Local NHS Trust encourages people to look after themselves and others this Christmas period

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) are encouraging all Cheshire residents to take care of themselves and others this festive period.

Sheena Cumiskey, chief executive said: “The past 12 months have seen us all face some unprecedented circumstances, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many adjustments being made to daily life. It has been truly heart-warming to see our local community come together to face these challenges.

“As an organisation, we know that the forthcoming Christmas period may present difficulties for some people, including the most vulnerable in our communities. It is vitally important for everyone to know that safe, compassionate and caring mental health support is available.”

If a person’s mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly. If you, or anyone you know, experiences these symptoms, please call the CWP urgent mental health helpline on 0800 145 6485. It is open 24 hours a day to people of all ages including children and young people.

Dave Appleton, head of clinical services – specialist mental health, said: “Since the launch of the service in April we have helped people across our footprint, of all ages, access urgent mental health support. It is operated by NHS people in your local area who know how best to support you, or somebody you know, experiencing a mental health crisis.”

There is also support available for those people with less urgent mental health needs. Talking therapies, or psychological therapies (IAPT), are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

Sarah Peers, head of clinical service primary care and psychological therapies, said: “For those who are experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression, our dedicated IAPT services are on-hand to provide expert help and guidance. The national NHS website has launched a very helpful tool that enables people to find their local IAPT service. We would encourage anyone who feels they need support to access the tool and make a referral.”

To find the nearest IAPT service to you, please visit: https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/contact/need-urgent-help/

Sheena added: “This has been a very challenging year for all of us, both professionally and personally. I’m immensely proud to be chief executive of an NHS Trust with such dedicated, passionate and caring people. I’d like to thank all NHS staff for everything they have done this year to maintain services, keeping them safe for people who need support.”

• CWP is a Foundation Trust that provides health and care services for local people in partnership with other organisations. Our services include mental health and learning disabilities, community physical health and all-age disability care. We have services across Cheshire and Wirral as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Sefton.
• CWP was rated as being 'Outstanding' for caring  by the Care Quality Commission in our most recent inspection and shortlisted for Mental Health Provider of the Year in 2019 at the Health Service Journal Awards.