My lovely fellow-members,
No doubt the system is a minefield, one which we work out after crisis upon crisis. I am posting this new blog, primarily to request ideas, thoughts etc. but was wondering if I may use some of this feed in my application for a charity i am intending to set up?
Of course, all your comments will remain entirely confidential, but how are the powers that be (with the cash) supposed to just take my word on it? My application needs to be in by 1st September, and there is £10k up for grabs. Initially, it will have to be in my local area, but ideally I want to span this out nationwide. What I propose is a team of 'crisis workers' (who can come in as a neutral party at point of crisis, thereby supporting the young person (and giving the family respite, if only until the crisis is over) and 'support workers' (more day-to-day activities, eg. who can attend CAMHS with the young person, school appointments, Drs. appointments etc etc thereby allowing mum or dad to continue working, alleviating their financial stress etc). Finally, my grand plan is a Respite Centre. When things are just too much, for young person and family.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this, and suggestions of additional support that I may not have already mentioned, this can be included in the application.
I was in A&E a couple of months ago with my daughter who had self-harmed and wanted to kill herself. After 6 hours of waiting we finally saw the child and adolescent psychiatrist who just kept repeating CAMHS, CAMHS, CAMHS.... When I pointed out that CAMHS were only available during office hours, and were buckling under the pressure, I finally said, "....and I've lost my faith in CAMHS" He replied, "Well you'd better find it again because CAMHS is all you've got".
I beg to differ, if I have my way peeps.............:-)
