Posted on: 22 March 2023
On Wednesday 8th March 2023, people from across the bi-borough came together at the Indian YMCA in London to attend the third and final Voice Exchange Summit.
The hybrid event, which was attended by over 40 people virtually and in person, explored the key themes and recommendations from the Voice Exchange Report which was published in May 2022.
CNWL commissioned the Voice Exchange project to hear from our local communities in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster on the impact of the closure of the Gordon Wards and the expectations around the future of MH care in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.
Members from the Voice Exchange shared their personal experiences of being involved in this two-year project and their reflections on the question ‘what do great mental health inpatient services look like?’
The report outlined four key recommendations:
- Train and support staff
- Embed lived experience
- Take a community-wide approach
- Keep listening
In January 2023, CNWL shared their response to the report, outlining actions and plans against each of the four recommendations.
The next step is for CNWL and the Voice Exchange members to come together to agree an action plan to ensure this work lives on in the future.
Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and to all those who have been involved in the Voice Exchange.