Making it Happen: helping people with complex mental health needs live well in the community

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has taken a bold step to tackle a long-standing challenge — supporting people with severe and enduring mental ill health to move out of hospital and into the community.

The ‘Making It Happen’ project was created to help individuals who have spent many years in hospital, often due to failed attempts at community placements, to finally find a place they could call home.

Twelve individuals were identified for the initiative. Many had experienced repeated setbacks in care homes or community settings and were at risk of remaining in hospital indefinitely. But thanks to a new approach, developed in partnership with Lanam Health Care, these individuals are now living successfully in the community.

At the heart of the project was a shared commitment to person-led care. A team of professionals across Mental Health from our Commissioning Team, Hospital, Community Health and Social Care Teams worked in conjunction with Lanam Health Care to design and deliver an innovative service that truly met people’s needs. This included a detailed Discharge Support Plan and a three-month outreach period where hospital staff continued to support individuals after their move.

The results have been life-changing. All twelve individuals successfully transitioned and were able to be supported in the community. All were able to live more independently, engage in meaningful activities and experience improved mental health and wellbeing. Families and carers have shared positive feedback, noting the visible improvements in their loved ones’ lives.

The project also brought wider benefits. It reduced the need for long-term hospital beds, cut down on crisis interventions and helped avoid out-of-area placements. It showed that with the right support, people with complex needs can thrive in their own communities.

‘Making It Happen’ is more than just a service, it’s a true collaboration. Everyone involved, from senior leaders to frontline staff and the third sector, played a role in its success. Regular meetings, shared decision-making and ongoing feedback from individuals and families ensured the service stayed responsive and effective.

This project has now become a model for future services. It has shown that by working together and putting people at the centre, we can build a more inclusive and supportive system for people with complex mental health needs.

Steve Collins, Head of Adult Services (North East) said: “This model and collaboration demonstrate how to achieve a reduction in the need for long term mental health hospital beds and increase the availability of complex needs models of care, in the heart of our communities.

“We’re proud of what has been achieved and are committed to using the lessons from ‘Making It Happen’ to shape future services. The project has proven that change is possible, and that with the right approach, we can help people live well, with dignity, in the heart of their communities.”