On the 26th September The Oxford Safe Haven led a Community Involvement Event to share development plans and gather feedback from service users, carers and professionals. The Oxford Safe Haven is an alternative to hospital emergency departments for people experiencing a crisis with their mental health. The service is run by the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership Partners, Oxfordshire Mind, Oxford Health NHS Foundation and Elmore Community Services.
During the event the service asked twenty six attendees for suggestions on how to improve The Oxford Safe Haven going forward. Discussion areas included experience of the service, support offered, involvement of volunteers and peer supporters and joint multiagency working. The World Café Method was used to gather feedback, where participants freely moved between tables bringing with them new knowledge, experience of previous groups and previous discussions.
The feedback highlighted what the attendees valued most from The Oxford Safe Haven: the ability to just ‘be’ in a safe environment without expectations or demands. The event outcomes will help to support decision making on any changes to the service moving forward.
Feedback from the event included:
“I had so much anxiety when I first arrived but I am so happy that I stayed. It was really good being a service user myself that my opinions were being listened to and discussed. I really really value Oxford Safe Haven and hopefully from this meeting other service users can continue to benefit and new service users also! I felt as though everything I said was valued. The mix of professionals and services users actually worked really well!”
“What a great event” Really lovely atmosphere and extremely well facilitated.”
“I am taking away more knowledge of safe haven. I found the session interesting + beneficial to meet people who have used the service. I hope that more funding will get found so that this can carry on after March 2019.”
“As a doctor I have never had an opportunity to share intimate conversations and experiences with patients out of a hospital environment. And do relaxations exercises together!”
“Fab evening! So great to hear the views of colleagues, partners and service users we work with. This is a great service and a really achievement for adult mental health team.”