The Open Mental Health Alliance
Market Context
In 2019, the NHS committed to equal priority for physical and mental health services. Somerset was selected to transform community mental health by creating Open Mental Health—a partnership between statutory and voluntary sectors. Somerset Council redirected Mental Health Wellbeing Services funding to this Alliance.
A 2023 recommissioning exercise awarded a five-year contract to Rethink Mental Illness, allowing the Alliance to build on its progress and improve outcomes.
The shared ambition is to provide timely, appropriate support for people with mental health problems through specialist services, housing, employment advice, volunteering, peer support, and activities to enhance wellbeing and enabling people to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
By working together in partnership, the Alliance promotes a ‘no wrong door’ for anyone who needs help.
Open Mental Health provides a number of support services for adults across Somerset including:
- Holistic wellbeing workers (1 to 1 and group support)
- Peer supporters/peer support workers
- Psychologists, mental health nurses,
- Occupational therapists
- Older and young people specialists
- Eating disorder specialists
- Developmental trauma specialists
- Money and benefits support
- Housing support
Current Market Status
Somerset Council continues to financially contribute to the Open Mental Health Alliance as part of its commitment to prevention and access to support at the right time and the right place.
Market Data
- 80,000 interventions delivered in 2024-2025
- 35% drop in number of bed days in an acute hospital
- Mental Health re-admission rate 4%- half the national average
- Mental Health A&E attendances reduced by 15%
- Mental Health inpatient admissions reduced by 18%