The Connecting Community Mental Health Support Study
Background
The NHS Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults (2019) sets out a vision for place-based mental health support integrating NHS services, public health, social care, and the voluntary sector. However, many service users report a lack of integration across services, and difficulty accessing the right support at the right time.
Study Aim
This study aimed to identify actionable ways to strengthen integration between NHS mental health, social care, and voluntary sector services in England. By exploring service users’ perspectives, we sought to inform a whole-system approach to improving mental health support and reducing inequalities.
Methods
We used Group Concept Mapping workshops alongside qualitative interviews to co-produce recommendations with 55 service users across two regions in England. These methods enabled a systems-level view grounded in lived experience.
Key Findings
Service users reported the mental healthcare system as fragmented, opaque, and challenging to navigate, especially during periods of acute need. Many were unsure what services existed, how to access them, or what to expect. Service users emphasised the need for a more holistic approach that addresses the wider determinants of mental health. Together with service users, we developed seven recommendations to strengthen integration and improve experiences of care.
Recommendations
Integrated IT System
This would allow different services to securely share patient information, reducing duplication and improving continuity of care.
Mental Health Passports
These help service users avoid repeating their story by providing a personal summary that can be shared across services.
Named Link Workers
Link workers can guide individuals through the system, ensuring they access the right support at the right time.
Tailored Community Support Groups
These groups offer ongoing support after hospital discharge, helping prevent relapse and promoting recovery.
Community Hubs and Service Directories
Hubs and directories make it easier to find and access local mental health and social care services.
Embedded Mental Health Workers
Placing mental health professionals in other teams, for example, well-being nurses in GP surgeries, and mental health workers in ambulance crews, may improve access and early intervention.
Experts by Experience in the Workforce
Involving people with lived experience enhances empathy and relevance in service design and delivery.
See our study outputs below for more details.
Study Outputs
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Watch an animation of our findings
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Read our research report
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Read our research paper
Funder: This Research Award (award number: MH001) was funded as part of the Three NIHR Research Schools Mental Health Programme. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
Study Dates: January 2022 – May 2024
