New Let’s Talk service will help thousands

28/09/2009

A new NHS service was launched today (Monday, 28th September, 2009) to help people struggling with stress, anxiety or depression in Gloucestershire.

The Let’s Talk service is provided by 2gether NHS Foundation Trust and aims to treat up to 6,000 people per year in the county.

Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service and will offer information, guidance and talking therapy for people who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.

Alison Sedgwick-Taylor, Clinical Lead for the new service, said: “Let’s Talk is all about getting help early and quickly. You are not alone if you are struggling with anxiety or depression – one in four of us will experience these problems at any one time.

“We all go through difficult times and sometimes our problems can start to affect our day to day lives. You may find yourself crying a lot, getting snappy, not being able to concentrate or avoiding things you used to find easy. You may find it difficult to work or take no pleasure from everyday activities.

“It is important to recognise early signs that you are not yourself and seek help. Talking therapies can help you feel more positive and in control.”

From today, Let’s Talk is open to referrals from anyone living in Gloucestershire who is over 18 with Depression and/or Anxiety disorders including Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia), Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

The service will deliver National Institute Clinical Excellence (NICE) compliant interventions, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Information and low intensity guidance is offered over the phone, via home computer or through attendance at a local college course. Reading material is available through libraries and the Let’s Talk website www.talk2gether.nhs.uk.

Service users can be referred by their GPs or refer themselves on 0800 073 2200.

You can access the Let’s Talk service by:

• Talking with your GP or another primary healthcare professional such as a practice nurse, district nurse, health visitor or midwife
  
  
• Telephoning 0800 073 2200, 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Friday. Please have your NHS Number ready when you call
  
  
• Logging on to www.talk2gether.nhs.uk
  
  
• Writing to: Let’s Talk IAPT Services, 121-131 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1PX