Erm, attempt at being proactive

[objectivity]

I was thinking of doing something positive to make it clearer to those who make the decisions about how we all cope with the stresses of living.

I don't know what shape or form this will have yet,but I was reading another post in this section which mentioned a mnetter's fears about addressing her feelings of distress.

Given the great volumes posted here about mental distress,housing issues, experiences with social services, financial difficulties and so on, I was wondering if I could compile something out of all that that would give a very true picture of REALITY for many parents/individuals.

I always feel that my circs make a very good case in point re. how many systems let me and so many others down at times when they most need them to work and this is evenb when I am actually quite a capable and self sufficent person in the majority of ways.

So, do you think we could do something collectively and forward it somewhere.

i have been involved with my work in PCT consulations that have cost thousands and have effected very little change. I'd like to do something from the perspective of just a mum talkign to other friends, parents, grandparents, etc. that actually illustrates the rality for so many of us.

Is this a silly idea?

Headings are thought of are:

Barriers to getting help with sub-headings of 'with mental distress' 'coping with children' money difficulties.

I recognise that there are mechanisms in place but I've used them. To be blunt, they are shit.

If any of you were willing to contribuet I'mthinking maybe of quotes such as:

"I have no money and no food left in my cupboard, I tried ringing the social fund number but is engaged ALL DAY long and gave up at bedtime,clearly this mechanism has not worked for me"

or "I only have a mobile phone, my landline was cut off months ago, Icannot afford the bus to he jobcentre or to phone a DWP office where the number is not free to mobiles"

or "I want help with my children but Iam afraid that this will givemy xdp ammunition in trying to gain residency, Ihave no idea where to turn or how Ican safeguard my situation and do the best for my children before this gets out of hand"

And so on...

Hi objectivity,

I have also been involved at a patient level (as a "service user/survivor") and I would like to stress that I think that CAN be a really useful way to campaign. There are grass-roots campaigns in parts of the country that ARE effecting change and that are making a difference. While the system is never going to be adequate to meet everyone's needs, being able to share your experiences CAN make a difference.

For example:

• being on the board of your local mental health charities (they are always looking for ex-or-current service user directors)
• participating in patient boards at your local PCT/hospital
• volunteering in local mental health campaigns (we are currently campaigning for a local half-way house)

I am just saying this because you obviously have a lot of experience and a lot to GIVE and I really think that these avenues can be very positive and helpful.

And on a personal note: there is a life worth surviving suicide for. I promise.

Right, there you are.

I don't have much to contribute but I do think it's a powerful thing to be able to turn around this sort of experience and use it to help others.