If you're experiencing symptoms like low mood, negative thoughts, or feelings that interfere with your daily life, visiting your GP is a good first step. Your GP can refer you to one of our new primary care mental health services for support. You don't need to have a formal diagnosis of mental illness to receive support.
Quick and easy access
We’ve introduced new community mental health services that you can access directly through your GP. These services are designed to give people the support they need earlier on, helping address mental health challenges before they become more serious. For those with more complex needs, we offer personalised, community-based care, all while keeping your GP involved.
In Surrey, these services are called GP Integrated Mental Health Services (GPimhs), and in South Frimley, they’re known as Mental Health Integrated Care Services (MHICS).
The service is open to people who are experiencing mental health problems or difficulties which impact on their life, whether they:
- are dealing with mental health challenges for the first time
- have been receiving support from their GP for a while
- have completed a period of intensive specialist mental health care and are now in recovery
What to expect
Once your GP refers you, one of our team will be in touch within 28 days to ensure you receive the right care as soon as possible. By acting quickly, we can help you start your journey to recovery and prevent any further decline in your mental health.
A practitioner will work with you to develop a personalised plan to improve your mental health and well-being.
You will be linked with different specialists in the service team as part of your personalised, mental health and wellbeing plan. This may include access to:
- specialist mental health interventions
- medication advice
- mental health professionals including those with expertise in managing emotions and eating disorders
While receiving help from the service, you will remain in the overall care of your GP.
Whole-person care
We understand that mental health is connected to many aspects of your life. That’s why we work closely with local charities, social care, and other health services to offer a holistic approach. Our personalised care plans may include help with:
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finding a job
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housing issues
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money worries
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concerns about your relationships
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drug and alcohol dependency
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overcoming loneliness and isolation
Our new services include staff employed by local charities, Andover Mind, Catalyst, Mary Francis Trust, Richmond Fellowship, and Action for Carers. We also have community partnerships with Surrey County Council, NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Frimley. People with lived experience of significant mental health needs, and their carers, have a central role in shaping and developing our new services throughout Surrey and north east Hampshire.
Services your GP can refer to:
Adult Eating Disorder Mental Health Service (AEDimhs)
If you’re experiencing issues with food, are in the early stages of an eating disorder, or your condition isn’t currently affecting your physical health, AEDimhs is here to help. Working closely with local GPs, we offer specialised support for adults who need guidance and care in managing eating difficulties.
Watch the video below and read more about AEDimhs
Managing Emotions Programme (MEP)
Our Managing Emotions Programme (MEP) is here to help you understand and take control of your emotions. You’ll learn practical tools and strategies for handling intense feelings and responding to emotional challenges in healthier ways. MEP is designed to reduce distress and help you build emotional resilience.
Delivered in a supportive group setting, MEP is run by trained mental health professionals and is perfect for anyone finding it hard to manage their emotions.
Community Mental Health Recovery Service
Our community teams are dedicated to supporting people with severe or ongoing mental health challenges. We’re here to help you get back on the road to recovery with the right care and support.
Find out more about community teams
Community Services for Older People
The Older People’s Community Mental Health Team offers assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for people over 65 who present with functional mental health illnesses; deterioration in cognition and/or dementia.
Find out more about Community teams for older people
Lived Experience Practitioners
The Lived Experience Practitioner service provides peer support and practical assistance to help people regain control of their lives and support them to achieve a better quality of life despite their mental health difficulties.
Watch the video below, and read more about Lived Experience Practitioners