Flintshire County Council’s mental health project wins award

FLINTSHIRE County Council is celebrating after its project to help adults with mental health problems live more independent lives, was announced as a winner in the Social Care Accolades, held at City Hall, Cardiff.

The council’s development of a range of support service for adults with severe and enduring mental health problems won a Better Outcomes Through Working Together accolade at the biennial awards led by the Care Council for Wales.

Judges were impressed that staff were listening more closely to the people they support to tailor services for each individual, helping them to increase their independence and become more active in the community.

The project involved the council’s adult social services, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and local voluntary organisations.

Neil Ayling, Flintshire County Council’s director of community services, said: “Winning a social care accolade is a fantastic achievement that recognises the hard work of our teams in providing the best possible services for residents in Flintshire. Our approach has ensured that people with mental health issues have more opportunities for independence and well-being.”

Councillor Christine Jones, cabinet member for social services, added: “This is an excellent achievement. I am also very pleased that, as well as winning this accolade, our citizen directed support services have been highly commended – we were in the top three of the Citizens Controlling Services category. We will be looking to build on this success and continue to provide services that are at the forefront of good practice.”

The Social Care Accolades celebrate best practice that is helping to professionalise the workforce and transform social care, early years and childcare across Wales.