What if I can't use a service because I'm not on the CPA or I haven't been referred by the right person?

The Care Programme Approach was introduced in 1991 as a way to assess people’s needs for services and support like day services, befriending services or floating support. There are two levels to the care programme approach and it may be that you fit the criteria for the standard level. It is worth getting assessed to be put on the care programme approach as this will increase the number of services you can use.

If the problem is that you haven’t been referred by the right person, try talking to your social worker or CPN.

If you don’t have a CPN or social worker, you will need to request an assessment under the care programme approach as this will put you in touch with the right people (see How can I get a CPA assessment?).

If your social worker or CPN will not refer you to the service, you will need to approach the funders of the service directly to challenge the referral criteria.

In any of these cases, you may find it takes some time and a lot of effort to gain access to services. You may want to get the support of an advocate to help you. Advocates work with their clients to ensure that their client’s voice is heard. Acting at their client’s instruction, they can either speak on a client’s behalf or support the client whilst they speak for themselves. For help finding an advocate, contact the Rethink National Advice Service by ‘phoning 020 8974 6814 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm), writing to Rethink Advice, 28 Castle Street, Kingston upon Thames, SURREY KT1 1SS or emailing advice@rethink.org. Or contact your local community mental health team.