Bath Mind are delighted to announce the opening of Orchard House - 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 4 people to be supported at a time. Staff work with each person to create an individualised support plan, with the aim of developing their coping skills, regaining confidence in daily activities and enabling 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.

People supported at Orchard House have use of a private, lockable bedroom and access to shared bathrooms and communal areas including a lounge, quiet room and a spacious garden. Food is provided; staff prepare a cooked evening meal and people supported there have access to the kitchen throughout the day for other meals and snacks.

Accommodation and support is available for 7-10 days, providing a calm and safe environment with trained and compassionate staff on the premises 24/7 and sleep-in overnight staff for emergencies.

Referrals to the house are only via Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWP) for people living in B&NES, Swindon or Wiltshire.

For more information and contact details, please visit our website: https://www.bathmind.org.uk/our-services/supported-housing/orchard-house/

If you, or someone you know needs support with their mental health, Bath Mind’s Access Community Mental Health (ACMH) team will walk alongside you every step of the way. This support includes:

· regular check ins with you to support you to achieve your goals

· discussions around local services for you to try

· encouragement and support to access mental health services such as counselling

· a trained and friendly team member that you can rely on

The ACMH team will also help you to plan your next steps, with a focus on future independence.

If you are 16+ and living within B&NES and would like support in accessing the services available in your community, please get in touch via our contact form on our website: Access Community Mental Health Contact Form - Bath Mind

Alternatively, you can get in touch via email or telephone: Email: [email protected]/ Telephone (freephone): 0808 175 1369

Bath Mind’s Access service is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.