Social enterprise wins mental health contract

MEDICAL chiefs in Leicestershire have put a social enterprise focused on improving lives and communities in charge of mental health services.

Turning Point provides short-term intensive support for patients and service users who need extra help during times of mental health crisis, to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Launched in January 2015, the existing service has featured facilities for short-stay supported residential care, an out-of-hours telephone support service and access to face-to-face support.

The new contract with Leicestershire NHS Trust, due to launch on July 1 this year, expands the support available with the addition of drop-in sessions in Leicester and across the county, a programme of activities for those in need of support when recovering, and follow-ups for anyone who has stayed at the crisis house.

Samantha Wood, business manager for adult mental health and learning disability services at LPT, said: “Turning Point is an established, national provider with a good track record in providing high quality and safe services. They know the local population and have a good infrastructure for sustainable delivery.”

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Mark McConochie, from LPT’s crisis and home treatment service, added: “By working innovatively in partnership with Turning Point, we are confident that we can provide alternatives to hospital admission, with personalised care focusing both on managing current challenges and building resilience for the future.”