WORCESTERSHIRE residents interested in shaping the future of mental health services are being invited to attend public meetings to give their views on proposals.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and local healthcare commissioners have launched a 10 week consultation into the future of some of the services that support those experiencing more serious mental health difficulties.

The proposals have been drawn up after months of engagement with those who currently or have previously used mental health services, as well as carers, members of the wider community and staff.

An advisory group was set up to review the proposals, while an online survey was set up for residents to give their opinions.

Four public consultation events have also been organised, providing another opportunity for residents to have their say.

The first take place on August 15, at Redditch Town Hall, between 2pm and 4pm.

Another event is being held at Perdiswell Young Persons Leisure Centre on August 22, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, while a session is being held at the same venue on September 5, between 2pm and 4pm.

The last session organised takes place on September 19, at Simply Limitless in Kidderminster, between 2pm and 4pm.

Mark Dickens, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s lead for adult mental health services, said: “The consultation proposals have been informed by months of engagement and through conversations with current patients and service users, carer representatives, the wider community and our own staff.

"It has been clear through these conversations that we can re-focus these services in a way which can actually improve their overall effectiveness, support someone’s recovery, and which better reflects what people who have experienced serious mental health conditions tell us works well."

Anyone wanting to attend the event needs to register in advance by emailing WHCNHS.AMHLDSDU@nhs.net or call 01905 760222.

To find out more about the proposals, and to have a say, visit hacw.nhs.uk/amhconsultation.