The Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled a pioneering mental health service, the Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing hubs, strategically situated across Oxfordshire. These hubs are poised to offer vital interventions for individuals seeking support, aiming to bridge existing gaps in mental health care provision.
Linked seamlessly with GP surgeries and NHS mental health services, the Keystone hubs represent a collaborative effort to cater to the needs of individuals facing complex mental health challenges. Clinical lead David Chapman emphasized the significance of tailoring services to meet the needs of the most intricate cases, highlighting the collaborative endeavors between mental health teams, primary care networks, and the voluntary sector.
Dr. Chapman, overseeing mental health initiatives within the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care System, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative. He underscored the integration of various stakeholders, including GPs, in the development of these hubs to ensure comprehensive care delivery.
A Multi-disciplinary Approach
Recognizing the longstanding gap in services for individuals grappling with serious mental illnesses, the Keystone hubs were conceived in consultation with those who have firsthand experience with mental health services. This inclusive approach prioritizes the input of patients, carers, and clinicians, ensuring that the services are attuned to the real-world needs of those they aim to serve.
Peer support worker Aideen-Niamh O’Neill emphasized the transformative potential of involving individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes. She highlighted how peer support roles can serve as catalysts for breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity within mental health care settings.
Beth Morphy, the primary care mental health team manager, outlined the multi-disciplinary nature of the Keystone hubs, featuring professionals from diverse backgrounds such as nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, as well as innovative roles like peer support workers and the individual placement and support team dedicated to aiding individuals in reentering the workforce.
Official Launch and Community Engagement
The official launch of the service, slated to be conducted by Oxfordshire-born comedian Matt Richardson, underscores the importance of community engagement and local partnerships in fostering mental health and well-being. The launch event, hosted at the Community Café, a local social enterprise managed by Oxford Community Action, symbolizes the collaborative spirit underpinning the Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing hubs.
