Alternatives to Admission

In April 2006 the A2A project was launched in Somerset. It is an action research project looking at alternatives to admission. We have been exploring different models of crisis/safe haven/sanctuary for people in mental distress, in the form of both housing and other ideas. A2A is overseen by a steering group consisting of service users, survivors and carers.

A2A has been enabled by funding from Somerset County Council, Mind in Taunton & West Somerset and Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust, as well as private funding.

For some time the idea of an alternative to existing inpatient services has been discussed in Somerset and various reports and surveys have been undertaken (South Somerset Mind Crisis House, "Mind the Gap" Mind in Taunton & West Somerset and the Halcyon Project).

We are learning about the Commissioning process and have met key people who are aware of the need for an Alternative to Admission and are in support of it in principle. We are hoping that may be funds forthcoming from Somerset NHS towards some kind of crisis house and we will be hoping to influence the philosophy and future of such an initiative.
In our ideas we have moved away from the word 'Crisis' and are talking of a 'Sanctuary/Safe Haven.' This is to avoid any confusion with the essential and valuable work done by the Partnership Crisis Team.

Currently we see our role as utilizing the research that has been carried out on our behalf to enable an informed and research-based proposal and as supporting any initiative that seeks to establish an alternative to admission.