TIME is running out for Worcestershire residents to have their say on the future of the county's adult mental health services.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and local healthcare commissioners launched a 10 week consultation in July into the future of some of the services which support those experiencing more serious mental health difficulties.

The proposals which form part of this consultation have been developed through months of engagement with those who currently or have previously used the services, as well as carers, members of the wider community and staff.

An advisory group was also set up to review the proposals.

The aim for future services is to support more people, put a greater emphasis on early support and recovery, and that when required admissions to a mental health ward are more effective.

The consultation specifically asks for people’s views on proposed changes to community based mental health services which work to prevent someone needing admission to a mental health ward. This includes potential changes to some of the sites where these teams are based.

Mark Dickens, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s lead for adult mental health services, said: “The consultation proposals have been informed by months of engagement and through conversations with current patients and service users, carer representatives, the wider community and our own staff.

"It has been clear through these conversations that we can re-focus these services in a way which can actually improve their overall effectiveness.

"Mental Health can affect any of us so even if you’re not in receipt of services currently, we still want you to take part in this and let us know whether these proposals are right for Worcestershire.”

The consultation closes next Wednesday, September 28.

To complete the questionnaire visit hacw.nhs.uk/amhconsultation.