Mental ill health is very common and can affect people of all ages. A quarter of people will experience mental health problems or mental illness at some point in their lives, which can have an enormous effect on themselves, their family, friends and colleagues.
We have developed a partnership approach, involving the NHS, Social Services and the Third Sector (voluntary, “not for profit” organisations and charities) to deliver better mental health services and promote positive attitudes towards mental health, reducing stigma and discrimination.
Services for adults aged 18 to 65 years
If you are aged between 18 and 65, you should access primary mental health services through your GP. In many cases, this primary care response will be sufficient. In more severe cases, however, you may be referred by your GP to a Care and Treatment Planning Team. When Care and Treatment Planning services work with you, their aim will be to help you in your recovery, improve your quality of life and promote your independence.
Community Mental Health Teams provide secondary mental health services to adults, from 18 years, who have complex mental health needs requiring skilled interventions which exceed what the primary care service can offer. There are three teams based in Rhondda, Cynon and Taff Ely. The teams include a mix of workers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and support workers.
Services for older people over 65 years
Older Persons Mental Health Teams provide secondary mental health services to older adults (over the age of 65) with mental health needs, or people with dementia (of any age). The teams include a mix of health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and support workers. There are three teams based in Rhondda, Cynon and Taff Ely.
Care and Support Teams work with adults who need care, support or protection, as well as carers. This includes older adults with mental health needs, as well as people with dementia. There are six locality teams, covering the whole of the Rhondda Cynon Taf area.
Like many other illnesses, your mental health can be unpredictable and a situation may begin to worsen suddenly, often when regular services are unavailable and the need for a timely response is of the essence. Crisis teams are available 24 hours a day covering the Cwm Taf area. These teams have registered professionals working in them such as consultant psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses. They provide assessments to those people who are in crisis with their mental health. The team will assess whether an individual can be supported at home or needs to receive further assessment in hospital. You can refer yourself whether or not you are known to a Community Mental Health Team. Other health and social care professionals can also refer. If an individual is not known to a Community Mental Health Team we would advise them to speak with their GP first who can advise on appropriate action.
Contacts
Adult Care and Treatment Teams (for under 65 year olds)
Rhondda Team, Municipal Offices (Blue Building), Llewellyn Street, Pentre
Telephone: 01443 424350
Cynon Valley Team, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash
Telephone: 01443 715100
Taff Ely Team, Dewi Sant Health Park, Albert Rd Pontypridd
Telephone: 01443 443 844
Care and Support Teams (for over 65 year olds)
Contact our First Response Team
Telephone: 01443 425003
Crisis Teams
Cynon Valley -
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
01685 721721 Ext 26952 / 26953
Prince Charles Hospital
Gurnos
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 9DT
Taff Ely and Rhondda -
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams
01443 443712 (ext: 4903 9am – 5pm or 6388 out of hours)
Royal Glamorgan Hospital
Ynysmaerdy
Pontyclun
CF72 8XR