Hear Us Annual Report 2013/14

Hear Us

Annual Report 2013/14 o Suit You st ce

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Croydon’s Ment al H ea lt

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Charity Number 1135535 Company number 06891337

HEAR US To promote, educate, communicate and empower, For the benefit and interest of people affected by mental health issues

HEAR US ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014 Charity Number 1135535 Company Number 06891337

This Hear Us Annual Report 2013/14 provides information required by the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for charities. The report also provides a synopsis of the work of Hear Us. CONTENTS Report of the Chair Coordinator’s Comment A Big Thank You Members of the Board Hear Us; Responding to Crisis The Xmas and Wellbeing Events Linkworking Project Reachout Challenge Service Users’ Open Forum The Hear Us Newsletter: In Our Shoes Membership - Together We Are Stronger The Hear Us Accounts Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities Membership Form

Page 3 4 5 7 9 13 16 19 22 24 26 28 29 30 36

Orchard House,15a Purley Road South Croydon, CR2 6EZ Tel: 020 8681 6888 Email: info@hear-us.org Website: www.hear-us.org Hear Us are Funded by

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HEAR US To promote, educate, communicate and empower, For the benefit and interest of people affected by mental health issues

Report of the Chair of Trustees

Each month the Trustees of Hear Us meet for two hours to discuss the month’s work of Hear Us. We also check the accounts and look at how we meet our needs as a Charity. We have a sub-committee of Trustees to look at extra matters; this meets bi-monthly for two hours. All the Trustees give their time voluntarily.

Hear Us owes much of its success to the Co-ordinator Tim Oldham.

Tim manages and supervises all Hear Us workers in the office. He also manages all Hear Us accounts and organises the Annual Reports. He represents service users at external meetings.

Jane has organised the Reachout Challenge; the funding for that has ended now. She also organised the Xmas Party and the summer Wellbeing Event. To add to all this Jane does admin work and has helped with the handbook, organised the Newsletter In Our Shoes, runs the monthly Forum Meetings and helps with Surgeries for part of the week. Thank you to Jane.

The Linkworking project continues to go from strength to strength. Sadly Allie went off to explore pastures new at Christmas and we want to thank her for all her work to make this project a success. In her place we now have Barbra who has taken up the reins really well and is most welcome as Linkworker Manager. All the Linkworkers deserve thanks for what they do.

Enormous thanks goes also to our three project workers Carmen, Andy, and Al. Our Volunteers all help with the smooth running of the Hear Us office and we are grateful for the time that they so generously contribute.

On the first Tuesday of each month we hold our Open Forum meeting at the CVA (Croydon Voluntary Action centre). These meetings are for service users, carers and other interested members of the public; we have speakers on issues of concern to service users. Our Quarterly Newsletter reaches all our members and is distributed to mental health resource centres and other sites around the Borough.

We have had another successful year and look forward to new projects ahead.

Ruth Govan, Chair of Trustees

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HEAR US To promote, educate, communicate and empower, For the benefit and interest of people affected by mental health issues

Coordinator’s Comment Hear Us is a group of current and ex-users of the mental health services in the London Borough of Croydon. During 2013/14 we have continued to ensure that the voice of people affected with mental health issues is heard by commissioner and providers and responded to.

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From deep within our core to our visible exterior of Hear Us; people with a mental illness govern, run, support and give their time to our little (Tardis of a) charity; helping to ensure that our aims and objectives are forefront in the purpose and delivery of our activities and that we are acting for the benefit of Croydon’s mental health community.

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Our Linkworking Project, since 2007, has been raising awareness and apposing negative service culture whilst highlighting good practice in the running of our mental health services, including daily service delivery.

We are providing qualitative insight for staff with the aim that they provide us with empowering care that supports our recovery needs.

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In September 2011 we were awarded 3 years funding from Comic Relief, providing us with resources to appoint a manager to the project; who would support the Linkworkers and expand the project into areas; which we have successfully achieved. Allie expanded the project across more South London and Maudsley Services before stepping down.

Barbra has taken up the leadership; building on the aims of the project and giving Linkworkers support and guidance.

Achieved with committed gusto, has been our project called the “Reachout Challenge” funded by Time to Change; with the aim being to raise awareness and challenge mental health stigma and discrimination across Croydon. The project was managed fantastically by Jane White and supported excellently by Shellie, David and Barbra, with a dedicated steering group and a magnificent team of highly motivated passionate volunteers. The project has been visiting a variety of local organisations where volunteers have held one to one conversations with staff.

