Who we are and who we support
We are a team of professionals from Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership who provide rapid, short-term mental health support at home.
We support adults living in Midlothian who are in severe mental distress or crisis, especially when they might otherwise need hospital care.
Support we offer
We will plan together about how to best support you. We will try and help you today.
- Same-day mental health assessment (face-to-face at home or in clinic)
- Support at home every day for up to 6 weeks.
- Practical advice for managing your emotional wellbeing
- Advice about medicines
- Working with other people supporting you including your carers, the community mental health team, hospital teams and community groups
Your GP or the Community Mental Health team will support you after your crisis has passed. We’ll make sure you know who is responsible for your follow-up care and how to re-access support if your mental health worsens.
How to be referred
- If you have help from the Community Mental Health Team – call us. Our number will be in your care plan.
- If you do not have help from the Community Mental Health Team – contact your GP or out of hours call NHS 24 on 111.
If the Police or another professional is worried about you, they can refer you to us.
How long you might wait to be seen
We aim to see you the same day we receive the referral.
Students & confidentiality
Students sometimes sit in on appointments for learning. Tell us if you’d prefer not – it will not affect your care. All staff and students follow strict NHS confidentiality rules.
Accessible information
We aim to make our services and information accessible to everyone.
If you need this information in another format (such as large print, braille, audio, or Easy Read), in another language, or if you need communication support (such as a British Sign Language interpreter), please contact: The Big Word – Tel: 0800 757 3100, or for communication support – contact : contactscotland-bsl.org
For quick telephone interpretation services – contact: https://www.languageline.com/en-gb/interpreting/on-demand/telephone
We will do our best to provide the information in a way that meets your needs.
Operating hours
- 08:00–00:00, 7 days a week
- From 00:00–08:00 urgent mental-health assessments are provided by the Mental Health Assessment Service at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (via NHS 24 111).
Our principles – your rights & expectations
| Our Promise | What that means for you |
| Timely Home Care | We aim to see you the same day your referred and support you in your own home so you can stay in familiar surroundings. |
| Trauma-Informed | Staff understand how past trauma can affect you in times of crisis and will respond sensitively, avoiding further harm. |
| Rights-Based | You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and to make informed choices |
| Partnership | We plan care jointly with you (and your carers if you wish); your experience and preferences guide the plan. |
| Safety & Choice | We talk through risks, medication options and alternatives so you can make informed choices. |
| Safety & Choice | Support is aimed at helping you regain control and live a meaningful life beyond crisis. |
Service Feedback
If you would like to provide a compliment, raise a concern, or make a complaint about this service, please visit: https://www.nhslothian.scot/yourrights/patient-experience-team-tell-us-about-your-experience/
