50 Voices
RONNIE 50 Voices captures the authentic voice of the people that use our services and our staff as Turning Point celebrates its 50th anniversary
50 Voices
Ronnie Watson
50 Voices
Ronnie Watson
Ronnie Watson is a Mental Health Act Coordinator working in the Risk and Assurance department at the Exchange in Manchester.
I was bored as a retail manager and decided to make a change. I started working in NHS psychiatry as a support worker, and was moved to Douglas House in 1983. When Turning Point took over Douglas House in 1991, I was asked to take responsibility for Mental Health Act administration (half the service users were ‘sectioned’ under the Act). Although it started off as just Douglas House, I am now the Mental Health Coordinator monitoring use of the Act in our five Independent Hospitals; Douglas House, The Corner House, Garrow House, Pendlebury House and Rohan.
My main responsibilities are advising services and departments on mental health and mental capacity law. In general I have to make sure that everything we do under the Mental Health Act is lawful and that the right procedures are being followed. I also provide support to our other mental health services where some service users are subject to the Act, and provide training for staff. This year I have supported Mental Health and Learning Disability services in implementing big changes to the law on deprivations of liberty.
With Turning Point each service is very different because they have been individually commissioned for particular client groups. I think what’s unique about them is that the staff really do try to deliver a quality service and meet the necessary standards. Everyone takes quality very seriously and we always strive to obtain a grading of ‘outstanding’. Mental Health and Learning Disability services in implementing big changes to the law on deprivations of liberty.
50 Voices
Ronnie Watson
The best part of my job for me is working with our service users and ensuring that they understand their rights and that they are able to exercise them!
I also get to work with so many brilliant, committed professionals both inside and outside of Turning Point; it’s really interesting to be able to see so many different faces because every service user brings with them different connections. I think being a good team player has helped me do my job to the best of my ability. I’ve always believed that if my manager asks me to do something, I should do it. I’d never say “that’s not my job” – it’s important to be flexible.
Turning Point has always encouraged me to learn new skills and take training opportunities, so I’ve been able to develop my role and develop my expertise.
My opinion has always been valued and I feel that I am listened to
I have always been treated with respect and I think that’s been carried across into our work ethic. We also treat our service users with respect and encourage them to develop as well. My opinion has always been valued and I feel that I am listened to. However more importantly, within Turning Point, I’ve noticed there is a real commitment to providing a high quality of care for service users. We are making a difference and we’re successful at getting people off section, out of hospital and into more independent living.
50 Voices
Ronnie Watson
Our hospital services are really effective for service users’ recovery because they offer genuine rehabilitation. That’s nice to see because I think a lot of care providers say they are providing the best care possible but they aren’t. On the other hand, Turning Point actually do what they say they do! I know this because I’m one of the many who have left Turning Point but came back. The grass was definitely NOT greener on the other side!
The biggest misconception about people with mental health issues is that they’re all dangerous. People suffering with their mental health can sometimes be vulnerable, stigmatised and often at risk of harm from other people. Mental health is still (in my opinion) woefully underfunded
That particular image and mentality is still perpetuated by the tabloid press even though there is clear evidence to the contrary. In fact people suffering with their mental health can sometimes be vulnerable, stigmatised and often at risk of harm from other people. Mental health is still (in my opinion) woefully underfunded, meaning many struggle to get help and support when they really need it. In an ideal world more people would be helped to cope at home in the community before they reach a crisis point. However, in the UK there have been mental health service cuts year after year and people suffer as a result. Everything I’ve learnt about Mental Health Law I’ve learnt with Turning Point but it’s always developing, and as much as we do, there’s still a long way to go.
50 Voices
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