Freedom pass

Arsenalrule74

Hi
I received my freedom pass form the other day.
Im worried that I won't qualify for it. (In fact I don't have the criteria they stated) it is going to be really difficult to receive it again for a lot of people.
They say they want letters from a cpn, physiatrist, and proof they attend a therapy group twice a week. But they are cutting down everything. I got discharged to my doctor recently from my physiatrist
But can I use him as a mental health professional. As they are just sending people back to the doctor now.
Anyone else get this.
Need some advice, otherwise I won't be able apply again.?

tiddlertot

Arsenalrule74 wrote: »

Hi
I received my freedom pass form the other day.
Im worried that I won't qualify for it. (In fact I don't have the criteria they stated) it is going to be really difficult to receive it again for a lot of people.
They say they want letters from a cpn, physiatrist, and proof they attend a therapy group twice a week. But they are cutting down everything. I got discharged to my doctor recently from my physiatrist
But can I use him as a mental health professional. As they are just sending people back to the doctor now.
Anyone else get this.
Need some advice, otherwise I won't be able apply again.?

Are you trying to claim under the following?:

6) People who have a learning disability that is defined as 'a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning'


The descriptor does seem very clear about who is and who isn't to be given a Freedom Pass.

cattie

I don't see why you can't use your GP as your mental health professional. After all, you have been discharged into his/her care now.

I think if I were you, I'd make an appointment to see GP first, explain that you need to reapply for freedom pass & perhaps give him/her the reasons why the pass would really benefit you, ie, enabling you to go to a support group or drop in centre , or visit family or friends when feeling down and in need of support. Ask GP to support your application if the local council contact him/her regarding your eligibility.

Perhaps you might not get the freedom pass again, but you can at least try for it.

Good luck.

kurgon

In my experience the freedom passes needed to be stamped from the CMHT and I don't know if the GP stamp is acceptable.
You would also need to prove that you are attending therapy on a twice weekly basis, but this could be anything from MIND to any other drop in or social outlet that's realted to promoting your mental health.

tiddlertot

You would also have to qualify under the above criteria.

For someone to be discharged back from the CMHT to the GP doesn't sound to me as having the needs as required by the pass provider.