Our reaction to Care Quality Commission report into mental health crisis care
The Care Quality Commission’s newly published report Right Here, Right Now has found that people who are having a mental health crisis are not always receiving care and support when and where they need it.
It has raised concerns that public services are not working together effectively enough to ensure people get access to the help they need round the clock. At Richmond Fellowship we think the voluntary sector could make a significant contribution and are keen to work more in partnership with local agencies to provide the right support to people at the right time.
Richmond Fellowship chief executive Derek Caren said: “As a voluntary sector organisation we’re committed to playing our part in creating joined-up services that can truly provide the best possible care for people with mental health problems, especially in a crisis situation when individuals are at their most vulnerable.
“We know there is a lot of pressure on emergency and inpatient provision but at the same time we know that many individuals could be effectively supported in community settings. We’re keen to forge strong partnerships with local agencies on the ground so that together we can provide effective services that meet people’s needs.”
Richmond Fellowship is a national signatory to the Crisis Care Concordat. We already run a number of crisis services across England, providing support for people in the community as either an alternative option to an admission to hospital or as a step-down between an inpatient stay and returning home. This includes services in Derbyshire and Leicestershire and we’re developing crisis services in Lincolnshire and in the North East.
We’re also running a pilot scheme with the Home Office to trial an alternative ‘place of safety’ to police custody for individuals in mental distress. It’s the first time a voluntary sector provider is working in partnership with the NHS and police to provide an alternative place of safety to give a better experience for people who are detained pending a mental health assessment.
