Platform was started in 1996 and as its name suggests, it is a project where people who are involved with mental health services in the Borough of Maidstone have the opportunity to meet one another and to discuss issues that affect their daily lives.

Recently Platform campaigned successfully to enable people to use their bus passes after 9am (as opposed to 9.30am) so especially those who live in rural areas could get to their GP surgeries and Community Mental Health Team appointments on time thus making use of their passes rathe than waiting for a later bus which in some areas can mean a wait of up to 2 hours!

People who access Platform can also have the opportunity to represent the views of others in the Locality Planning & Monitoring meetings, where representatives meet carers and others who are currently accessing service in Maidstone.  We hope in the future to include GP practice managers from 2 or 3 local surgeries.

There is also an opportunity to represent others at briefing meetings which take place bi-monthly in Tonbridge, prior to the West Kent wide meeting of The Joint (Mental Health) Commissioning Board.  Travel expenses to both meetings are reimbursed.

So whether you would like to come along and enjoy a free cup of coffee, tea or sugar free squash and meet other people, or whether you want to represent others in the planning and development of mental health services both locally and throughout West Kent, you are most welcome to attend any of our forum meetings.

The next one is planned for Monday 23rd March at Maidstone Community Support Centre between 10.30am and 11.30am.