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Westminster Council launches public consultation on new ways of delivering mental health services (5 April 2016)

Date: 05/04/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Westminster Council launches public consultation on new ways of delivering mental health services

Westminster Council and its NHS partners are consulting on a new delivery of mental health services – including a move away from day centres towards tailored support focusing on recovery, with help to enable more people to receive the support they need.

A total of four services for mental health patients will be discussed during the consultation, including Westminster Recovery Support Services – a Paddington and Pimlico day-centre service provided by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, funded by Westminster City Council and the NHS.

The other services which form part of the consultation are the Oremi Centre –
a black and minority ethnic day centre and outreach service delivered by Hestia, based in Kensington and Chelsea, although the changes would only affect Westminster residents; and Portugal Prints (a community arts service in Camden delivered by Wandsworth and Westminster Mind, funded by Westminster City Council); as well as Flexicare, a community befriending service delivered by Wandsworth and Westminster Mind, funded by Westminster City Council and the NHS.

Funding will be moved from Portugal Prints, Flexicare and the Oremi Centre into the new services, so that if people wish to continue using Portugal Prints, Flexicare and the Oremi Centre, they will need to pay for them themselves.

The new tailored recovery service will offer up to 12 weeks of support with a key worker, to help people with mental health needs recover or avoid deterioration. Those who require ongoing support after this period and are eligible for social care support will continue to receive it through a care plan and personal budget.

Safe space sessions and peer-led support groups will also be provided for people who find mainstream services challenging, which would offer mental health patients the opportunity to meet other people in community venues across Westminster.

There will also be peer-led community support for people who may be moving from hospital back into the community. Those who attend may benefit from the experience of other people with mental health needs and from the self-direct activities of the group, says the council.

The proposals will help the council save money at a time of reduced funding.

The council is inviting people to attend one of two events to discuss the proposals, which will be held on Wednesday 6 April 2016, 2pm to 3pm at Abbey Centre, Parker Morris Hall, 34 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BU – and on Thursday 14 April 2016, 2pm to 3pm at the Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London, W2 5ES.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.

For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
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