1 in 4 people each year will experience a mental health illness so it is quite likely that one day either ourselves, one of our friends, colleagues or family members could be affected.  By talking openly about mental health issues we can encourage more people to seek help and support when they need it and break down the stigma which still surrounds mental health.

Sheffield Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Service – sometimes known as talking therapies - has helped over 12,000 people in the last year to develop new skills to manage and overcome common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. 

The service has recently made changes to improve the service, focusing on offering quicker access and even more choice to help people get the right help, at the right time in a way that suits their individual needs.  People can now access help online, have talking therapy sessions using Skype and even attend group sessions online. 

There are two new short courses called ‘Improving Wellbeing Sessions’ for anyone experiencing low mood, worry or anxiety.  The sessions include information on nutrition, physical activity and relapse prevention as part of a whole person approach to improving wellbeing.  There are also dedicated courses for people living with long term physical health conditions – Living Well with Pain and Living Well with Long Term Conditions.

Through the new website people can now also book themselves directly onto the variety of groups and courses or they can choose a telephone assessment with a member of the team to help decide which therapy may be most helpful for them. 

Toni Mank, Head of Sheffield IAPT Service, said: “We are very excited to be able to offer new ways of getting help to people in Sheffield.  This is giving everyone more choice about how they access support as well as increasing the support available to people who, for whatever reason, are not able to attend appointments in person.

“I am very proud that our new service strapline, ‘Working Together To Improve Your Wellbeing’ was created together by service users and staff.  The strapline demonstrates our commitment to treating mental and physical health as equally important  while moving away from any stigma associated with mental health.  We want to treat each person as an individual and offer tailored support to meet their needs.

“For people with mental health problems not being able to talk about it can be one of the worst parts of the illness. So by getting people talking about mental health we can break down stereotypes, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that affects us all.”

Dr Steve Thomas, Sheffield GP and Clinical Director for Mental Health at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:  “We are working hard with our partners, including with people with mental health problems and their families and carers, to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill health in Sheffield.”

“The work that the Sheffield talking therapies team has been doing is of fundamental importance. New digital methods of accessing care and support means that many more people will be able to take advantage of the skills on offer. The range of support, education and interventions will also mean that self-care and prevention of stress, anxiety and low mood can be available to more people. When it is appropriate people who need face to face appointments or group work will also be able to access these in a timely way. People can also be supported to live well with chronic long term physical health conditions such as diabetes and pain, recognising the effect that these conditions have on our mental health.”

To find out more, visit www.iaptsheffield.shsc.nhs.uk or telephone 0114 226 4380.

IAPT services are commissioned by NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group.