"Intensive Home Treatment Team (Airedale), CMHT (Somerset House) + concerns for the future of Bradford District Care Trust"

I would like to say a big thank you firstly to my care co-ordinator and Consultant who are both based at Somerset House. My care co-ordinator has just seen me through a horrendous time, and as a result subsequently co-ordinated further support for me through the IHTT based at the Airedale Centre for Mental Health over the past few weeks.

The timely support that I received from the IHTT (Intentive Home Treatment Team) helped me to focus on 'life' which kept me safe from acting out my thoughts/plan of 'death' which unfortunately I experience on a frequent - if not permanent basis! These thoughts are generally kept at bay by the fulfilment I get out of my job - and of course my family, although I often think they would be better off without me!!

My consultant has been brilliant in organizing alternative meds for me (previous ones not effective!) I also received support in changing my night meds from a nurse within the IHTT who liaised with my GP whilst my consultant was on A/L of which I really appreciated, so would also like to thank all the nurses within the IHTT (Airedale) that have had contact with me over the past few weeks.

Both the individual care package that I received from IHTT and the interventional support I regularly receive from my care co-ordinator has been invaluable to me managing my recovery i.e. not having an In Patient admission / being able to continue to work/ carry on my usual routine, I feel, has helped me to quickly regain a more positive focus on reasons to remain around.

I think this alternative to admission / intervention works well for me (and hopefully as well for others like me!) as it means we have to commit ourselves to being around at a certain time/certain place, and I for one don't like letting people down! (Once I make a commitment that involves someone else - I have to see it through).

I am really worried that the coalition cuts are going to cause a major impact on the level of MH service resources provided by BDCT, especially services within the community i.e. CMHT's, IHTT's, which I think may leave people being treated in the community at risk. Add on the present climate within our local commissioning structure (launch of re-commissioning process/contract termination within VCS providers) - and I'm worried that this will create an even higher level of risk for the most vulnerable, many of whom like myself are either employed within this sector, or resourcing support/care packages from a voluntary sector organization.

My only hope is that these said services and the resources needed to maintain them are seen as 'essential services' in contributing to the mental well being of the district as a whole.

Thank you once again BDCT (and BAMHAG) for keeping me safe.