Mental health services for older people in Hull and the East Riding are about to become a lot more accessible thanks to a new partnership between a social housing provider for the over 60s and City Health Care Partnership CIC.
The Let’s Talk… Anxiety and Depression Services could soon be offered to residents at Pickering and Ferens Homes after research carried out by CHCP CIC suggested its services are not reaching older people Hull who may have low level mental health problems including anxiety, stress and depression that they can assist with.
The East Riding-based association aims to deliver the assessment clinics from one its five sheltered schemes, which will bring the service to the community where individuals may feel more at ease accessing them.
This partnership comes shortly after a similar project undertaken by the mental health provider, which targeted students at the University of Hull, proved to be really successful.
Kate-Marie Crowley, service plus manager of Pickering and Ferens Homes, said: “Improving access to mental health services for older people is extremely high on our agenda and we are pleased to be able to offer this level of help and support.
“We know that the risk factors for depression tend to increase as we get older – bereavement, poor physical health and loneliness can all lead to depression.
“It is important to prevent these problems in the first place, and the implantation of these new clinics will help us to respond to people’s mental health problems at the earliest possible opportunity.”
This announcement comes just days after a new NHS report warns that four out of ten people in care homes are depressed and that most retirees do not seek any treatment at all for their mental health problems.
Initially, it has been agreed that half a day per week, on a rota of five weeks, Let’s Talk will host a clinic in one of the association’s five sheltered scheme, which will initially allow for three, 30-45 minute appointments to be booked in.
Dawn Barnes, Operational Manager of Let’s Talk CHCP CIC, said: “We’re delighted to have the chance to work in partnership with Pickering and Ferens Homes in providing mental health services for older people. This will enable us to improve access and reduce the stigma attached to mental health problems for our aging population”
Although Pickering and Ferens Homes’ residents will have priority over these bookings slots, if they are unfilled appointments will be offered to the wider community.
For more information or to book an appointment, please ring City Health Care Partnership CIC on (01482) 247111 or visit www.chcpcic.org.uk.