National recognition for Bristol Community Rehabilitation Team 

The service, which is run by Second Step in partnership with Avon & Wiltshire NHS Partnership Trust (AWP) and women’s mental health charity Missing Link, supports people with serious and complex mental health needs. The achievement highlights the innovative work of the team and also reflects their dedication to improving the lives of the people using the service. Time and again clients are supported to live more independently in the community, avoiding hospital admission.  

Dominic Hardisty, AWP Chief Executive and Aileen Edwards, Chief Executive of Second Step, issued a joint statement: 

“For our Community Rehabilitation team in Bristol to be officially recognised in this way is hugely impressive. This is an ambitious national standards programme which acknowledges the innovative work of the team with a complex client group in challenging times. 

This accolade is for our skilled and dedicated staff team, and we’d like to mention in particular the work done by Senior Practitioner Michelle Spikker and Service Manager Gaelle Carrera. Well done everyone!” 

Michelle Spikker said: 

“The accreditation process is a well-recognised, rigorous and supportive process for services. It is fantastic that the team’s hard work and commitment has enabled us to be one of the first Community Rehabilitation services nationally to achieve accreditation status.” 

In addition to working to prevent hospital admissions, the Bristol Community Rehabilitation service supports clients to be discharged to their GP. Over the last 10 years, since the service launched in 2015, an average of 60% of clients are successfully discharged to their GP, further emphasising the team’s effective and supportive approach in managing complex mental health needs. 

This accreditation is a testament to the exceptional dedication and innovative efforts of the Bristol Community Rehabilitation team. Their work continues to make a profound impact, saving money for the NHS and enhancing the overall system while providing vital support to those in need. You can read the accreditation report here.

Notes to editors:

• For more information please contact PR & Communications Manager Jane Edmonds on 07841 777401 or email jane.edmonds@second-step.co.uk 
• Working in partnership, Second Step, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and Missing Link provide a Community Rehabilitation Service supporting people living with complex mental health difficulties. 
• Specialist clinical leadership is provided by an AWP psychologist and brings together social, psychological and medical approaches to give individually tailored support from a team of professionals. The team also includes peer recovery navigators who have their own experience of recovery and mental health services. 
• Missing Link provides trauma-informed mental health support for women, particularly women experiencing multiple disadvantage and gender-based violence. We deliver services in primary and secondary partnerships with other voluntary sector organisations and AWP, e.g. Assessment and Recovery, Crisis, and Community Rehabilitation. We also provide sector leadership for women’s specialist services. Missing Link – cutting edge women’s mental health services  
• Second Step is a leading mental health organisation in the South West. We believe that with the right support, everyone can take control of their life and make their future their own. 
• Working hand-in-hand with the NHS and local authorities, we offer practical help and emotional support tailored to each individual and their recovery.  
• The people who use our services are at the heart of our organisation, and our STAR involvement groups help inform and improve the services we deliver.