St Helens Carers Centre

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	Carer Information Resource Mental Health Services
	If you have concerns for the mental health of the person you care for, you and they should approach their GP, who can refer to a number of different services, provided by Halton and St Helens PCT, 5 Boroughs Partnership, and the Local Authority. In circumstances where the person refuses or is unable to acknowledge their condition, the family members can speak to professionals to share their concerns, and can phone the Open Mind service (see below) St Helens services now follow a 'Road to Recovery' pathway. The initial access into services is via the Open Mind Service 0151 511 5688, and referrals are made by GP, Primary Mental Health Team, ASCH, other agency, or by individuals and Carers. The team is made up of Community Psychiatric Nurses, and are based at Birch House, Peasley Cross. They will do an initial assessment and then refer on to teams involved in the provision of services. They will also refer to the voluntary and independent sector. The team covers both St Helens and Halton. The team operates 9am to 5pm, if you need help and support outside these hours see below for the Crisis Resolution service. 5 BOROUGH SERVICES www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk - for full details of services for Carers and Service Users 5 Borough Services cover children, adults and older people. They range from the Open Mind Service, community and in patient services. Adult Community Services Early Intervention Team - 646102 (9am to 5pm, see Crisis Resolution Team outside these hours) - Based at Birch Unit, Peasley Cross. Open Referrals. Team work with those 14 to 35 who have or are suspected to have a First Episode of Psychosis (hearing voices, see things, feel paranoid like someone wants to harm them, or don’t feel in control of their thoughts or beliefs). This includes those with drug/alcohol issues. Work with clients for up to three years, aiming for social inclusion, prevent relapse and provide family interventions and support as well. Click here for information leaflet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment - 621688 (24 hr service, team cover 9am to 9pm daily, with on call services at other times) - Based at Birch Unit, Peasley Cross. Referral usually by GP or Care Coordinator. Team work with those 16 and over who are known to have a severe mental health problem (you may already have been diagnosed with a specific mental illness) and who are in an acute mental health crisis of such severity that, without the involvement of a crisis resolution/home treatment team, hospitalisation would be necessary. Team provide home based interventions, usually not longer than 4 weeks. They aim to get the person back to how they felt before the crisis, and prevent hospital admission Community Mental Health Teams - These teams help people regain and maintain independence in the community. They help to reduce the need for further in patient treatment. They work closely with GP and other professionals. The teams can be accessed by speaking with GP's, obtaining a Social Services assessment or by contacting the Open Mind service. For more information contact the teams and ask to speak to the Team Manager. There are three teams covering the St Helens area: North Team - 736708 - based at Peasley Cross South Team - 624923 - based at Lord Street Newton and Haydock - 01925 291094 - based at Vista Road Enhanced Day Therapy Services - 458457 - Based at Birch Day Unit. Referrals from Open Mind service or Care Coordinator. Work with people with severe and enduring mental illness, or a serious mental health issue such as Post Traumatic Stress disorder or complex trauma. Have Psychologists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Look at daily living skills, social network roles and employment skills Assertive Outreach Service - 646103 - Based at Lord Street, St Helens. Referrals from Care Coordinators and other teams. Work with people who have a severe and enduring mental illness, who have found it difficult to engage with other services, who could be at risk of neglect or who could be a risk to themselves or others. The team aim to assist their clients to live independently in the community whilst receiving the support and services they require Primary Care Mental Health Team - These services can be accessed by visiting your GP. They are for people over 16, no upper age limit. If the GP feels support from the PCMHT is relevant, a referral can be made to the team. They will assess and provide services for people presenting with mild to moderate mental health issues known as Common Mental Health Problems who present no risk to themselves or others. Common Mental Health Problems includes anxiety, phobias, mild to moderate depression and stress related disorders that interfere with activities of daily living. The types of therapies offered are: Anxiety Management Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Brief Therapy Problem Solving Stress Management Eating Disorder Service - 0151 430 1321 - This service is based at Whiston Hospital and access would require referral from a GP or via the Open Mind service Older People's Community Services Older People's Community Mental Health Team - 646321 - Based in the Stewart Unit, Peasley Cross. Access to this team would be via a GP referral. The team support people over 65 who are experiencing mental health difficulties like anxiety or depression. They also help people of any age who are experiencing memory problems or have a diagnosis of dementia, looking at ways to provide memory support as well as access to anti-dementia drugs. They can arrange access to services such as home care or activity visits Stewart Day Unit - 646824/646831 - This service is accessed via referral from GP. An appointment at the day unit will be arranged, where they will assess the person's needs and discuss whether it is better to support them as an out-patient, in the day unit or through the Older People’s Community Mental Health Team. Specialist Community Learning Disability Nursing Team 0151 426 5885 - Team based at Willis House, Cumber Lane, Whiston. The team helps people over 18 who have a recognised learning difficulty. They also support families and Carers. The team have a wide range of responsibilities which includes duties related to physical health in addition to interventions