What is Mental Health Together?
Introduced in early 2024, Mental Health Together has been designed to improve the way people with more complex mental health needs are supported in the community. It provides faster, more personalised care from a single source, ensuring people do not have to engage with multiple organisations for different parts of their support.
Watch the animation below to see how Mental Health Together is transforming care.
Mental Health Together FAQs
The service launched in Thanet in January 2024. Following successful testing, we have expanded Mental Health Together across Kent and Medway with services now available in:
- Thanet
- South Kent Coast
- Ashford & Canterbury
- South West Kent
- Dartford, Gravesend & Swanley
- Medway & Swale
- Maidstone
This once in a generation project is transforming how we support people with complex mental health needs in Kent and Medway. Our staff are working with voluntary organisations to provide care that covers all aspects of mental health.
You do not need to worry about navigating multiple services anymore – Mental Health Together has been designed so you get the right help at the right time and only have to tell your story once.
Mental Health Together is available to people with more complex and long-term mental health needs. If you think this might apply to you (or someone you know), the first step is to meet with your GP. They will work with you to determine which mental health services are best suited for your needs, whether that's Mental Health Together or other support available in the community.
If referred, our team will review what the GP has said and, if needed, schedule an Initial Meeting to discuss how you are feeling and what kind of support might help. After this, we will work with you to create a plan that focuses on your mental health and any other areas of your life where you may need support, such as financial or housing.
We are committed to developing Mental Health Together to provide the best possible care for you. In the future, we hope to offer even more flexible options, such as access to self-help guidance and online mental health and wellness courses, so people can access support more easily and at their own pace.
Your GP can refer you to Mental Health Together if they think this service is right for you. Other mental health providers can also refer you, such as Live Well Kent and Medway, Porchlight, Shaw Trust, Kent and Medway Universities, Substance Misuse services, Local Authorities and NHS Talking Therapies.
If during your time with Mental Health Together, or the referral process, it is identified that you need more complex or intensive care, you can be referred to Mental Health Together+ (MHT+) which offers more specialised support for those with the most complex needs. Not everyone will need this extra step and your care plan will be tailored to your specific needs.
Mental Health Together is the new name for Community Mental Health Services in Kent and Medway. If you are receiving this support, you may see a ‘Mental Health Together’ logo on letters you receive about your mental health care.
If you currently receive support from one of our community mental health teams, including our older adults teams, please be assured that they with will not change any of your care without speaking to you and agreeing it first. More answers to questions you may have can be found in the FAQs for existing patients of mental health services on the Kent and Medway ICS website
If you need mental health support now, but it's not an emergency, there are different community mental health services available that are designed to provide support. Explore them to find the right support for you:
- Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to about your mental health. They offer confidential listening and emotional support. Find your local Samaritans branch
- Safe Havens
Safe Havens are community spaces offering immediate support and a safe environment for people in distress. They are staffed by trained professionals and peer supporters, and are open in the evenings and weekends. Find a Safe Haven near you
- SUN (Service User Network)
The SUN project provides peer support groups for people with complex emotional needs, helping to share experiences and build coping strategies. It's available to adults in Kent and Medway, you can self-refer via their website without the need for a formal diagnosis. Visit the Service User Network (SUN) website
- NHS 111 (Mental Health Support)
If you are in mental health distress, but it is not an emergency, you can dial 111 and select the option for mental health. You'll be connected to a trained mental health professional who can offer advice, support, and guidance on what to do next. They can also refer you to local services if needed. This service is available 24/7.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are different ways to get support depending on how urgent things feel.
If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 straight away.
This includes if:
- you feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else
- someone is seriously unwell or unsafe
If you are already under the care of one of our teams
Our community teams are usually open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.
During opening hours, your call will be answered where possible. If the team cannot answer straight away, voicemail may be available and messages will be checked by the team.
If you need urgent help, please do not wait for your care team to respond. Call 111 and select the mental health option, or call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.
Outside of opening hours
You will not be able to leave a voicemail on community team phone lines outside of opening hours.If you call when the team is closed, you will hear a recorded message explaining what to do next.
- If it is an emergency, hang up and call 999.
- For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- For medical advice, call NHS 111
- For non-urgent queries, please contact the team again during opening hours
If you are not currently receiving care from our services
- Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.
- Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You will be connected to someone who can listen to what is happening and help you access the right support.
For more information on how a mental health crisis might look or feel, visit the ‘I need help now’ page
We are committed to developing Mental Health Together to provide the best possible care for you. In the future, we hope to offer even more flexible options such as access to self-help guidance and online mental health and wellness courses, so people can access support more easily and at their own pace.
