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Link Service

What is the Link Service?

FDAMH has a Link Worker working directly with people who have mental health problems. This may be part of their agreed care-plan, acting as a bridge between specialist mental health services and the wider community. The aim is to provide enough information and support for people to be able to make informed choices about the services they might need to aid their recovery.

When you have a mental health problem, it is sometimes difficult to become involved in things that other people take for granted. The service aims to put people who are affected by mental health problems in touch with local services and to enable them to make fuller use of these services. The goal is to promote integration with the wider community and to enable individuals to participate in everyday activities.

What will the Link Worker do?

The link worker will work closely with you to enable you to achieve your goals. She can also help with practical, financial, emotional, social and leisure issues. She will help you to think through your options, plan a course of action, and if needed, accompany you to your chosen services.

Would the link work service help me?

• It’s easy to feel isolated when your health problems make it difficult for you to get on with “normal” life.
• It can be hard to express your needs when you feel unwell.
• The range of help available can be confusing in itself.

If you have care or support needs which aren’t being met, then the Link Service is here to make finding appropriate help easier.

The link service is especially suitable where an aspect of your care plan requires more input, or where a specific issue would be best dealt with in a community setting rather than in hospital.

When will the service be available and for how long?

People usually have weekly meetings with the worker initially, then 2 weekly and 4 weekly depending on need. Since the service aims to enable a transition to other community resources, people will usually be seen for six months only.

How do I access the service?

Access to the service is by referral only. A social worker, CPN, Psychiatrist or Key Worker can do this by contacting us.