How the mental health system works in Leeds

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There are a lot of different bits of the mental health system in Leeds. Most of them are part of one of the following:

Primary care: part of the NHS (the National Health Service) which most people go to first if they have a health problem. Services include:
- your own doctor (or GP – general practitioner)
- counselling
Social Services: a Department of Leeds City Council which aims to support people to live as independently and as safely as possible in their own homes and communities. Services include:
- help with housing
- things to do during the day to help you recover
- accommodation where somebody will support you for a short time
- information and advice
- support for carers (friends or family who are helping to look after you)
- support if you've been in hospital
Voluntary services: a name given to a large number of independent organisations, which are not part of local government or the NHS. Many of them are charities. They are involved in services which can help and support all parts of life, including:
- housing
- counselling
- arts
- support for carers
- work with young people
- support for people who have problems with alcohol or drugs
- ...and many more.
Leeds Mental Health Trust: part of the NHS. Services include:
- treatment
- hospitals, both for day time, and for staying in
- psychiatrists
- support for carers
- support for people with alcohol and drug addictions
- support for older people
- nurses who visit your home

All these parts of the mental health system in Leeds should work together, and should all be working with the same basic aims. However, people who work in mental health services may not know about all the services that are available, particularly voluntary services.

Many people first go into mental health services after seeing their own doctor, but you can go straight to various other services, particularly voluntary services.

It may be important for you to check what services are available, and for you to go to what you think may be able to help you most. (See separate video clip How to use Leeds Mental Health Directory).