Between 20th October and 16th January, we will be running public consultation meetings across Bradford, Airedale and Craven. This is your chance to let us know what you think about our plans to become a Foundation Trust. The meetings will feature both executive and non-executive directors of the Trust, available to answer your questions. Refreshments will be available at these meetings. The meetings will be held at:-

4/11/08, 6pm - Rhydding Hall, Christchurch, Ilkley

19/11/08, 6pm - Keighley Town Hall

1/12/08, 6pm - Bradford Central Library

3/12/08, 6.30pm - Skipton Town Hall

8/1/09, 1pm - Bradford Central Library

14/1/09, 1.30pm - Victoria Centre, Settle

If you have any questions about these, ring (01274) 363552 or email ft@bdct.nhs.uk.

 Achieving our initial target of 5500 members is just the first step for our membership plan. Over the last few weeks, we have been busy adding names to our membership database, so that we can start to send news to people who have expressed an interest in supporting the Trust’s work.

Many people with learning disabilities and mental health problems face stigma in our society. Although 1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, it is still an issue that many of us find difficult to talk about. One of the main priorities for us as a Trust is to break down this stigma. We want our members to help us do that, so we will be sending out information about the work that we do, and how people in the community can help.

Over the next couple of weeks, our plans for formally consulting with the public about our FT plans will be finalised. Events will be held throughout the District, which you can attend to tell us what you think. The dates will be published on this site.

As always, if you have any comments, please email ft@bdct.co.uk or ring (01274) 363552. If you would like to sign up as a member, then visit our online membership form.

BDCT has reached its Foundation Trust target membership target, thanks to the appointment of a new promotions team featuring two local medical students. The number of people signing up to the Foundation Trust campaign rocketed recently breaking the 5500 barrier.

The formal consultation period will begin on October 20 for 12 weeks. The public and voluntary sector partners will be asked for their views on the Trust’s proposals to become a Foundation Trust at meetings all over the district.

Rachel Duckett, FT Project Director said: “The FT consultation is really important for the Trust. We want our future to be shaped by the people that we serve. We will be listening to what they have to say, and making sure that our proposals match their expectations.”

The team responsible for raking in so many members and triggering the consultation process was out on the streets encouraging people to sign up for only six weeks. Close friends Tahir Shaheen and Khawer Ashfaq, both 22, have seen the trust’s membership jump from 1500 to over 5000 all since mid June.

Tahir Shaheen, of Heaton, said: “It has been hard work, but most people are really willing to help when they understand what we are asking for. When they realise it doesn’t cost anything and signing up means helping to support vulnerable people they are more than happy to help.”

Khawer Ashfaq, of Manningham, said: “Bradford has given us so much throughout our lives – we want to give something back. It is great to get this opportunity to help the NHS before we qualify.” Tahir is studying to become a doctor at Newcastle University, while Khawer is studying pharmacy at Bradford University. For more information about the consultation, and to give your feedback, visit ft.bdct.co.uk and fill out the consultation form.

The 2500th member of the Foundation Trust was signed up last week in Bradford City Centre, pushing our total membership beyond the halfway point! The Trust needs to recruit approximately 5000 members by the end of the year in order to be approved as a Foundation Trust by Monitor, the independent group that regulates FTs. We are therefore well on track to achieve the total. Thanks to everyone who has helped out with signing members up at the various events we have been at. Don’t forget, you can sign up online.

This new look Summer edition of Connections is packed with good practice and entertaining stories. This month we take a look at how to deal with stress, learning disability week and  join in the fun and games with thirteen youngsters who took to the road for an adventure at Nell Bank Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

Download the latest edition. Let us know what you think of the new look Connections, or let us know if you have any ideas for a future edition by emailing communications@bdct.nhs.uk