On the 10th of June 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Guidance Document on mental health, which includes twenty-five examples of existing good practices from around the globe. One project that the World Health Organization has identified as an example of good practice of rights-based service provision is the NLN Bantry Home Focus project.
West Cork Home Focus is an outreach initiative which complements the West Cork Mental Health Services (WCMHS) by reaching people who find it difficult to access services due to population spread, infrastructure and transport in the catchment area. The service is funded by the HSE and is managed daily by the National Learning Network (NLN), which is part of the Rehab Group. The service was included by WHO because it works specifically with a recovery philosophy and human rights agenda has a community orientation and was independently formally evaluated by University College Cork. It emphasises giving people time and being practical, reliable, and flexible. It recognises the importance of peer support built into the team structure. It is an excellent example of how mental health services can be delivered in a rural setting.
Click here to read our briefing document on the service and its recognition by the WHO: