NHS trust and Citizens Advice changing mental health care

The collaboration between the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust and Citizens Advice is helping to address the underlying issues that contribute to a mental health crisis, such as money, housing, employment and relationships.

By combining practical advice and support with specialist mental health care, the scheme aims to improve patient outcomes, prevent hospital readmissions, and support long-term recovery in the community.

At the end of June, colleagues, including national leads from Citizens Advice, NHS England, Money and Pensions Service, NHS Confederation and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, came together to hear more about the initiative's success and discuss ways it could be scaled up and rolled out to other areas.

Attendees from multiple national bodies came together to learn more about the pioneering work. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust) Jon Pritchard, associate director of population and health equity at the trust, said: "We are astonished at the impact the initiative has had on our patients and staff and believe that others could benefit from replicating it."

An evaluation found 96 per cent of patients reported social stressors affecting their mental health, with 91 per cent needing support specifically with money matters.

The study estimated that for every £1 spent, the scheme delivered a return of £14, through shorter inpatient stays, reduced medication use, fewer readmissions, and improved engagement with community services.

For the 50 patients included in the evaluation, this translated to NHS savings of £244,850 over nine months.

One patient, Darryl, who needed care at Melbury Lodge Hospital in Winchester, received support from Citizens Advice, said: "I had lost my life, I was living out of bags and lost all my documentation.

"The Citizens Advice worker came along and she helped me get a new bank card, get a new passport and also helped get me back into the community.

"When I got out of Melbury Lodge they introduced me to the council housing group to help with my housing.

"Without the service I would have struggled much longer and harder than I did."

Sue Campbell, CEO of Citizens Advice Winchester District, said: "The potential to spread this partnership is phenomenal and we’re developing plans to ensure that’s a reality, we want to see it in as many places as possible."

The project has already won the NHS Parliamentary Award for Excellence in Mental Health Care in the Southeast and has been shortlisted for the national award.