The Community Mental Health Transformation programme supports people to live well in their local communities. It brings the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector together.
In the past many organisations have worked independently of another. People have often had to contact a wide range of different places to receive the support they need. It’s created barriers to people getting the help they need when they need it. People have felt confused and frustrated.
Over the last few years, we’ve been working with our partners to address these barriers. We’re working closer together to help people to get the support that’s right for them when they need it.
What we’ve done
Specialist roles
We’ve introduced Mental Health Practitioners into GP surgeries. This has helped Primary Care and mental health services to work closer. It’s also freed up GPs to see more non-mental health related cases. This new approach has made sure that people receive the support that’s right for them, when they need it. It’s also reduced the need for referrals to mental health services and lengthy waits.
New specialists are also supporting services across the region. They provide training and input for eating disorders and trauma informed care approaches.
For example,Specialist Advanced Practitioners are supporting people with relational and emotional difficulties. The practitioners are increasing access to Structured Clinical Management (SCM). This is an evidence-based treatment which can help people to overcome their difficulties.
We’ve invested in several new roles to help support and guide people. Peer Support workers can listen and support from their own lived experience. Community Navigators can offer guidance and help to navigate and access local services. Social Prescribers help people to access groups and activities to improve their wellbeing.
Investment in programmes and groups
We supported the Durham, Police and Crime Commissioner’s substance misuse peer support programme. The programme is for people with a history of substance misuse and severe mental health illness or complex emotional needs.
We work with local authorities and invest in community projects and groups. These groups can provide vital lifelines to local people. They provide them with a safe space to meet others and to take part in activities that help their wellbeing.
One example is our partnership with Age UK County Durham. This new service supports the mental wellbeing of people aged 50+ in County Durham.
Community Hubs
Community Hubs are being developed across the region. It’s part of our aim to work closer with our wider partners across the public and voluntary sector.
Organisations work together to help people with their mental health and wellbeing needs. This can include things that impact people’s mental health and wellbeing. For example employment, housing, finances, bereavement and loneliness.
Closer working helps to improve people’s knowledge of the local support available. It also promotes a more holistic approach to addressing people’s needs
Community Hubs provide people with improved access to mental health and wellbeing support. They can act as a friendly one-stop-shop for advice and support.
Anyone can drop-in to the hubs and receive advice or help to access the support and information they need.
Local hubs
Safe Harbour Seaham
31 Church Street
Seaham
SR7 7HQ
Monday to Thursday 10am – 3pm
Tel: 0191 581 0504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeHarbourSeaham
Hartlepool Community Hub (Central)
124 York Road
Hartlepool
TS26 9DE
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 4pm
Wednesday 9am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 1pm
Tel: 01429 242909
Email [email protected]
Web: Hartlepool Now – – Community Hub Central
The TEWV mental health teams in Hartlepool work into the Hub offering weekly groups, one-to-one appointment and assessments when required.
Programme updates
Read our latest partnership updates below:
