CVS Fife - 23-27 Randolph Street, Buckhaven KY8 1AT (Map)
T: 01592 567001 - F: 01592 567009 - E: cvsfife@cvsfife.org
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Jim Bett - Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth CHP Representative
Jim Bett is the voluntary sector representative for the Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth CHP. He was elected in September 2006 following the resignation of the previous representative. When he stood for election he gave the statement below as his ‘personal manifesto’ for election. This outlines his skills and experiences that he felt would allow him to be a good voluntary sector representative.
Jim has attended every CHP meeting since his election and has provided this report on his activities so far. He can be contacted to offer support and guidance on issues regarding Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth CHP activities as can Lyndsay Macadam at CVS Fife. Jim will also be at the next Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth Health & Wellbeing Forum if you wish to meet him there.
His contact details are:
Jim Bett
Fife Alcohol Advisory Service
17 Tolbooth Street
Kirkcaldy
KY1 1RW
T: 01592 206200
F: 01592 206201
E: enquiries@fife-alcohol-support.org.uk
W: www.fife-alcohol-support.org.uk
“I write to seek consideration to be elected as Voluntary Sector Representative on the Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth CHP. I believe I have the necessary experience, skills and expertise to represent my voluntary sector colleagues at CHP meetings, conferences and events.
I’ve worked for Fife Alcohol Support Service (FASS) for eleven years both in voluntary and salaried positions and have held several posts – Counselling Service Co-ordinator, IT Manager, Volunteer Development Worker. In September 2006, I will begin a new role as Manager of the agency.
FASS is a charity that provides counselling and support for many vulnerable people in Fife who are affected by alcohol-related problems. The agency works closely with NHS Primary Care and Social Work who refer patients/clients in large numbers. FASS provides an alcohol counselling service in 26 Health Centres and Hospitals, several community outreach centres and a home visiting service.
I am passionate about the strengths and the role the voluntary sector plays in the local community. Services are accessible and non-threatening. The voluntary sector can be empathic, non-judgemental in its approach and services can listen and respond to local health and social needs quickly and effectively. The voluntary sector is cost-effective and through encouraging citizenship can really make a difference to the overall quality of life and health in the local community.
Over the years I’ve gained fairly extensive and relevant working experience working ion behalf of the Sector:
- Since autumn 2005 I’ve been Chairperson of the Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth Health & Wellbeing Forum. I’ve worked with the previous Voluntary Sector Representative and CVS Fife to actively promote the role of the Voluntary Sector in community health planning.
- I am currently Chairperson of the Fife Alcohol Forum which draws membership from voluntary sector alcohol agencies, statutory services including Social Work, NHS Fife Psychiatry and Addiction Services and also Alcoholics Anonymous and the public. The Forum addresses a range of issues through collaborative working that include policy development, licensing legislation and effective treatment. Overall, the Forum aims to disseminate information and inform strategic development of service. As Chairperson I represent the forum on the Board of the Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Team which deals with strategic policy making and funding of alcohol services. Other members include heads of service from Fife Council and NHS Fife. This is a role of great responsibility and I approach it accordingly, ensuring that communication with Forum members and all decision making is conducted in a non-partisan, equitable manner.
- Prior to the formation of CHPs, I was for two years till 2005 the Voluntary Sector Representative in the Board of Glenrothes Local Health Centre Co-operative (LHCC). This body was very active in developing partnership working between the statutory and voluntary sectors. This particular role offered opportunity to provide insight and advice during development of a number of projects in mental health, support for young people and self-help library resources. During this period I also occasionally deputised for the Representative on the Board of West Fife LHCC.
I have good networking and negotiation skills. In addition to the above I have also represented FASS on both national and local committees/working groups and I’ve addressed a diverse range of issues including:
- Strategy and Policy Development including Care Pathways for Alcohol Services and National Occupational Standards for Counselling.
- Partnership working including the New Ways Healthy Living Centre Project in West Fife – an initiative involving FASS, other voluntary agencies and local health services that provides a holistic approach to treatment for individuals who require help for alcohol problems, mental health issues, poor diet etc.
- Quality Standards and Evaluation of Service
- Joint Futures/Single Shared Assessment
- Volunteer Counsellor Training
- Computer Management Information Systems
I have good, effective communication and presentation skills. I regularly produce both written and oral reports in regard to the above for FASS Management Committee and others. I am competent in the use of software packages such as Word and PowerPoint.
The FASS Management Committee supports my nomination and shares my vision of the strategic impact of CHPS on the Voluntary Sector. I believe the Voluntary Sector must be at the heart of community health planning and bring to the table its wisdom, insight and great experience – qualities that will inform more effective, properly resourced, holistic services.
I understand CHPs are concerned with the wellbeing of people as well as their health. This mission ought to encourage more partnership working with greater acknowledgement and support for the essential contribution of the voluntary sector. I’m aware that Voluntary Agencies are often the last resort for many disadvantaged, socially excluded and vulnerable people. I’m also aware of the many health and social services provided by the sector and with great dedication but often limited resources.
If elected, I would ensure that the voluntary sector plays an active role in the planning and delivery of local services and that my voluntary sector colleagues are given every opportunity to learn and contribute to these processes through my representative role which I would undertake with passion and commitment.”