MIND playing mind games? So much for nhs referral!

Having been referred by an nhs consultant to MIND, had a screening meeting face to face, told I’d be notified of the outcome within a week, it is now three weeks since the meeting and I haven’t heard whether or not MIND will see me! I’m overwhelmed by the confidence I have in them and wonder if anyone has had experience of this outfit?

I’ve heard the nhs is poor with regards mental health services but this charity offers promises it doesn’t keep! Hope I’m the only one to have this experience…

Suffice to say , MIND would not be the first charity saying one thing whereas the actual reality is totally different !

In our immediate sphere , one has only to look at the Care Act / carer assessments / hospital discharges to name just three.

Thanks Chris. I am not really surprised, just disappointed that I should have gone through MIND’s screening (out) exercise, asked how long for a decision and then left hanging… I won’t be holding my breath for an appointment anytime soon, thats for sure!

Just wondering if this is yet another case of the post code lottery ?

MIND / NHS … Workington / Worksop … same time to wait ?

NHS on diagnostic tests waiting times ( Don’t shoot the poster ! ) :

Statistics » Diagnostics Waiting Times and Activity

Really don’t know. This overdue communication is not for an appointment but to say whether or not they would see me at some point. Ironically it would be for anxiety (pardon me if I’m overeacting!). Not a new thing, had it for close to 20 years. As I mentioned in another post, I have respect for my new consultant neuropsychiatrist but not so much for this SE London charity’s outpost. I would hate to think any nhs money is going to them.

The false hope of some helpful interactions is worse than not seeing them at all.

After sharing my information with them, I’ll be feeling conned if they tell me I’m unsuitable, especially after the esteemed consultant’s referral.

I’ve had dealings with mind before, if I was you I would contact them again things can get overlooked it’s always best to keep reminding them of your situation. Hope this helps.

Thank you Jayne.

As confirmed by my GP yesterday, they’re just slow. Pity their clerk didn’t tell me that in the first place!

There is absolutely no excuse for this sort of delay. I am getting so fed up with well paid people who can’t do their jobs properly.

Just an update. Still no appointment for therapy!

I was referred by consultant in july, was seen by a clerk/phone screener July 22. Response to tell if I was suitable for services due in a week. Called in for another assessment last week. Told they will let me know in a couple of weeks. I’m guessing I might get a real therapy session, perhaps in November!? Not holding my breath!

It seems that you need to start any request for services long before you need them!

Almost needless to add , the main MENTAL HEALTH MELTDOWN thread and a report from the King’s Fund :

https://www.carersuk.org/forum/specific-disabilities-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-services-under-resourced-yes-suicide-prevention-minister-and-related-reports-covering-the-meltdown-34595

Mental health funding squeeze has lengthened waiting times, say NHS finance leads

The word GRIM springs to mind …

Grim is right. I got depressed after reading the first page of the thread you posted…

I’m not known as the Grim Reaper for nothing.

Trouble is , far too many carers close their minds and eyes to actual reality out there.

By doing , nothing , nothing will improve … or … should I say , get worse more slowly.

That Green Paper … will be released , eventually.

Agreed. I’ve resisted any self-referral, but when I finally was referred, I would like to have felt I would know the timeline. Waiting and not being in control is far worse than living with anxiety for twenty years!!!

The consultant has also put my name down for specialist NHS services but she said the wait for that was much longer.

So when people recommend counseling, or therapy, instead you might want to adopt a dog and talk it: much faster, and mine’s a good listener too!

Some positive news to share!! Since my referral to Mind at the end of June and TWO intake assessments, I heard today that that I have been accepted and assigned a caseworker!!! Possibly a first session this year??

My anxiety level has decreased to what it was before I was referred!

The take away message from my experience is to apply before you need any help and don’t hold your breath. Otherwise I guess you have to seek private help. :confused:

Hi Rosemary, glad that you’ve got a response, at last!!

Thanks, BB!

At last! I have began looking at private doctors for my brother as well as therapists as I frankly do not want to rely upon the free healthcare system anymore. Does anyone have any recommendations? Keep us updated and good luck.

Thank you thara. Hope you can find someone suitable.

Rosemary, that’s progress - hope you are allocated someone soon.

Melly1