Mental Health Signposting for nonclinical staff Todays Schedule

Mental Health Signposting for non-clinical staff

Today’s Schedule. �Introduction. �Why signposting? �Tools and techniques that can support good signposting. �Potential barriers. �Highlighting services (at 3 levels: crisis, medium urgency and information/investigation. )

What is mental Health Signposting? At its simplest, Signposting means pointing the way to useful information. You can signpost to: • Web chats • Telephone helplines • Social media contacts • Apps • Face-to-face services including support groups � Local services and projects (our focus in today’s session)

Outcomes of successful signposting �Increased awareness of activities that improve and protect mental wellbeing. �Increased uptake of arts, leisure, education, volunteering, sporting and other activities by vulnerable and at-risk groups �Increased levels of social contact and social support among marginalised and isolated groups �Reduced waiting lists for psychological services. �reduced levels of frequent attendance (defined as more than 12 visits to GP )

What barriers might there be to signposting?

� Time � Knowledge/information � Confidence.

The skills of a non clinical staff member �Multi-tasking �Flexibility �Telephone skills �Customer service �Time management �Organisation �Attention to detail �Professionalism �Quality focus

Why they make great signposters. �Often the first point of contact at the practice. �Well known �Trusted �Aware of time constraints so skilled at asking questions and eliciting information. �Often responsible for resources on noticeboards.

My ‘ 3 As’ of signposting �Ask: Using the opportunity to strike up a conversation or respond to a question, comment or situation during contact with someone. "You mentioned…. have you got time for me to ask how you feel about…. . “

�Assess: Get the measure of the conversation. Is the patient in crisis? (we will cover this situation later) Is there situation important but less urgent? Do they want information to help them consider the next steps?

�Assist: Share information or signpost people to where they can find local support. In order to Assist, identify whether the person would like additional support or services to help them with their situation. If so, it is an opportunity to signpost the person to local/national services, support or information - this could be in the form of our leaflets, web addresses or telephone numbers.

“Have a think about giving this number a ring. You will find someone answers the phone who can advise you on what support is best for you. ” ''You could visit this website, it provides advice and support as well as a number of really useful apps. "

�Exit strategies may be needed if you realise that the person doesn't want to continue the conversation. So pull away gracefully and say: "Maybe now isn't a good time for you. If you ever do want to talk about it, we are always happy to help. " Or you may come across a situation where the person wants to know things that are beyond your knowledge. In that instance you might say: "I'm not the best person to help you with this query, but I can give you details of someone that will be able to help. "

Where to signpost in crisis �As a practice, you will have a strategy to escalate an immediate crisis situation but it is important to be familiar with current approaches: �‘Crisis’ is a self defined state. �New Mental Health Crisis pathway, including Safe Haven ( 'Open Door' provided by Making Space), 24 hour phone line (provided by Mental Health Matters as a subcontract from Making Space) and extension of STEM ( overnight safe place for up to 6 people provided by PCFT).

Crisis - continued Samaritans – for everyone Call 116 123 jo@samaritans. org Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5 pm to midnight every day Visit the webchat page Papyrus – for people under 35 Call 0800 068 41 41 – 9 am to midnight every day Text 07860 039967 Email pat@papyrus-uk. org SOS Suicide of Silence – for everyone Call 0300 1020 505 – 8 am to midnight every day Email support@sossilenceofsuicide. org

Where to signpost when important but less urgent �Stockport Healthy Minds �Stockport PWS Both have excellent and very usable self referral websites. Details under IAPT in the mental health leaflet �Open Door �Viaduct Well Being & Self Care service. �Shout text service.

Where to signpost if patient wants information to consider next steps �Emotional Wellbeing Hub – 0161 217 6028 �Every Mind Matters Website �Stockport’s mental health leaflet and poster. �NHS Choices website This is an electronic 'leaflet (attached)showing MH offer, widely distributed to Health, Social Care colleagues and third sector. Available as hard copies. Distribution includes pharmacies, shops etc.

Supporting Documents �Mental Health Leaflet �Mental Health Poster �Directory of Mental Health Services �Financial resilience leaflet

Any Questions?