Mental health support

There are four Community Mental Health Teams in Richmond upon Thames. The teams are managed by South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. To get help from your local Community Mental Health Team you need to visit your doctor (GP) who can refer you.

The Community Mental Health Teams offer support for people with severe or long term mental health needs. They work to provide both health and social care support. Some of the staff within the teams are care managers, community support workers, community psychiatric nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

Where should I go for help if I think I have a mental health problem?

You should visit your doctor or GP. There could be many reasons why you are experiencing particular symptoms or distress. The GP might be able to help you themselves or refer you to someone in their surgery who can offer further assistance. Sometimes they may refer you to a Community Mental Health Team.

Staff in the Community Mental Health Team will talk to you and undertake an assessment of your needs and concerns. After the assessment you will be given a copy of your care plan, which is a written document explaining the help that will be offered to you.

What if I don't want to go to official agencies?

The national charity MIND offer advice and support with mental health issues. Richmond Borough MIND is the local branch of the charity and you can find out about some of the services and support they offer on their website at www.rbmind.com.

The local voluntary group Still Building Bridges produce a Directory of Local Mental Health Services which you can download from the link on the right.

You may like to visit some of the website links on the right for more information, informal advice and support about mental health.

What if I think my neighbour is acting strangely?

If the person is threatening and possibly a risk to themselves or others then you should contact the police with your concerns. If the problem is less serious, such as someone neglecting to care for themselves, then you could discuss your concerns either with your local care team, or contact your local Community Mental Health team. However, you should be aware that if someone does not want to be offered support and they do not appear to be a risk to themselves or others we may well be unable to become involved.

How to contact the Community Mental Health teams

Your care plan should have contact details for your care manager or health professional who co-ordinates your care. If you do not have contact details for the person you need to speak to, you can Richmond Direct in confidence on 020 8891 7971 or text 07800 002439.