Posted on: 5 December 2022

NHS Talking Therapy services across boroughs in North West London have come together to launch a new campaign to remind local residents that mental health services are open for anyone finding things emotionally difficult this Winter.

People may be struggling with pressures in the run up to Christmas, or have real worries about the rising costs of living. Some people may be experiencing mental health difficulties following the pandemic or for the first time.

We’re here for everyone in our communities. If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed, depressed or finding it difficult to cope, then our teams of trained professionals are here to help.

Common difficulties include isolation, bereavement, panic attacks, not sleeping so well, finding it hard to put worrying thoughts aside, or feeling really down. If you’re feeling this way, talk to someone before it gets out of hand.

Chika Okosi, Senior Therapist from Hillingdon IAPT at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust said,

“Following the pandemic and the impact of Covid, the aim of this campaign is to re-start connections with local community groups. Talking Therapies services provide standalone psychological therapies and support for people who are struggling and would like to talk to a professional in confidence. We also provide events and workshops within community hotspots. We are inviting people to look out for these posters and to contact their local service for wellbeing support.”

Ruth Dennis, Head of Psychology at West London NHS Trust said,

“We know that it is a very difficult time for many people, particularly with the rising costs of living. We want everyone in our local area to know that our NHS talking therapy services are open. This campaign is designed to reach people who may be struggling and who don’t know where to go for help”.

To access the service visit nhsTalk2us.org and fill in a short online form and our teams will book you in for a first appointment to discuss any difficulties you are having and the next steps to take.  If you prefer, you can also phone for a first appointment.

There’s no need for you to travel. They’ll speak to you on the phone or in a video consultation. If you prefer to see someone face to face we can arrange this with you.

Local residents who have used NHS Talking therapies have said:

“This service has helped me tremendously in finding ways of how to deal with my stress and anxiety. I have learnt techniques and methods of how to handle things. The therapist was very supportive and always so respectful and understanding. Thank you for your service.”

“These sessions have given me a sense of direction and a lot of hope that my future can still be fruitful and positive despite a long term illness.”

The Talking Therapies services across North West London are run by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (Brent, Kensington and Chelsea, Harrow, Westminster and Hillingdon) and West London NHS Trust (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham).

The service can also help with pre-existing difficulties such as:

  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
  • Little interest or pleasure in doing things
  • Changes to your appetite
  • Feeling tired or having little energy
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feeling nervous anxious or on edge
  • Worrying too much about different things
  • Trouble relaxing
  • Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
  • Being very afraid of a specific thing (e.g. injections/ needles, certain animals, lifts)

To speak to the service directly Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm you can find the number for your local service at nhsTalk2us.org.

Talking Therapies Services are not able to provide immediate support in an emergency. If you require immediate help contact:

In Brent, K&C, Harrow, Westminster or Hillingdon contact CNWL’s Single Point of Access line (24 hours a day) on 0800 0234 650

In Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow or Ealing contact West London’s Single Point of Access line (24 hours a day) on 0800 328 4444.