Are you living with or caring for someone with a neurological condition in the Omagh area? If so, the Neurological Conditions Network would like to hear your experiences through the Speak out for change survey from 28 March until 10 April 2011.
Describing the importance of this work, Michelle Tennyson, Assistant Director of Allied Health Professions and Personal and Public Involvement, Public Health Agency (PHA), and Chair of the Neurological Conditions Network, said: “The Neurological Conditions Network is carrying out this new survey to create an ongoing opportunity for people to share the emotional, physical and social aspects of daily life when living with and caring for someone with a neurological condition. I would urge people in Omagh to participate and share their experiences as this information will help us better understand individual experiences and find out what would make lives better. This information will be used to inform the planning and delivery of services.”
Anyone affected by a neurological condition, from any area across Northern Ireland, is urged to take part. For those from Omagh who would like support to complete the survey online, help will be available at a special event taking place in Omagh library, on Thursday 31 March, between 10am and 4pm.
The Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance, added, “It’s really important that people with a neurological condition and their families use this opportunity to tell their experiences, so we encourage everyone to participate.”
The survey runs from 28 March until 10 April 2011. However, as this is an ongoing survey, submissions made after this date will also be used. You can complete the online survey or request a copy at www.speakoutforchange.net from 28 March onwards. Copies should be returned to Julie Mawhinney, Public Health Agency, 12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BS. Tel: 028 90321313 ext: 2498, email neurological.conditions@hscni.net
Further information
Contact the PHA Press Office on 028 9031 1611.
Notes to the editor
• This is an ongoing exercise, the first stage of which will focus primarily on collecting the experiences of those living with and caring for people with neurological conditions.
• This process will allow the PHA, Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and Neurological Conditions Network to pilot new methods of engagement, finding out what works best. As a result, new channels of communication, which enable service users to be active partners in planning for future services, will be put in place.
• The Neurological Conditions Network is made up of representatives from: PHA (Chair); HSCB; DHSSPS; Carers NI; Patient and Client Council; Northern Ireland Neurological Conditions Alliance; Long Term Conditions Alliance Northern Ireland; and the Belfast, Southern, Northern, Western and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs).