Agenda item

Report from Adrian Crook, Director Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning attached.

Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning and Jane Case, Programme Manager, Children’s CCG provided an overview of the report.

It was reported that the impact of the pandemic has influenced Adult and Children and Young people’s (CYP) emotional wellbeing and mental health nationally, regionally, and locally. This has brought to light system pressures that were previously being managed. This briefing is to update on the developments over the last 10 months regarding mental health provision for Adults and CYP in Bury and the proposed series of interventions that will start to address the system redesign in accordance with the Bury Mental Health Thrive framework.   

Some of the developments that have taken place over the last ten months are as follows:

Children’s and Young Peoples Mental Health

·         The establishment of a digital offer for children and young people’s wellbeing (Kooth) providing online counselling provision and support

·         The standing up of emotional health and wellbeing practitioners in 9 of the 13 High schools delivering in Bury. Offering 1-1 support and guidance

·         Launched the Bury early attachment service

·         Utilised the creative care kits from GM 

·         Established a waiting list initiative to support the early years neurodevelopmental pathway 

·         Linking into the wider Youth participation BEE Heard Children’s and Young Peoples Voice At the Circle of Influence * session Children and Young People told us that:

•      They wanted more provision

•      They didn’t want long waiting lists

•      They wanted more visible support, preferably in school

Adult Mental Health

·         Development of the “Thriving In Bury” Mental Health brand and a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing directory of services on the Bury Local Authority directory website along with a communications plan.

·         Launch of the Bury “Getting Help Line” via a local VCFE provider (Early Break) which has supported over 500 people with their Mental Wellbeing and provided person centred resource packs and established pathways into universal primary, community and secondary care services.

·         Development of a Mental Health education programme.

·         Mobilisation of the “Urgent Emergency Care by Appointment Service” to support the wider urgent care pathway and isoperational 7 days per week from 8am – 9pm.  Based at Fairfield General Hospital and excepting direct referrals from GP’s.

·         Launch of the “Bury Peer Led Crisis Service” in April 2021, delivered by a local VCFE provider (BIG) and is operational Monday, Thursday and Friday 6pm-11pm. The service has made a real difference to the lives of those experiencing Mental Health Crisis and is projected to support over 200 people by the end of March 2022.

·         A review of the Community Mental Health Team led to a number of changes to improve operations and links with wider pathways.

·         The Launch of a number of Mental Health and Wellbeing digital services in partnership with Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership (GMHSCP) to support vulnerable groups such as BAME, LGB. The Silver Cloud digital therapy is now offered with support from Healthy Minds therapists in Bury.

·         Local VCFE partner “The Creative Living Centre” made 1424 welfare calls during lockdown.

·         Launch of the Pennine Care Foundation Trust (PCFT) 24/7 Crisis Helpline to support known and unknown service users who are experiencing a crisis. Pathways have been established with emergency services via the GM Clinical & Assessment Service (CAS).

Councillor Birchmore asked if there is a pattern in people who are at risk of suicide and if the Council are working with local voluntary organisations.

In response Jon Hobday, Consultant for Public Health advised that Rebecca Jackson who runs the big Fandango in Bury is part of the Suicide Prevention Group. Statistically Bury has not seen a significant rise, but what we have seen is an increase in factors that are seen as contributors such as self-harm and mental health. We work with many local voluntary organisations and training offers. We also work with BIG who run a peer support crisis group and the Creative Lining Centre.

Councillor Walmsley raised a query regarding two recent inquests that are happening and the mental health support they did not receive. She asked for reassurance if we are getting our mental health offer right yet as there are many examples of restricted or no opportunity for access.

Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning, advised it is locally and nationally accepted that mental health services have suffered due to underfunding. Money is being re-invested incrementally and therefore change will take time.

Councillor Pilkington advised looking for mental health support proves difficult for many residents as triage is carried out over the phone. He asked if it is going to be possible to have face to face support for those who need it.

Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised the majority of triage is done over the phone but there are also face to face options if the telephone appointment is not suitable.

Councillor Pilkington questioned that service providers tend to shy away from supporting individuals who identify with ASD or ADHD due to neurodiversity, what is being done to assist this.

Jane Case Programme Manager, Children’s CCG advised we have a strong parents forum who hold Bury Council accountable and using lived experience to shape support.

Councillor Grimshaw advised that many residents have concerns around accessing a GP.

In response it was advised around 60% of appointments are now face to face but an update report on GP access can be brought back to a future meeting. The new way of accessing a GP is viewed by many as good but unfortunately it is proving difficult for others.

Councillor Lewis questioned if walk in centres will be opened soon as they are often the first point of call for people in a crisis. Councillor Holt further questioned what the journey is for a person in crisis.

Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised that wherever they present there will be an element of triage and then pointed into the right direction. If a need is lower, for example needing healthy minds and healthy young minds the wait is longer.

Councillor Brown asked what sickness levels are like due to the pandemic.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised that the GP model has been changed to limit people in a GP practice.

Councillor Walmsley questioned when the GP app will be up and running.

Will Blandamer advised we will get an update on the app for GP’s including requesting a prescription on this app.

It was agreed:

1.   An update report on GP access can be brought back to a future meeting.

2.   An update on the app for GP’s to be brough to a future meeting

3.   Adrian Crook and Jane Case be thanked for their report.