Mental illness is very common. About one in four people in Britain has this diagnosis, but there is a great deal of controversy about what it is, what causes it, and how people can be helped to recover.

People with a mental illness can experience problems in the way they think, feel or behave. This can significantly affect their relationships, their work, and their quality of life. Having a mental illness is difficult, not only for the person concerned, but also for their family and friends.

Mental illnesses are some of the least understood conditions in society. Because of this, many people face prejudice and discrimination in their everyday lives. However, unlike the images often found in books, on television and in films, most people can lead productive and fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment and support.

Principles of Support
The Care Programme Approach has four main elements:
Assessment - systematic arrangements for assessing the health and social needs of people accepted by the specialist mental health services
A Care Plan - the formation of a care plan which addresses the identified health and social care needs
A Key Worker - the appointment of a Key Worker (now Care Co–ordinator) to keep in close touch with the patient and monitor care
Regular Review - regular review, and if need be, agreed changes to the care plan
The Care Programme Approach for people with a mental illness referred to specialist psychiatric services 1991

Effective Services for People with severe mental illness

Standard four – all mental health service users of CPA should:

- receive care which optimises engagement, anticipates or prevents a crisis, and reduces risk

- have a copy of a written care plan which: includes the action to be taken in a crisis by the service user, their carer, and their care co-ordinator; advises their GP how they should respond if the service user needs additional help; is regularly reviewed by their care co-ordinator

- be able to access services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

National Service Framework for Mental Health, Modern Standards & Service Models for Mental Health 1999

Mental health problems are common; they are illnesses with causes and treatments, like physical illnesses. New Horizons marks a new agreement between individuals and health and care services that ‘the greatest degree of effective recovery is gained from early identification and treatment’.
New Horizons confirms that people with mental health problems are able to run their own lives, participate in the life of their families and communities, and work productively to earn their living and contribute to the economy, to varying degrees – just like people with physical health problems. It identifies different types and levels of support that people can expect to enable them to do these things.
New Horizons, A Shared Vision for Mental Health 2009

The Support provided through Potens..
Potens Mental Health registered services provide support which encourages personal growth and development. Individuals are assessed to recognise and achieve their potential, while having awareness of fluctuating health needs.

Individuals are supported to reach their full potential in all aspects of daily living, working closely with local inclusive services, focusing on enhancing skills, improving self esteem and increasing motivation.

Service delivery is guided by The Care Programme Approach, National Service Framework Standards and most recently, New Horizons through recovery & rehabilitation support and positive risk management.

If appropriate, a taste of increased responsibility and reduced support is offered to allow the individual to plan and prepare for the future and gain a more independent lifestyle. With a structured moving on plan, the experience of increased independence provides a greater opportunity for success in the future.

 
Potens offers a range of services for people with mental health needs, please see our Locations page for information about services in your area, or please contact us to find out more or to make a referral.