Two Citizens Advice caseworkers, Morice Mendoza and Sarah Waterhouse, are now based at the Trust’s main mental health hospitals in Cambridge and Peterborough, offering direct assistance to patients. This initiative, which began in May, aims to help individuals with issues such as benefits, housing, employment, and debt.
Lorna Hamblin, Clinical Innovation project manager, highlighted the importance of this support, stating, “Some people with mental health conditions can struggle to get the support they need, but having Morice at Fulbourn Hospital and Sarah at the Cavell Centre means patients can access help before they are discharged.” She added that addressing issues like debt or housing can significantly impact mental wellbeing.
The project was initiated by public health consultant Kathryn Faulkner and received initial funding from the NHS Insites programme. Dr Caroline Meiser-Stedman, Interim Chief Medical Officer, noted the encouraging feedback from both patients and staff, emphasizing the need for expert advice from Citizens Advice colleagues.
Sarah and Morice, who work at the hospitals two days a week, have already assisted over 60 patients in the three months since the partnership began. Andy Bell, Chief Executive of the Centre for Mental Health, visited the Trust and praised the on-site support, stating, “We believe that every mental health service should have holistic welfare advice embedded within it.” He expressed hope that this essential support will become standard practice nationwide.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including community physical health services, mental health services, children’s community services, social care, and learning disability services. The Trust was also awarded Teaching Partner status by the University of Cambridge in June 2025.
