VOX Update Issue No 333 

Access to Services – Deep Dive Sessions
As access to services was identified as the top priority for VOX members at our recent members’ meeting we are holding two 'deep dive' Sessions in January - open to anyone with lived experience. We will be focussing on understanding barriers, experiences and thoughts around accessing services.
Sign up via Zoom below for either (or both) sessions 
Access to Services - 12th January 2021, 1.30pm
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvfu-uqDwjGtItb4kXOiofeRwqOyKYmGDk
Barriers to Mental  Health Services -13th January 2021, 10.30am
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrcO6hqD0qHtOM59RO9FiglQ8XUk1V7G4G
 
If you’re interested in attending or want to contribute in a different way please get in touch with Paula on pfraser@mentalhealth.org.uk or phone on  0141 226 9855.
 
FDAMH to launch first ever Youth Advisory Board
Falkirk’s Mental Health Association (FDAMH) is excited to announce the launch of their first ever Youth Advisory Board. FDAMH know how important it is to listen to and learn from young people. Therefore, this new Youth Advisory Board will ensure that their voices are heard and are at the heart of decision making in the charity. FDAMH will be looking to recruit around eight caring and enthusiastic young people who are passionate about mental health. Recruitment will start at the beginning of 2022 with more information on the recruitment process becoming available soon. The charity will welcome applications from anyone aged 13 to 24 who can commit to joining the board for two years. Anyone interested can contact: catherine.quinn@fdamh.org.uk or complete this form to register their interest.

Talk To Me Campaign
The ‘Talk To Me’ campaign, part of Mencap’s 75th anniversary celebrations, highlights the misunderstanding people with a learning disability face from the wider public, and the negative impact this can have on the whole of society. Mencap has developed a set of online resources to help with people’s lack of understanding, including a pledge to stand up for the rights of people with a learning disability. You can find Mencap’s pledge here and the online resources here

Rural Wisdom - Tips for getting people involved
Lots of community groups are looking for more people to help them do what they have planned. It can be even more of a challenge for groups whose organisers and volunteers are older people themselves. It can also be more difficult for groups in rural areas when there are fewer people living nearby. Rural Wisdom knows that many community groups find it hard to keep things going. Often good volunteers or helpers have to move on; it then falls to a few members to organise and deliver a group’s activities and it can be a challenge to find new people. But lots of groups have found ways to make this situation less of a problem. Some of these tips might help you and your group. These approaches may not be right for your situation, but we hope they will spark off ideas that you can develop and then in turn share with other people. Read here.
 
Why the Human Rights Act Matters… for ending violence against women and girls
The Human Rights Act is a critical tool in upholding women’s rights and challenging failures by the State in how it responds to and prevents violence against women and girls (VAWG). The End Violence Against Women Coalition and Southall Black Sisters have previously detailed how the Human Rights Act provides legal protection that is fundamental to women’s rights, as an overwhelming number of police failings relate to sexual violence and domestic abuse. But the government plans to overhaul this essential law – which will impact how we are able to protect our basic rights. Unlike a doctor or lawyer, the police can’t be sued for negligence, which means the Human Rights Act is the only tool in UK law that can be used to compel them to take responsibility for and address their failures. 
More here.

A rights based Scotland: where participation by people with lived experience is recognised and valued on an equal footing with professional expertise
Emma Hutton, Head of Communications and Engagement, writes about new research published by the Commission into paying people with lived experience for their participation in research, policy and other work. Across Scotland, people with lived experience of human rights issues are contributing their time, energy, and vital expertise to work to protect and promote human rights. This kind of participation is fundamental to taking a human rights based approach, to the work of the Commission, and to the work of many public bodies and civil society organisations. It’s important that contributions by people with lived experience are recognised and valued, on an equal footing, with professional efforts and expertise. More here.
 
Before it’s a Crisis
Here is a list of numbers you can phone for support when most services are closed. It is a good idea to keep these numbers where you can find them when you need support or help. Services such as Breathing Space and the Samaritans offer a listening service. Social Work and the NHS are more appropriate if you need more than this. Some services may not be available during the current pandemic.
 
NHS24 111 www.nhs24.com
 
Samaritans 116 123

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (Mon to Thurs 6pm - 2am)
(Fri to Mon 6pm - 6am)

Cruse Bereavement Care 0845 600 2227 www.crusebereavement.org.uk

Saneline 0300 304 7000

Beat (Formerly Eating Disorders Association) Helpline 0345 634 1414, Youth line 0345 634 7650

LGBT  Our LGBT Helpline Scotland (phone, email, LiveChat) operates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12-9pm), with extended phone support on Thursdays (12-6pm) and soon Sunday (12-6pm). The telephone number is 0300 123 2523 they can also be contacted by e-mail or LiveChat Messenger at https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/helpline/ “We are still here for you - we have suspended face to face services and events, but we are not stopping our work!” You’ll find an update about LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s services here: LGBT Health Coronavirus: Information and Service updates All our staff are now home working and we can all be reached on our work emails: name@lgbthealth.org.uk
 
Emergency Social Work Service 0800 731 6969 (out of hours only)

Alzheimer’s Scotland 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline on
0808 808 3000 or contact the E-Helpline at helpline@alzscot.org

Ayrshire out of Hours Service free phone number is 0800 328 7758

LGBT Youth Scotland www.lgbtyouth.org.uk

Brothers in Arms was launched as an awareness-raising website to represent men in Scotland and to start the conversation about male suicide, the single biggest killer of men in the UK under the age of 45. info@brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk
 
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234 (24-hour service)
Provides confidential information and support to anyone affected by forced marriage or domestic abuse.
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
 
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428
Provides help and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline