LOCAL mental health services are open and accessible to anyone in Redditch who is struggling or needs support – that’s the message of a new campaign re-launched this week.
The Now We’re Talking campaign is run by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust which provides mental health services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Over the last six weeks referrals into local mental health services, including those supporting children and families and for adults experiencing stress and anxiety, has declined.
In Worcestershire for example, its Healthy Minds team which helps people with more common mental health issues has seen a reduction in referrals, both self-referrals and those from a GP, of around 70 per cent.
This week the Trust, supported by other health and care partners and community groups, is re-launching the Now We’re Talking campaign to highlight the mental health services available and to urge people to seek support as soon as they need it.
Trust chief executive Sarah Dugan said: “Across our area we have seen a reduction in people accessing mental health services since the coronavirus outbreak.
“This has been mirrored in many areas of the country and while more work is needed to understand the reasons for this, our message is clear – mental health services in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are open and its vital people don’t delay getting the support they need.
“We provide a range of mental health services with the support of partners and the wider community and while the way we deliver them might a bit different at the moment to adhere to social distancing rules, they are very much open.”
The Now We’re Talking campaign was first launched in October 2018 and its re-launch follows a major new drive by NHS England to persuade the public to seek the urgent care and treatment they need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing at the moment you can find out more about the range of local services available at www.nowweretalking.nhs.uk.
You can also follow the campaign on Twitter @NowWereTalking_ and on Facebook @NowWereTalkingWorcs
