Professionals present the best of Social Inclusion practice

Mental health clinicians from Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will be sharing their experiences and discussing what works well for patients and service users at a major Social Inclusion conference to be held on the 13 March 2008 at Hatherley Manor Hotel, Down Hatherley Lane, Gloucester GL2 9QA .

The conference aim is to celebrate progress from around the region, share examples of good practice and explore opportunities for development. It will also look at what still needs to be done and to generate an action plan for Social Inclusion practice in our community to really make a difference to the life chances of people with mental health needs.

Simon Thompson, Director of Operations for the Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who will be Chairing the conference, said “I am looking forward to a very stimulating day where we can discuss how we can take the Social Inclusion agenda forward. This is a great opportunity to share ideas and best practice and for everyone to contribute effectively to the development of the Trusts social inclusion agenda”.

The conference will feature presentations and seminars about a wide range of issues on Social Inclusion including:

• Facilitating Work / Education / Recreation
• Gaining Accommodation
• Increasing Access to Health
• Reducing Stigma and Discrimination
• Promoting Recovery
• Building Social Networks and Community Participation

Trust Chief Executive Shaun Clee said: “There is a great deal of good work going on in the Trust, lead by very dedicated people who have made a tremendous contribution to people’s recoveries. I am delighted that some of our good examples of best practice are being showcased at the conference and I am sure that as well as other mental health professionals learning about what works well here in Gloucestershire, everyone will also pick up ideas from the presentations too.”