Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Mental Health and Wellbeing

In general terms, we can describe mental well-being as feeling positive, satisfied, productive and able to cope with daily stresses and difficult situations.


Up to 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental health problems at some point in their life. Problems can range from stress, anxieties and worries caused by everyday life, to more serious long-term conditions such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia.

 

Most of these problems are caused by stressful situations, such as money issues or losing a loved one. Although these feelings can be intense, they are often only temporary. The right support can make a huge difference when it comes to overcoming these problems.

 

We have the responsibility to protect and support those individual, and their families and carers. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 puts emphasis on supporting and enabling individuals to make their own decisions.

 

 

You can learn about the Act in the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and the Deprivation of liberty safeguards.

 

Vale Locality Mental Health Team (VLMHT)

People can experience mental health difficulties at any point in their lives, the impact on their well-being will vary between individuals. This can depend on diagnosis they receive and how that impacts on day-to-day functioning.

 

Mental health services in Wales are generally set out in a piece of law called the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 which sets out the support people are entitled to. Fundamentally services are divided into Primary and Secondary. Primary services are generally at GP level where individuals are experiencing ‘mild to moderate mental health problems or those with more serious mental health problems who are currently stable. If you have concerns regarding your mental health or the mental health of a family member/friend in the first instance you should contact your GP. Your GP can offer medication, talking therapy within the practice, signposting to other services or referral to other services depending on your needs.

 

The VLMHT comes within ‘Secondary Care’ and provides support with assessed needs. Assessments for Social Care are undertaken, provided and reviewed in line with the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014. This strength based approach works to promote well-being. Vale of Glamorgan Social Workers work within the Vale Locality Mental Health Team based at Barry Hospital. They work alongside Psychiatrists, Community Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychology, Health care assistants and community support workers.

 

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Service: Within day-time services the Vale of Glamorgan operates the AMHP service. This provides Approved Mental Health Professionals to carry out functions of the Mental Health Act particularly around assessment for compulsory admission under the Mental Health Act.

 

Referral is usually via the GP or you can request an assessment:

 

Request An Assessment

 

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Get information about mental health and well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

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A wide range of services are available in the Vale of Glamorgan to support people who are suffering with mental health issues. If you are concerned that you or someone you know has a mental health problem, you should first go to your local GP surgery.

 

If you urgently need to speak to or see someone about your mental health outside of GP hours, you can go to A&E or call 999 where necessary.