The Patients’ Council is based in Cefn Coed Hospital. It is an independent user led, user manages organisation. The aim of the Patients’ Council “is to improve the quality of life for the in-patients at Cefn Coed Hospital.”

This is achieved in many ways including:

• Peer advocacy – taking on issues that concern a number of patients.
  
  
• Representation – representing the patient’s views on various committees within the City and County of Swansea.
  
  
• Consultation – we consult with patients on various issues.
  
  
• Organise social events – discos karaokes. etc.
  
  
• Training – we train professionals in mental health awareness etc.-
  
  e.g. South Wales Police
  
  Dr’s receptionists
  
  Student nurses
  
  Midwifes
  
  Health visitors
  
  CPA training
  
  
• We can provide training in Self Harm.
  
  
• We organise conferences to raise awareness of issues we feel are very important.
  
  
• In house surveys on behalf of Swansea NHS Trust.
  
  
• Organise World Mental Health Day.
  
  
• Produce documents e.g. Swansea Directory of Mental Health Services etc.
  
  
• Liaise with the management of Swansea NHS Trust Mental Health Division on behalf of the patients.
  
  
• Represent service users on the re-shaping of Swansea Mental Health
  Services process.
  
  
• Health Promotion.
  
  
• Provide volunteering opportunities.