unsurprisingly this building was also considered not fit for purpose, being dated, unwelcoming and cramped. The service has been temporarily moved to the Le Bas Centre on St. Saviour’s Road whilst an extensive refurbishment takes place at La Chasse due for completion by Easter 2019. Nearly £6 million has been committed by Government to improve the mental health estate including La Chasse, which finally addresses the unacceptable under-investment in the treatment of Islanders with mental health issues. Working closely with other departments, I intend to ensure that these improvements are delivered on time and on budget.


Well designed built environment plays a key role in improving mental health care, but being able to access the necessary care and support in a timely manner has to be our main ambition if we are to prevent low level issues turning into more acute mental health disorders. When I first took on my role one of the initial concerns I shared with the medical director of mental health, Dr Miguel Garcia, was whether Islanders really understood what pathways were available to them if they had a problem and where those services were provided. It was pretty obvious where you would go if there was a physical ailment but what about a mental health issue, such as stress or anxiety? I believed we needed a ‘roadmap’ of available services through the health department or by way of the voluntary or charitable sectors so that all Islanders could find the right pathway. Dr Garcia agreed and with the support of colleagues we should have a roadmap of mental health services in Jersey by the time this magazine is published.


Improving and maintaining mental health needs a whole island approach where we all accept ‘parity of esteem’ between physical and mental health. We must provide adequate opportunities for early intervention to prevent deterioration in mental health and well-being to enable everyone to flourish and remain actively involved within our community and continue leading as normal a life as possible. We all have difficulties at times throughout our lives and it is being able to identify an issue and admit there is a problem that many find hard to accept. Isolation, family problems, inappropriate housing and workplace stress are just a few of the many threats faced day to day. We all have to be more aware of signs of low-level mental health issues which could lead to more acute problems.


There must be no stigma attached to addressing mental health, and we should be able to share concerns as we might


over a physical issue. People should be able to tell their supervisor or boss that they are struggling with the stresses of their job so that it does not progress into something more serious. Unfortunately, I still believe there is stigma over mental health in the workplace and agree with Beth Moore of the Jersey Recovery College when she says ‘employers hold the key to a mentally healthy society’. The fact that currently, eight out of ten employers have no mental health policy should be seen as worrying.


As the biggest employer, the Government of Jersey should set the standard for local employers by, for example, providing mental health first aiders in all departments. Government employees in particular, are going through a difficult period at the moment as Chief Executive Charlie Parker attempts to introduce a new way of working through his ‘Target Operating Model’ which is leading to a great deal of discontent and uncertainty among staff. Preventing stress and anxiety for employees which might lead to mental health issues should be paramount for the Government of Jersey and I am yet to be convinced we are taking this issue as seriously as we should. The number of work days lost to stress, anxiety and mental health in Jersey has risen to over 106,000 a year affecting 2,500 individuals. Prevention has to be the key to reducing this impact on individuals and on the businesses in which they work.


As the Scrutiny Panel recommended, improvements within mental health services have been overseen by a new Mental Health Improvement Board. Amongst other things, its aim has been to optimise recovery for those suffering mental health problems and strengthen the voice and rights of people who come into contact with those services. Crucial to improvements has been the involvement of those with ‘lived experience’ who can ensure that any services are fit for purpose. This approach called ‘co-production’ has been key to ensuring any new service such as the Listening Lounge, addresses the needs of our community by listening to those who have been through the service previously and learning from their experiences. The Listening Lounge has been a real success in providing a warm and welcoming centre where people can just pop in to discuss their issues with trained counsellors or peer workers.


This pilot scheme is operated by LINC, a private community mental health and well-being provider, and funded by Government. It is also supported by voluntary groups to increase the number of pathways available to individuals going through difficult times. Set up to provide


early intervention, it is hoped that Islanders with symptoms such as changes in mood, feeling low or restless or loosing appetite will consider engaging with the Listening Lounge at an early stage for private and confidential support. Jersey Talking Therapies (JTT) and local GPs offer alternatives but having the opportunity to talk to someone face to face at a neutral venue is, I believe, critical in reducing the number of people needing more complex care and reducing the strain on other providers such as JTT. I hope that the first Listening Lounge in Charles Street will be the first of several as the Jersey Care Model is predicated on providing health services ‘closer to home’ and that must include mental health support so I would like to see further Listening Lounges in community hubs throughout Jersey.


Dr Garcia is leading the redesign of mental health services and I am convinced that we are beginning to see the benefits of all the hard work and dedication that he and his dedicated team have put in over the past year. His team, including a lead social worker, business manager and lead allied professional, has been in place since September and is focused on the improvements we all want to see and which work towards addressing the scrutiny recommendations. I have witnessed the level of care offered at Orchard House improving along with the physical environment but there is still work to do.


The Jersey Care Model is clear in that part of its mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of everyone by providing recovery-focused, person- centred care with support from community partners. Its vision, which I fully endorse, is to ensure that all those experiencing mental illness or distress can recover and restore their lives free from discrimination, stigma and prejudice. Surely, every Islander will support this vision.


We are now on the right path after many years of ignoring problems in mental care, with the Government investing many millions of pounds, not only in improving the mental health estate but ensuring the service is up to required standards. Dr Garcia describes it as ‘being at the start of a journey that will take several years to make’.


Certainly, I feel like I am travelling along a long and winding road where at times it is not clear what is around the corner. But, importantly, we have all taken the first steps in becoming a community that truly understands the importance of good mental health to overall well-being.


20/20 - Mental Health Page 9


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