The aim of the authority is to work with voluntary services with an enhanced focus in mental health to provide support to patients in community settings across Somerset. The authority is seeking an innovation partner to jointly develop and implement a transformational approach to community mental health services.

We need a transformational approach to improving mental health in Somerset due to:

— increased demand and complexity of those with mental health needs, with demand outstripping capacity,

— a growing trend of non-elective and emergency attendances at acute trusts for individuals with acute mental health needs,

— need for greater engagement with the people and their carers who access services,

— expansion of the successful community services model for a more community based approach to Mental Health including all levels of voluntary and community sector support,

— historic under investment in mental health when compared to other localities.

A key aim is to ensure that gaps which can develop between primary and secondary care are removed, with support being more available in the communities in which people live. As part of this, the aim of the authority is to work with voluntary services with an enhanced focus in key areas of supporting mental health and wellbeing, which will, in turn, enable people to get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.