The Devon Mental Health Alliance

Working together for better mental health across Devon

An innovative partnership of VCSE organisations supporting people across Devon with mental health problems

1,200+

people supported through our Recovery Practitioner service

£21.3k

awarded to 30 local organisations through our Innovation Fund

350+

local organisations engaged through community events

250+

group work sessions delivered for various service users

Statistics last updated: 27 March 2024

The Devon Mental Health Alliance (DMHA) is a partnership between six local organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector providing support for people living with mental health problems across Devon. Launched in 2022, the Alliance leads on the implementation of the community portion of the Community Mental Health Framework (CMHF).

We work closely with our statutory partners in Devon — the Devon Partnership NHS Trust and Livewell Southwest — to design and deliver improved services across all areas of Devon to support people with moderate to severe mental illness. Each of our members is jointly and equally accountable for delivery of outputs and outcomes, and for progressing our transformation objectives.

“This experience was life-changing. My Recovery Practitioner has supported me back onto my feet and taught me how to put one foot in front of the other. I feel confident that I can continue to keep my head up with the knowledge and support I have been provided.”

— Recovery Practitioner service user, May 2023

What do we do?

Recovery Practitioner service

We have Recovery Practitioners across all areas of Devon who provide psychologically-informed interventions through one-to-one and group work, as well as acting as a link to the wider community to ensure people have access to effective, local, and sustainable support.

Recovery Practitioners also link with GPs, primary care networks, and mental health teams to help reduce waiting times and ensure that service users have access to the right support as their needs change.

Community Development

Each of our localities has at least one dedicated Community Mental Health Development Lead responsible for promoting the development of mental health support by building relationships within and across VCSE and statutory sectors to improve service provision.

Our Community Development Leads facilitate training, learning, and developmental opportunities, identify funding opportunities and new ways of working, and collect data to evaluate impact.

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