People across the Black Country are being reminded of free talking therapy services that are available via the NHS to help with common mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety and stress.
It comes as Time To Talk Day returns on Thursday 2 February, to encourage communities to have conversations with family, friends and colleagues about their mental health.
The day aims to encourage such conversations to show how talking about mental health can have a real impact on our wellbeing and benefit us all.
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which is the lead provider of mental health services in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, is backing the day by shining a spotlight on free talking therapies that are available.
The service, also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), uses practical talking therapies based on an individual’s needs and is a practical and effective approach to help people manage their difficulties.
Talking is at the heart of the service, as clients work with psychological practitioners on a range of cognitive behavioural therapy, courses and appointments.
Since its launch in 2008, IAPT services have provided treatment to over 6.5 million people, with 665,187 people helped last year alone, according to figures from NHS England.
The service has different names and contact details depending on which Black Country borough the person seeking treatment is based.
This Time To Talk Day find out how to contact your local service should you or a loved need to access talking therapy to help with issues such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Talking therapies across the Black Country can be accessed via the following ways:
- People in Walsall should call Walsall Talking Therapies on 0800 953 0995.
- If you live in Sandwell and need support, contact Sandwell Healthy Minds on 0303 033 9903.
- Residents in Wolverhampton should contact Wolverhampton Healthy Minds on 0800 923 0222.
- In Dudley, people should call 0800 953 0404 to access Dudley Talking Therapy Service.
People can self-refer to the service or be referred by their GP.