Hospital to Home is an integrated support service designed to make the transition from an acute mental health ward to a client’s place of residence easier for them to manage.

Launched in April 2021, the service is a collaboration between BLG Mind and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

Readjusting back to normal life can be tough for those who have spent time in hospital with mental health issues. Many people may find it hugely challenging to juggle tasks such as food shopping and paying bills with looking after their mental health.

The Hospital to Home peer support programme was launched in April 2021 to help address this. Run in partnership with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, it was set up to make service users’ transition from an acute mental health ward in Bromley or Greenwich back into the community as safe and sustainable as possible. Through its support provision, the service aims to create shorter hospitals stays and reduce the number of hospital re-admissions.

What support is offered?

Hospital to Home’s dedicated support workers have lived experience of mental health problems. From emotional support around mental health to practical support relating to living arrangements, they have a flexible, hands-on approach, and are able to direct people towards BLG Mind services and other support if needed.

The team spend time developing relationships with their clients while they are in hospital, so that when the time comes to transition back to home living, clients feel safe and supported. The peer support workers may visit the users of the service in their homes, as well as offering additional support on the phone and online.

Support is offered for up to two weeks while the patient is admitted, and for up to four weeks following discharge.

Contact

For more information, please telephone Bromley Recovery Works on 020 8289 5020 or email recoverycollege@blgmind.org.uk.