How your role supports community mental health services

Overview

Although your job title and role may be different to others  undertaking similar work, support roles are often the first person a service user or patient may meet. Support workers can bridge the gap between statutory organisations (such as the NHS or local authority) and voluntary or community groups.    Whether this is responding to a request for information, advice or wanting to be directed to another service, the role you undertake is often seen as the key link between an individual and other services.

Support roles are often seen as the eyes and ears of what is happening in local communities or in a health care environment. You will often be in a good position to support service users navigate their way through, what at times is a complicated set of organisations which make up health and social care.  Your duties may also include assisting individuals to express their concerns, requirements and barriers to accessing services.

Most support workers will have a group of individuals to whom they are asked to provide care to, or support and advice, whilst often working with other staff such as nurses, doctors, therapists,  managers etc who may also see your service user in other forums.

Why is this important

Service users/patients access mental health services for support needs that result from their poor mental health. If left unsupported they may become isolated or reluctant to seek help and advice.

Some may not understand what local community services are available or who can provide them with the advice, or support they need.

Others may be reluctant to interact with organisations such as the NHS or local authority because of their previous experiences.

In all of the above situations, finding ways to encourage the individual, and base a set of actions around their individual needs and requirements helps overall to improve their health and wellbeing.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I am able to explain the responsibilities of the role and how it works in an integrated way to support service users and patients.