Somerset, UK – In a significant development for mental health services in Somerset, Open Mental Health (OMH) has proudly announced the renewal of its contract to continue its trailblazing, inclusive approach to mental health care.
As an alliance of local voluntary organisations, the NHS, social care, Somerset Council, and individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, OMH works to provide and improve Somerset’s mental health care. OMH is a partnership between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the Open Mental Health voluntary sector alliance. As the lead accountable body, charity Rethink Mental Illness secured the contract, which it holds on behalf of the OMH alliance.
Since 2020, OMH, known for its collaborative and user-led services, has been reshaping the provision of mental health services in Somerset. Beccy Wardle, Associate Director for ICB Partnerships at Rethink Mental Illness, said:
“The contract renewal is great news. OMH can continue providing vital mental health support to the people of Somerset, including open access to mental health nurses, wellbeing and peer support workers, eating disorder specialists, help for carers, and specialist support around benefits, money and debt.”
In 2023 alone, OMH’s confidential telephone support service, Mindline Somerset, answered more than 35,000 calls from those seeking support with their mental health.
Andy Pritchard, Chief Operating Officer of Mind in Somerset, one of OMH’s partners, said:
“It has been a real boost to Somerset’s wellbeing to have Open Mental Health recommissioned. Mindline Somerset,a phone service available to all ages 24/7, has been a game changer. Further, having in-person same-day appointments through Crisis Safe Space has meant that urgent out-of-hours support is an option for people. Both Mindline and Crisis Safe Space are access points to one-to-one and group support, as well as more focused OMH options like hearing voices groups, suicide prevention work, and services to avoid hospital admission.”
The work of OMH’s Expert by Experience Leaders has been vital to these improvements, as shown by the inspiring story of Jo Poole, a Somerset resident whose experiences demonstrate the changes in mental health care. As an Expert by Experience Leader, Jo’s lived experience empowers her to influence and shape OMH’s evolution. She said:
“Open Mental Health looked at the people using the services and said, let’s do the really courageous thing and listen to them.”
Expert by Experience Leaders represent the voice of lived experience in OMH and work as equal partners to guide and shape a more empathic, responsive service. This groundbreaking model means that the voice of lived experience is central to OMH’s decision-making.
Before the inception of OMH, Jo’s experience with mental health services was marked by a stark divide between patients and healthcare providers. “My mum and my dad really struggled with their mental health, and I was always very afraid of mental illness,” Jo recalled. Her life took a dramatic turn following a severe psychotic episode at 17, leading her into the very system she dreaded. Her story of hospitalisations, treatment, and quest for stability explores the challenges of using mental health services.
The establishment of OMH introduced a new era of care, one that Jo passionately supports. With its contract renewal, OMH is set to continue its mission of breaking down barriers, building connections, and welcoming the insights of those with lived experience. “What Open Mental Health has done is bring us closer together,” Jo explained. “The professionals and people with lived experience have found that we’re not so different. We’re all people. We have our weaknesses and strengths.”
Jo’s story demonstrates the effectiveness of OMH’s inclusive approach. From a system that could feel alienating, she now sees a community where professionals and those with lived experience collaborate as equals. “My wellbeing, there’s no comparison to where I was and where I am now,” she reflected, attributing a renewed sense of purpose to her involvement with OMH.
The renewal of OMH’s contract ensures it can continue to support people with their mental health in Somerset while improving the system thanks to the insights of people who have lived experience. Jo’s story is an example of why this is crucial—not just for those directly affected by mental health issues but for the community as a whole. Her journey from patient to advocate and leader within OMH shows the effectiveness of inclusive care and the importance of listening to those OMH aims to serve.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has been central in investing in OMH. Jane Yeandle, Service Group Director, Mental Health & Learning Disabilities for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are delighted that the MH Community Transformation contract has been awarded to Open Mental Health. Open Mental Health has matured significantly since its inception in 2020, and it has been wonderful to see integrated working across the NHS and the voluntary sector, as well as the introduction of new voluntary and community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) partners.
“This award affords us the opportunity to continue to work in partnership as Open Mental Health. We are keen to strengthen our approaches to locality leadership, integrated groups, courses and activities, as well as visibility of key targets. Somerset’s Open Mental Health offer continues to be considered a national “exemplar”, and it is lovely to see all the hard work of partners, front-line staff and experts by experience recognised.”
Juliet Lyon CBE, Open Mental Health’s Independent Chair, added:
“This partnership between Somerset Foundation Trust and the Open Mental Health Alliance really opens the door for people in Somerset to get mental health support where and when they need it most.”
If you need support with your mental health, please contact Open Mental Health. The confidential phone line is open anytime, day or night. Call locally on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. You can also visit openmentalhealth.org.uk.
Our Media Resources Page contains further background information about OMH and multimedia resources.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Jo Poole, please contact:
Jon Creffield
Media & Copywriting Officer
Jonathan.Creffield@rethink.org
07483 913 152
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