Community News: Redesigning Adult & Older People’s Specialist Mental Health Services in Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire and Vale Royal

Have your say on proposed changes to local mental health services

Tuesday 6 March – Tuesday 29 May 2018.

There are approximately 7,000 adults and older people from a population of 480,000 across Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire and Vale Royal who receive care and support from specialist mental health services. Of these approximately 350 people per year require an inpatient stay at the Millbrook Unit in Macclesfield, meaning that 95 per cent of care is already provided in the community.

Local NHS partners are proposing a redesign of these services for a number of reasons. User and carer feedback, along with recent audit recommendations and inspections, told the partners that some things in these services work well but that other things need to change for the better.

Through the proposed redesign NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS South Cheshire CCG, NHS Vale Royal CCG and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust want to:

• provide new services so that there is better access for people to help keep them well and active in the community
• provide much greater choice of services for those in, or at risk of, crisis;
• support people with dementia and those who care for them to stay in their own surroundings

Service users and their carers have shared their thoughts; describing that they “deserve to thrive, not just survive”, that they want responsive community services available 24/7 and they do not want to be admitted to hospital unless it is absolutely necessary.

For these reasons, the local NHS partners as mentioned above have developed a set of proposals that puts early intervention and prevention at the heart of adult and older people’s specialist mental health services and, if introduced, will provide:

• An improved community mental health service that helps people get better more quickly and prevents hospital admissions
• A 24-hour crisis support service for people who are acutely unwell
• A dementia outreach service that visits people in their own homes
• An improved experience for people who need hospital care.

Have Your Say

You can #JoinTheConversation and have your say on the proposals put forward by local NHS partners in many ways:

• By completing the online questionnaire available by clicking here
• By attending one of the six public events where you can have your say
• By telephoning freephone number 0808 169 1189 if you need help completing the survey or require a paper copy.

Alongside the main consultation document there are a number of supporting documents - held on the NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG website that people can read for further information about the case for change and proposals for the redesign for adult and older people's specialist mental health services.

Please call 0808 169 1189 if you require this information in another language or an alternative format such as large print, braille or audio.

Social Media – Suggested Tweets

Local NHS partners have launched their Consultation on Adult & Older People’s Mental Health Services in Cheshire. Have your say here www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk

#JoinTheConversation

Help our partners to improve adult and older people’s mental health services in Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire and Vale Royal. They’re holding several events so you can have your say. Find out more here www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk #JoinTheConversation

If you want to tell us your views about mental health services for adults in Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire and Vale Royal please fill out our local NHS partners’ survey or call freephone 0808 169 1189 #JoinTheConversation

Our local NHS partners have launched a public consultation on adult and older people’s specialist mental health services. To find out more about what this means for service provision in Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire and Vale Royal visit www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk #JoinTheConversation

What’s most important to think about when delivering adult specialist mental health services in Cheshire? We want to know your views. Complete the survey here #JoinTheConversation

Community News: Nantwich Mayor to hold Salt of the Earth Awards

Nantwich Mayor, Councillor Penny Butterill, has announced that she will be following in the footsteps of former Mayors and presenting awards to recognise and celebrate the
achievements of individuals, groups and businesses, that selflessly make a real difference to the Nantwich community. 

Eight fittingly named ‘Salt of the Earth’ Awards will be presented at an intimate reception on Thursday 3 rd May at Nantwich Civic Hall.

The Mayor is welcoming nominations for the awards. So if you know someone or a group, who gives up their time and energy to help others, please help us recognise their work by
nominating them for an award.

Award Categories
Community Volunteer Award: Recognises a person, who has taken an active role in shaping their community, helps provide services to more vulnerable residents and encourages community spirit and growth.

Inspiring Individual Award: To celebrate a local unsung hero who goes the extra mile to serve their community.

Supporting Children Award: Individuals, group or school who have made a difference to the lives of children, so that they can achieve their full potential.

Young Achiever Award (Under 18): Who do you know who has shown major potential? Who is one to watch in the future? Who has made an outstanding contribution to the community? Nominate Nantwich’s rising star.

