Paul said: “This campaign is important as it seeks to help people and to break the stigma of mental health, alongside helping to signpost to NHS talking therapies, and I wanted to be part of it. IAPT services have changed my life by using a patient collaborative therapy, enabling me to get my life back and enter a place where I feel more worthwhile and can manage my illness. This has helped not only me but also my family and I encourage anyone suffering in silence to refer.”
The service, part of the national adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, offers support and treatment to people aged over 16 with common mental health problems. Self-referrals are welcomed and can be made by either calling 0300 303 0923 or visiting www.staffsandstokewellbeing.nhs.uk
It is provided by Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust in partnership with Mental Health Matters, the Dove Service, North Staffs Mind, Burton and District Mind and Changes Health & Wellbeing.
Sarah Watts, Clinical Director for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Wellbeing Service (IAPT) said: “I’m delighted that not only our staff, but also users of the service have been so eager to get involved in this really important campaign.
“Our mental health has rightly received a much greater focus as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and IAPT services have played an important role in supporting and treating those whose emotional health and wellbeing has been affected to recover and learn the techniques on how to self-care.
“No-one should feel helpless if they are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or any other mental health issue – ‘Help’ is out there and we are fully supportive of this campaign.”