Barnet Voice for Mental Health

General information

Background

In 1994 the London Borough of Barnet invited mental health service users to join mental health workers, carers and managers in the planning of the Community Care Strategy for Barnet. The group continued to participate in statutory consultation but also developed its own agenda, reflecting the aspirations and concerns of service users in Barnet.

Barnet Voice was initially under the wing of Mind in Barnet but became a totally independent organization on World Mental Health Day in 1998. It is now on very reduced funding from the Barnet Centre for Independent Living under the Information, Advice, Advocacy and Brokerage contract (BVMH offering information, advice and group advocacy).

Barnet Voice for Mental Health is a grass roots group. Whilst we have worked hard to put in place the structures which an organisation needs to manage projects and staff efficiently and in an accountable manner, the group is still fired by the vision and initiatives of individual service users who come together to work to achieve change.

Management of the Organisation

Barnet Voice for Mental Health became independent of Mind in Barnet in October 1998 achieving Industrial and Provident Society status. Members of our Management Committee are all people who have used mental health services. Between them they bring a wide range of skills and experience.