Health & Social Care Moray has appointed Scottish charity SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)to deliver adult mental health community support services in Moray until 2029.
Following a competitive procurement process, SAMH has been awarded contracts for two services: an intensive recovery service to support people with higher level mental health needs; and a community support service, which will include delivering the distress brief intervention (DBI) programme.
SAMH, which has been providing mental health services in Moray for over 30 years, will begin delivering services under the new contracts from 1 April 2025.
The organisation will be continuing to deliver the existing intensive recovery service, which provides community support and outreach for people receiving care and support from clinical teams in hospital or the community mental health team. This service focuses on enhanced, community-based support to help people live well at home and work towards their full recovery potential.
Additionally, SAMH will start delivery of a new community support service providing short-term, practical assistance to help people access relevant services and resources that can help them address factors affecting their mental health.
This will also incorporate the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) service which provides a rapid response to people who feel overwhelmed emotionally and are experiencing distress. This includes individuals who may have sought help at a hospital Emergency Department or GP practice, or by contacting social work, police, or ambulance service.
The current DBI service provided by Penumbra will continue until 31 March 2025. SAMH and Penumbra are working together to ensure a smooth transition which minimises disruption for service users.
Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM), said: “We are committed to achieving good mental health for all in Moray. These services will have a key role in supporting people facing mental health challenges, helping them build resilience, navigate their recovery journey, and – most importantly – find hope for the future.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with SAMH as they deliver these services on our behalf. We would also like to thank Penumbra for their invaluable contribution in providing the DBI service in recent years, providing compassionate and non-judgmental support to those in need.”
Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Operations at SAMH,said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contracts for both services. Alongside our Health & Social Care Moray colleagues, we look forward to continuing to support the people of Moray through both existing and new service pathways.”
HSCM continues to fund Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners in GP practices across Moray. These practitioners offer holistic, recovery-focused appointments to help people explore their mental health and identify any barriers to good mental health and wellbeing. The service accepts self-referrals without the need to see a GP first. To make an appointment, contact your practice directly.
Information on local mental health pathways can be found on the Moray Wellbeing Hub’s online tool www.discoverpathwaysmoray.org.uk.
