North Staffs Users Group
North Staffs Users Group
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire who have personal experience of mental distress or illness.
We work together to try to get the best local mental health services, whether these are provided by hospitals, GPs, Social Workers. Community Nurses or Voluntary Services.
We are recognised by the NHS, Social Services and others as an independent group representing the needs and views of local mental health service users.
Why do we call ourselves 'users?'
'User' means those people who receive, or 'use', mental health services. We prefer it to 'patient' or 'customer'.
How do we work for improvements?
We do it by increasing the level of user participation and representation when services are being planned, provided or evaluated.
Some members of the Group are volunteers who visit wards and residential homes to talk with residents. Trained and supported by our staff, they identify concerns that people might have about their care and treatment and then meet with service providers to try to resolve any problems that may arise.
Our focus
The Group is involved in a range of different activities all of which are focused on getting better mental health services.
We work with service providers to represent user's views about their services and with GP organisations to get better mental health diagnosis and services from GPs and their staff.
Always our concern is to bring services into line with service users' real needs.
Who can join the North Staffs Users Group?
Anyone who has experience of any kind of problem connected with their own mental health.
Why join?
- because your views on services can help us to see where change may be needed
- because you will have opportunities to join with others who have had similar experiences.
- because you will be able, if you want to, to take part in the work of the group.
Does it cost anything?
No. Membership is free; we use a FREEPOST address and travel expenses are paid to members when they attend our meetings.
What do I get as a member?
You get up-to-date information; our quarterly magazine, called The Voice; opportunities to attend meetings and receive bulletins to keep you informed; and access to a wide range of information about mental health matters.
How do I join?
Phone us on 01782 683043 and we'll take your details and make you feel welcome.
the Voice
Produced 4 times each year by NSUG volunteers, members and staff, our magazine 'The Voice' aims to inform members about what's going on in mental health in North Staffordshire ..
current issue: 52
contents
- What happened at our Annual General Meeting
- Introducing Phil Leese
- Introducing Claire Jackson
- Introducing Hilda Johnson
- John Sherry writes
- Update — Newcastle & Moorlands
- Update — Stoke
- Update — Harplands Hospital
- A service user writes
- The Participation Station
- An update on the October, November & December members meetings
- Diary Dates
- Contact Us
- Help lines & Advice
address:
North Staffs Users Group
The Dudson Centre,
Hope Street,
Hanley,
Stoke on Trent
ST1 5DD
telephone:
01782-683043
email:
mainoffice@nsug.co.uk
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