NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Cares

New mental health service for people in Cornwall

Friday, February 15, 2013

A new service has been set up to improve the mental health of people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

BeMe is part of a national network of services known as ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT).

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly approved the new provider after a formal commissioning process at the end of 2012.

Neill Richardson, BeMe’s clinical lead, said his team offered a range of services to people experiencing anxiety and depression.

“We can all feel low, worried, fearful or distressed. This can be caused by a life event like bereavement, divorce or unemployment, a health issue, coping as a carer, or with a traumatic event, and BeMe can help people deal with these,” he said.

“Self-referral is really useful because we know when people call us they are ready to get help. People’s experiences are different and so are their needs. BeMe is designed to give people the skills they need to help themselves. Specially trained practitioners will help people understand the options available including individual work and a range of courses and groups.”

BeMe is available from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5pm, and some evening appointments available.

BeMe offers help to anyone over the age of 16 who needs it. It’s a free and confidential service which is provided as part of the NHS. Appointments can be made by telephoning 01579 373700.

People can still visit their GP for help. GPs plus other health and social care professionals can make a referral to BeMe.

More information can be found by searching ‘BeMe Cornwall’ on the web, through social media or by email to be.me@cornwall.nhs.uk

Read more: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/New-mental-health-service-people-Cornwall/story-18157373-detail/story.html#ixzz2LGPXcrf1