Help for people with depression

INCREASING numbers of people in Warrington are suffering from debilitating anxiety and depression – but help will soon be on hand from a new service.
Two local mental health organisations have been chosen to provide Warrington’s Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service.
They are national charity Mental Health Matters (MHM) and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who provides mental health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services across Cheshire.
IAPT services play a critical role in relieving stress and transforming the lives of people with depression and anxiety disorders.
Ian Grant, chief executive of MHM said:”Mental Health Matters believe that this integrated but diverse community based approach will give the people of Warrington a first class primary care mental health service.
“This will help people overcome and increasingly prevent the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression, as well as its huge social and economic costs.”
Dr Andrew Davies, clinical leadership team chairman at NHS Warrington said: “Warrington residents have previously struggled with long waiting times for therapy. It is hoped that this new way of providing the service will mean people will be seen at an earlier time, when they are in need.
“Changes may not be seen immediately as waiting lists will have to be addressed and existing staff will be undergoing additional training to further develop their skills, but this will ultimately lead to improved provision and experience.”