NELFT Crisis Alternatives - Redbridge

Overview

This specification outlines the development of a Mental Health Crisis Alternative in Redbridge, a service providing non-clinical, community-based mental health support. The service will focus on supporting those experiencing a self-defined mental health crisis who do not require immediate medical attention. It will offer timely interventions aimed at preventing escalation to statutory services like psychiatric liaison or emergency departments. This initiative aligns with local needs, addressing the unique demographic and socio-economic factors of Redbridge. This service supports the objectives of the North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and aligns with the Redbridge Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which emphasises mental health as a key priority. Please see the link below for the London Borough of Redbridge Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) 2022: Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The NHS Long-Term Plan and the North East London Joint Forward Plan highlight the importance of non-clinical, community-based crisis services that reduce the pressure on statutory services, emergency departments, and inpatient facilities. The Crisis Alternative will serve as a critical component of Redbridge 's mental health crisis. North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) have experienced significant increase in referrals and complexity of service user presentations; resulting in increases in waiting times and high caseloads with the number of discharges back into primary care not matching the increase in referrals. The impact on NELFT services means high caseload levels which impacts on the ability to provide high quality care in a timely manner. The expectation is that the crisis alternative reduces the pressure and demand on other services i.e. Emergency Departments, and supports those patients discharged back into primary care as part of the provision for patients not requiring clinical support in a crisis. The primary aims of the Redbridge Mental Health Crisis Alternative are to: • Provide immediate, non-clinical support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, preventing escalation to statutory services like emergency departments and psychiatric liaison teams • Reduce pressure on emergency services by offering a safe, non-medical alternative to hospital-based crisis interventions • Address mental health inequalities by providing targeted support to underserved and underrepresented groups in Redbridge including the homeless, LGBTQI+, older adults, black males and Asian/Asian British communities, utilising current peers support worker and volunteering resources • Promote early intervention and de-escalation through crisis listening, safety planning, and peer support, empowering individuals to manage their mental health and avoid future crises. • Enhance community resilience by offering practical support and linking individuals to appropriate local services, thereby reducing social isolation and promoting long-term mental wellbeing. • Collaborate with local VCSEs and statutory services to ensure an integrated care pathway, allowing smooth transitions between community and clinical services where needed. • Easy Access to provide a safe space that is easily accessible to all adults and older adults during the operating hours via self-referral, third party referral and walk-ins. Hours of Operation: The Alternative will operate seven days a week Monday to Friday from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, providing out-of-hours support to residents. The provider is expected to offer a weekend service, the provider is to advise of the weekend opening hours. Bank holidays are not mandatory but at the providers discretion. Venue: The service will be delivered at an accessible community venue, ideally in a central location with good transport links. The Provider will supply a suitable premises in the London borough of Redbridge. The property shall be secure for all members of staff and users of service within the building with effect