Outstanding Organisation/Group/Project Award: Tell us about a local volunteer group/organisation/project which has really engaged with the community.

Business Support in the Community Award: Award for a business that has gone beyond their remit and supported their community.

Community Sports Award: Sportsmen and women giving their time back to sport and making it accessible for people in our communities to join in with sporting activities

The Mayor will also present a Mayor’s Recognition Award. The winner of this award will be
an inspirational individual or group who has made an outstanding impression on the Mayor in her year of office. This award is specifically decided by the Mayor and nominations will not be accepted.

To nominate someone for an award, apply to the Mayor with the following information:

• Name of person nominating
• Name of Nominee
• Address and contact details of both of the above
• Award Nominated for
• Reason for Nomination (no more than 250 words)

Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday 23rd March and can be posted to ‘Salt of the Earth’ Awards, Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG, dropped off at the Civic Hall, or emailed to ntc.marketing@nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk. 

Nominees must either be a Nantwich resident, work in Nantwich, or make a valuable contribution to the people of the town.

The Mayor is also looking for sponsors for this event, if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Sheryl Birtles on 01270 628 633 or  for more information visit www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Out and About: Liz's Funky Week with Lashings of Christmas Cheer

The Funky Choir singing at Sainsbury's, Nantwich

Volunteer of the Week

I am going to start with my Volunteer of the Week because this week I am dedicating it to a popular group of volunteers who bring lots of joy and cheer wherever they go. The Funky Choir, led by the very witty, Mr Funky himself, Brent Robinson.

The Funky Choir.com ("don’t forget the dot.com!") has been around a similar length of time as RedShift Radio so you could say we have grown up together! We have welcomed them at many of our events from singing on the Community Stage at the Battle of Nantwich in the freezing cold, to flag waving at the Queen’s 90th birthday Gala in St Mary’s Church and the RedShift Community Garden at the Nantwich Show to our Christmas Fair at the Crewe Lyceum.

The Funky Choir is far more than just Funky ... they are a friendly, welcoming and fun bunch who meet weekly at The Georges Community Centre on West Street in Crewe to practise for their constantly growing list of performances.

I have enjoyed seeing the choir grow over the years and now that my mum has joined having moved up here from Surrey last year, I can see just how much of a supportive and friendly community choir Brent has built.

My Mum happily keeps me informed about which care home, hospital or community event they are next playing and I know that not only does the choir put a smile on the faces of the audience, but also the sense of wellbeing and joy that each member of the choir gets from singing together is priceless.

This photo was taken on Saturday at Sainsbury’s in Nantwich where the Funky Choir sang for over four hours to help the local branch of Riding for the Disabled with their bucket collection. Have a Funky Christmas Funky Choir and thank you for everything you add to our Funky Community!

Betty and Ann Parkin

Betty and Ann at St Mary's

Moving on, and I must mention another pair of volunteers that bring joy to lots of people: Betty and Ann Parkin, my father in-law’s lovely donkeys. They were out again on Sunday for their annual visit to St Mary’s Church, Nantwich for the Nativity service.

Don’t worry if you missed them, Betty and Ann will be at St Margaret's Church, Wrenbury for their final outing of the year on Christmas Eve at 3pm for the Crib Service.

Merrily, Merrily ...

Last week I enjoyed two carol services: one at my nephew's school, St Anne’s in Nantwich and one at St Margaret’s in Wrenbury. Seeing my nephew sing was lovely and we realised that, just like his Mummy, Auntie Liz and Grandma Ruth, he's not exactly pitch-perfect, but belts out his tunes with a smile and giggles!

Sadly though, I feel the need to include a little rant here. I was walking home with my mum and nephew after the service at St Anne’s (about 5.45pm) and I was horrified that TWO cars didn’t even slow down at the zebra crossing, let alone stop while we patiently waited there.

What shocked me even more was my sister telling me that this is a regular occurrence - even in daylight! Drivers please slow down at zebras - especially near schools!

Lots of Christmas Cheer

Christmas is of course a time for parties and having had more than my fair share this month, it's safe to say that I have completely fallen off the diet-wagon! Last Thursday I was out with my fellow Tropic girls for a superb meal and dancing at the Crown Hotel, Nantwich, which served up the best Christmas dinner so far! On Saturday we had Christmas with our old neighbours and friends and I ate mountains of the legendary Diane Kilby pâté.

