Helping to end health stigma in Fenland

Fenland residents with mental health issues can now refer themselves for help thanks to the launch of a new patient service.

The new self-refer Psychological Wellbeing Service (IAPT) has been launched by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust in a bid to help end mental health stigma.

People who want to improve their mental health can now refer themselves directly to the IAPT, rather than only be able to access services through GP referral.

Treatments available include personal therapy, guided self-help and group sessions.

The launch has been welcomed by MP Steve Barclay, who has raised the issue of increased access to mental health services in Parliament. He said: “Given that one-in-four people suffer from mental health issues, it is clear this service was necessary and I now hope that it will be easier for people to come forward, thus helping to end the stigma of mental health.”

All Fenland residents registered with a GP can access the Psychological Wellbeing Service by completing an online form on the Trust’s website at: www.cpft.nhs.uk The service can also be contacted on 0300 300 0055, and printable self-referral forms are available online.

- Mr Barclay was among 26 MPs named by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority for not paying sums of less than £500. Mr Barclay said he paid the £62.60 cost of a train ticket, immediately after receiving the call from the authority last week.