The service launched in Thanet in January 2024. Following successful testing, we have expanded Mental Health Together across Kent and Medway with services now available in:

• Thanet
• South Kent Coast
• Ashford & Canterbury
• South West Kent
• Dartford, Gravesend & Swanley
• Medway & Swale
• Maidstone

This once in a generation project is transforming how we support people with complex mental health needs in Kent and Medway. Our staff are working with voluntary organisations to provide care that covers all aspects of mental health.

You do not need to worry about navigating multiple services anymore – Mental Health Together has been designed so you get the right help at the right time and only have to tell your story once.

Mental Health Together is available to people with more complex and long-term mental health needs. If you think this might apply to you (or someone you know), the first step is to meet with your GP. They will work with you to determine which mental health services are best suited for your needs, whether that's Mental Health Together or other support available in the community.

If referred, our team will review what the GP has said and, if needed, schedule an Initial Meeting to discuss how you are feeling and what kind of support might help. After this, we will work with you to create a plan that focuses on your mental health and any other areas of your life where you may need support, such as financial or housing.

We are committed to developing Mental Health Together to provide the best possible care for you. In the future, we hope to offer even more flexible options, such as access to self-help guidance and online mental health and wellness courses, so people can access support more easily and at their own pace.

Your GP can refer you to Mental Health Together if they think this service is right for you. Other mental health providers can also refer you, such as Live Well Kent and Medway, Porchlight, Shaw Trust, Kent and Medway Universities, Substance Misuse services, Local Authorities and NHS Talking Therapies.

If during your time with Mental Health Together, or the referral process, it is identified that you need more complex or intensive care, you can be referred to Mental Health Together+ (MHT+) which offers more specialised support for those with the most complex needs. Not everyone will need this extra step and your care plan will be tailored to your specific needs.

Mental Health Together is the new name for Community Mental Health Services in Kent and Medway. If you are receiving this support, you may see a ‘Mental Health Together’ logo on letters you receive about your mental health care.

If you currently receive support from one of our community mental health teams, including our older adults teams, please be assured that they with will not change any of your care without speaking to you and agreeing it first. More answers to questions you may have can be found in the FAQs for existing patients of mental health services on the Kent and Medway ICS website

If you need mental health support now, but it's not an emergency, there are different community mental health services available that are designed to provide support. Explore them to find the right support for you:

• Samaritans
  The Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to about your mental health. They offer confidential listening and emotional support. Find your local Samaritans branch

• Safe Havens
  Safe Havens are community spaces offering immediate support and a safe environment for people in distress. They are staffed by trained professionals and peer supporters, and are open in the evenings and weekends. Find a Safe Haven near you

• SUN (Service User Network)
  The SUN project provides peer support groups for people with complex emotional needs, helping to share experiences and build coping strategies. It's available to adults in Kent and Medway, you can self-refer via their website without the need for a formal diagnosis. Visit the Service User Network (SUN) website

• NHS 111, Option 2 (Mental Health Support)
  If you are in mental health distress, but it is not an emergency, you can dial 111 and select option 2 to access mental health support. You'll be connected to a trained mental health professional who can offer advice, support, and guidance on what to do next. They can also refer you to local services if needed. This service is available 24/7.

If you are a Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) patient

If you (or someone you know) feel like you are experiencing a mental health crisis the fastest way to get help is to contact the team looking after you during their opening hours.

If urgent help is needed outside of these hours, call 111 and select the option (press 2) for mental health when prompted to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner.

If you believe there is an immediate risk to your life, or someone else’s, call 999 right away.

If you are not currently a KMPT patient

If you (or someone you know) feel like you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 111 and select the option for mental health (press 2) when prompted to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner.

If you believe there is an immediate risk to your life, or someone else’s, call 999 right away.

For more information on how a mental health crisis might look or feel, visit the ‘I need help now’ page on KMPT.

We are committed to developing Mental Health Together to provide the best possible care for you. In the future, we hope to offer even more flexible options such as access to self-help guidance and online mental health and wellness courses, so people can access support more easily and at their own pace.