Over 50 volunteer service users visited 17 local businesses, holding 49 events and engaging front line staff in 1200 conversations. The team shared their life experiences of living with mental illness, whilst staff also shared their own difficulties. Organisations like London Ambulance Service, the British Transport Police and Croydon Council were a few that took part.

We hold our monthly Open Forum at the CVA, at West Croydon.  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 4

HEAR US To promote, educate, communicate and empower, For the benefit and interest of people affected by mental health issues

We invite guests from commissioners to providers of mental health services and also from organisations that we feel would be able to inform us whilst be able to answer our questions. The Forum is a platform dedicated to giving protected space and time for service users to ask questions and become informed about service changes and developments.

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Our forum has been successful in attracting regular attendance of service users, carers and staff from the voluntary sector. The forum is a great opportunity for service developers to share strategic service changes and to get our opinions and concerns about how changes may affect us.

I mentioned in last year’s annual report that, “Changes to Benefits and the Welfare Reforms are increasing pressure and stress upon Croydon’s vulnerable community.” And “The borough is (still) faced with financial difficulties and cuts to mental health services due to the reduction in public expenditure” Though we sadly still face these challenges, Croydon’s services, including Hear Us, will continue to “Provide environments that are supportive, preventative and help service users move forward with their recovery”.

We also provide qualitative information in our newsletter ‘In Our Shoes’ and on our website (www.hear-us.org) about Wellbeing and Mental Health Services across Croydon. Our newsletter is also filled with life stories from our members, competitions and views of life lived with mental illness.

I would like to give a Big Thank You to the Hear Us Team, staff and volunteers alike you are all amazing. Jane, Barbra, Allie, Carmen, Andy and Al and our Trustees, Ruth, Peter, John, Katie, Ian, Kato, Tom, David and Steve. Also we would not be able to do our work if it wasn’t for the support of our Volunteers and Linkworkers.

Linkworkers: Duncan, Abby, Ken Torrell, Andy, Avneet, Veronica, Nisha, Lucy, John, Julie, Michele, Gavin, Daniel, David, Emma, Adrian, Richard, James, Charlie, Jolene, Dan & Anna.

The Reachout Challenge Volunteers: Katie, Ritah, Peter, John, Elliot, David, Tom, Ian, Julia, Andy, Chris, John, Sue, John, Carmen, Simon, John, Jolene, Pradip, Sarah, Emma, Adam, Nicole, Veronica, Sarah, Michael, Martine, Michael, Paul, Tony, Beverley, James, Avneet, Michele, Barbra, Adrian, David, Sharon, Claire, Daniel, Lisa, Allie, Emma, Tara, Letitia, Gem, Richard, Tim, Marie, Anne-Marie, Richard, Cheryalin, Enzo, Mathews, Scott and Mark.  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 5

HEAR US To promote, educate, communicate and empower, For the benefit and interest of people affected by mental health issues

The Office Volunteers: Gareth, Tom, Shellie, David, Adrian, Martine, Kelie, Lucy, Charlie, all our crew that have moved on and anybody that I have missed out - you have all contributed to the continuing success of the Hear Us Project.

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A Big, Big Thank You to all of you who have contributed to the work of Hear Us by allowing us into your life, opening up and telling us about your journeys, often difficult, through Croydon’s Services, and your hopes and wishes. You have all contributed to our success and hopefully you will continue to believe in the work we do and help us to get your voice heard and shape the future of our mental health services here in Croydon.

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Tim Oldham, Coordinator

Our Team of Staff and Volunteers are Amazing Th a n k

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HEAR US MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Registered charity name Charity number

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Hear Us

1135535

Principal office Orchard House, 15a Purley Road,

South Croydon, CR2 6EZ

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Trustees Ruth Govan Katie Perio-Rigsby Ian Timms John Edwards Steve Hill Peter Rogers David Ashton Thomas Straw Katherine Walmsley Independent examiner Mitchell, Rodrigues and Co. Ltd Suite 14, Zeal House, 8, Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3GY Bankers Co-operative bank The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2014.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 1 of the financial statements.

THE TRUSTEES The trustees who served the company during the period were as follows: Ruth Govan Katie Perio-Rigsby Ian Timms John Edwards Steve Hill Peter Rogers David Ashton Thomas Straw Katherine Walmsley David Ashton was appointed as a trustee on 14 September 2013.

Thomas Straw was appointed as a trustee on 14 September 2013.

Katherine Walmsley was appointed as a trustee on 14 September 2013.

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Formation Hear Us has been running since 4th October 2001 as a not for profit organisation in Croydon and on 15th April 2010 the Management Committee registered Hear Us with the Charity Commission for charity status (No. 1135535) to give Hear Us a more independent and stronger voice in the community.

