Who We Are
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners are part of the Older Adults Community Mental Health Team. Our service works with the patient implementing discrete interventions.
Who’s Suitable
Those experiencing severe mental health difficulties which are impacting their day-to-day functioning and daily activities. From low mood to difficulty with sleep to symptoms of anxiety.
General Information
- On average, intervention work can take around 12 appointments.
- Patients are expected to complete work outside of the appointments to increase their own motivation.
- We can see the patient where they choose.
Referral Process
Referral is sent to the team and then reviewed for suitability, from this an assessment appointment is booked.
Once assessment is complete and the patient is suitable the intervention will begin.
Current Interventions
Behavioural Activation
Suitable for those with low mood or anxiety – potentially have lost a valued activity.
Uses activity scheduling (weekly) to improve an individual’s mood and motivation.
Graded Exposure
Suitable for those with anxiety – potentially stopping them for completing an activity.
Works to gradually build a tolerance to the anxiety provoking situation.
Improving Sleep
Suitable for those having trouble with their sleep.
Gathers information around the patient’s sleep and then uses education around sleep to implement healthy sleep habits.
Building Confidence
Positive Psychology shows we can build our confidence by being aware of our strengths and values.
Uses activity scheduling alongside the individual’s strengths and values, to focus on the positive.
Problem-Solving
Suitable for those who have identified problems with worry and difficulty moving forwards in life.
Focuses on finding effective solutions to everyday life situations that are problematic.
Recognising and Managing Emotions
- Suitable for those having trouble with regularly managing their emotions (feeling too much/too little/no emotions).
- Uses education to broaden understanding of emotions and provides skills in how to manage them.
Guided Self-Help for Bulimia and Binge Eating
If this is something you would like to find out more information for please contact the Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners directly.
Referral Information
For NHS staff…
To refer your patient please complete the referral form and then send it over to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner email address for review (if you need either the form or the address, please ask one of the MHWPs).
Please ensure your patient is aware and consents to the referral.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner will review the referral form and look to arrange an initial appointment.
For Patients…
If you feel one of these interventions might be suitable for you, talk to your mental health nurse, or psychologist and they can make a referral.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners framework aims to put patients at the centre and aims to provide personal and holistic care to meet their needs.