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MIND JERSEY
Thank you for the invitation for Mind Jersey to submit views in relation to current respite care services. A hardcopy of the same invitation has arrived separately late last week and I am assuming that a single (this) response will be accepted as our submission.
Mind Jersey's primary objectives are to provide information and support for those people, and their families and friends, whom are experiencing mental illness. We do this so that as many of them as possible can lead full and active lives and play their full part in society. The vast majority of them live relatively independent lives, though a small number may require specialist in patient support from time to time, and our focus is on supporting people with mental illness in achieving fuller engagement in the community within which they live.
Whilst Issues of respite arise fairly infrequently for this client group I am quite certain that the local Alzheimer's group – working predominately with an older cohort – and those supporting clients with learning disabilities will have much greater recourse to comment and raise possible concerns about current respite arrangements. The Jersey Association for Carers Incorporated (JACI) are also likely to be much more concerned about issues of access to - and the supply of - respite as I know they have done some excellent work in trying to bring much needed to support to carers and, not least, the significant number of young people whom are primary carers for a parent or other loved one.
People with mental illness can have recourse to limited respite provided by H&SS in accommodation in Clairvale Road whilst facilities at Orchard House can sometimes be made available to patients that may have spent time there previously.
I do not imagine that it will be necessary to attend the panel in person and hope that this submission is helpful; if more information is required please do not hesitate to contact me.
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