Management The constitution in the original form was adopted by resolution at the AGM held on the 27th May 2004. Amendments to the constitution were adopted by resolution at the EGM held on 1st July 2008.

The Management Committee are the Steering Group and are listed above. They include a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and the Co-ordinator Tim Oldham. The Committee has the power to co-opt members as and when they deem it necessary. The Steering Group are responsible for the day to day running of Hear Us and have a responsibility to report to the funders, charity commission and other stakeholders whenever the need arises.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The objectives of Hear Us are: • To relieve the needs of people living in the London Borough of Croydon and surrounding areas who have mental health problems by provision of services and advice.

• To advance education about mental health for public benefit in the London Borough of Croydon and surrounding areas with the object of creating awareness and reducing the stigma attached to mental health.

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

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CRISIS

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Hear Us: An Alternative for Support The number of issues, service users have brought to Hear Us Jul-13

Aug-13

Sep-13

Oct-13

Nov-13

Dec-13

Jan-14

Feb-14

Mar-14

Total

12

7

9

12

7

13

25

22

26

205

10

3

5

9

10

9

7

6

5

82

3

11

6

8

7

4

44

3

6

6

31

3

PIP

Housing Benefit & Council Tax

1

6

1

1

6

1

4

3

ESA

16

15

Other Benefits Issue

4

Appeals & Reconsiderations

8

7

13

8

5

5

12

14

7

116

17

19

10

13

13

23

249

4

1

11

3

11 g 14

24

6

sin B 22 Hou10 g23 2

5

2

3

75

6

1

1

6

1

8

10

7

2

64

3

1

1

1

1

1

2

11

1

1

7

6

8

11

4

44

2

1

1

7

1

4

3

8

45

1

2

2

2

15

Taxes - Inland Revenue Health Costs Crisis Loans, CDS & Food banks Permitted Work

2

1

,

2

1

2

2

1

1

Signposting to Other Services

1

Work Program Issues

2

3

Complaints, Concerns CMHT* Debt

8

t & Council T efi

Housing Issues Pension Credits

1

1

6

1

1

2

3

2

5

3 3

1

2 1 3

1

3

1

4

5

54

55

35

54

58

61

65

94

en

16

2 2

4 7

* CMHT = Community Mental Health Teams Service Users each Month

7

68

3

3

5

35

112

102

1088

ans, CDS,& F Lo

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Cris is

CRISIS

123

& Reco35n als 2

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3

9

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4

ues Iss

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LA & P , D 9 10 IP6

Crisis

Issues ax

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2014

Jun-13

TYPE OF ISSUE

May-13

2013

CRISIS

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Hear Us is commissioned to monitor Croydon’s mental health services by obtaining feedback from service users. We are then able to feedback their experiences and make recommendations for change to commissioners and providers with the aim of improving quality to service. With our engagement in discussions with commissioners and service providers we are able to collectively provide quality and caring services that try to meet current demand.

People that use Croydon’s mental health service are feeling less supported because there has been a tightening in funding to our local services. We have seen an increase in service users turning to Hear Us; where we have responded in developing crisis support service alongside all the other work we undertake in order to address this gap in services.

Throughout the year Hear Us has been inundated; receiving over 1000 calls and visits to our office for help.

Service users are often in crisis, yet, at present, we only receive limited funding to provide this kind of support.

Currently this is for one member of staff, Jane, for eighteen hours per week. With each day we receive more calls for help which is putting considerable strain on the organisation, our staff and our volunteers.

The majority (66%) of service users needed help to navigate the new benefit systems; with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and disability related benefits (DLA & PIP). Jane with support from David and Shellie have supported service users to understand how to complete benefits forms and how to seek supporting documents from their consultants and GPs and help them to make successful claims for the benefits that they are entitled too.  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 11

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

We have also seen a rise in the number of service users in need of access to housing. Croydon is short of housing and there has been a steady rise in the number of ‘Housing Related Issues’ over recent months.

There has been an exponential rise in the number of service users requesting access to crisis funds and food vouchers from Croydon Food Hubs. During 2014 (Jan, Feb & March) Hear Us has had 23 requests for one or more food vouchers and applications to Croydon Discretionary Scheme (CDS), compared with 12 requests over the whole of last year 2013 (Apr –Dec).

Though Hear Us continues to try to redirect anybody in crisis to turn to the normal channels of crisis care services; many have lost faith and keep returning to us. As we are not a crisis support service, we find it frustrating that statutory support services seem unable or unwilling to be as responsive to the needs of service users who find themselves falling into crisis.

