Rochdale mental health services undergo “biggest ever transformation”

Over a thousand local people have benefitted from a significant transformation of community mental health services.

Professionals across the borough have collaborated to improve care and support for adults and older adults with severe mental illnesses, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder, and/or complex emotional needs, like trauma.

This effort includes mental health professionals from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Rochdale and District Mind, and Turning Point, as well as GPs, primary care staff, social workers from Rochdale Borough Council, people with lived experience, carers, and many others.

They are working together to make services more integrated, easier to access, and more consistent. This will help ensure patients, carers, and families receive the right care and support in the right place, as early as possible.

The new approach has already achieved a 13% reduction in referrals to the borough’s response hub, which is the route into more specialist mental health services.

Across Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale, there are six groups of GP practices known as primary care networks.

Many new mental health professionals have been recruited to support the primary care networks, including mental health practitioners, psychological practitioners, peer support workers, and recovery workers.

They will work with a person’s GP to assess their needs. If additional support is required, they will consult with other professionals to determine the best help available.

This may involve a pharmacist, social worker, employment, financial or housing support, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) colleagues, substance misuse, domestic abuse or loneliness support, or another specialist. The person might receive support from one professional or several at the same time.

These professionals meet regularly to discuss patients’ care. Together, they are known as the living well team.

Each primary care network has its own living well team. The teams are being introduced in phases, with the latest being the Bridge Primary Care Network on 2 July. This includes Dr Bhima’s Surgery, The Dale Medical Practice, Dr Ghafoor & Abbasi, The Family Practice, Dr IK Babar, and The Strand Medical.

Fatima (not her real name), 56, from Rochdale, is one of the first people to benefit. She was supported by senior mental health practitioner Rebecca O’Reilly and associate psychological practitioner Hafsah Aslam after severe anxiety led to her being off work for a long time, avoiding friends and family, giving up hobbies, and becoming a virtual recluse.

Fatima said: “I’d been waiting for help for a long time. So, it was a saving grace to be told I could receive immediate support from new mental health professionals working within the practice. I hadn’t heard of anything like that before.

“They really listened and gave suggestions rather than telling me what to do.

“I learned how to identify triggers and to understand why I was constantly fearful. They taught me how to control my anxiety through breathing exercises and distraction techniques. And I learned that self-care, such as eating and sleeping well, really does make a difference.

“I was encouraged to go away and build on what I learned in the sessions, which helped me feel more in control and empowered.

“With baby steps I was able to build myself back up and become the person I used to be. I’m back at work, following a phased return, and doing the things I love like running, sport and seeing my friends.

“It’s been a rocky road, but I feel really lucky to have been one of the first people to benefit from this new approach.”

Senior mental health practitioner Rebecca O’Reilly said: “Fatima wanted to feel better and understood the process wouldn’t be immediate. She recognised the importance of nurturing her recovery, supported by Hafsah and myself. And she made use of all the resources we provided. She was trusting and engaged with the process well.

“It was great to see her make such progress and regain her life. It’s why I enjoy my work so much.

“I’ve worked in mental health services for 27 years and can see this service is invaluable. We’re able to offer people a gold star service and I’m proud to play a part in this.”

How to get help

People with a mild to moderate issue such as low mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, isolation or panic can self-refer to NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale talking therapies by phoning 01706 751180 or visiting www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/service/thinking-ahead/

For more information about the transformation of community mental health services, or to get involved, people can visit: www.penninecare.nhs.uk/community-transformation