What we do
Information
We provide a range of information
- Local Directories of Mental Health Services
- Themed information booklets, eg for counselling services, young people
- We also distribute information through our networks, newsletters, ebulletins and podcasts
Training
We provide a range of training including
- A programme of annual training for voluntary groups, currently on zoom
- Training co-produced with people with lived mental health experience to support participation in the planning and delivery of services- e.g Standing Up Speaking Out
- A menu of trainers and agencies providing training
Development
We offer development support and funding advice for voluntary sector and community groups
For example We have co-ordinated the Dementia Friendly Communities Small Grants Fund on behalf of the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board, to enable community groups to embed local initiatives.
We have co-ordinated the Dementia Friendly Communities Small Grants Fund on behalf of the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board, to enable community groups to embed local initiatives.
We liaise with voluntary groups, service users and carers and other stakeholders to through networks and conference events to :
- identify needs and gaps in services,
- build partnerships
- support the development of mental health initiatives.
For example, In collaboration and consultation with service users and carers, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Councils, we coproduced the Cardiff and Vale Charter for Mental Health,
Connecting people- facilitating networks and joint working
cavamh supports groups and individuals to connect and participate in the development and delivery of local services
Operating through networks and interest groups we
- Share information,
- Debate best practice
- Identify unmet needs and local priorities
- Co-ordinate collective communication with statutory agencies
- Elect representatives to joint planning meetings
- Offer mutual support
Cardiff and Vale Mental Health Partnership Board – We support the facilitation of the local Mental Health Partnership Board, co-produced by people with lived experience, alongside voluntary groups, statutory agencies, and including all stakeholders.
We facilitate networks for voluntary sector groups, people with mental health lived experience and carers through:
- Cardiff and Vale Mental Health Forum – the network for voluntary sector groups operating in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
- Sefyll – supporting the participation of people with mental health lived experience in adult mental health services
- Nexus – supporting the participation of older people with mental health lived experience and people living with dementia and their carers
- Join the Dots – the network for young people aged 11-25 and groups supporting young people
Influencing Change
We support people and groups to influence change by
- Promoting consultations and co-ordinating responses
- Undertaking surveys and focus groups
- Facilitating discussions and dialogue
Feedback Fortnight co-ordinated perspectives on what is going well, barriers and what would make a difference in mental health services through local community focus groups and a survey, producing a ‘top tips’ tool for organising focus groups
Promoting mental health awareness
We raise awareness of positive mental health and wellbeing by:
- Communicating positive messages through a range of media.
- Sharing wellbeing resources
- Co-ordinating mental health awareness training
- Co-ordinating activities for World Mental Health Day and other initiatives.