Number of Service Users Turning to Hear Us for HELP! Each Month 140 123 112

55

54

61

Sep-13

54

58

Aug-13

80 60

102

94

100

68

65

35

40 20

Month

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Mar-14

Feb-14

Jan-14

Dec-13

Nov-13

Oct-13

Jul-13

Jun-13

May-13

0 Apr-13

Number of Issues Raised

120

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Health & Wellbeing Day & Xmas Social Evening People who experience mental health problems are at greater risk of loneliness and becoming isolated than the rest of the population. Service Users are also more likely to suffer from poor physical health.

Each year Hear Us holds two events geared towards Social Inclusion and Wellbeing for people in the borough of Croydon affected by mental illness.

Our Wellbeing Day in July 2013, brought together statutory and voluntary services and had over 200 service users, carers and staff attend.

“I was so impressed by the huge choice in activities. I wish I could get involved in events like this every day, it would help me to get out of the house and feel better about myself” (Gentleman from local care home) “Thank you Hear Us for the opportunity to meet so many interesting people

We put on a variety of activities for ‘Mind, Body and Soul’ including Acupuncture, Bars Therapy, Make overs from the Body Shop, Arts and Crafts, Flower Arranging, Massage Therapies, Yoga, Reflexology, Tai Chi and Short Bowls.

Feedback from people who attended our Health and Wellbeing day last year:

“I got an awful lot out of attending this afternoon’s wellbeing day – I chatted to the lady who ran the yoga session and plan to keep attending classes from now on as it really helped me to relax” (service user)  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 13

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

“I particularly enjoyed the yoga and the massage therapies – I would do these every day if they didn’t cost any money and I know this would improve my mental health” (Service User) “A beautifully organised event – there should be more events like this that service users can afford and benefit from” (mum of service user) Hear Us Xmas Party and Social Evening 2013

and reconnect with old friends, and relax in a welcoming environment”. I would definitely think about doing reflexology again (Carer) “I learnt so much today about what is available for people to do to improve their health in Croydon– thank you Hear Us” (Care Coordinator)

The Annual Hear Us Xmas party is an excellent way to bring people together, to network and share information and to have fun.

As a campaigning organisation Hear Us is aware of issues that arise for Service Users over the Xmas Period, including loneliness, closure of services and day centres, isolation etc. Financial pressures are also greater. Mental health services and crisis services (e.g. the Samaritans) see a marked increase in emotional distress and a greater need for support over Xmas months.

Over 150 people, mainly service users and carers, but also staff, joined Hear Us last year to celebrate at the Arnhem Gallery (Fairfield Halls) in

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Croydon. As well as a superb 3 course Xmas dinner, people enjoyed a Quiz, Bands, Raffle and DJ – and a cab ride home at the end of the evening!

meal for one”.

“The Hear Us Christmas Party was a great success. It touched me greatly to see so many people, who often have difficulties in life as a result of mental ill health, being relaxed and comfortable with others whom they have come to know through being a member of Hear Us.”

Feedback from 2013:

“The meal was most enjoyable, the company at our table very friendly and the music drew us to the dance floor like a magnet.

Thanks to the free cab ride to our front door, we didn’t need to worry about what the weather was doing outside and the trek home”.

Service user “I just want to say how very much I enjoyed tonight and I am so glad that I came along. I was having second thoughts as I was thinking ‘well I won’t know anyone’.

However, I was surprised at the number of people that I did know and it was lovely to see them again and also to meet new people who may become friends in future”. Service user “It was great to enjoy a Xmas meal in a social environment. My dinner on Xmas day was a Chinese ready

A highlight of the 2013 Xmas Social Evening was the Photographic Souvenir - everyone had the opportunity to have their picture taken by the Hear Us Media Team and courtesty of Snappy Snaps of Croydon, these were framed and given to people to take home with them on the night. Many thanks to Adrian, Nicole, Kelie, David, Emma, and Tom for organising this - and of course to Snappy Snaps.

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Linkworking Project

The Linkworking project is now in its 7th year, with its values firmly entrenched into the core of Hear Us aims and objectives. Our project influences improvements in quality of care by providing a peer support service that brings about a healthier inpatient culture and empowers service users to speak out about the care they are receiving from the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM) services and the voluntary services in Croydon

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Our team of Linkworkers are themselves current or ex service users which gives them real insight, understanding and empathy with the people they come into contact with through the project. There is real mutual respect, allowing the project to really come to life.

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service user’s journey can often be filled with erratic stops and starts, a state of confusion that challenges self belief, identity and self worth.

Linkworkers sharing their own experiences of recovering from illness helps bring a sense of clarity to this chaos.

The Linkworkers encourage service users to open up and discuss the issues that are affecting them as they journey through services.

