Our Vision 2012 - 2017 - A Sea Change to Hope
 
Please note our business plan workshop on 12th March 2012 at Mossley Mill has been cancelled.
 

 

MindWise has developed a draft Corporate Strategy/Business Plan 2012 – 2017. The plan is entitled “Our Vision – A Sea Change to Hope”, based on the remarks of a delegate at the first conference organised as part of the planning process.

 

 

The draft plan has been approved by the delegated representatives from our Board of Trustees to go out for a period of consultation before it is finalised and made operational.

 

‘Our Vision – A Sea Change to Hope’ is a high level document, setting the role, direction and priorities for MindWise over the next five years.  Its ultimate aim is to facilitate a sea change to hope for the people we work with who are affected by mental health problems.

 

MindWise welcome your comments on ‘Our Vision – A Sea Change to Hope’ and have provided a set of key questions to guide your consideration of the document.  You can complete this questionnaire online using Survey Monkey by following this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2Q785WL

 

 

Previous Article

There has been much discussion recently in our organisation about the stigma, stereotyping and prejudice experienced by those affected by mental health problems. The issue has been raised prominently throughout our current comprehensive business planning process (Our Vision 2012 -2017), and my last update on our recent consultation and conference focused on what we as an organisation, sector and society can do to address it.

 

We have moved to the next stage of developing Our Vision 2012 -2017, and now have almost 30 concrete propositions in response to the needs and issues raised at the earlier stage. Our propositions range from innovation in service delivery though to more effective use of ICT. Needless to say challenging stigma and campaigning features strongly in these propositions, and will continue to form a significant part of our work. 

 

However, in reflecting on our business planning propositions I would like to return to a comment made by one of the delegates, a MindWise member, at the recent Our Vision Conference. Her simple statement to other delegates in plenary discussion towards the end of the session was that over the next 5 years she wished for “a sea change to hope” for those affected by mental health problems. This statement is now the driving force behind Our Vision 2012-2107.

 

Mental health problems can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life and esteem. Things that were once enjoyed are viewed with disinterest, the simplest task can result in the most terrible fear and anxiety, relationships become difficult, friendships breakdown, and jobs and careers are lost. Most of all a loss of hope in life and that anything will get better or can improve is a burden that can be difficult to shake off or reverse.

 

As an organisation, all our work is underpinned by the ethos of recovery. Recovery is a personal process of tackling the adverse impact of experiencing mental health problems, despite their continuing or long term presence. At its core, recovery is about supporting people to regain the hope which is their pathway to a more positive future.   Recovery is the “sea change to hope” that was discussed at our conference and which now provides the impetus for Our Vision 2012 – 2017.

 

As an organisation we have been a leader in recovery based services and are whole heartedly committed to this approach. Our new business plan will ensure that we continue to develop services that meet the needs of the people we work with and support them on their road to recovery. Some of our services will remain the same; others will change for the better, while ICT will enable us to engage new people in different ways. 

 

Again though, we return to the recurring theme of the stigma and prejudice experienced by those who experience mental health problems. A “sea change to hope” is not limited to the individual, their carer, or family.   A barrier to recovery and hope is often  the negative attitudes and perceptions society in general has towards mental illness. If we are truly to realise the full potential of recovery oriented services then a sea change in attitudes is needed. This is something we must all work towards over the coming 5 years.

 

Bill Halliday

CEO, MindWise.