The North East | Archive | 2003 | August | 15
From the Northern Echo, first published Friday 15th Aug 2003.
A scheme is being piloted to give older people with mental health problems a say about services they receive.
The initiative involves County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust setting up a dedicated phone-line for people who use mental health services and their carers. They can leave a message on the answer phone with suggestions or concerns about the services.
Liz Shaw, a development worker who set up the service said: "If you are an older person with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or dementia, or care for an older person with these problems it can be very difficult to make your feelings known.
"The phone line provides an alternative, informal way for people to get their views across."
The 24-hour phone line is (01740) 626 699. People do not have to give their names and all the information will be treated as confidential.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008