What if I think I need help
You can contact one of our
Community
Health Team (CMHT) who are based in different areas of the
district. You can also ask you GP to refer you, or ask someone you
know to contact the CMHT on your behalf. You can also contact
Care Connect
What if I have a carer?
If you have a carer, they are entitled to an assessment of their
needs as carers. A carer can be anyone who provides regular care to
you, and may be a relative, friend, or important person in your
life. The assessment process may show that they have needs that
should be met, to help them to continue in their caring role.
Carers are entitled to their own care plan which details how, when
and by whom their assessment needs will be met. A carers's care
plan should be reviewed yearly.
What if I need ongoing help from the
CMHT?
A member of the team will do an assessment, which will include
health, social care, housing and employment needs. They will make
sure that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
This will result in a care plan you understand and agree with. A
qualified mental health worker will be named as your care
co-ordinator. Your care co-ordinator is responsible for
co-ordinating all aspects of your care, and will ensure that you
are able to keep in touch with them. They will explain about the
Fair Access to
Care process and the Care
Programme Approach (CPA). You will receive a copy of your care
plan, which will say how your assessed needs will be met, when and
by whom. The care plan will tell you who to contact if your care
co-ordinator is away.
What happens if my needs
change?
Your care plan will be reviewed at least every 3 months if you
are on the enhanced tier of the CPA, or every 6-12 months if you
are on the standard tier of the CPA.
What is a review?
A review is when your care co-ordinator arranges a meeting of
the key people involved in your care, to make sure the care plan is
working
What happens at a review?
Your care co-ordinator will discuss all aspects of the meeting
so that you can decide whether to attend. If you do decide to come,
you can bring a friend, relative or supporter. All aspects of the
meeting, including where and when it is to take place, should be
discussed and agreed with you. You will be told who will be there,
and why. If you feel there are too many people, you should point
this out and any necessary changes should be made. Before the
meeting you should have a chance to discuss what you want to say
with your care co-ordinator and maybe write down some points
together. Your care co-ordinator will make sure that you have your
say during the meeting. However, if you change your mind and do not
wish to attend, you do not have to. Your care co-ordinator will
make sure your views are represented. Additionally you may wish to
send your views on a form which will be provided. If you require
help with it your care co-ordinator will arrange this for you, and
try and talk with you before the meeting.
Who can see my care plan?
Those people involved in providing your support and care, duty
mental health workers in the event of a crisis, your GP and any
carers with your permission.
What about confidentiality?
Much of the information you give us, or which others give to us
on your behalf, is personal. We respect this and we make sure it is
kept securely, remain private, and is not normally shown to anyone
outside the care plan team (including other members of your family)
without your knowledge and consent. On occasions we my be asked to
share information with other professionals, such as your family
doctor. There are some rare occasions when we are legally required
to disclose information without your consent, to the Police or
Court in serious legal or criminal matters, or to avoid serious
harm to yourself or other people.
What is I am not happy with the service I
receive?
If you have a specific complaint to make, or any concerns about
your assessment or any of the services you are receiving, it is
best to discuss this with the staff who are working with you. If
you do not wish to discuss your complaint with staff you can
contact our Complaints Manager on 01275 882 171.
