Turning Point launches new IAPT service with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Health in Mind, a groundbreaking new health service that makes it easier for people to get support or treatment for common mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, has been launched in East Sussex today.
The service is run jointly by the national social enterprise Turning Point and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. It is the first service of its kind in Sussex and is the next stage of development of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme (IAPT).
Norma Timmermans, Consultant Psychologist at the Trust said, “Health in Mind is a breakthrough for primary care mental health services in East Sussex. For the first time in many years, it will enable a person seeking help for common mental health problems or to improve their mental well-being to access specialist advice in a GP surgery setting.”
“Everyone experiences low points at times and it is not unusual to experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety or depression. In the past, people may have had difficulties getting practical help but now Health in Mind have teamed up with local GPs to help people stay in control of their lives. There will now be a specialist working with each GP surgery meaning people will be able to access the treatment they need more quickly.”
The primary care mental health workers help people to utilise a range of treatments from guided self-help to individual therapy, groups and workshops. People will get easy access to Talking Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy where a person can talk with a professional and together work out a plan to overcome problems and improve wellbeing.
Norma added, “The great thing is that your specialist adviser can be flexible about how they keep in touch to see how you are progressing. If you want to talk by email you can, or if you would prefer a telephone conversation your specialist will give you a call.”
“We believe this service will provide people in East Sussex with improved choice, control and flexibility to support their emotional and psychological needs. The treatments and support offered include self help techniques to give people tools they can use again and again to keep themselves healthy.”
Health in Mind is underpinned by the belief that a small amount of treatment early on may prevent a person becoming more troubled or unwell and therefore needing more intense treatment at a later date.
The Chief Executive of Turning Point Lord Adebowale said, “Turning Point is proud to be working with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to deliver much needed, cost effective mental health services to the people of East Sussex."
Health in Mind is underpinned by the belief that a small amount of treatment early on may prevent a person becoming more troubled or unwell and therefore needing more intense treatment at a later date.
East Sussex GP Dr Vardhani said, “As a local GP I'm delighted at the launch of 'Health in Mind ' designed as an initiative to promote mental well being, to improve access to primary care mental health services for people in East Sussex.
“This new service improves access to psychological therapy for people with common mental health problems and is based in the local GP practices and community centres. It aims to promote mental well being so that people can continue to work, leading to better functional outcomes. This service is evidence based and recommended by NICE guidelines for the management of mental health disorders. I wish all the success to Sussex Partnership Trust and Turning Point in their new venture.”
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Notes to editors:
For more information or pictures please call the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust press office on 01903 843027 or email simon.williams1@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides NHS mental health, specialist learning disability and substance misuse services for Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.
Turning Point
Turning Point is a leading health and social care organisation and provides mental health, employment, learning disability and substance misuse services.
For 25 years, Turning Point has been designing and delivering services for people with mental health issues and dual diagnoses. Turning Point uses a recovery-orientated approach in delivering services across the whole spectrum of mental health and wellbeing. Turning Point specialises in the provision of psychological therapies, crisis services, locked and unlocked residential rehabilitation, independent hospitals and forensic services.
Background
The national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme reports that only a quarter of the 6 million people in the UK that suffer from depression and anxiety are in treatment, with debilitating effects on society.
Since its inception in 2006 the IAPT programme has grown from a pilot scheme to a £173m national drive. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley recently committed to the planned £70m investment in IAPT programmes in 2010/11.
Sussex Partnership was one of the first trusts in the country to provide the IAPT programme, and together with Turning Point, has taken the principles a step further with Health in Mind.
Each GP Surgery in East Sussex has been allocated a Primary Care Mental Health Worker who can advise and support people and their GPs on the different types of help and resources available.
The service was won by Sussex Partnership through a competitive tender and demonstrates how the NHS is embracing market reform and how Foundation Trusts are able to create opportunities to offer new services within the NHS.
The service will also support career development – clinicians are trained through teaching links with Brighton and Canterbury Christchurch Universities.