The Therapy Hub

Based at the Victoria Park Centre, Longsight, Manchester, this multi-disciplinary service provides assessment and time limited treatment for those in Later Life with complex mental health needs requiring intensive assessment or input and therapies. 

The service operates across the City and where necessary, transport is provided by NWAS (patient transport). Our nurse-led service provides a safe, friendly and supportive environment which encourages independence and rehabilitation.  Attendance is time-limited, dependent upon ones needs.  We provide assessment, treatment and therapies (average attendance over 6 – 8 weeks, frequency depending upon need), to older adults with severe and enduring functional/organic Mental Health problems and the provision of Young Onset Dementia Service. We operate a number of pathways for those in Later Life under the one umbrella of our service.

As a service we:

• Aid early and safe discharge from inpatient wards and enhance the interface with such.
• Accept urgent referrals from Consultant Psychiatrists who require a timely response to an urgent presentation.
• Deliver short term intensive support to patients who have presented at A&E with crisis relating to mental illness and discharged home.
• Offer an enhanced assessment/treatment for Community Mental Health Team patients.

All of the above provide the least restrictive options to hospital admission.

Care co-ordination is undertaken for some patients dependent upon their care pathway and needs. We aim to set achievable and measurable goals including; monitoring mental health, preventing recurrent relapse, education to promote recovery, carer support, medication management, specialist therapeutic intervention, preventing admission to hospital and supporting timely discharge.  The service is committed to maximizing service users' independence and quality of life.

The Unit provides various evidence based therapies and groups including; cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety management, family therapy, cognitive stimulation, memory skills, dementia carers workshop, post diagnostic support groups and garden therapy.

Patients may be referred for sole attendance at the standalone groups, or attend the groups whilst also receiving intensive assessment and support which involves daily assessment and partaking in evidenced based therapy groups.   

Health promotion is integrated into daily activities in line with local and national policy, for example; improving nutrition, problem solving, supporting a healthier lifestyle and increasing activity levels. Other examples from the group programme are; IT groups, a reading group, movement to music, reminiscence, line dancing, baking, current affairs, occasional pet therapy groups and we have regular guest speakers. Throughout the year various schemes are run in partnerhsip with outside agencies for a set time frame and deliver drama therapy and music therapy. Evidenced based touch therapy/aromatherapy is also available for those for which it may be appropriate and consent in line with other treatments and therapies provided.

Following a period of assessment/treatment, the necessary care arrangements are made to prepare clients for discharge ensuring that it is both safe and effective. Our Community Link Co-ordinator will work with each patient to provide them with an awareness/introduction to local community services and groups they are encouraged to sample which may further aid in recovery and promote mental wellbeing.

Following attendance at our service all are invited, if they wish, to attend a Peer Support Group local to themselves.  Peer support is a group of individuals who have experience of mental health difficulties who meet informally together on a regular basis to offer each other support, advice and friendship. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment to support your on-going recovery and well- being. 

Groups typically meet in a relaxed area of a local community cafe over coffee for approximately an hour each fortnight. The groups, run in the afternoons, are facilitated by the peers themselves and are of an informal nature.

Our team consists of a Manager, Assistant Manager, a Clinical Lead Nurse, 3 Mental Health Practitioners,4 staff nurses, a Community Link Worker, Assistant Practitioner, 5 Support Workers, a Social Worker and an Occupational Therapist.  We work closely with your Consultant, Community Psychiatric Nurses and care team as well as Psychologists and Physiotherapists.  The service is fortunate to have three volunteers to support ongoing group activities.