The access and assessment service is for adults aged 18 and over needing community mental health services in the London borough of Waltham Forest. We provide an initial mental health assessment.

Once assessed we may:

• refer or signpost to other mental health services or organisations
• signpost to other services (e.g. social services)
• provide brief intervention by the team for up to six months.

If needed, we can offer:

• full assessment of mental health and social care needs
• access to a psychiatrist talking therapies and other psychological help
• advice and information
• crisis intervention
• psychiatric medication review
• if appropriate self-guided support
• support with social problems
• recovery and wellbeing approaches.

We also provide a single telephone number for anyone enquiring about mental health services in Waltham Forest, urgent mental health assessment where needed and management of referrals to other specialist mental health services.

Our team is made up of psychiatrists, community mental health nurses, mental health social workers, support time and recovery workers and occupational therapists.

Contact our service in Waltham Forest

Access assessment and brief intervention team
The Jane Atkinson Health and Wellbeing Centre (Thorpe Coombe Hospital site)
714 Forest Road                             
Walthamstow
E17 3HP

Tel: 0300 300 1570 - Opt 4
Enquiries email: WFMHSPAEnquiries@nelft.nhs.uk
Opening times: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

Mental Health Crisis Lines

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service calling:

• 111 Option 2 for Mental Health, or Mental Health Direct on 0800 995 1000. 

If you currently receive a service from a team at NELFT, such as a local community mental health team or a psychiatrist, then you can make contact with them directly during office hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. It may be helpful to refer to your care plan, which should have details of who to contact in an emergency.

Referrals

Referrals will be accepted from GPs or other health professional. Self referrals or from family, carers or friends and via walk-in centres. Please email: WFMHSPAReferrals@nelft.nhs.uk