On Tuesday 30 January 2018 in Partick Burgh Hall, over 120 representatives from the North West Locality Engagement Forum, the wider community, 3rd Sector Projects and interested individuals participated in an engagement session, focusing on the newly published Draft Five Year Mental Health Strategy.  Colin McCormack, (Head of Adult Services, NW Locality)  detailed the current demand for services, present and future challenges, proposed reduction of inpatient services and set out the ‘need for change’.  

There was general support for the proposed shift to early intervention and prevention, a recovery focused approach with increased community based support and self care in partnership with the third sector and community organisations.  Colin responded to issues and challenges in relation to unscheduled care and emphasised that the Strategy sets out the ‘general direction of travel’. He assured the audience that there would be further opportunities for engagement and discussion to develop the detail of the Strategy.  Engagement sessions also took place in the South Locality on 8 February 2018 and will take place in the North East Locality on 5 March 2018.