This conference will explore putting into practice three key aspects of this changing landscape – personalisation, payment by results (PbR) and peer power.

Personalisation
There are many changes in the way that mental health services will be delivered in the coming years. Policy must now become practice and those working in social and health care must consider how to integrate changes in their services. A further consideration is how extending the scope of personalisation may help authorities reduce costs and make savings, in the context of ongoing cost reduction. 

Evidence shows that personalisation can empower people using services, enhance their lives and transform the recovery process. And there is a desire, both from service users and professionals to see more people having the choice and control that personalisation can bring.

To find out more about personalisation in mental health, and read the report produced Simon Duffy (Centre for Welfare Reform) click here.

Payment by Results (PbR)
2012-2013 will see the introduction to PbR – a major change in the funding of mental health care. How will this work in tandem with the other initiatives of personalisation? 

Experts suggest that both policy strands can work together by developing an integrated whole-person system. Some local authorities have already piloted this approach and much can be learnt from their experiences and challenges. 

Case studies from some of the trailblazer pilots will illustrate lessons to be learned and problems to be avoided.

Peer Power
Peer power plays an important role in mental health - by helping people using mental health services gain confidence and support from others also on the personalisation and recovery journey. Peer groups or User Led Organisations (ULOs) can also influence and inform professional practice. 

One example of Peer Power in action is The Personalisation Group Forum, which has had a significant impact on local services, and who are participating in this conference. Service providers and professionals can find out more about their approach and how it could be introduced elsewhere.

Learning outcomes:

• Local authorities and NHS trusts – understand how personalisation and payment by results can be integrated; how personalisation can be empowering for the end user as well as cost saving; learn lessons from trailblazers who have piloted personalisation and mental health
• Public, private and third sector service providers – understand what outcomes are sought and what the quality indicators will be; learn from service users how they wish to see services delivered when they have direct control over budgets
• Activists, campaigners and people using services – learn from the successes of a user-led organisation; find out how local authorities are moving forward with the personalisation agenda and the benefits it can bring
• All stakeholders – learn from each other’s’ experiences and ideas to enhance the delivery of services, improve the level of personalisation and ultimately, the mental health prospects of all.