Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services

La Chasse previously operated as the base for the Adult Community Mental Health Team after colleagues relocated from the Outpatient Department of the General Hospital in June 2015. 

However, if you saw the previous building you will know that it was not entirely fit-for-purpose. 

We really needed to bring the building up to standard; it is fair to say the work that has been undertaken over the past 12-18 months represents a wonderful makeover and so much more.

So, I’m delighted to be able to open this facility today, which concludes the £1 million refurbishment of this new mental health building for the island that will once again house the Community Mental Health Team.

The Community Mental Health Team – many of whom are standing here with me today – was re-established in June 2020 during COVID with the gradual reintroduction of staff.

They are part of the wider Jersey Adult Mental Health operational service and take a whole systems approach to people between 18-64 years who are experiencing a range of mental health problems within the community setting, which cannot be managed within the primary care setting. 

This extremely important service offers multi-disciplinary working with a range of health care professionals including Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists and Psychiatrists.

And I’m tremendously proud of the work they do for the people in our community who require appropriate assessment, treatment and care of their mental health needs.
The Community Mental Health Team now have a place where Islanders with mental health needs can feel welcome and where staff feel proud to call this building their place of work.

The Community Mental Health Team will work in partnership with the Acute Inpatient Services, Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team (CRHTT), Access Team, Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Team, Criminal Justice Services, Jersey Talking Therapies (JTT) and Primary Care ProvHeision to ensure the Island Population receives timely and appropriate assessment, treatment and care.

The Community Mental Health Team will also support Clairvale Road Recovery Unit with capacity of up to 10 beds for clients in recovery and post discharge from inpatient and Off Island units. The Team will also maintain the well-being of clients within the Clozapine/ Depot Clinics, within Wellbeing services and Social Inclusion. 

The Community Mental Health Team will work collaboratively with partners in the third sector including Shelter Trust, Mind Jersey, My Voice Advocacy and Jersey Youth Enquiry Service amongst other voluntary agencies.