People in Suffolk are being given the chance to have their say on the future of mental health services in the county.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr RozTandy, mental health lead for NHS West Suffolk CCG. PIcture: WARREN PAGE/PAGEPIX LTDDr RozTandy, mental health lead for NHS West Suffolk CCG. PIcture: WARREN PAGE/PAGEPIX LTD (Image: Archant)

The NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and NHS West Suffolk clinical commissioning groups are seeking to transform the way they manage mental health provision and need your help to find out what needs to change.

Commissioners want to hear views from anyone who currently or has previously used mental health services, carers and health care professionals who deliver the services through three separate surveys.

Dr John Hague, mental health lead for the NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG, said: “In the past we have asked people to share their views on individual services, but this is very different.

“Now, for the first time, we want people to help shape the mental health and emotional wellbeing support system as a whole.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr John Hague, mental health lead for the NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG. Picture: WARREN PAGE/PAGEPIX LTDDr John Hague, mental health lead for the NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG. Picture: WARREN PAGE/PAGEPIX LTD (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976 935738)

“This is their chance to input into and influence the way mental health services are delivered in the community, in GP practices, hospitals , care homes and in specialist settings

“We are committed to listening to what they have yo say - this is a unique opportunity to let us know what they think.”

The surveys part of a wider project aiming to help create a new model for east and west Suffolk that will bring mental and physical health services much closer.

Dr Roz Tandy, mental health lead for NHS West Suffolk CCG, said: “We want people’s views on mental health and emotional wellbeing in all their variations.

“We need the people who use our mental health services, those who care for them and those who work in them to respond to these surveys. We want to know what they feel is currently being done well, what needs to be done a lot better and what we can do to integrate mental and physical health services more effectivity.

“Our aim is to create a new model of mental health service provision that is safe, sound, supportive and cost effective.”

To have your say see here if you have previously used mental health services in Suffolk, see here if you are a carer or see here if you are a healthcare professional.