Mental health services team up to create new network

Monday 12 October 2020

All mental health services in Jersey have teamed up together for the first time to provide a single ‘front door’ for people wanting help.

The Mental Health Network is a collaboration of public and private service providers. It means that whichever service someone goes to for help, that provider can either deal with it themselves or easily put that person in touch with a network partner.

The partners are also working together to share information, guidance and resources. They include Jersey Talking Therapies, Alcohol and Drugs Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Listening Lounge, Mind Jersey, Liberate, Jersey Recovery College and My Voice.

The network also has a new page on the Government website listing all the partners and their services.

Dr Jake Bowley, a clinical psychologist who is the Lead Allied Health Professional for Mental Health Care Group, said: “There are many different ways that someone can access help and advice, and this is a real strength because talking about mental health struggles is often difficult. 

“The more ways people can get help the better. We want to encourage and enable people to be able to ask for help before their problems get too big. Acting early really can make a big difference.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure that people don’t have to wait, so when you ask for support you get it as quickly as possible. 

"We’re fortunate in Jersey to make a number of services but one downside of having so many choices is the feeling that you first have to work out which is the right choice to take - and sometimes choice can leave us stuck in indecision.

“That’s why the message of the network is, 'Don’t worry about where to ask for help.'"

He continued: “We are all working together, so whoever you choose to contact, they will make sure that you get the help and support you need.

“The network meets regularly to avoid any repetition and improve communication. We are also linking in with a UK Charity called Hub of Hope, which not only lists services in Jersey but also has a lot of information and its own app. 

”Above all, the message is that there is no waiting list for asking for help. And the importance of someone asking for help before a concern or anxiety grows into something bigger cannot be overestimated.”

Dr Bowley added that one of the partners, Jersey Talking Therapies, has recently changed its operating model so that Islanders can now contact the service directly and no longer have to be referred by their GP.