Who are RITT?

The Lancaster and Morecambe Rapid Intervention and Treatment Team are referred to as RITT.

RITT is a specialised older adult’s mental health team based at De Vitre House in Lancaster. We work seven days a week, 8am to 8pm. The team falls within community secondary mental health services and is part of the National Health Service (NHS).

We are a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which means that the team is made up of different professionals including psychiatrists, registered mental health nurses, occupational therapists, a psychologist, support workers and occupational therapy support workers.

RITT provide short-term assessment and treatment (up to 8 weeks) for individuals who require our support. We work with people who are unwell due to experiencing a crisis or sudden deterioration of their mental state. Our aim is to work with individuals and the people they want involved in their care to avoid hospital admissions and explore holistic, therapeutic interventions.

If you would like further information on mental health services and processes, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Who is a carer?

A carer is usually a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who provides unpaid help and support to someone. In this leaflet, a carer is described as someone who provides practical and emotional support to a person who is under the care of RITT.

Carers sometimes do not realise they are a ‘carer’ and feel they are simply being kind and helpful. However, carers are often the first people to recognise the signs of relapse and deterioration, so having open discussions with healthcare professionals and being involved with care planning is integral.

Useful contacts

As someone you support is currently under the care of RITT, they should be your main contacts:

RITT (8am to 8pm) - 01524 550 154

If you require support outside of RITT hours, and it is an emergency, please contact Home Treatment Team (8pm to 8am) 01524 550 199

If you require support regarding how you are feeling, please contact the Mental Health and Wellbeing Line: 0800 915 4640

Carers’ support

It’s important you receive the support and information you need as a carer. There is a range of services available to support this.

NHS Talking Therapies

Provides psychological interventions for people experiencing stress, anxiety and low mood. Telephone: 01524 550 552

Carers UK Provide information, help and support with finances, health and well-being, carer’s assessment, arranging care and more. Telephone: 020 7378 4999

If you need any support in accessing these services please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you too. We understand the great importance of your role and feel it is very important to promote effective communication between you and us.

You know the person you care for best, which is why we listen to you. We welcome your contributions, thoughts, observations and feelings about how you feel as a carer and the one you care for.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS Team.  

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm - 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm - Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week