Mental health support

person seated in a wheelchair being supported by a social care worker smiling in bright room
Mental Health Support

Mental health support that adult social care services can provide

The Mental Health Team at the Isle of Wight Council work with the NHS Community Mental Health Teams.

They support the social care needs of people alongside their health needs.

This is achieved through help in the community. This may be when the person has just become ill, have a short-term illness, or need on-going support.

Approved Mental Health Practitioners

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) work on behalf of local authorities to carry out a variety of functions under the Mental Health Act (MHA).

One of their key responsibilities is to make applications for the detention of individuals in hospital. They make sure the MHA and its Code of Practice are followed.

It is the AMHP’s duty to decide whether or not to make the application for the detention of the person who has been assessed under the MHA. The AMHP will make the decision when two medical recommendations have been made. This is also known as sectioning.

This includes

  • considering the correct legal frameworks (Mental Capacity Act, including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)
  • considering alternatives to admission
  • ensuring that the patient is involved
  • identifying and involving their nearest relative

Mental Health Act Section 117 aftercare services

Those who have been in hospital under the Mental Health Act may be eligible for free help and support after they leave hospital. This is under section 117 of the Mental Health Act. This is often called section 117 aftercare.

After-care is the help and support you need to minimise the risk of you returning to hospital or relapsing as a result of your mental health.

Aftercare includes assistance you may receive after leaving hospital such as

  • healthcare
  • social care
  • supported accommodation

You are entitled to section 117 aftercare if you have been in hospital under section 3, 37, 45A, 47, or 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Section 117 of the Mental Health Act states that aftercare services are intended to

  • meet a need that arises from or relates to your mental health problem
  • reduce the risk of your mental condition getting worse, and you having to go back to hospital

More support, information and guidance

Support in the event of a mental health crisis or would like further information, advice and guidance from the NHS.