United Welsh wins Bespoke Repatriation service contract

United Welsh has been awarded a two-year contract to deliver a community-based service on behalf of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB).

The bespoke repatriation service will support people with complex mental health and social needs in Gwent.

Currently, people that access adult mental health services commissioned by ABUHB may take residence outside of the Gwent area, or outside Wales, to receive intensive treatment.

For people with complex mental health difficulties, who also experience emotional distress and dysregulation, it can be challenging to leave a ward setting.

Historically, it has also been difficult for local services to offer the intensive support needed for this cohort to move back into the community, closer to home, resulting in individuals returning to health care settings.

Karen Tipple, Deputy Director of Specialist Housing, Support and Wellbeing for United Welsh said:

“At United Welsh, we pride ourselves on our approach to working with people, placing the strengths and needs of individuals at the centre of our service delivery to achieve positive outcomes for them and their communities.

“This new service will use a psychologically informed approach, offering skilled and flexible community support to improve wellbeing and help patients transition into the community to live fulfilled lives in their own homes.

“We look forward to working closely with ABUHB to support more people in Gwent.”

Dr Kate Williams, Clinical and Strategic Lead for Intensive Case Management for ABUHB said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with United Welsh to develop this service. People who experience complex mental health difficulties often find themselves in hospital placements which can be a long way from home. This project offers an exciting opportunity to deliver person centered, needs led support for people in their own homes.

“It is fantastic to collaborate with an organisation who share our values, commitment and passion for creating individualised and bespoke support. We believe this approach can empower people to feel confident to live a meaningful life in their own community.”

This new service will be the second that United Welsh provides on behalf of ABUHB. In 2016, we opened a supported housing scheme in Blaina, working in partnership for patients to move from psychiatric long-term hospital ward placements back to living in the community.

The bespoke repatriation service will be delivered by a team of 10 and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to seven patients a year.