24-hour mental health hub proposed in shake-up

A review of mental health services has been carried out by Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford & Wrekin clinical commissioning group.

Health bosses have now drawn up an action plan on how to shape future services, which includes appointing mental health champions to work at the heart of communities.

A 24-hour mental health crisis helpline has also launched which will be available seven days a week.

Frances Sutherland, head of commissioning for mental health, revealed the action plan to members of Telford & Wrekin Council's health and adult care scrutiny committee at a meeting on Tuesday. Ms Sutherland, who represented both the council and CCG at the meeting in Woodside, said the review looked at what services there were in the borough and developed a vision on how to shape future services.

She said people wanted a place where they felt accepted and safe, they wanted to know where to go for advice and services that were accessible.

She said an action plan had been drawn up and a mental health forum had been set up to oversee the development and implementation of the plan.

Ms Sutherland said representatives from businesses in the borough were being invited to a mental health summit next month and could pick up hints and tips about how to support workers dealing with stress and mental health problems.

She said: "We are working on developing a 24/7 hub. We are also looking to appoint mental health champions.

"We also wanted to make sure care is delivered as close to home as possible."

She said the number of beds available for patients with mental health conditions was also being reviewed to get a clearer understanding of the requirements for acute, rehab and dementia care.

Ms Sutherland said national targets for patients having access to psychological therapies from referral were being met.

The committee was told that 85 per cent of patients in Telford were now being treated within six weeks – beating the national target of 75 per cent.

A report to the committee said commissioners were exploring what a 24 hub might look like and how it could be funded.

It said: "The discussions are including consideration to a hub and spoke model – and are engaging groups such as Big Local Brookside in this process.

"This will then be articulated within the model of mental health provision for Telford and Wrekin."

Regular reports on the progress of the action plan will be put before the CCG and Telford & Wrekin Council's health and well-being board.

The mental health crisis helpline is available on 0300 124 0365.