Mental Health
Tuesday, 02, Dec 2008 12:48
We support around 400 people with mental health needs to take control of their lives in the way they want to. We have a distinctive approach to mental health services and all our services are based in the community and centred on individuals and their needs and wants.
How we do it
Our services reflect local needs. We always work in partnership with others, including clinical partners, to find the right resources for flexible support so people can live in the community.
We work with the people we support to develop a plan so that they can live as independently as possible. We agree aims with people and provide support for them to achieve these aims, reviewing them on a regular basis.
We support people to make choices and respect people's privacy at all times.
What we provide
Community Support Workers Service
A team of support workers based in Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) provides community-based support to people who find it difficult to cope with the daily living.
Outreach
We support people in their own homes seven days a week. The support is flexible, responding to people’s changing needs. Outreach workers provide very practical support in partnership with health and social services.
24 Hour Residential Care
We support people in ordinary houses and work with them to focus on rehabilitation and successful social integration.
Supported Housing
We work with local housing associations to provide affordable accommodation and support.
Supported Employment
We work with people to find jobs. Most people have not been able to find work through normal channels and we help them with issues such as benefits and extra support needs. A service in Dorset works with people directly to equip them with all the skills they need to get back into work.
Supporting People Newly Diagnosed with Depression
We work with GPs at Primary Care level to provide support to people who have newly been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. A skilled mental health support worker is on hand in the GP practice to provide practical advice to people about their illness and their medication.