Your GP - or the GP of person you care for - is the gateway to most statutory agencies such as the Primary Care Mental Health Team (PMHCT). They offer several levels/kinds of help including self help booklets, web sites, book prescription, group and individual support.
If more in-depth support is required the person you support can be referred on to the local Community Mental Health Care Team, (CMHT) at the Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre for the Strathkelvin area, or the Arendale Centre which covers Bearsden and Milngavie area. The CMHT offers:
What does the Crisis Team do?
Crisis Services work closely with both Community Mental Health Teams and hospital In-patient Services. They work with people who are experiencing increased distress in terms of their mental health and are at risk of admission to a Psychiatric Hospital. The Crisis Team also supports people while in hospital and on discharge as required.
The Crisis Service has 3 main aims:
1.To provide an alternative to hospital admission where possible
2.To support early discharge from hospital if required
3.To offer assessment and interventions for people in a mental health crisis
The purpose of the service is to provide short-term intensive community based care as a credible alternative to hospital. This service is targeted at people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and operates on a seven-day 24hr basis.
Following initial assessment, the team can offer Packages of Care to suit the needs of the individual at that time, as appropriate. These can include full assessment of mental health needs, increased contact when required, visiting a client at home when on pass and visiting following discharge.
After 8pm until 9am Monday to Friday and from 5pm until 9am weekends and Bank Holidays, the Out of Hours Crisis Service is operational for referral from A&E and all other referring agents.
Social Work can offer help with benefits, arranging support and access to services that can help with practical problems.
If you feel that the person you care for needs support to keep them safe and well, it is important to know that you can request a Community Care Assessment for them. This assesses the needs of the person you care for and can be carried out by a social worker or a health professional. The Local Authority must take account of your contribution as Carers are meant to be seen as “Key Partners,” and as a result you have the right to be involved and consulted on issues affecting the person you care for.
Separately, you are entitled to a Carers Assessment. This will assess your needs, and looks at how they can best be met. The assessment looks at your caring role to get a clear picture of what responsibilities you have, how long you spend caring and how this affects other aspects of your life such as your health. We can help you request and fill out a Carers Assessment.
Examples of services that may be provided are:
Supported Accommodation
This can be difficult to get as places are limited and often places only become available when someone leaves. In East Dunbartonshire there are a couple of supported accommodation premises. Placements can be made outwith the authority. This service is often only for people with severe mental health issues who would be at risk without support.
Support Worker
People who do not require such intense support can receive help from a support worker, usually arranged through a voluntary agency. These workers can help people gain or improve their everyday living skills by helping to increase their independence and develop to their full potential through being provided with emotional and practical support. Some people will need more support than others who are working towards more independent living. Recently charges have been introduces for non-residential services.
Direct Payments
The person you care for may, however, prefer using 'Self Directed Support' or 'Direct Payments' whereby they can receive a payment to buy the services and equipment that they have been assessed as needing in a way that gives greater choice, flexibility, independence and control. It allows individuals to make their own arrangements to meet their needs.
Support Services from Voluntary Organisations
East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health (EDAMH)
A community-based service whose aim is to promote the rights and seek to enhance the lifestyles of those affected by mental ill health. They work with clients on an individual or group setting. They offer counselling, vocational support, and numerous groups exploring themes such as self-esteem and anxiety management.
0141 955 3040
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
Provides a range of flexible services including residential and home support enabling individuals to lead as full and independent life as possible in the community. They manage Connections, which is based in Kirkintilloch. Connections provide social support to people aged between 16 and 65 who experience mild to moderate mental health issues. They have an open referral system. They provide:
Practical Support - to allow people to develop skills in lifestyle management
Social Support - to reduce social exclusion and to build confidence
Educational Support – offering information and advice, support getting into work
Emotional Support – sharing feelings in a confidential environment
They also offer groups, in 6 weekly cycles, to help improve the mental wellbeing of people in East Dunbartonshire. Groups include: Relaxation, Yoga, Get Active, Walking and Drumming.
0141 777 7471
The Tom Allan Counselling Centre
A counselling service provided by Crossreach. Counselling is offered to anyone regardless of his or her ability to pay. There is usually a waiting list that can be up to three months. You can access the service more quickly if you pay £40 per session, and you need to self refer. They will send you a form to fill in, and then they will inform you of the service they can provide.
0141 221 1535
The Sandyford Initiative
Offers counseling to women and young people, for men they offer specific counselling. It is a free service but there may be a waiting list.
The central clinic is based in Glasgow 0141 211 8130
www.sandyford.org
Ceartas
Ceartas is an advocacy agency that covers all of East Dunbartonshire. If you feel the person you care for is in need of advocacy, if they have difficulty expressing their wishes or if they are subject to the Mental Health Act then Ceratas may be able to help.
0141 775 0433
www.ceartas.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
Most people find the Benefits System complex and confusing, and as a result may not know what they are entitled to. Knowing how to claim and filling in lengthy forms can also be difficult. For financial advice about benefits and other financial support contact Citizens Advice who will help to support you if you have to appeal a benefit decision. The Citizens Advice Bureau provides money advice, consumer advice and benefit information. The main office is in Kirkintilloch and they have outreach surgeries throughout East Dunbartonshire.
0141 7753220
Carers Link cannot be held responsible for the content or availability of any of the pages referenced by an external link. The website links below are not intended as an exhaustive list but rather represents sites useful to those with an involvement in these areas. If you have a web link you would like to add, please email enquiry@carerslink.org.uk
