The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Specialist Mental Health and Substance Misuse Housing Outreach Service is a new, innovative service currently being provided across Cwm Taf Morgannwg, specifically working with individuals who reside in Homeless Hostels, emergency bed and breakfast accommodation and Housing First Provision.
The service was developed as a result of the measures introduced by WG to respond to the Covid 19 Pandemic. In May 2020, further funding was made available by WG for Local Authorities to provide more sustainable housing provision for those individuals housed in emergency bed and breakfast at the start of the Pandemic.
At that time, evidence from recent National and local Health Needs Assessments identified a high level of substance misuse and mental health needs of the homeless cohort, including those in the across Cwm Taf Morgannwg area. It is recognised that these individuals, often with multiple complex needs were unlikely to access traditional services.
A multi-agency task and finish group consisting of Health, Local Authority Housing and the Area Planning Board was convened to discuss and agree how services could work together to explore options to provide services for this population to address their needs and reduce the risk of them being unable to sustain their tenancies. In July 2020, the group was successful in obtaining funding to provide a Specialist Outreach Service.
The multi-disciplinary team currently consists of, a Mental Health Nurse, a Substance Misuse Nurse, two Co-occurring Support Workers, four Trauma Counsellors, an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (RCT) and a Business Support Officer. A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) works closely with the team to support people who use the service to also access a range of services to address any physical health needs. These include; GPs, Podiatry, Sexual Health, dentistry. The CNS is also working to identify pathways into various generic services.
Access to the Specialist Outreach Service is via the Housing Support providers who will maintain their support alongside the team. The service commenced in March 2021 and has been fully staffed since July. Already there are many excellent results and outcomes for individuals who previously had not successfully engaged in treatment for any length of time. The Team are also able to advocate for those individuals who have Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Misuse needs.
This innovative approach to service provision is being monitored closely by the strategic steering group; it is anticipated that in the future, this service will evolve and grow in accordance with the identified needs of this particular population.
For further information regarding the service please contact: SpecialistOutreach@rctcbc.gov.uk
Posted on Tuesday 4th January 2022