for managing challenging behaviour and promoting healthy living as well as treating mental health problems and monitoring prescribed medications. The specialist nurses also have a key role in ensuring good communications between services. Children's Community Services Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) - 01744 454368 - Based at The Elms, Cowley Hill Lane. A referral would be required from GP, social worker, health visitor, senior school teacher or community paediatrician. CAMHS help children aged up to 16 and their families, to understand and deal with severe, complex and persistent mental health problems. Click here for information leaflet. CAMHS provide family therapy, click here for information leaflet Adult In Patient Services Iris Ward (female), Recovery Centre, Peasley Cross - 01744 627590 Taylor Ward (male), Recovery Centre, Peasley Cross - 01744 626500 Older People In Patient Services Stewart Assessment Ward, Peasley Cross - 646835 - Click here for information leaflet Learning Disability In Patient Services Willis House In Patient Unit, Cumber Lane, Whiston - 0151 477 2064 - Offers assessment and treatment for people over 18 with a learning disability with associated mental health problems or other complex needs. Click here for information leaflet top of page HEATH PARK LODGE - 01744 677034 - Heath Park Lodge, Thatto Heath Road, St Helens. Resource Centre for Mental Health. Support people 18 and over who have experienced mental health problems and would like support to access educational and employment opportunities, voluntary, leisure and social activities. The Social Inclusion workers will help people to exercise choice and to plan, thus developing confidence and self esteem. Teams based at HP Lodge are Social Inclusion Team (Adult Social Care and Health)677066. People accessing this team must have a Care Co-ordinator Making Space Developing Options Service - 677052 People using this service need to be resident in St Helens and have a St Helens GP. Make action plans to encourage involvement in socially inclusive activities. Have allotment scheme. Access to supported housing schemes. www.makingspace.co.uk St Helens Mind - 677058. Voluntary Organisation which works with people who feel isolated due to mental ill health. Handle drop in and take telephone enquiries Mon to Fri 9:30 to 5:00. Support service users in overcoming barriers, training and work issues. Have an allotment scheme. Run a Befriending Scheme which puts service users in contact with volunteer befrienders who provide social support and encourage confidence and social networking. Campaign for better mental health services. National information line 0845 766 0163. Fact sheets for Carers and Cared For on website www.mind.org.uk Self Help Development Service - 677054. Managed by Alison Brook. Offers guidance, advice and support to self help/support groups which support those with any form of mental ill health. Provide advice on funding and starting a group, and develops a network of groups. Click here for list of groups in the area. The self help service now offer a series of training sessions for anyone interested in improving their mental health. The sessions range from Anger Management to information about medicines used in psychiatric treatment. All sessions can be booked on application forms available at the Carers Centre, or by email to alison.brook@sthelenscdp.co.uk As well as these organisations, other meetings take place at HP Lodge, such as the Mental Health Advocate, Julie Waring, who holds sessions there, and advisors from Job Centre, Police Hate Crime Team and DASH. Contact HP Lodge for details of dates and times. Carer Support Group also meet, one on last Saturday of each month, 10 till 12 noon, and one on the Third Thursday of each month, 11am till 1pm top of page OTHER INFORMATION: ALZHEIMER'S - See Service Specific info CARERS SUPPORT GROUPS - Meet at St James Church in Haydock on the last Thursday of each month at 6pm and Heath Park Lodge on the last Saturday of each month at 10am. Please contact the Carers Centre for further details. Both groups provide informal support to fellow Carers, and have visits from staff from the Centre and Together (see below). They also have occasional social events. CARERS BI POLAR GROUP - Meet fortnightly at Heath Park Lodge from 2pm. The group is organised by Together and the cared for person can attend. CARERS REFERENCE GROUP - 758678 - Based at United Reform Church, Ormskirk Street, St Helens. Meet on the second Wednesday of the month, commencing at 6pm. For Carers who wish to contribute to policy making and have a more active role in Mental Health Carer issues. www.sthelensmhcarers.org COMMUNITY LINK - 612411 - www.c-i-c.co.uk - provide advice, support counselling and treatment for addictions, including alcohol, gambling and drugs. Based at Wolverhampton House, Church Street. Counselling, advice and support groups for families of addicted person c.a.l.m. - 0800 58 58 58 - The campaign against living miserably. Targeted at young men between 15 - 35, the campaign offers help, information and advice via a helpline and website www.thecalmzone.net CIC VOCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICE - Leaflet available - 0151 709 1950 - Support people with Learning difficulties and mental health needs to access employment. Referrals can come from individuals or Care Managers, and can be funded through Direct Payments. Those not using ASCH will have support to identify funding sources. Costs are £12.44/hour www.c-i-c.co.uk top of page DUAL DIAGNOSIS DROP IN CENTRES - 01925 291094, Chris Ollerton and 222624, Brian Roscoe - Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday 12:30pm at Newton Library, 2nd Thursday 1:00pm at the Gamble building (Within Central Library), and 1st Monday 1:00pm at Moss Bank Library. You can accompany the person you care for when they attend the meetings. Meetings aim to build the person's confidence and explore service help available EARLESTOWN SOCIAL GROUP - 01925 221718 - Contact for group is Tony Haselton. For people with personal experience of mental ill health. Meet at Crownway Centre, contact for dates and times. FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION - www.fwa.org.uk - A family charity, supporting families to cope with complex issues including domestic abuse, parents with mental illness, learning disabled parents and severe financial hardship FOOTSTEPS - 457110 4th Floor, Tontine House, Church Street, St Helens - For anyone worried about a drug user in the family. Offer home visits and have drop in on Mondays at Newton College, room G17C top of page KEEP IN TOUCH GROUP - 453343/07948 237945 - Mon/Wed 11:00 to 3:00, St John's Centre, Thatto Heath. Social Group to meet old friends, make new friends and chat, relax and spend time with others who have similar mental health experiences KOOTH.COM - www.kooth.com - Children and family counselling online. 