The new model of care has been developed following recommendations made by the ‘Trust and Respect’ Independent Inquiry Report and the Independent Oversight and Assurance Group, which both highlighted areas for improvement with mental health and learning disability service.
The subsequent Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy ‘Living Life Well’, the Tayside Mental Health and Learning Disability Whole System Change Programme and the Mental Health and Learning Disability Improvement Plan outlined a clear and ambitious vision for the future, one that places people at the heart of care, strengthens community-based support, and fosters a culture of trust, respect and continuous improvement.
Adult Mental Health Services Model of Care
Adult mental health services in Tayside are undergoing an exciting and forward-thinking transformation. This is more than a service redesign, it’s a cultural shift and we are building a future where mental health care is more accessible, more responsive and more rooted in the needs of the people we serve.
The Tayside Model of Care for Adult Mental Health Services sets out vision and framework for the delivery of mental health and wellbeing services across the whole of Tayside, including the three Health and Social Care Partnerships. This co-produced model was developed collaboratively by a wide range of stakeholders from across the region and is designed to truly put people at the centre of care.
The Tayside Model of Care for Adult Mental Health Services sets out vision and framework for the delivery of mental health and wellbeing services across the whole of Tayside, including the three Health and Social Care Partnerships. This co-produced model was developed collaboratively by a wide range of stakeholders from across the region and is designed to truly put people at the centre of care.
Why this change is happening
What does this mean for you?
You’re at the centre: Care is built around your needs, preferences and goals – not just your diagnosis.
Help is easier to access: You can access support without a GP referral, likely to be through local mental health and wellbeing hubs.
Support close to home: Services are based in your community so you don’t need to travel far or go to hospital unless absolutely necessary.
24/7 crisis help: Round-the-clock crisis support available, including home treatment options to avoid hospital stays.
Respect and rights matter: We’ll treat you as an individual. Your human rights are protected and you’ll be supported to understand your rights and speak up for yourself.
Joined-up services: Health, social care, voluntary groups and peer support all work together to support you.
Specialist help when needed: If your needs are more complex, you’ll get access to specialist teams who work together to plan your care.
Support for long-term conditions: There are clear plans for people with ongoing mental health needs, including medication reviews and physical health checks.
Help is easier to access: You can access support without a GP referral, likely to be through local mental health and wellbeing hubs.
Support close to home: Services are based in your community so you don’t need to travel far or go to hospital unless absolutely necessary.
24/7 crisis help: Round-the-clock crisis support available, including home treatment options to avoid hospital stays.
Respect and rights matter: We’ll treat you as an individual. Your human rights are protected and you’ll be supported to understand your rights and speak up for yourself.
Joined-up services: Health, social care, voluntary groups and peer support all work together to support you.
Specialist help when needed: If your needs are more complex, you’ll get access to specialist teams who work together to plan your care.
Support for long-term conditions: There are clear plans for people with ongoing mental health needs, including medication reviews and physical health checks.
The following documents provide more detail on the Model of Care
- Model of Care Patient Leaflet
- Model of Care Plain Text Patient Leaflet
- Model of Care Simplified Summary
- Model of Care Plain Text Simplified Summary
- Model of Care Executive Summary
- Model of Care Plain Text Executive Summary
If you would like printed copies of these please email TAY.mhwteam@nhs.scot
If you have any comments, questions or thoughts about the Adult Mental Health Model of Care please email TAY.mhwteam@nhs.scot
What's next?
Between October and December 2025, we’ll be working closely with people and organisations across Tayside to shape how the new model of care will be put into action. This means listening, learning and planning together. Our aim is to start rolling out the changes from March 2026, making mental health support more accessible, more responsive and more centred around you.