Service User Led Services Application Pack

[Trev Williams]

this is from Val Wilson,

Attached is an Application pack (an application form and a list of criteria) for the Service User Led Services fund, plus a covering letter explaining the background and the process involved. The Primary Care Trust / County Council has made a small amount of money (£5000) available on an annual basis to help existing and new projects which are run for and by mental health service users themselves. The first allocation meeting is on 6th March.

[Trev Williams]

SERVICE USER LED SERVICES:
Allocation of funds
Overview
The funds should be primarily for the benefit of people living in Oxfordshire, who have experience of using mental health services (but not just in their role as carer).

The main aims are to help support:
• development of new or existing services run by service users for service users
• individual’s abilities to develop and share their skills with other service users

Applications will only be accepted from individuals or groups of individuals. Applications will not be accepted from established charities or other voluntary agencies.
No maximum limit per application was agreed – however it was felt that the £5,000 should be spread across at least several applicants (if not considerably more).
The Steering Group comprises of service users and one PCT/OCC representative – they will meet annually to consider all applications and allocate funds according to the following criteria:

• What are the benefits to services users?
• How many service users may benefit from it?
• Does it challenge stigma and promote positive mental health?
• Does it promote involvement or provide benefits to the community?
• Is it unique, new or not offered elsewhere locally?
• How sustainable will the project be once this funding has ceased?
• Is it a one- off contribution or will there be potential requirements for future funds?
• Are there clear plans on how the funds will be spent?
• Can the funds be spent within a reasonable time?
• Do the figures quoted fall within ‘reasonable’ amounts expected for these items/activities?
• Does the applicant demonstrate capability to maintain robust records of how the funds were spent?
• Does the applicant demonstrate capability to provide an update or feedback on progress, success and any difficulties? (which can be used as part of learning process for others)
• Are there any risks or problems that need considering e.g. ability to deliver as agreed, political sensitivity, legal implications, fit with local plans, equality of access.
• What other funds have been received, or may be available to support this service?

The Steering Group suggested the following as examples of things that may be suitable for funding. This list is not in any way exhaustive, and does not mean that funding would always be granted for these sort of applications, however may be a useful guide when considering an application:
• Publicity and promotional activities e.g. production and distribution of flyers and posters, costs of putting on launch event.
• Purchase of support in writing applications and identifying potential sources of funding e.g. Lottery bids.
• Organisational expenses e.g. costs of holding and supporting meetings, venue costs, hospitality, production and distribution of paperwork.
• Payment of fees and expenses for attendance at training courses e.g. First Aid, Food Hygiene for people leading the service.
• Provision of services that benefit service users, promote positive mental health, challenge stigma, or encourage community involvement.
• Other costs of developing services e.g. travel expenses to attend meetings, printing costs of applications to other funding bodies.

[Trev Williams]

February 2008

Re: Funds to support development of service user led services

I am pleased to confirm that Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust and Oxfordshire County Council have identified some funds (£5,000 p.a.) from the mental health pooled budget to support the development of service user led services.

The PCT has worked with a range of service users to develop a process for distributing these funds in a fair and equitable way as possible, and a Steering Group has been created to agree which applications should receive funding. They will meet on at least an annual basis to consider all applications received since the last meeting.

If you or your organisation is interested in applying for some of this money, please read the ‘Service User Led Services: Allocation of funds’ paper before completing the Application form.
Both of these papers should be attached to this letter, however if they are not, please request them from the PCT (contacts below)

If you would like to discuss this opportunity before making an application, please contact either

Service Development Worker: Val Wilson on 07786022217 [e-mail]
Or
Commissioning Support Officer: Chris Wilkinson, on [phone]
chris.wilkinson@oxfordshire pct.nhs.uk

The Allocation group is meeting on 6th March to decide how to spend this year’s money, so please return your application before then.

With best wishes

Chris Wilkinson
Val Wilson

[Trev Williams]

Here is an application form : if you want to just copy it into word:

APPLICATION FOR FUNDS TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICE USER LED SERVICES
Please see “Service User Led Services: Allocation of Funds” before submitting an application.

PLEASE KEEP THIS APPLICATION TO ONE SIDE OF PAPER -
only attach other documents if you feel that they add significant value to your application

APPLICATION DETAILS

Name of service:

Please briefly describe the service, including benefits to people with mental health issues, and the number of people who are expected to obtain benefits?






Is project/service in existence for some time, just starting up or only in planning stage?

How much money are you requesting?

Please list how this would be spent (with estimate costs where necessary)





What (if any) other sources of funding have you applied for (and if they were agreed or refused)


CONTACT DETAILS

Your name:

Contact address:

Telephone: Daytime
Mobile

Email address:

Please give the names of any other people who are submitting this application with you (if any):



PLEASE SEND THIS APPLICATION TO :
Service User Led Service Development, Mental Health Commissioning Team,
Oxfordshire PCT, Jubilee House, 5510 John Smith Drive, Oxford OX4 2LH
The Steering Group meets annually to review all applications. You will be informed of their decision shortly after their next meeting. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by the budget holder, Oxon Primary Care Trust to agree arrangements on how to transfer the money.

that's the last post:
Trev Williams