South West London Mental Health and Health Inequalities Conference
Earlier this week, colleagues from across the Trust joined more than 200 mental health leaders, clinicians, community organisations and people with lived experience of mental ill health for the annual South West London Mental Health and Health Inequalities Conference.
Hosted by NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, this event was a valuable opportunity to connect with our partners for a day of discussion, collaboration and shared learning.
Opening the conference Vanessa Ford MBE, Chief Executive for South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust and Joint Senior Responsible Officer for Mental Health for South West London spoke about the power of partnership:
“This conference is a powerful reminder that partnership is essential if we are to tackle mental health inequalities and deliver meaningful change. We know that serious mental illness remains one of the most significant health inequalities, and that too many people – particularly those from global majority communities – continue to face barriers to accessing timely, compassionate care."
The day provided an opportunity to understand why working together is essential to work to reduce mental health inequalities.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Professor Derek Tracy spoke to the audience about the ‘Croydon Drop In' which supports children and young people across South London. This is a product of the partnership between South West London and St George's, South London and Maudsley, and Oxleas.
Professor Derek Tracy said:
"I'm proud that the strength of collaboration between our mental health trusts is so clear today. Working together to provide care at home has seen less restrictive care for many South Londoners, avoiding unnecessary inpatient admissions. This progress shows what effective collaboration can achieve."
Thank you to NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust for organising this productive day. Bringing stakeholders, health professionals, service users, carers and members of the public together this conference is just one example of how we can work together to shape and improve the care and services we provide for our communities.
Photos from the day:
