What other support can I get?

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Everyone referred to psychiatric services in England should have their needs assessed and care planned within the Care Programme Approach (CPA). This should provide you with a thorough assessment of your social and health care needs, a care plan, a care co-ordinator who is in charge of your care, and ongoing reviews. You are entitled to say what your needs are, and have the right to have an advocate present. The assessment might also include carers and relatives. The same system applies in Wales.

As part of the CPA, or separately, you can request social services to make an assessment of your needs for community care services. This covers everything from daycare services to your housing needs, with the aim of providing services in your own home or appropriate accommodation. You might need careworkers, and the cost may need to be included in the needs assessment.

It's important to find out as much as you can about local services you can make use of, whether they are run by the NHS, social services departments or voluntary organisations. Try asking your GP, the social services department, community health council, Citizens Advice and voluntary organisations, such as local Mind, or look on the internet or at your local library.

 

Community Mental Health Teams

Often community care assessments are made by Community Mental Health Teams. Their aim is to enable you to live independently. They can help with practical issues, such as sorting out welfare benefits and housing, and services, such as day centres, back-to-work schemes or drop-in centres. They can also arrange for a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) to visit you at home.

 

Accommodation

There are hostels where people in need of support can live for a limited length of time and be helped by staff to gain the confidence to live independently again. Sheltered housing schemes offer less intensive support to a group of residents who can live there as long as they want.

 

Day centres

Day centres, day hospitals and drop-in centres can vary widely. Services may include therapy groups, counselling, information or advice. Some offer a chance to learn new skills, such as music, cooking or crafts; some organise day trips, or simply provide the opportunity for a cup of tea, a good lunch and a chat. You may need to be referred by a social worker or psychiatrist.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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