Service provision gaps and the VCSE

This brings into focus the role of the able to free up the time of youth VCSE and how it is either bridging gaps workers to provide more specialist between existing services by supporting advice, through the use of volunteer

It is often those with the most complex people to access or navigate through the mentors who could work with young

and enduring needs that receive system, or offering additional provision people and provide additional

the least help. Like the APPG, many to address unmet need. The APPG heard support.

respondents are concerned about the

several perspectives on this, including:lack of adequate service provision for • The NCVO emphasised the this client group in general. Carers in • CAIS said that the third sector can important role that social action and Hertfordshire called for consistency bridge the gap between existing volunteering has in transforming of care for those with a dual diagnosis statutory mental health and the way the NHS works with people and no gaps between the completion substance misuse in North Wales, by and communities. They told us that of a person’s planned detox and any providing enhanced peer mentoring, volunteer support offers particular necessary mental health interventions, early intervention and engagement value for those with complex needs which they note the Hertfordshire Dual provision to relieve some of the or multiple conditions who rely Diagnosis Protocol aims to do. They also pressures on NHS staff providing heavily on services, as volunteers stressed the need for education about support to those that most need it. can help join up services and support dual diagnosis and complex more integrated care. needs among frontline service staff including primary care Changes in commissioning, the We believe that social action and A&E as the entry points to separation of substance misuse and has a significant role to play, treatment and support are not only via specialist services. mental health budgets and funding but it cannot simply be used as a reactive sticking plaster shortages mean that clinicians are fix that exists on the edges of Dr Taylor, a Manchester GP, frequently in the difficult position the health and care system said there are no complete services for complex needs or dual diagnosis in his area of having to use diagnosis, often primary diagnosis to decide where for those with complex needs or a dual diagnosis who have been failed by other services. It and the Recovery Republic or indeed whether an individual is requires adequate investment helped to fill this gap, though delivered a service. Dual diagnosis of time, money and expertise he hopes that things will improve through the Greater patients are more likely to be to become a truly effective and sustainable part of the system Manchester Population Health rejected by services as ‘someone as a whole. Further to this, Plan and devolution. Service else’s case’ or passed between as the NCVO stated in their users in Brighton and Hove also described Mind’s local dual diagnosis support as a mental health and addiction services repeatedly. evidence, volunteering is key to the success of the Five Year Forward View, which includes valued and relied upon resource in an area with little other Dr David Manley, 2015 a vision for a new relationship with patients and communities suitable provision. Access and and the encouragement of referral barriers for people with community volunteering. substance misuse problems and mental • The Open Doors social action health issues are also widespread, with programme at the Youth Resource Resource requirements people facing disparate services or being refused referrals and access. service in Sherborne that provides support to vulnerable and Pathway and Build on Belief told us how projects can be dependent on either a disadvantaged young people was few or even just one committed person.