Most mental health problems are dealt with at primary care level, with people getting the appropriate care from their GP. However, if someone becomes so ill that they are at risk, or have tried everything to improve their situation, they might need the support of a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) in Woking acts as a single point of entry for Health and Social Services assessments. This means that when someone has a mental illness that needs treatment, or they want practical support in the community, their needs can be assessed in one place

In this section...

I need help urgently - what do I do?

How do I get advice?

What services does the CMHT provide?

How do I access the CMHT services?

How do I get help if my needs are not being met?

What is the CMHT's relationship with St Peter's Hospital?

I need help urgently - what do I do?

If you, or the person needing help, is already a client of the CMHT, call your allocated worker (or care co-ordinator) at Bridgewell House on 01483 756318. When the CMHT is closed, you should follow any advice in your care plan or, alternatively, use your GP out-of-hours service. Additionally, there is a psychiatric liaison service at Accident & Emergency at St. Peter's Hospital.

If you, or the person needing help, is not already a client, or you are not sure if they are known or not, it might be helpful in the first instance to contact your GP. You may also be able to obtain the immediate support you need from The Samaritans or other national organisations – (see links page)
 

How do I get advice on mental health issues?

If you want clinical advice, your first port of call should be your GP. If the advice you need concerns yourself or your child under the age of 16, the doctor should be able to tell you what you need, or access further help. If the advice you need concerns someone else, a relative or friend perhaps, the doctor will only be able to give you general advice.

Voluntary Sector Groups listed elsewhere on this site may be able to give some advice, but not clinical advice.

What services does the CMHT provide?

The CMHT will assess your clinical and social needs using a Multi-Disciplinary approach involving, as necessary, clinical psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses, psychologists and, above all, you.

This assessment may result in simple advice that you can follow without further support, or it may lead to the creation of a formal ‘Care Plan’ specifically designed for you. This will be set with your agreement and will specify the services that you need and who will provide them. Throughout this process you may be accompanied by a supporter or advocate if you wish.

The CMHT will provide ongoing support and supervision to fulfil your Care Plan. This support will be tailored to your needs and may range from occasional meetings with your allocated Community Psychiatric Nurse, through support from Social Workers, to intensive and comprehensive personal support and regular contact with the local hospital.

Support is provided mostly during normal working hours. People with severe mental health problems will also sometimes need support in Woking from the Home Treatment Team who help people whose illness might require admission to hospital (but at home whenever possible), and CREST, who provide intensive long-term help for a small group of people with very high ongoing support needs.

From July 2006, access to both these services is through the Woking CMHT team. The exception to this will be for out-of-hours support where a liaison service will function at the Accident and Emergency department at St. Peter’s.

To enquire further about CMHT services please call 01483 756318, they are open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

How do I access the CMHT services?

If you are already registered, you will have the name and contact details of the person charged with your care. Alternatively, you can call  01483 756318 between 9am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays.

How do I get help if my needs are not being met?

First of all, you must make clear to the person you are dealing with, in polite terms, the nature and cause of your dissatisfaction. If your needs are still not being met, you may make a formal complaint. Ask the person with whom you are dealing how to do that. They must tell you and help you to make your complaint.

If you need support in any part of this process, you can find advocacy advice here>>.
 

What is the CMHT's relationship with St Peter's Hospital?

Woking Community Mental Health Team supports clients living in the community, whether in special residential units or in their own homes. Should a client become so unwell that their interests are best served by receiving treatment at St Peter’s, they will be referred there through the Home Treatment team. Anyone who is admitted to acute services (an inpatient bed or Crisis  & Home Treatment team) can expect their care co-ordinator to remain in contact with them, and for that worker to be involved in any discharge plans.

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