Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) has secured a £1.8 million investment from the Reach Out initiative to improve the transition and integration of care for patients with complex mental health needs and a history of offending. This funding marks a significant step in strengthening the interface between specialised secure services and secondary care across the Black Country.
The Trust is committed to supporting individuals through safer, more effective transitions from secure care into supported community settings. Many people in our community face severe mental health challenges that have, at times, led to involvement in offending and violence. This new investment will enable BCHFT to deliver more comprehensive, compassionate, and recovery-focused care for these individuals.
The number of patients presenting with complex mental health needs and higher risk is rising. To address this, the Trust will introduce a new specialist team equipped with advanced forensic expertise. This team will play a key role in helping our services manage these cases with greater confidence, ensuring patient safety while offering reassurance to the broader community.
Carolyn Green, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “This funding is a game-changer to our forensic pathway. It enables us to provide expert support for our teams, giving them the tools they need to care for individuals with the most complex needs. This development came directly from staff feedback, and I am deeply grateful for their input in shaping this service. Ultimately, this investment will improve care for patients and strengthen support for our staff.”
The funding will support a three-year pilot of a new Specialist Consultation Hub Team, designed to offer expert assessments, care planning, and in-reach support to BCHFT wards and Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). This hub will provide guidance for individuals who often face challenges accessing high-level services and will enhance collaboration between services, reduce unnecessary transitions, and prevent readmissions to secure care through early intervention.
The hub will work in close partnership with existing teams across the forensic pathway, including the Forensic Learning Disabilities Team and the Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team. Together, these services will form a stronger, more cohesive network dedicated to promoting long-term recovery, safety, and reintegration for some of the region’s most vulnerable individuals.
This investment represents a powerful step forward in delivering holistic, integrated care that puts people first—supporting their recovery, improving outcomes, and making our communities safer.