Local VCSE partner opens new wellbeing accommodation for adults experiencing a mental health crisis

Local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation Bath Mind has opened a non-medical house offering wellbeing accommodation for adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

Orchard House, located on the edge of Midsomer Norton provides a step-up service for people living in the community who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and need support to avoid hospital admission. It also provides a step-down service for those leaving an in-patient setting who would benefit from additional support before returning home.

The house has been fully refurbished to provide a calm, welcoming environment for up to four people to be supported at a time. Staff work with each person to create an individualised support plan, to develop their coping skills, regain confidence in daily activities and enable them to safely return home; as well as working collaboratively with the individual’s mental health team to ensure they have the right support in place when they leave Orchard House.

Manager of the service Megan Bullus said the service was important because of the wide range of support it offered.  

“We can support those in mental health crisis in various ways including 1:1 emotional support, crisis and safety planning, coping strategies, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, as well as helping people with their daily living skills to hopefully return home safely. We also help with further referrals to other services and signposting.

More information and contact details are available on the Bath Mind website at  https://www.bathmind.org.uk/our-services/supported-housing/orchard-house/