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

In inpatient services, we have monitored areas identified; like whether activities that occupational therapy delivers, are regularly happening and are easily accessible to those that struggle to be heard. These activities encourage the patient to get involved with ward life, which helps to reduce boredom and

The H e a r

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Number of Service User Reached

Name of Service Ashburton Road

6

Chelsham House

71

Croydon Triage

182

Foxley Lane

184

Gresham 1

606

Gresham 2

248

Purley Resource Centre

152

Tamworth Road

355

Westways R&R

64

Westways Resource Centre

177

Imagine

63 Total

2108

support them in recovery to early discharge.

In community services, we have monitored areas identified; like

whether staying well isn’t just about medication, but also about building foundations that create mental health wellbeing, such as physical activities, volunteering or gaining meaningful employment.

With commissioners, we brought evidence giving them insight and understanding about the life of a service user and to challenge their commitment to the mental health community. We have been pressing them to set targets with providers to make them accountable for the quality of services they provide to the people that need and depend upon them.

Over the last 3 years through Comic Relief funding we expanded the project over 11 mental health services and 2 voluntary services; we have raised over

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4500 issues to service providers and produced reports that help commissioners know how services impact on service users and recommend areas that need improvement. The information gathered which includes views from the BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) and Dual Diagnosis communities, is hoped, has helped and is used in influencing decisions in regular strategic meetings with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Croydon Council and SLaM. SLaM has continued to support our project by funding the Linkworkers through the involvement register showing their support for service user involvement.

users have identified as being important to them and where they feel service providers are negligent in the care they deliver.

This information will enable us to ask challenging questions and continue ‘banging the drum’ to managers about the culture of the service they supply.

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Parrallel Lines A report on Dual Diagnosis service provision in Croyon

The H e a r

Over the next year our priorities will be to focus the Linkworkers on monitoring areas that service  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 18

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Reach Out Challenge

Since October 2012 Hear Us has run an antistigma and discrimination project called the Reach Out Challenge in which staff from organisations across the borough had the opportunity to speak with Hear Us volunteers, all of whom have their own lived experience of mental illness. We have worked with around 17 different organisations including front line staff from the London Ambulance Service, British Transport Police, London Fire Brigade and Croydon’s University Hospital A&E department. Our Volunteers shared their stories and experiences of living with a mental health problem and in so doing, gave a greater understanding to Staff, reducing stigma and dispelling some of the myths that surround mental illness.

•

The project is funded by a grant from Time to Change (TTC), the biggest campaign against mental health discrimination. As the project drew to a close, we have reflected on some of our highlights: • In 2013 the Reachout Challenge was shortlisted for the Mayor of London’s Team London Awards for ‘exemplary contribution to volunteering’ We were also selected by our Funders, Time to Change, to represent Grant Funded Projects during an International Visit by a group from Holland, who are launching a similar campaign called Samen Sterk Zonder Stigma!

• We were one of only a few projects to be awarded an extra 3 months funding by Time to Change • We ‘smashed’ our

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

original project Targets and held well over 1000 conversations during the 18 months of the project What the organisations we have worked with said about Reachout Challenge: We asked each Staff member to evaluate the project:. Example question and answers from a Reachout Visit to Croydon University Hospital A&E • Congratulations to the members of the project team for achieving such a positive outcome. I was inspired by the ‘stories’ I heard – not an easy thing to do in front of a room full of strangers. Well done to you all and may you continue to develop the project even further (Croydon University Hospital) • I feel I now know a lot more about the subject of Mental Health (British Transport Police Croydon) • It was wonderful to

come along and see (and hear) first-hand about all the incredible and amazing work you’ve been doing.

Inspirational! And talking to the volunteers and hearing their own powerful stories, and how supportive they are of each other, and what a difference they’ve made to the organisations and staff you’ve all visited (Time to Change) • On a personal note, as somebody who has also experienced mental health difficulties over the years, I feel you are doing a really noble thing with your work that will benefit all of us in the long run. (Croydon Council) • It was a brilliant event, the presentation was great and the energy in the room was really uplifting. Very privileged to be associated (Croydon Fire Brigade) • Hear Us has always been an organisation that I admired hugely, for me it is a shining example of a successful user led project. An incredible

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Hea r

each Out Cha R “ Us

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amount of hard work goes into making Hear Us the success it is and I will forever be honoured to have been associated with Hear Us. (Service User and mental health worker)

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Our funding from Time to Change has come to an end, but the Reachout Challenge will hopefully continue to grow. Hear Us is awaiting the outcome of a funding bid to continue to work with the London Ambulance Service and following our Celebration Event in August 2014, several organisations have asked for the project to become part of their Staff Training – so watch this space!

