NHS England have introduced a new mental health campaign, ‘Help Us, Help You’, that will run across the country from 15 January to 10 March 2024.
The campaign is targeted at people aged between 30 and 50, Black and South Asian audiences, and those aged 65 and above to inspire them to get the help they need.
It’s encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through the range of NHS Talking Therapies services. The services also help to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and body dysmorphic disorder.
Over 3 in 5, or 64%, of South Asian respondents and two thirds, or 66%, of those from Black communities felt concerned about their mental health in the last year. Meanwhile, over three quarters, or 77%, of those from the Black community and just under two thirds, or 65%, of South Asian’s who have accessed professional help for an anxiety disorder or depression said they saw an improvement in their mental health.
The campaign includes case study stories titled ‘Notes to Self’, which will be put on public display in Slough, Manchester and Birmingham. These case studies are based on real-life experiences from people, showing the ‘moment they knew’ they needed professional mental health support.
NHS Talking Therapies are effective, confidential and free treatments delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone or in person. Your GP can refer you to the services, or you can do a self-referral online at nhs.uk/talk.
The services are available to anyone aged 18 or above, and who is registered with a GP. However, the service is available for 16 and 17 year old’s in some areas.
Talking Therapies offer a range of therapies depending on your symptoms, from guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling for depression, to interpersonal therapy (IPT) and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
The services can also be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, if English is not your first language. They are also ran in British Sign Language through SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service.
There are a range of Talking Therapies Services at ELFT, and to find your local service, or for more information, please visit their websites:
Bedfordshire Talking Therapies – 01234 880400 from Monday to Friday, or via the Self-Referral Form.
City and Hackney Talking Therapies – 020 8510 8287 from Monday to Friday, or email huh-tr.talkingtherapy@nhs.net
Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies – 0208 175 1770 from Monday to Friday, or via the Self-Referral Form.
Newham Talking Therapies – 0208 175 1770 from Monday to Friday, or via the Self-Referral Form.