I’m now doing a phased return to work, two days at Waitrose and one day at Root and Branch. My aim is to get back to where I was. I hope people will read this and be encouraged to come here. It’s been so helpful for me. People only have to look at the state I was in and how far I’ve come.
Wallingford and Thame Peer Support and Recovery Planning, Oxfordshire Mind I’m very grateful for the time I get at Mind. I’ve been going to the services in Wallingford and Thame for over nine years.
Will Gibson
It’s nice to get out and meet people, I would be lonely otherwise. I lost my husband 14 years ago, and my granddaughter died very suddenly four years ago, aged only 18. Mind have been very supportive. I’d be lost without those two places.
Recently I’ve had some one-to-one Recovery Planning sessions with a worker. They have been very helpful. I was able to talk about problems I was having, including practical problems that were affecting me. The staff there have even helped me sort out my hearing aid and got the council to sort out my driveway so that I can get my mobility scooter over it. I also enjoy the music groups and going to talks, and I like to play bingo. I look forward to the peer support groups immensely. I only wish that the services were open for longer!
Oxfordshire Recovery Service Restore Recovery Groups provide opportunities for people with mental health problems to work and learn in a social and supportive environment. Activities are decided by the groups and include woodwork, gardening, IT, cooking, customer service, ceramics, design, art and creative crafts.
433 dierent individuals have used the service
90,840 hours of support delivered
Age groups of people using the service >64: 6% 60-64: 6%
16-24: 4% 25-29: 9% 30-39: 22%
50-59: 26% 40-49: 27%
118
Residence (by Council) West Oxon: 16%
people have moved on successfully
Oxford City: 32%
South Oxon: 17%
110
Vale of White Horse: 14%
people have started activities outside the service
Cherwell Vale: 21%
Gender of people using the service
100 Female: 38%
people have entered training
14 people have entered employment
9,878 volunteer hours input over the year
Ethnicity of people using the service
Male: 62% Non-white British: 22.1%
restore working for mental health
Wellbeing Service The Mind Wellbeing Service provides vital support, advice and information for anyone aected by mental health problems. As well as an Information Service over the phone, online and face-to-face, we provide a county-wide range of Short Courses, Peer Support Groups and opportunities for one-to-one support.
1747 dierent individuals have used the main elements of the service
Age groups of people using the service >64: 12%
16-24: 11% 25-29: 9%
60-64: 6%
1126 people have attended short courses
30-39: 22% 50-59: 18% 40-49: 22% Residence (by Council) No answer: 18%
Oxford City: 24%
West Oxon: 13% Cherwell Vale: 22%
South Oxon: 10%
1603 people attended peer support groups
180 people have attended 1:1 Recovery
9581
Vale of White Horse: 13% Gender of people using the service Male: 43% No answer: 4% Female: 53% Ethnicity of people using the service Non-white British: 17%
enquiries for information (phone, email & face to face)
18,720 volunteer hours input over the year
151 people trained in Mental Health First Aid
11,144 service hours provided
restore working for mental health
For further information call 0845 250 0518, email support@restore.org.uk or visit www.restore.org.uk Restore is a Registered Charity, Number 274222.
For further information call 01865 247788, email oďŹƒce@oxfordshire-mind.org.uk or visit www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk Oxfordshire Mind is a Registered Charity, Number 261476.
Some photographs are representative in order to protect the identity of participants. Front cover photographs (left to right: Will Gibson; Amy Wackett; Chris Fulton (simplicityphotography.co.uk); Anna Brewster
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this report.