Mind BLMK Crisis Lounge

Lots (1)

1. 01

   Lot 1Cancelled

   The Bedford, Luton and Central Bedfordshire mental health crisis cafes will support people in crisis to better self-manage their symptoms and distress in a safe and appropriate environment, in order to reduce activity in Emergency Departments and the wider system including mental health services, police and ambulance services.

   The key objectives will be to:

   * Provide a non-stigmatising, calm and safe environment

   * Provide support to help people resolve their crisis

   * Provide practical and emotional support to enable the person to better self- manage their distress, aid their recovery, and reduce dependency

   * Ensure that staff, practitioners and peer volunteers are trained, supported and professional in their approach

   * Operate as an alternative to Emergency Departments and other emergency services for people experiencing a mental health crisis that does not require medical intervention

   * Link with the wider service system to ensure a joined up partnership approach to the development of local services

   Service Description/Care Pathway

   The service will provide immediate, focussed and time-limited emotional and practical support to people experiencing a mental health crisis that does not require clinical input. It will work with people experiencing a range of different distress, including psychosis. The support will consist of:

   * identifying coping strategies and improving wellbeing

   * information and signposting

   * 1-1 conversations, group/ peer conversations

   * Referral for a mental health assessment when appropriate

   1

   The services will open from 1700 - 2300, and will rotate across the cafe daily across Bedford, Central Bedford and Luton with one cafe operating per night.

   The service is provided by Mind BLMK in partnership with East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) who will provide support from the 24/7 Crisis Team which includes providing urgent mental health assessments as required.

   The cafes will offer 1-1 support, group/peer support. Those attending the cafe should feel heard, understood and listened to and have trust in those they have spoken with. Mind BLMK will ensure people have the opportunity to receive support from staff members on a 1:1 basis in a private room where personal information can be shared and discussed without being overheard by others.

   The provider will also ensure people have the opportunity to share the company of others in larger groups.

   The service will provide informal peer support so those attending the cafe can benefit from other people's knowledge and understanding of the emotional and practical challenges faced by people experiencing mental ill health.

   Identifying coping strategies and improving wellbeing

   The service will achieve this by supporting people to identify the triggers for crisis and personal strategies for preventing and resolving crisis. It will seek to enable the person to understand how to improve their overall well-being. The service will support people to focus on their own individual needs and making their own choices about what will help them, and develop their own coping strategies.

   It will operate in such a way that supports people to recognise their own strengths and talents, encourage hope and support people to work towards improving their emotional wellbeing.

   Information and signposting

   On leaving the service people should feel equipped with the right information and have confidence in the next steps. The service will link people with health, support and community services that will help them address any factors or circumstances that contributed to their crisis.

   The Mind BLMK will have an excellent understanding of health and social landscape and neighbourhoods in order to draw on the wider community resources and assets in the support of people to build their resilience and well-being. Such services may include debt, welfare rights, domestic violence, relationship, housing, substance misuse, religious, cultural, recreational or employment advice.

   The service will provide computer access to those using the service, and support them to make use of these resources. This will include researching local services in order to make appointments. Where signposting to an appropriate service is requested by the person, this will be facilitated, however, wherever possible Mind BLMK will proactively link the person with other services rather than simply point them in the right direction.

   The service will offer access to information on relevant services in appropriate formats.

   Managing capacity and repeat attenders

   A flow of people through the service will be required to ensure ongoing service capacity to support new people presenting in crisis. The service is not a day centre or drop-in by another name. The service will support people through their crisis, and to enable them to develop the resilience, coping strategies and access to networks such that they minimise the need for frequent use of crisis services.

   Liaison with statutory services and community partners

   A critical factor for the successful operation of the service will be having the right partnerships in place. The service will become an integral part of the local community, with effective links to local third sector and community groups, and to key statutory services (e.g. police, Ambulance Service, local A&Es).

   Mind BLMK will be an active player in helping shape the overall pathway to ensure all partner organisations are working together to reduce repeat presentations and ensure a better crisis system.

   Mind BLMK will have a close working partnership with ELFT in particular with the crisis services. This will include:

   * Regular and frequent senior officer level contacts between the organisations

   * Regular and frequent joint team meetings between Mind BLMK Crisis Cafe Manager and leads for the Crisis Team in Bedfordshire and Luton.

   * A Crisis Team presence within the cafes as required

   Location/ premises

   A key enabler for this service is suitable accommodation in Bedford and Luton. The premises offer an environment that is warm, welcoming, non-stigmatising and does not feel clinical. The premises will be community based, of sufficient size and able to offer a safe, calm setting.

   The location will be accessible to local ED departments to aid diversion and in proximity to public transport. The environment must be designed so that people are likely to feel safe and not overwhelmed by excessive stimuli. Access to outdoor, one-to-one rooms and communal space are essential.

   There will be supervised entry to the cafe at all times whilst still being accessible and welcoming.

   Bedford Central Bedfordshire

   Florence Ball House Flitwick - The Rufus Centre

   Bedford Health Village Briggleswade - TBC

   North Wing Hospital

   3 Kimbolton Road

   Bedford

   MK40 2NX

   Acceptance and exclusion criteria and thresholds

   Criteria for Service access:

   * Adult (18 years +) residents of Bedfordshire and Central Bedfordshire

   * People who perceive themselves in mental health crisis, or at risk of moving into mental health crisis who are in need of help outside normal working hours (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00 pm and Weekends).

   Exclusion criteria:

   * Adults with dementia.

   * Children or adolescents

   * People exhibiting violent or aggressive behaviour

   * Active suicidal ideation and who may need admitting to hospital

   * Those requiring assessment under s136 of the Mental Health Act

   * Those who need to be detained under the Mental Health Act

   People must be medically fit and in a fit state to receive the service.