Mental Wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing

Mental health problems are a significant cause of distress, illness, disability and death. One in six people will have suffered from a mental health problem (mostly anxiety or depression) in the past week. It is estimated that 30% of GP consultations are for mental health problems. For most people, prompt assessment and treatment means that these difficulties are short-lived. However, some people in Peterborough have significant mental health problems, and their care will be coordinated through the Care Programme Approach. Most of the individuals on the enhanced Care Programme Approach will need extensive health and social care support for many years.

There is a range of services available in Peterborough. There are voluntary organisations and self-help groups that require only self-referral. Information about these may be found through your GP surgery, Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services, NHS Peterborough and other mental health services.

In primary care, GPs are able to make assessments and refer people onwards according to their needs. The Peterborough Primary Care counselling service provides short-term counselling in all practices.

Most of our services are provided through the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. A GP will normally refer to the Community Mental Health Team whose assessment will then lead to a number of possible services in the community, which employ a wide range of health and social care professionals. These services are set to expand during 2004-7.

There are of course in-patient wards for people who need more intensive care for a period of time. These are at both Edith Cavell Hospital and Peterborough District Hospital, where the Lucille Van Geest Centre also provides longer-term care. By 2008 it is planned that there will be a new in-patient mental health centre as part of Peterborough’s plans to build a new hospital.

In exceptional circumstances, NHS Peterborough arranges for patients to be cared for in settings away from Peterborough when their needs are more specialised than our local services are able to meet.

• The mental health service system includes the important contribution of day services such as the Mosaic Centre at 439 Lincoln Road, and in particular a number of voluntary organisations who contribute care and practical support to many people.
• Peterborough & Fenland MIND (758211) provides an important drop-in service at Mosaic. Richmond Fellowship Employment and Training assists people in getting back into educational and work (897111).
• The Cambridgeshire Independent Advocacy Service (telephone 01733 758278) is an important resource to people with metal health problems. They also supports the Peterborough Empowerment Project, a collective of service users who help to advise service managers and their commissioners.
• Rethink’s Carer Support Service (01733 758279) is an invaluable resource to carers.