People with Mental Health Problems
Services available to people with mental health problems are:
- single shared assessments
- support to individuals, carers & families
- support during rehabilitation
- advocacy, befriending & counselling services
- Mental Health Officer service
- welfare rights advice
- day services/activities
- employment opportunities
- home care
- respite care
- Specialist Mental Health Social Worker
- supported accommodation
Social Care Services, Shetland Health Board and the voluntary sector are working together to develop a comprehensive mental health service for those who need help and support in our community. This inter-agency strategy aims to involve service users and carers directly in needs assessment and Care Plans, and to promote positive attitudes towards mental health through information, skills development and appropriate support.
What is available?
Health and Social Care Services have a Community Mental Health team which consists of a Consultant Psychiatrist, four community psychiatric nurses, a visiting Clinical Psychologist and two administrative staff.
A specialist Social Worker provides both office based and home appointments, with out-patient clinics being held in all GP surgeries throughout Shetland. This team can provide assessments, specific therapeutic interventions and ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Referral is made by the GP or other appropriate professional.
Once a Single Shared Assessment has been carried out, by the Social Worker with input from other agencies such as NHS Shetland, Community Mental Health Team and Local Health centres, care provision can be made.
Annsbrae House, Knab Road, Lerwick provides nine supported tenancies and one respite place for people with mental health difficulties. A limited outreach service is available which can be accessed by referral.
This service can help with daily living skills and provide support. Tel: 01595 694787
Knab Road Skills Centre at Annsbrae also provides social and personal skills training. A forum which has been set up to address the needs of this group includes representatives from Adult Basic Education, Moving On Employment, Shetland Link Up, Alcohol Advice Centre, Health Promotion, Social Care and service users.
Link Up
Provides a free drop-in service for men and women who are recovering from problems with mental health and well-being. Open times are on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am - 2pm. Facilities for smokers and non-smokers. Tea and coffee are free - just help yourself. You are welcome to share a snack meal with us. We play games of various types or just chat. If you want to speak confidentially to a member of staff, we are happy to arrange it.
Contact: John Hadland, 8 Commercial Street, Lerwick, Tel: 01595 693313
email: shetland_linkup@tiscali.co.uk
website: www.shetlandlinkup.org
Women of Worth
This is a group run by women for women who have experienced emotional difficulties and problems with mental health and well-being. We encourage mutual support, a sense of worth, acceptance and respect for all group members, explore aspects of self awareness and develop a sense of acceptance of the self and others. This encourages self-love, self-respect and self-worth. The aim is for members to become more self-reliant, live more independent lives and make healthy life choices. Women of Worth meets at Link Up premises on Mondays and Thursdays 11am - 2pm.
Contact: Julie Tulloch, Tel: 01595 693313
email: women-of-worth@tiscali.co.uk
website: www.shetlandlinkup.org
Art Therapy
Art Therapy can help people communicate feelings and thought processes that may be too hard to express in words alone. More effective ways of coping and moving forward are explored as the client develops their own confidence and builds on their strengths. No artistic skills are necessary, the service can be provided outside Lerwick by arrangement. There is no charge.
Contact: Wilma Stewart, Tel: 01595 743916
email: art.therapist@shetland.org
website: www.shetlandlinkup.org
Local Project
Shetland Community Bike Project
The aims of this project are to provide a therapeutic activity for clients referred from the Alcohol Advice Centre, Shetland Link Up and the Drugs Project and promote cycling by selling or hiring out bikes and organising social cycling events.
Contact: Caroline Leask, The Cellar, Peterson's Closs, Lerwick ZE1 0EX
Tel: 01595 690077 or Fax: 01595 690077 or e-mail shetlandbikeproject@uksfn.org
Mental Health leaflet
Further assistance from:
Sane UK helpline: 0845 767 8000 (local rate - 1200 to 1800 daily) - www.sane.org.uk
Scottish Association for Mental health. Tel: 0141 568 7000 or Fax: 0141 568 7001
www.rethink.org - offering advice on mental illnesses
www.samh.org.uk - Scottish mental health website
www.youngminds.org.uk - info for anyone concerned about the mental health of a young person
For further information please see our Leaflets page and the Other Organisations page.