30 April 2009
An innovative St Mungo's partnership scheme run with local police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams has been praised as a model of 'exceptional' practice in the Bradley Review, published today.
The Neighbourhood Link Scheme is a St Mungo's and Revolving Doors Agency (RDA) partnership. A five year pilot project, St Mungo's began managing the scheme in 2007, working with five of the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams in Islington to prevent people from spiralling into a cycle of crisis, crime and mental health problems.
The link workers refer clients to appropriate mental health services and also work to improve their practical or social circumstances, which may be contributing to their distress and to their offending behaviour.
The team of four works with 35 people, all aged over 17, who have been referred because of concerns about anti-social behaviour, housing, drug or alcohol problems, or unmet mental health problems.
Since the project began:
Clients were interviewed and were overwhelmingly positive about the scheme, with two clients rating it an eight and ten out of five. One said: "They're just brilliant guys. It's the whole thing, who they work for, who they work with. I don't think there's anything that needs to be changed. They've put a lot of time and effort into helping me. "
Lord Bradley's Review is an independent inquiry examining the extent to which, where appropriate, offenders with mental health problems or learning difficulties can be diverted from the prison system into other services Commenting on the Islington Neighbourhood Link-worker Pilot Scheme Lord Bradley said: "I visited a number of different schemes up and down the country but the work I saw going on in Islington was exceptional and I am sure others could learn from it.
"The Neighbourhood link worker pilot scheme in Islington is a great example of best practice and my report highlights it as a case study in co-operation between police and health services from which others could learn. The Metropolitan Police, St Mungo's and Revolving Doors Agency deserve praise for this innovative approach."
Charles Fraser, Chief Executive of St Mungo's, said: "This scheme aims to divert people with mental health problems who are either involved in crime or at risk of becoming involved, into an appropriate support service and away from criminal activity, making a visible difference to the communities where they live. It is an example of what can be achieved when people are offered the services they most need, at a time when they need them, and ensures that gaps in mainstream services are plugged.
"This year we are launching a £1m Mental Health Appeal to address some of the major obstacles those with mental ill health face in accessing housing and health services. We're also publishing research in the autumn on where improvements must be made. No one with a mental health problem should be left to sleep rough. Government must direct more funding into schemes such as this which help people before they fall through the net further into homelessness, or into the prison system."
Catherine Hennessy, Director of Development and Partnerships at Revolving Doors Agency, said: "Revolving Doors Agency welcomes the Bradley Review with its renewed focus on responding to the disproportionate numbers of people with mental health problems appearing in our criminal justice system. We are pleased to work in partnership with St Mungo's and Islington Police on the delivery of the Neighbourhood Link scheme. We are delighted that the Review has focussed on this particular project, highlighting the crucial role of early intervention in preventing more people with mental health problems becoming embroiled in the criminal justice system."
Chief Inspector Jane Johnson, Community & Partnership for Islington Police, said: "The work has created a trustworthy and productive working relationship with local police, helped vulnerable individuals into rehabilitation programmes, and has reduced the need for further enforcement by police in problematic policing areas.
"The Neighbourhood Link Scheme should be presented as a model for how working relationships between partners such as Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and local services are to be carried out. Their commitment and dedication to the important work they do sets an example to others working in their field."
The scheme is funded by the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities Programme, the Department of Health's Section 64 Programme and the Safer London Foundation.
The scheme was short-listed for this year's Lemos & Crane ASB Action Net awards and is one of three regional finalists for the Department of Health Social Care Awards in the Mental Health and Well-being category.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact Judith Higgin, Media and Campaign Manager, St Mungo's, on 020 8762 5645, email judith.higgin@mungos.org
Catherine Hennessy, Director of Development and Partnerships, Revolving Doors Agency on 020 72534038, email Catherine.Hennessy@revolving-doors.org.uk