Monday 19 October 2020, will mark 10 years since the first patient started their treatment at italk, a psychological therapy service provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Solent Mind. Since then, italk has supported over 90,000 patients to recover from a common mental health condition. That’s equivalent to one in every 15 people in Hampshire.
Last weekend marked the annual World Mental Health Day, a day to recognise the important of our mental wellbeing and to highlight the support available. However, every day is important for our mental health and for some people, their mental health issue impacts their day to day life.
italk is a talking therapy services in Hampshire, delivered by Southern Health NHS Trust and Solent Mind, who work with patients using a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). italk are celebrating this important birthday, by sharing recovery stories from their patients over the years.
Ryan was referred to italk by his GP during the Coronavirus pandemic, he commented “At first, I wasn’t interested at all, but I wanted to get the root of why I’m feeling the way I’m feeling. So I gave it a go and I’m very relieved that I did… as a bloke, it’s hard sometimes to admit that you’ve got a problem, but I’m happy that I did, and I can say I’m on the route to recovery now.”
“We’re very proud to say we’ve supported Hampshire’s mental health for 10 years.” Hazel Nicholls, Trust Director Psychological Therapies at Southern Health said.
She added “We want to mark this occasion by celebrating our patients and the progress they’ve made in their recovery both during treatment and beyond. The talking therapies we use are very much a partnership, where our practitioners offer support and teach coping skills, but it’s the work the patient puts in to apply this to their life that makes the difference.”
Experts estimate one in six of us could benefit from mental health support each week. Italk is encouraging Hampshire residents to reach out for support when they need it.
Hazel added, “We know there are still more Hampshire residents that could benefit from our support, so we would like to encourage the public to continue to look after their mental wellbeing after World Mental Health Day, and remember we’re here for you if you need us”.
All of italk’s services have been adapted so they are safe to be delivered within the current restrictions. italk are welcoming self-referrals online or by phone. There are two options for getting started:
- you can arrange an assessment to explore the best next step for you with one of our practitioners
- you can go straight into treatment with one of our two easy-access options, SilverCloud or Managing Moods.
You can access all three options at www.italk.org.uk or call 023 8038 392.