BNSSG ICB -St Mungos: Assertive Contact and Engagement (ACE)

Assertive Contact and Engagement Service working with the following groups:

• 16 years old and over.
• With a Bristol GP or eligible for Bristol GP.
• Not engaged with mental health services.
• Significant issues with mental wellbeing, plus complex barriers to engaging in help to address these.
• Most clients will exhibit frequent contact (for example 5 times in last 12 months) with emergency services and/or crisis services.e.g. A&E, Place of Safety/136 suite, crisis team/line, street triage, social care referral, homeless advice.

Complexity in some of these areas:

a) Severe risk of harm to themselves, from others, or towards others

b) Severe isolation - e.g. rarely leaves dwelling

c) If with a current supportive service - not engaging and subsequently at risk of being discharged.

d) Homeless / vulnerably housed.

e) Problematic drug and alcohol use.

f) Related to culture or ethnicity.

Provides 1:1 engagement. Service also includes group based support for those who don't meet the referral criteria and additionally, provides training on MH conditions to other groups and organisations across Bristol.