Mental Health

Many people at some time in their lives will experience some type of mental ill health.  This might take a variety of forms such as depression, anxiety or stress.  For some people these feelings will occur to such an extent or for such a long period of time that they find it difficult to cope with everyday living.  This means that they may need support, assistance and services to enable them to live as independently as possible. 

Any person with a mental health problem, or their carer, is entitled to a Community Care Assessment.  The idea of an assessment is to get a clear idea of what you and/or your carer need and look at the best way of helping you.  Social Services and the Primary Care Trust are responsible for assessing the needs of people with mental health problems, and arranging services.  Services are provided by a wide variety of people and organisations including GPs, community psychiatric nurses, social workers, voluntary and community groups. 

People with ongoing mental health needs or severe mental illness will usually be referred by their GP to the specialist psychiatric services.  Professionals from the Primary Care Trust and Social Services work together with patients and carers to agree a care plan this is called the Care Programme Approach or is sometimes referred to as Care Management. 

Please see the other pages in this section which explain in more detail about the services available for people with mental health problems, their relatives and carers.

The Mental Health guide provides a wide range of information which you may find useful.  Copies are available in Barnsley Connects offices, from the Community Mental Health Teams and from the hospital.  You can also download a copy of the Mental Health Guide.