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NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies

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Let’s work on this together

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies help people who are feeling distressed by difficult events in their lives as well as people with a mental health problem. Thinking Ahead provide a range of talking therapies, which allow you to to talk talk to someone who is trained to help you deal with your negative feelings.

Access:

Give us a call, speak to your GP, or fill in our online referral form.

Age:

16+

Cost:

Free

Access this service

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Address:

Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton

Phone Number:

01706 619 020

Complete Referral Form

How can we help?

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies offers free NHS therapy for people with common mental health problems like anxiety or depression, to help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think.

When you have your first assessment appointment with a member of our team, you will have plenty of time to talk through the treatment options in more detail to help you decide which one is right for you.

Our easy to access, flexible therapy options are designed to suit your lifestyle. You’ll have a choice of either:

  • Online therapy through Silvercloud
  • Wellbeing Courses

Most people find that online therapy or a wellbeing course is all they need to feel better, but if you still need extra help after completing these, we will then offer you face-to-face, one-to-one therapy with one of our specialist therapists.

Who are we for?

Our service is for anyone aged 16+ who is registered with a GP in Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale. Our team are based in various community venues across the Rochdale.

What happens when you refer yourself?

When you make a referral:

  1. Someone from the service will get in touch, usually within a few weeks.
  2. They’ll ask for more details about the problems you’re having. This is known as an assessment.
  3. If we think we can help you, we’ll recommend a therapy for you. This is based on your symptoms and how severe they are.
  4. Waiting times for the first session vary, but we’ll tell you what to expect.

What can we help with?

We offer support for a range of difficulties including: depression, anxiety, stress, panic, sleep difficulties, phobias, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessional compulsive disorder, social anxiety, loss and bereavement, relationship difficulties, significant life changes, menopause, adjustment issues, low self-esteem, trauma and abuse.

If you have a long term condition such a diabetes, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, long Covid, cardiovascular disease, we can offer specialist psychological support.

Therapies we offer

We offer a wide range of therapies recommended by the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE), including:

Online therapy

With online therapy, you can gain instant access to a range of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes that can help you work on anxiety, low mood and stress.

You will be supported throughout the programme by one of our practitioners who will provide guidance and tailor the online therapy to meet your needs.

SilverCloud

We provide access to SilverCloud – an informative online therapy programme proven to help with stress, anxiety, low mood, and depression.

What are the benefits of Silvercloud?

Online therapy through our SilverCloud provides the following benefits:

  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Can be done at a time and place that suits you
  • You can start the therapy straight away
  • You will get weekly online support from your therapist
  • You will have access to the system for a year after you’ve finished therapy
  • It has been shown to be more effective than one-to-one therapy.

How do I access?

Click here to make a referral for online therapy.

Wellbeing courses

We offer a range of courses that will help you develop skills to manage your mood.

  • The sessions are informal and relaxed, and you don’t have to talk about your problems if you don’t want to
  • Courses are available in your local area
  • You will have a choice of times you can attend
  • A new course begins every few weeks so you’ll never have to wait long to join.

Need help in a crisis?

Please note, we are not an emergency or crisis service.

If you need immediate support please:

  • Your local NHS 111 Mental Health team is for people of all ages. It’s available 24/7, free of charge and you can call for yourself or someone else.
  • Call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Open 24/7
  • Visit your nearest A&E department and ask to see a member of the Liaison Psychiatry or Crisis Team
    or call 999 to request an ambulance to take you there
  • Call your GP during practice hours and request an urgent appointment.

Therapy for cancer

We offer an eight-week course of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for cancer. This is for adults aged 18+, who live in the borough, and have completed intensive cancer treatment (this could include surgery or intensive chemotherapy etc). Click here for details.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention, in a friendly way, to the experience of the present moment. It is also about relating to ourselves with kindness.

Research shows that Mindfulness can

Reduce psychological stress

Help with managing chronic pain

Help us live more fully in the present

Increase ability to reduce worry and rumination

Enhance our ability to respond rather than react

What does the programme involve?

The programme is designed for a small group of 10-15 people. It consists of 8 x 2-hour weekly classes delivered online or face to face. Daily home practice is also part of the programme.

The course includes:

  • Guided instruction in mindful meditation
  • Guided gentle physical stretching
  • Group discussion about mindfulness practices
  • Daily home practice
  • CDs or downloads of guided practice and a workbook, for daily home practice

Is this the right course for me, right now?

Research shows that practicing mindfulness has many benefits, but it is not a “quick fix”. It is important to know that you are in the position to set aside time for the weekly class and daily home practice. The course is not suitable for those currently severely depressed, or experiencing significant upheaval of any kind. For example, if you have a current drug/alcohol problem, are accessing another therapeutic service at present, or have experienced a recent bereavement or trauma then it is best not to start MBCT H&W just at the moment.

Mindfulness teachers

The course is facilitated by experienced mindfulness teachers, who teach mindfulness in line with current UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teachers Good Practice Guidelines and aim to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for learning.

Next Steps

If you are interested in attending the 8-week MBCT course, you can self-refer on line at https://iaptportal.co.uk/roch.html and put MBCT under the reason for self-referral.

Alternatively, you can telephone NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies on 01706 751 180 and give your details over the phone, requesting the mindfulness programme.

Each applicant for MBCT will have an assessment with a course teacher, to learn more about the course and to help decide whether it is for them at this time.

Professional referrals

If you are a health or social care professional wishing to make a referral on behalf of someone, please complete our online referral form.

Click here to refer someone.

 

When you access Talking Therapies in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale you will also be eligible to access personalised employment support.

Engaging in work-related activity often provides a sense of fulfilment and increased confidence.

Being in employment can:

  • Build your confidence and skills
  • Increase your social network
  • Improve your financial situation
  • Provide a sense of purpose

Whether you’re looking for a new job, staying in your current role, or want to overcome barriers that may be holding you back, we’re here to guide you towards achieving your goals.

To find out more, click here.