Update on Referrals – September 2025

We are currently closed to referrals.

Due to current capacity, when we are open to referrals we can only accept referrals from the East/North East Transformation Hubs only. We will provide further updates once we are able to accept referrals from outside of the hubs. Please contact the team on hatchcwc.lypft@nhs.net to discuss any referrals.

The Community Wellbeing Connector (CWC) Service at Touchstone serves the HATCH area of Leeds; Burmantofts, Chapeltown, Harehills and Richmond Hill.

Within the national guidance for the Community Mental Health Transformation, Community Wellbeing Connector roles are a key part of the new model, helping bridge gaps between people and support in their communities.

Our purpose is to work with people to promote mental health and wellbeing, increase their independence and support their recovery.

The Community Wellbeing Connectors work with those with ongoing and complex Severe Mental Illness (SMIs). We support people to consider and navigate the different types of community support available to them.

Referrals

The team supports individuals experiencing serious mental illness in East Leeds. Due to current capacity, the service is open to referrals only from the Transformation Hubs.

‍Referrals are now accepted only via Care Director.

Priority Areas

Referrals are prioritised from:

  • Chapeltown LCP
  • Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill LCP

Other Areas

‍Referrals from North East Leeds may be considered based on individual need and service capacity.

Please note: We do not accept self-referrals or direct referrals from GPs.

Referral Process and Capacity Updates

‍Before submitting referrals via Care Director, they should first be discussed with a Community Wellbeing Connector based within the Community Mental Health Team MDT meetings or by contacting the team at: hatchcwc.lypft@nhs.net. Capacity updates will be shared during meetings and updates provided on our webpage.

We do not accept self-referrals. However, if you think this is a service that you or someone you know would benefit from, please speak with a registered GP practice or another professional involved in your care about a potential referral.

Examples of people suitable for Community Wellbeing Connector referral:

  • People who are on the SMI register
  • People with ongoing severe/complex mental health issues
  • People transitioning from Community Mental Health Teams to Primary Care Mental Health
  • Redirected referrals from secondary care services
  • The above plus people who may benefit from longer term support and/or where talking therapies are not appropriate at that time

Examples of people not suitable for Community Wellbeing Connector referral.

  • People who are already accessing/waiting for Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service therapies
  • People with mild/moderate mental health issues that can be managed with Primary Care Mental Health
  • People needing urgent crisis support (refer to Single Point of Access).

Get in Touch

Please use this email for any contact: hatchcwc.lypft@nhs.net

Contact Names:

Rachael Jones (Team Co-ordinator): 07484 911165

Suzanne Browne (Community Wellbeing Connector)

Marika Diana (Community Wellbeing Connector)

Jack Ford (Community Wellbeing Connector)

Touchstone Office number: 0113 271 8277