Community Mental Health Services Report Dec 2023
With the aim of gaining greater insight in to peoples' experiences of community mental health services in Lincolnshire, Healthwatch Lincolnshire launched two surveys. One was for services users (both adults and children) which received 91 responses. 70 people shared their view on adult services and 19 on children's services. The second survey for professionals received 20 responses. 10 respondents disclosed they worked in mental health services and 10 worked in other sectors.
Key Findings
Key findings from the surveys are outlined in the main body of the report, offering a broad overview of the participants' experiences and concerns.
• 67% of respondents found it "difficult" to access adult services.
Both service users, parents/carers, and professionals highlighted consistent concerns, with long waiting times being the most significant issue.
Over the past six months professionals working in mental health service had noticed an increase in more complex cases and a rise in the number of young people needing support for their mental health.
It is important to recognise that many had positive experience of services including, Steps2Change [now known as Lincolnshire Talking Therapies], Crisis, Community Mental Health Teams and the Eating Disorder Service.
“I cannot fault the Lincolnshire eating disorder team they gave me my life back and I can never thank them enough.” In relation to what worked well: “The time and commitment from staff with the eating disorder service. I highly recommend the service when other people are being referred.”
Other respondents to the survey also highlighted the positive life changing effects Lincolnshire mental health services have had on their lives.
In response to the survey Sarah Connery, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) said:
"We value very highly any feedback we receive from our local community, from people using our services and from staff working across LPFT and other sectors.
"We always take what people tell us very seriously and look to learn from this and improve access to and experience of our services"
LPFT is committed to addressing the concerns raised through its existing transformation programmes for both adults and children and young people. Some of the changes already being made include the introduction of new community connectors, social prescribers, mental health practitioners in GP surgeries, and mental health support teams in schools. The H.A.Y (How Are You) Lincolnshire website has also been launched this year to provide a one-stop resource about local support, and there are 24/7 free mental health advice lines available to anyone struggling, needing a listening ear or access to advice and guidance.
While acknowledging the challenges and increased demand for mental health support, LPFT is actively working on reducing waiting times, improving service quality, and involving the community in ongoing transformation programmes.
If you would like to share your views on Community Mental Health services in Lincolnshire contact Healthwatch by email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk or call 01205 820 892 you can also complete our Have Your Say form
If you require this in a different format please email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk or call 01205 820892.
Useful Resources for Support in Lincolnshire:
Mental Health Helpline (over 18s) 0800 001 4331 (open 24/7)
Here4You advice line (children, young people, and their families) 0800 234 6342 (open 24/7)
Night Light Cafes across Lincolnshire – 0300 011 1200
In crisis, call NHS 111 for support. If life-threatening emergency, call 999.
How are you Lincolnshire (HAY) – www.haylincolnshire.co.uk
Lincolnshire Recovery College – www.lpft.nhs.uk/recovery-college
