Transforming community mental health services
We're transforming our community mental health services to make support easier to access, more joined up and available closer to home.
Our aim is to help more people access effective support in their local community, reduce the need for hospital care where possible, and provide care that focuses on recovery, wellbeing and what matters most to everyone.
The transformation is part of the national NHS long term plan, which sets out a commitment to making sure everyone can get the mental health support they need.
We're working with lots of partners and people with lived experience of mental health issues to make sure the improvements meet people's needs.
Some of our key community services programmes:
- Neighbourhood mental health services (formerly living well)
- We've also worked with our partner Pennine Care to develop a specialist community-based service for adults with an eating disorder. Read more about the eating-disorders service.
Why are services changing?
Mental health services are facing growing demand, while people's needs are becoming more complex. We also know that many people want support closer to home, without having to navigate lots of different services.
What services are changing?
Community mental health services
Our community mental health services support adults with a wide range of mental health needs in Bolton, Wigan, Salford, Trafford, and Manchester. Depending on where you live and what support you need, you may receive help from different teams.
Community mental health teams (CMHTs) support people with mental health problems living in the community, and also their carers. These multidisciplinary teams include mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and support workers who work together to provide personalised care.
Neighbourhood mental health services
Neighbourhood mental health services, previously known as living well services, provide support in partnership with local organisations and community groups.
Neighbourhood mental health teams recognise that mental health is often affected by other things that may affect your wellbeing, such as housing, employment, money worries, physical health, substance use, domestic abuse and relationships. They work with people to find practical solutions as well as providing mental health support.
How are neighbourhood mental health teams and community mental health teams different?
Both teams support people with serious mental health difficulties. The difference is usually the level and type of support a person needs.
Neighbourhood mental health teams (NMHT) support people whose mental health is having a significant impact on their daily life and who need more help than their GP, talking therapies or local community services can provide.
Community mental health teams (CMHT) provide support for people with more complex mental health needs. This may be because there is a higher level of risk, or because several different specialists need to work together as part of your care.
What does this mean for me?
The team supporting you should explain:
- Why they are the right team for your current needs
- What support they can offer
- Who your main contact is
- How your care will be reviewed.
If your needs change, the team supporting you may also change. Any changes should be discussed with you and, where appropriate and with your consent, your family, carers or other people who support you.
What’s new for community services?
Referral and Assessment Hubs
Referral and Assessment Hubs are becoming the main entry point into community mental health services in Bolton, Wigan, and Salford.
We don't currently have these hubs in Manchester and Trafford, but we are working to provide them in these areas.
Referral and Assessment Hubs will work closely with community organisations, GPs, social workers and other mental health professionals to review your needs promptly and make sure you receive support from the service that best meets your needs.
More personalised care
Previously you may have been under something called the Care Programme Approach (CPA). This is changing to the Personalised Care Framework, which is a trauma informed approach focussing on individual goals, strengths and recovery and puts people, families and carers at the centre of decision making.
Greater use of technology
Digital tools and new systems will make it easier to access support, stay informed and communicate with your care team. We want to offer more flexible ways for people to access care that work for their individual needs.
Not everyone wants to use digital services or has access to a mobile phone, computer or the internet. We will work with you to continue to provide information and support in a way that suits you, including alternatives such as letters, phone calls and face-to-face appointments where needed.
Physical Health Support
We understand that your physical health and mental health are closely linked. That's why we aim to support both together, making it easier for you to get the right care and treatment when you need it.
In Bolton, Wigan and North Manchester, specialist teams already help people manage physical health needs alongside their mental health care. We plan to build on this work and develop similar support across Manchester, Salford and Trafford over time.
Psychological Therapies Services
Psychological Therapies teams provide specialist assessments and a range of talking therapies for people in Bolton, Wigan, Salford, Trafford and Manchester.
Support for you is tailored to your individual needs and may include one-to-one therapy, group programmes or specialist psychological interventions.
If you are already using our services
If you are already using our services
If you're currently receiving support, you'll continue to receive the care you need.
For most people:
- You will keep working with the professionals already involved in your care.
- Your treatment and support plans will continue in community settings, local clinics, or other places that work for you.
- You may hear some services referred to by new names.
- You may see more joined-up working between different teams and organisations.
- Your care will become increasingly personalised, with greater involvement in decisions about your support.
If you are new to our services
If you are new to our services
Accessing support should be simpler than before.
- Most people will begin their journey through a Referral and Assessment Hub, which acts as the main point of entry into adult community mental health services.
- You do not need to have a formal mental health diagnosis to access support.
- Where possible, appointments and support will be provided in community settings, local clinics, or other places that work for you.
As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.
Find resources for carers and service users Contact the Trust