The Improving Mind groups aims to do exactly what its name says. If Mind in Birmingham has a new policy it is considering, or new documents it wants Service Users to use, they come to Improving Mind to consult Service Users and make changes to them based on Service Users ideas and experiences.
But it isn't just Mind that bring things to discuss; Service Users put issues on the agenda too, from questions about fund raising to discussions on Government proposals on Incapacity Benefit.
Some questions you may have (and their answers!)
- How many people are in this group? The average attendance is 15 people.
- Where does the group meet and when? The group meets at Beechcroft Day Centre, R/O 501 Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7JG. Phone/Fax 0121-377 7407. The group meets every first Thursday of the month at 1:30pm.
- How long are the meetings? The meetings are normally 2 hours long the group takes a break about half way through. If you need to get up and get a drink or have a walk around that's fine.
- Do I get paid for coming to this group? Yes, you are paid £5.52 an hour for your work at the group and for your travel expenses for getting to the meeting.
- Which staff are at the meetings? The Director of Operations represents Mind in Birmingham at the meeting and is also available at 1.00pm before each meeting so you can discuss issues not on the meeting agenda with them. The other staff member at the meeting is the Service User facilitator.
- What happens if I can't get to a meeting one month, or if I start a job or go to college? All the members of Improving Mind are giving up their own time to come to the meetings, so there is no problem if you can't come one month, just come next time if you can, you will still be very welcome. Mind hopes getting involved can increase your confidence and help you take steps towards what you want in your life; if you start work or college or if something else becomes more important to you that's great, Mind in Birmingham thanks you for your contribution to the group and you will certainly not be letting anyone down.
- How do I find out more? You can contact the Service User Facilitator directly on 0121 608 8001 yourself, or some people ask a member of staff to get in touch first. The Service User Facilitator can come out to see you to talk about the group. If you decide you'd like to be involved with Improving Mind, you are sent information every month about the next meeting (this can be sent to your home, or to a Mind service for you to collect it).
