A groundbreaking Fife initiative has proven that connecting people and communities is at the heart of supporting those with mental health problems.
The news that the “Keep Well” scheme is now being expanded comes as Scottish Mental Health Week starts .
It is known that, at any one time, one in four of the adult population has a mental health problem.
With demand for services increasing, new approaches to supporting people’s mental wellbeing were needed and so the Keep Well – Community Connections pilot was established.
The project originated from a health round table event which brought together GPs, health workers, voluntary groups and council services.
Cowdenbeath area committee invested £20,744 to support the pilot which was based in Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath and saw local GPs refer individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions to a link nurse.
The nurse worked with patients to help combat the challenges by linking them into local support networks and agencies so their mental health and wellbeing can be improved.
Findings have confirmed that the approach is helping to break the cycle of frequent visits to GPs.
The approach is now expanding under Fife’s health and social care partnership, where a Keep Well – Community Connections programme will be set up to serve Levenmouth from this month.
Partnership chairwoman Rona Laing said: “Mental health can be very complex but the aim of the approach is to focus particularly on how we can help support people where medicine and tablets are perhaps not always the answer.
“Worries about debt, housing or employment, drug and alcohol misuse, lack of physical activity, social isolation, emotional distress and breakdown of family support can all be factors.”
Over the two years, the initiative has seen more than 170 people access the service.
Cowdenbeath area committee chairman Mark Hood added: “When we got people from a cross section of our community groups and public services in a room together it was clear that there was some great work being done, but it was also clear that people where working in isolation.
“I am delighted that this leading piece of work is going to be expanded.”
The project was supported by Dr Iain Mathie of Inzievar medical practice in Oakley.
“I have received very good feedback from patients regarding the help they have received, and would thoroughly recommend Community Connections.”
Link nurse Linda Mercer underlined that partnership working across the third sector, health, social care and local services has been a strength to the pilot’s success.
