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WQ.476/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2019
Question
Will the Assistant Minister outline what scoping, if any, has so far been done to examine the feasibility of extending the Listening Lounge initiative to other parts of the Island?
Answer
Islanders can now access free early help and support at the Listening Lounge. The aim is to provide early intervention to prevent deterioration in people's mental health. The Lounge opened on the 4th November and is based in Charles House, Charles Street, St Helier.
The facility is a pilot scheme which aims to help islanders with issues such as anxiety and depression before they become more complex. It has been co-produced by the Government of Jersey, the voluntary sector and those with lived experience. Funding is through a partnership arrangement between Health and Community Services and L.I.N.C, a specialist mental health and wellbeing provider in Jersey.
Its delivery is part of the Government of Jersey's commitment to delivering the best health care for islanders, with mental health care a priority. A 14-month contract has been signed between the Government of Jersey and L.I.N.C, which is owned by LV Home Care Ltd, part of the LV Care Group. The service specification has been set for the next three months and will be reviewed by all partners at the beginning of February 2020. The review will look at how the service is working and whether it is meeting the needs of the community and support services.
This is a new service and a pilot. Therefore, it will be continuously evaluated and any lessons learnt before extension is considered. We want to ensure that we have a secure evidence base before dedicating further public monies to the approach. However, the approach is creative and multi-agency and my department would be very pleased to be advised of any needs assessment work that has taken place and any possible resources (venues and staffing) that exist in the Island.