24 hour service. Web chat and one to one sessions with counsellors MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USERS AND CARERS MENTOR SCHEME - A pilot project which aims to support those who wish to have, or already have, an advisory or representative role on committees, Boards, networks, panels and groups. For more information see the leaflets - Could you become a mentor and Would you benefit from having a mentor MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID - This is the help that can be given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is obtained. Mental Health First Aid courses are being set up across the UK. The aims are: To preserve life where a person may be in danger to themselves or others To provide help to prevent the mental health problems developing into a more serious state To promote the recovery of good mental health To provide comfort to a person experiencing a metal health problem The courses do not teach people to be therapists. However, they do teach people how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help. Courses for Carers and those who would like to be instructors are now available. For more details go to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.csip.org.uk First Aid Guides are available, click on title to open a copy Depression Psychosis Thoughts of Suicide Self Harm top of page MEN SUPPORTING MEN - 01744 813357 for information - Town Centre Men's Group to offer support and promote positive mental health to other men affected by Mental illness. Weekly meetings held at United Reform Church Mondays, 09.30 -12.45. Need referral from staff in the Community Mental Health Team or MIND PARTNERS IN CARE - Range of topics covered for Carer and Cared For. Provide checklists in preparation for hospital visits etc. Various leaflets available from the Carers Centre PATIENT OPINION - A not for profit social enterprise which has been running a national website for about 3 years. Up until now it has concentrated mainly on hospital care but in conjunction with the 5 Boroughs Partnership Trust, it has now extended and adapted the website for mental health service users, patients and carers. People can go on the website and write a posting of their experience of care and treatment to feedback to the Trust, who in turn can respond on the site to the individuals. If access to the Internet is difficult for any reason, then people can write their experiences down or ring Patient Opinion and talk to one of their staff - click for information leaflet. www.patientopinion.org.uk RETHINK - A National mental health charity. They have a range of information sheets on their website. You can order books from them, which aim to guide Carers to get support for themselves and the person they care for as they access services. They also have a section for Young Carers. www.rethink.org SANELINE - 0845 767 8000 - Lines open 12 noon to 2am. All calls answered by trained volunteers (approved by Royal College of Psychiatrists) Support and information about mental illness, symptoms and treatments and services available in local area, support and reassurance during a crisis, for both sufferers and their Carers and families. More info available at www.sane.org.uk top of page SELF HELP LEAFLETS - Click on title to open leaflet Controlling Anger Bereavement Depression and Low Mood Depression Understanding Voices and Disturbing Beliefs Obsessions and Compulsions Panic Post Traumatic Stress Shyness and Social Anxiety Sleep Problems Stress and Anxiety Stress ST HELENS MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICE 758057 - provide support, guidance and information to resolve problems. Advocates are based in Tontine House, Church Street, St Helens ST.HELENS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT - 07717 547515 - Supported Employment Service aims to enable people with extra needs to make the next steps towards the world of work. They offer work tasters, placements and source voluntary opportunities. They also offer tailor made support to those who need a little extra help to find and hold down real jobs within their community. Service is based within Stephenson's Resource Centre in Rainhill. SUPPORTED VOLUNTEERING - 457100 - Service run by CVS,Tontine House, St Helens. Provide specific help to people with moderate mental health problems to access appropriate community volunteering opportunities TOGETHER - 734883 - TOGETHER is national charity providing a range of mental health services. In St Helens they have been commissioned to provide a Carer Support Service to support Carers, a Respite Care Service to offer regular breaks to Carers, and Community Support Services to provide support for people with mental health needs. These services involve visiting you at home and agreeing a plan of support, which can last 6-8weeks for respite and around three months for Carer Support, and two years for Community Support. Anyone can approach the service and request support www.together-uk.org.uk www.rethinkcarers.org - Information for Mental Health Carers www.guardianship.gov.uk - information on how to manage the affairs of someone with a mental incapacity www.clsdirect.org.uk - information on legal issues when managing the affairs of someone else www.emental-health.com - Good source of information on mental health illnesses. Links to research sites and service specific sites www.united-response.co.uk - 01942 672652 - National organisation supporting people with mental health needs and learning disabilities. North West branch is in Leigh www.youngminds.org.uk - covers mental health issues for children and young people top of page Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided to Carers, St.Helens Carers Centre do not undertake any liability for any error or omission. The products and services listed are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by St.Helens Carers Centre