A new mental health strategy was launched yesterday that will increase community-based care as well as seek improvements in service.

The strategy was launched in the lobby of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) by Health Minister Walter Roban, Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) CEO David Hill, Chief Operating Officer of MWI Patrice Dill and Chantelle Simons, a psychiatrist at MWI.

Dr. Simons explained how the model works, saying: "A key goal of the recovery model is empowering service users to be able to identify and advocate for their own goals and needs.

"Core principles include hope, self-identity, relationships and personal responsibility.

"Service users are encouraged to take an active role in their lives and they are empowered with elements of control, choice and inclusion."

She continued: "It is recognised that here are two facets to recovery.

"The first may be described as clinical recovery or symptom reduction. An example of such would be the resolution of auditory hallucinations.

"An often overlooked aspect of recovery may be described as recovering a life identity.

"This may include re-establishing meaningful relationships, forging community connections, pursuing educational, volunteer, professional goals or other activities which are personally rewarding to the individual.

"As you can imagine, the definition of recovery is unique to each service user."

The plan is in accordance with practices set out in the UK's National Service Framework for Mental Health. MWI consulted with the US and the UK for its plan.

Mr. Roban also explained how the new approach will work for patients and said: "It includes working with partner organisations including the Department of Corrections and the Bermuda Police Service as well as engagement with the community to talk about services in Bermuda.

"At its heart, this model requires the involvement of the very people who use the service to speak up about their needs. And it recognises that we need to better support our people with mental health issues in their own environment, helping them to keep their lives intact as they recover from mental illness or addiction."

Mr. Hill spoke about the process of achieving the new plan, saying: "A lot of external and internal consultation has been taking place over the last year.

"Relationships with mental health service providers in Birmingham in the UK and at Howard University in the US have helped support the MWI teams working on the mental health plan.

"About 20 staff from MWI visited Birmingham to see the recovery model in action and you will hear more about its potential for Bermuda.

"The success this model has had in reducing hospital stays has been phenomenal."

Mrs. Dill added: "All service users will be given education on their particular mental health journey with ups, downs and hurdles that need to be addressed.

"Each service user will be engaged and based on the assessment, interventions will be offered to meet their needs at home or in hospital. They will be supported to navigate their particular journey."