Independent Evaluation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Alternatives to Crisis Programme

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB) used funding provided by NHS England to invest in a range of community services, to support people aged 18+ years during a mental health crisis. These services are collectively referred to as the Alternatives to Crisis (A to C) Programme. The aim of these services is to provide timely support in a safe environment. The services offer short-term emotional and practical help, with the intention of reducing pressure on emergency departments, 999, the ambulance service, 111, psychiatric admissions, the police, and mental health crisis teams. Health Innovation Wessex was appointed by HIOW ICB to carry out an independent evaluation of the A to C Programme. The aim of the evaluation was to understand if the A to C services are meeting the needs of the local populations and benefiting the ICB’s emergency response partners by reducing pressure on these services.  The final report focuses on seven services. It was a mixed methods evaluation using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.  The design and delivery of the evaluation was supported throughout by a Lived Experience Lead (No Wrong Door Community Mental Health Transformation Programme) for HIOW ICB.