South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is holding an urgent community summit into its work over the next two years after the devastating impact of COVID-19.
The mental health trust says it is vital that a mental health crisis caused by the toll of the pandemic is averted.
It has put together a new action plan and is hoping to share these top priorities at an online event on Wednesday, June 16.
So far, more than 5,700 people from boroughs across south London have shared their views as part of the South London Listens campaign beginning in November 2020.
For some of us, the impact of the pandemic may be short-lived, but for others, COVID-19 will cast a long shadow as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Norman Lamb, chair of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the Mental-ill Health Prevention and Recovery Programme Taskforce, said: “Only by hearing the voices of those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can we build lasting solutions.
“This unique collaboration between our communities, south London’s three mental health Trusts, local authorities, faith groups and third sector organisations means we can now act on the issues that will have the biggest impact and help rebuild lives.”
David Bradley, chief executive of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I have been inspired by the hundreds of stories and ideas shared as part of South London Listens.
“It is now up to us to work hand in hand with our communities to help work on the solutions identified. I will be going to the summit on 16 June, ready to act and pledge our support to build stronger, mentally healthier communities across South London.”
The summit will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 16 June 2021 from 6pm to 8pm.
Register online via www.citizensuk.org/listeningsummit
