As the winter blues hit and the cold weather sets in, this time of year can be one of the most difficult for many. To reduce pressures on GP surgeries in this busy period, the NHS is asking adults to consider contacting their local NHS talking therapies service for support if they are struggling.
NHS talking therapies can help with a range of difficulties including low mood, stress, anxiety, worry and problems with sleep. For some people, talking therapies can be as effective, or more effective, than medication. Unlike many mental health services, NHS talking therapies do not require a GP referral, instead opting for a self-referral service.
Devon’s NHS talking therapies service,TALKWORKS, is open to adults (age 18+) registered with a GP in Devon (excluding Plymouth, which is covered by NHS Plymouth Talking Therapies).
TALKWORKS provides a range of treatment options to help improve wellbeing. The service offering includes one-to-one appointments with therapists and counsellors across Devon (available face-to-face, over the phone or by video call), as well as online self-help, interactive group courses and wellbeing workshops. Employment support is also available within the service to help people find, stay in and get back to work. Waiting times for appointments are short, with early morning and evening appointments available from Monday to Friday.
The NHS service helped over 11,000 people complete treatment for a common mental health difficulty in 2024. Jonathan, a former TALKWORKS service user, shares how the service helped him get back on track when he was struggling:
“I was spending too much time on social media and unbeknown to me, I was pushing my family into the background, and becoming solitary. I was beginning to feel everything I did and said was wrong and it all came to a head one day when I snapped.
“I had been helped by TALKWORKS in the past, when feeling low, and turned to them for help, and thankfully they were there, and welcomed me with open arms. I talked about my feelings and what was happening to me. My therapist explained what TALKWORKS were able to do to help me on a path to recovery and that they would be there whenever I need them.
“TALKWORKS are extremely professional and have the experience to help, but more importantly, they LISTEN. That is vitally important to someone struggling with their mental health. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of TALKWORKS.”
All of the treatment and support delivered by TALKWORKS is available free of charge, funded by the NHS. Those who would like to access TALKWORKS’ services can do so by completing the online self-referral form on the TALKWORKS website, or by speaking to a member of the team by calling 0300 555 3344.
TALKWORKS is not a crisis or emergency service. Urgent mental health support can be accessed through Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s First Response service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. The First Response service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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