Community care options

Many mental health problems are treated by seeing your doctor, nurse or other care worker in your own home or at your doctor's surgery. You may also be treated as an outpatient at your local hospital, where you do not stay in hospital but go for your appointment only.

Community mental health services

There are a lot of community services available to support your medical care - your health worker will be able to tell you if you are eligible.

Day care

Help at home with everyday tasks

Local trusts can provide services such as meals on wheels and home helps if social services think that it will help you to stay in your home or community. You will need to have a community care assessment to get access to these services.

Accommodation

Supported housing and group homes

These schemes provide furnished housing for those who can live independently but benefit from having access to support workers.

You will need to have a community care assessment to get a place in one of these schemes, and you may have to pay - there is a means test to determine this.

Hostels

Hostels provide short-term housing with the aim of encouraging independence while supporting your needs. Workers include nurses, social workers and mental health support workers.

Residential care and nursing homes

24 hour care can be provided by residential social workers, nurses and mental health support workers. This is for people who need a high level of care and find it hard to manage in their own home, despite other community care schemes.