Published: Monday 24 October 2022
Updated: Monday 24 October 2022
Early intervention and specialist support are among the priorities being included in Kensington and Chelsea's first Mental Health Plan.
The Plan, which was discussed at last night's Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee meeting, is being created by Kensington and Chelsea Council with the input of 70 local organisations as well as the NHS.
A first draft is due in the new year, at which point resident will be consulted ahead of a final version being agreed and published in the spring.
The Plan's six proposed pillars include:
• Clear and accessible information and advice
• Early intervention and prevention of mental illness
• Helping people live independent lives
• Closer working between the Council, NHS and local groups
• More targeted and longer-term services for people with complex needs
• Reducing waiting times and providing the right support
Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said:
“We are committed to supporting the mental health wellbeing of our residents, ensuring that they, their family and friends know where they can get help.
“We have been working with the NHS and local voluntary groups but are aware that need is going up and the pandemic and cost of living crisis are exacerbating the problem.
“Whether you’ve struggled with your mental health or not, we’d love to hear what matters to you.”
The Select Committee also looked at further work on improving mental health access and services by reviewing the first year of two new Mental Health Hubs, one based in North Kensington and one in Chelsea. When the Hubs opened, they had 1,188 referrals in the first year, by the end of 2021 to 2022 this had increased to 2,673.
The Council currently contracts the Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) to be the main provider of mental health support in the borough. Find out more about their services.
You can find out more about a range of mental health support available.