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What next for the Reachout Challenge?

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HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Hear US Open Forum guests. It is nice to meet the guest speakers before they give their presentations. I have learnt a lot over the years.

Being chair of the open forum gives me confidence and a sense of belonging and I feel very special to be able to contribute to the development of the forum and to the mental health strategy as a whole.

Ian Timms; Chair The Open Forum Chair, Service User and Hear Us Trustee, Ian Timms.

I have been the stand in or ‘sit down’ chair for a number of months now filling in for Ian, who unfortunately has been unwell.

I have been chair of the Hear I have really enjoyed being the Us forum for over ten years chair and after a shaky start and it has been a privilege to my confidence in chairing the have the responsibility to be meetings has grown. I have able to contribute to the Forum; always felt that the open forum is interacting with attendees and very important for the mental health service user community as it provides an opportunity for service users to give their very valuable opinions on new or planned services, as well as keeping service users informed of changes to long running services that are important to the community. I am always pleased to see how well attended the open The Open Forum Vice Chair, Service User forums are, although and Hear Us Trustee David Ashton my thoughts on the  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 22

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

attendance are soured should all the lunch go before I get a chance to enjoy it, and I am very grateful to our wide variety of guest speakers who give up their time to present at our meetings. I have had some very big shoes to fill and although I could never compare to Ian, I hope that while acting as his substitute I haven’t let the standard drop too far and I look forward to many more interesting Open forums in the future.

G N I H S E R REF

David Ashton; Vice Chair

No. of Attendees 136 attendees 64 attendees 85 attendees 78 attendees 78 attendees 87 attendees 78 attendees 63 attendees 58 attendees 68 attendees

Date

Main Topic

Tues 2nd April 13 Tues 7th May 13 Tues 4th June 13 Tues 6th August 13 Tues 3rd Sep 13 Tues 1st Oct 13

Welfare Reform Croydon Triage: Dr Tony Davies Mind the Gap Report Safer Croydon Partnership Unit Medication Universal Credit & *AGM

Tues 5th Nov 13 Tues 7th Jan 14 Tues 4th Feb 14 Tues 4th Mar 14

Dr Soma Mental Health Strategy **LGBT & Mental Health Direct Payment

* AGM - Annual General Meeting ** LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender

ďżź Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 23

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

‘In Our Shoes’ Newsletter “In our Shoes” is the colourful, information-packed quarterly newsletter which is written by service users for service users. Over 2,500 copies can be found in CMHTs, GP surgeries, libraries, inpatient wards, jobcentres and other buildings throughout Croydon.

Our Spring 2013 ‘Bumper’ edition included a 14 page special on Welfare Reform, including issues such as the Bedroom Tax, abolishing Crisis loans, The Benefit Cap, Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit. In this newsletter we also launched our ‘Nominate your Superhero’ competition where Hear Us invited service users to write in with their reasons for nominating a particular Staff Member who they feel has made an outstanding contribution to mental health services.

Popular features in Our Winter edition included ‘To Heat or Eat’ – with information for service users about coping with the rise in Winter Fuel costs, ‘My Health Locker’ – a new initiative between SLaM and GPs, which allows service users to store and share information about their health.

The newsletter continues to bring YOUR stories, poems, articles and artwork to other service users, carers, staff members and to the general public, to raise awareness and campaign for better treatment, less stigma and greater understanding of mental health problems in our borough. What our ‘readers’ say about the Hear Us Newsletter: “I found reading about other sufferers inspirational. It  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 24

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

has given me the desire to get out there and do my bit to end mental health discrimination and make a difference” “The Newsletter provides me with loads of information about activities I could access. I particularly enjoy the updates on Welfare Benefits.

I wouldn’t change anything about it!

“In our Shoes” is colourful, eye catching and the content is always captivating. Thank you to everyone involved for such a great publication”.

The Hear-Us Media Group The Media Group has now been running for a year and during this time has gone from strength to strength. The media group has been asked to take both Photographs and Videos for many of the Hear Us Projects such as The Open Forum, Linkworking Project and Wellbeing Day and, one of its major successes, the 2013 Xmas Party. With the help of the management and staff of Snappy Snaps of Croydon over 300 photos were printed and framed in one evening!

The Media Group’s second major success was its involvement with the Reachout Project, where literally hundreds of photographs and several films were taken to chart the ‘life’ of the project; We made videos for theTime to Change ‘Time to Talk Day’ as well as a promotional DVD. Videos of our volunteers and several of the organisations we worked with on the project, including the London Ambulance Service and the British Transport Police, can be viewed on the Hear Us website.