On Sunday I enjoyed another lovely Christmas meal with my girlfriends at The Globe in Nantwich, although this time I went off-piste and opted for the Thai green curry with king prawns - not a stuffing ball or sprout in sight, but very tasty!

Lots of Santas ready to run ...

The Annual Santa Dash

Sunday saw a huge gathering of Santas (and the odd reindeer and snowman!) in Nantwich Town Square. Sponsored by The Ruk Group, the annual Hope House Santa Dash had to be postponed the week before due to the snowy weather but it got in full swing this week, despite the miserably wet weather. Participants were able to choose to run either 2.5k or 5k and considering the weather, there were almost 200 people running to raise money for Hope House.

And Finally ...

On Monday, after writing this article, I will be at the Oddfellows on Welsh Row for our office team Christmas dinner AND to celebrate the fourth RedShift engagement of the year - Helen Gregory our Office Manager who got engaged on her birthday weekend to the love of her life, Mark Thompson. Congratulations Helen and Mark!

This article appeared in Crewe Chronicle on 20th December 2017.  Please look out for my "Out and About" page each week in the Crewe Chronicle. For more information about any of the items in this article, please email us here at RedShift or call us on 01270 440 750. 

Cheshire East Council Unveils Strategy for Managing Flood Risk Across Borough

Residents and businesses can find out how Cheshire East Council and partner agencies will deal with any threat of flooding in the future – following publication of the authority’s flood risk management strategy.

As a lead local flood authority, the council’s responsibilities are outlined in the local flood risk management strategy, which identifies measures to be undertaken by all partners, including residents, to reduce the risk of flooding in Cheshire East, to protect homes, businesses and other infrastructure. 

The strategy increases awareness of flood risk in the borough, from surface water, groundwater and watercourses. It also aims to reduce the impact of flooding and increase resilience in the community.

The council has finalised its strategy using feedback from residents following a public consultation carried out in August and September. Responsibilities include the recording and investigating of incidents of ‘significant’ flooding and identifying structures and features which could have an effect on flood risk.

Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for environment, said: “This strategy is our statement of intent as to how we will manage flood risk in Cheshire East.  We hope it will help our residents and businesses to become better informed about our responsibilities as a local flood authority and how we can all work together to mitigate flood risk and to manage any emergencies.”

To read the full strategy document visit: cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/highway-services/flood-risk-management/flood-risk-management.aspx

Help Santa Find Cheshire East Children Without Chimneys

CVS launches its Christmas Toy Appeal for children in the area living in difficult circumstances.
Community & Voluntary Services (CVSCE) are once again holding their Christmas Toy Appeal, now in its 6th year. The appeal is run in aid of Cheshire East children and families that face difficult circumstances this winter and otherwise may not have the magical and joyful experience all children should have on Christmas morning, in finding presents under the tree.

Some of those supported are:
Children who have chaotic home lives with domestic violence and substance misuse a regular occurrence
Families whose loved ones are in hospice for end of life care.
They need your support. By donating a toy or two at a collection point near you, or holding a collection or fundraiser in your place of work would make a world of difference to the local children supported by this appeal. It’s also a fantastic way to get into the festive spirit, as the CVSCE and its previous supporters have found.

The CVS website lists all the collection points across Cheshire East and also has some fun suggestions and resource packs to help you support the appeal on social media, at home or at work. Visit: cvsce.org.uk.
Businesses and organisations who would like to pledge their support and coordinate their efforts can contact the appeal organiser directly on 01270 763 100 or email andrew.luisis@cvsce.org.uk.
Last year, communities really came together and approximately 3000 donations were received from the generous Cheshire East public and many private businesses. The appeal was able to support 45 local Cheshire East charities, non-profits and community groups to provide festive cheer to the deserving families and children they care for directly.
When you’re Christmas shopping this year please consider picking up a little something for this appeal and help CVSCE make 2017 the biggest year yet!
#ThisWaySanta