The National Service Users Executive (NSUE) has been set up to represent users of the Irish mental health services.

It’s done a lot already.  Some of the most important structures are in place.

But it’s meant to be a representative body, so that means elections.

That also means an electorate.

Right now, there is an urgent need to inform people about the existence and role of NSUE.  I’m afraid not enough people know about it, yet.

And the time for the first batch of elections is nearly here.

This is what it says on the NSUE website:

Pre - Election Information Meeting Southern Region

 

An information meeting for service users, their family members and friends, on the election process for representatives to the National Service Users Executive will take place on Saturday, 18 April, at 2.00 p.m. in the Gresham Metropole Hotel, McCurtain Street, Cork.

Postal elections in the Southern Region will take place on 05 June which means that ballot papers must be posted in time to arrive on or before 05 June. The ballot box will be sealed by the Returning Officer after the last post on 05 June and the votes will be counted on Saturday 06 June.  Any votes received after 05 June will be deemed invalid.

Topics covered at this meeting will include:

  • how to become a candidate
  • the opportunities which will be provided for each candidate to speak or to communicate their election manifesto with their electorate
  • the way in which the election will take place
  • the voting procedure
  • the process of the counting of votes and the declaration of successful candidates
In this election NSUE members will get a chance to vote for people who, they believe, will represent their views most closely.  Those elected will work towards realising the vision of all who care about improving mental health services, promoting recovery in all its forms and active citizenship.
 
The people you elect will effect change, by bringing your ideas and vision to advisory bodies and others who make, shape and implement policy in the area of mental health and the provision of services.  Electing representatives to the NSUE is the means by which we may become actively involved in shaping the services to a model which will work best for us.
 
If you want to make a difference and be a part of that change, we invite you to come to the meeting which will be for the elections in the Southern Region.  For practical reasons, the boundaries being used correspond geographically to the boundaries of HSE South.
 
The election date for the Southern Region is 05 June.  There will be a postal vote.  Ballot papers will be posted to the residence of each person who has registered as a voting member with the NSUE.
 
We hope to meet you on Saturday 18 April in Cork where we will be available to answer any of your questions.
 
The Gresham Metropole, McCurtain Street is conveniently located in the heart of Cork City centre.  it is a 5 minute walk from the train station and approximately a 3 minute walk from the bus station.  Parking is available locally on the street and there are five off street parking facilities within 3 to 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel.  The hotel phone number is 021 - 4643700.
 
All are welcome and we hope to see as many of you as possible there.