Finally, and in partnership with Mind in Croydon and Imagine Mental Health Group (again with the support of Snappy Snaps) we are proud to launch our first ever Photographic Competition on the subject of mental illness.

Thank You to everyone who has contributed to the successes of the Media group.

Adrian Lucas (Head of Media Group)  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 25

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Hear Us Membership - Together We Are stronger Our goal is to help service users have a voice in the services we receive, and the bigger our membership the stronger our voice becomes. Members benefits: • Full voting rights at our *AGM and **EGM; giving you access to directing your groups activities and campaigns.

• Free subscription to the Hear Us Newsletter ‘In Our Shoes’ which is delivered free to your home and is packed with details of our activities and key mental health issues and debates. It is also a platform for you to raise

*Annual General Meeting **Emergency General Meeting  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 26

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

and voice your views and ideas.

• Regular local and national networking events: including Invitations and notification of Hear Us open meetings, where you can get to meet professionals face to face.

• Regular supported Linkworking opportunities: giving you direct access to be involved in and contribute to our Linkworking project, which helps to improve the quality of the services we receive.

• Supported involvement and contribution; giving service users access to the planning, delivery and monitoring of Croydon’s mental health services.

• Invitation to our Christmas Party and summer Wellbeing Events If you are not already a member and would like to join complete the form on the back page of this report.

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 27

HEAR US TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

The Hear Us Accounts FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves Policy Hear Us endeavours to maintain reserves equivalent to a minimum of 3 months costs at all times. For the financial year 2012/13 this will be approximately ÂŁ34,000. These should be held in bank accounts with easy withdrawal facilities.

Risk Management The Steering group have identified and reviewed the major risks facing Hear Us and systems have been established to mitigate them. Lack of financial resources to cover expenditure is recognised as the main concern, together with the need to protect our reputation and ensure that all regulatory requirements are adhered to. Measures to reduce risk in these areas include: Review of the Service Level Agreement with Croydon NHS, Primary Care Trust (PCT): Annual Review of events: Regular Committee meetings including Financial Report (current & projected, Charity Co-ordinator Reports and a review of fundraising activities: Formation of a fundraising committee who are required to report on all plans and activities to the Steering Group: Regular liaison with officers of the Croydon NHS, Primary Care Trust (PCT): Continuation of staff training programmes.

Signed by order of the trustees Orchard House, 15a Purley Road,

South Croydon

CR2 6EZ MR P ROGERS

Company Secretary ........................

ďżź Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 28

HEAR US INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEAR US YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

We report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2014 which are set out on pages 6 to 12.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The company’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.

The company’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to: • examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; • to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the

Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and • to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the company and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: (1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: • to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011

Act; and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply

with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or (2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mitchell, Rodrigues and Co. Ltd, Independent examiner, Suite 14, Zeal House, 8 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3GY

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 29

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds

Total Funds 2014

Total Funds 2013

Note

£

£

£

£

Voluntary income

2

138,107

–

138,107

167,378

Activities for generating funds

3

705

–

705

1,047

Investment income

4

187

–

187

172

138,999

–

138,999

168,597

RESOURCES Incoming resources from generating funds:

TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities

5

(31,708)

–

(31,708)

(18,806)

Governance costs

6

(119,807)

–

(119,807)

(116,812)

(151,515)

–

(151,515)

(135,618)

(12,516)

–

(12,516)

32,979

Total funds brought forward

109,534

-

109,534

76,555

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

97,018

-

97,018

109,534

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR

7

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 30

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

2014 Note

£

2013 £

£

650

480

FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets

9

CURRENT ASSETS Debtors

10

Cash at bank and in hand

CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year

11

19

363

98,227

111,402

989,246

111,765

(1,878)

(2,711)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

96,368

109,054

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

97,018

109,534

NET ASSETS

97,018

109,534

FUNDS Restricted income funds

12

-

-

Unrestricted income funds

13

97,018

109,534

97,018

109,534

TOTAL FUNDS

For the year ended 31st March 2014 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee and authorised for issue on the 23rd October 2014 and are signed on their behalf by:

RUTH GOVAN Director  Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 31

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in March 2005 (SORP 2005).

Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

25% on reducing balance

Incoming Resources Hear Us was commissioned to contribute to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Community Strategy aim of the London Borough of Croydon, to involve service users in the assessment of need, planning, selection of providers and monitoring of services. All material incoming resources from this service level agreement between Hear Us as the provider and Croydon Primary Care Trust & the London Borough of Croydon as the Commissioner, have been included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

2.

