Mental health services in Brighton and Hove to move to libraries? (From The Argus)

Mental health services in Brighton and Hove to move to libraries?

4:42pm Tuesday 20th December 2011 in News By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter

Day services for people with mental health problems could be based in libraries and community centres under new proposals.

Providing activities, group meetings and other support in different locations around Brighton and Hove is being considered as part of a consultation on the future of community mental health in the city.

NHS Sussex and Brighton and Hove City Council is aiming to provide more facilities in community settings as a way of helping people with their treatment and recovery.

They are asking for people’s views about what is available in the city and what changes they would like to see.

However, the debate has sparked concerns about the future of existing services based at the Allen Centre in Hove and Buckingham Road, Brighton.

One mental health patient, who contacted The Argus, said: “A lot of people like the way things are at the moment and like to have a central place to visit.

“There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment and that is not a good thing for service users, many of whom are vulnerable.”

NHS Sussex commissioner for mental health services, Anne Foster, said: “Day services are very important and we want to develop a more community based approach that treats people as individuals and aids their recovery.

“The city currently has four building-based mental health day centres, an outreach service and a grant scheme that provides small amounts of money for people to take part in activities that improve their mental health."

No decisions will be made about current day services until after the consultation ends on January 16.

For more details call 08000 013 0251 or visit consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/public/nhs/pct/communitysurvey.

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