Information for Health Care Professionals
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis or long-term struggle is a significant part of the work you do every day in the NHS. Whether you are a GP, a nurse, or a member of the wider healthcare team, you know that clinical care is often just one piece of the mental health puzzle. In Somerset, it is estimated that one in four adults will experience a mental health problem each year. This creates immense pressure on our local health services, with mental health being a factor in many A&E visits and primary care appointments.
How we work
We know that for many people, the root of their distress isn’t just medical; it’s often tied to loneliness, housing concerns, debt, or past trauma. This is where Open Mental Health comes in. We work alongside you to provide the holistic, community-based support that helps people stay well and recover.
Open Mental Health is an alliance of local community organisations working in a close partnership with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the Somerset Council. We aren’t a separate entity tucked away; we are an extension of the NHS support network available to adults across the county.
Our alliance is built on the knowledge of Experts by Experience—people who have lived through mental health challenges themselves and now use that insight to help shape how we work. By bringing together the voluntary sector and the NHS, we aim to ensure no one in Somerset has to struggle alone.
What we can do for your patients
When you refer a patient to us, they gain access to a wide range of support tailored to what they actually need at that moment. Because we look at the whole person, our help goes beyond traditional clinical interventions.
We can assist with:
• Immediate Support: Through our Mindline Somerset and Crisis Safe Space services, we provide a listening ear and assistance for those in acute distress. Mindline is available 24/7 on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692; a patient can arrange a Crisis Safe Space appointment by calling Mindline or booking on our website.
• Specialist Support: This includes help for specific challenges, like eating disorders through our partners at SWEDA.
• Community Connections: We help people rediscover their confidence through peer support groups, activity sessions, and social opportunities.
• Practical Help: We support people with life problems that weigh on mental health, like benefits, housing advice, and debt management.
You can read more about the wide range of support options available through Open Mental Health in our Directory of Services.
Our impact is real. Last year, our services helped lead to a 15% reduction in mental health-related A&E attendances and a 35% drop in acute hospital bed days.
How to make a Referral
We’ve worked hard to make referring a patient as straightforward as possible. You don’t need to find your way through a maze of different organisations; just complete our professional referral form online. It’s a simple process designed to get the person to the right place without unnecessary delays. Once we receive the form, our team will reach out to the individual to discuss their needs and link them with the most appropriate partner organisations and projects
Empowering Patients to Self-Refer
Sometimes, the best first step is for a patient to take the lead in their own recovery. If you feel a patient is ready to reach out themselves, you can signpost them to our website.
Anyone over 18 in Somerset can self-refer to Open Mental Health by:
• Calling Mindline Somerset on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692 and asking the person on the phone to refer them to Open Mental Health. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Visiting our website to fill out our contact form directly.
OMH Newsletter
You may want to Sign up for the Open Mental Health newsletter to find out what we’re doing as an alliance, including updates on new activities and opportunities and the impact our work is having on the people of Somerset.