VOLUNTARY INCOME

Unrestricted Funds

Total Funds 2014

Total Funds 2013

Donations

£

£

£

Donations

173

173

739

73,899

73,899

73,899

Grants receivable NHS Croydon (& Croydon Council) Adult Mental Health Local Authority - Adult Social Services Comic Relief Mental Health User Guide

13,713 13,640

13,640

42,319

4,786

4,786

-

Newsletter

-

Events

-

-

1,340

510

Maudsley Charity

31,344

31,344

32,115

Reach Out Challenge

14,265

14,265

16,456

138,107

138,107

167,378

3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds

Total Funds 2014

Total Funds 2013

£

£

£

705

705

1,047

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 32

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds

Total Funds 2013

Total Funds 2012

£

£

£

187

187

172

Total Funds 2013

Total Funds 2012

5. COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY FUND TYPE Unrestricted Funds £

£

£

570

570

9,811

Direct project costs

2,533

2,533

-

Travel & Subsistence

1,091

1,091

6,606

Training

Advertising & Publicity Gifts & Donations Subscriptions

-

-

2,129

240

240

140

-

-

120

Core costs

1,296

1,296

-

Reach Out

12,649

12,649

-

In Our Shoes

1,980

1,980

-

Surgery

6,562

6,562

-

Open Forum

3,434

3,434

-

Wellbeing

1,353

1,353

-

31,708

31,708

18,806

Unrestricted Funds

Total Funds 2014

Total Funds 2013

6. GOVERNANCE COSTS

Salaries and National Insurance Supervision Rent Accountancy fees Other fees Companies House Depreciation Hire of equipment

£

£

£

88,473

88,473

87,703

121

121

248

8,001

8,001

7,550

720

720

672

-

-

553

13

13

137

217

217

160

-

-

826

5,610

5,610

5,000

Website/Email etc.

199

199

13

Insurance

505

505

1,152

Telephone

-

-

1,241

Computer software

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 33

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014 Repairs & maintenance Postage, Printing & Stationery

13

13

13

15,935

15,935

11,557

119,807

119,807

116,812

2014

2013

7. NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR This is stated after charging: Depreciation

£

£

217

160

2014

2013

8.STAFF COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS Total staff costs were as follows: Wages and salaries

£

£

88,473

87,703

Particulars of employees: The average number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full-time equivalents, was as follows:

Number of staff

2014

2013

No

No

9

7

No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2011 - Nil).

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Equipment

COST

£

At 1 April 2013

851

Additions

387

At 31 March 2014

1,238

DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2013

371

Charge for the year

217

At 31 March 2014

588

NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2014

650

At 31 March 2013

480

10. DEBTORS 2014 Prepayments

2013

£

£

19

363

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 34

HEAR US STATEMENT OF FINICAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2014 11. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 2014 Accruals

2013

£

£

1,878

2,711

12. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS Balance at 31 Mar 2014 £ Restricted Fund

Nil

There have been no movements on restricted funds during the year ended 31 March 2014.

13. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS Balance at 1 Apr 2013 £ General Funds

109,534

Incoming resources

Balance at 31 Mar 2014

£

£

(12,516)

97,018

 Working Together for Change and Better Understanding in Mental Health 35

Hear Us Membership Application Form Resident in London Borough of Croydon Have a recognisable interest in mental health service user issues in Croydon Have had emotional psychological problems or some form of mental illness Name: Address:

Tel: Email: Age & DOB: Gender: Sexuality Ethnic Origin: Do you have a disability: Hear Us will not use the information you provide for anything other than distribution of newsletters and invitations to meetings.

I would like to become a member of Hear Us, and to receive your free newsletter Please read the form thoroughly and check that the information you have provided is correct before signing.

Signature:

Orchard House 15a Purley Road South Croydon CR2 6EZ

 020 8681 6888 @ info@hear-us.org  www.hear-us.org Company No. 6891337 Charity No.1135535

Hear Us Aims •

•

• • • • • •

To relieve the needs of people living in the London Borough of Croydon and surrounding areas who have mental health problems by provision of services and advice To advance education about mental health for the public benefit in the London borough of Croydon and surrounding areas with the object of creating awareness and reducing the stigma attached to mental health To reach out to all service users to encourage and support participation in the Hear Us Open Forum.

To actively oppose discrimination against service users in Croydon.

To support a user forum in which to discuss and debate current concerns.

To offer service users a communication platform for the constructive exchange of ideas on issues affecting them.

To campaign for improvements in mental health services.

To provide a wide range of information about local/national services and issues that concern users of mental health services in Croydon, through our Newsletter and Web site.