A partnership between our Trust and Age UK County Durham has led to a new service which has supported over 400 people aged 50+ with their mental wellbeing across County Durham.
The community-based service came about following evidence after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a need for increased support for older people’s mental wellbeing in the county. It’s part of the Community Mental Health Transformation programme that aims to bring health, social care and voluntary sector services to improve the way people are supported in their local communities.
What the service offers
The service addresses a wide range of issues that can lead to poor mental and physical wellbeing. This included anxiety and depression to past trauma, bereavement and domestic violence. The aim being to offer early intervention and support people to maintain their wellbeing and independence. This can also reduce the need for referral to secondary services.
Both organisations and people themselves can refer into the Older Persons Mental Health service. The service offers wellbeing advice and support, one-to-one counselling and wider therapist support.
The team
Wellbeing workers, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and psychotherapists work together to address the whole person’s needs. They look at what’s impacting their wellbeing and what measures can be put in place to help improve it.
The occupational therapist can support with adaptive equipment to help people engage in daily living activities. They also help people to engage in wider community activities that can support their wellbeing and independence.
The team’s physiotherapist, Jodie Elders, from our Trust, helps people to improve their physical wellbeing by supporting them with movement, exercise, education and advice.
Psychotherapists support people with their emotional wellbeing. They support them with and help them address social and mental health issues. Additionally, wellbeing workers support people on a daily or weekly basis to manage their mental health whilst waiting for further support. They can also help them through the discharge process.
The wellbeing and dignity of older people is central to what we do at Age UK County Durham. This project offers easy and flexible access to a wide range of therapies that promote improved mental wellbeing. Age UK County Durham are proud to lead on this innovative piece of work. It continues to offer an invaluable, person centred service to older people living with poor mental health.
Robyn Holmes, Chief Executive Officer for AGE UK County Durham
Achievements to date
Since the introduction of the service over 959 vulnerable people have been identified and engaged in services, who otherwise would have fallen through the net. Of the 959 people seen by the service only 14% required additional support from secondary mental health services. The service ensures that people get the support they need before their mental health requires further significant intervention.
This project is an excellent example of how community transformation can support collaboration between voluntary and statutory services to better support the needs of Older people across County Durham.
Christine Murphy, from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is Community Service Manager for Mental Health Services for Older People in County Durham
Success stories and feedback
There are several success stories that have been shared during the service’s first year. Below we share just some of the positive feedback received from people.
“Thank you for your all your help and support over this past year. You showed up for me at my lowest time. I’m thankful to be out of that place now and finding hope again.”
“My therapy sessions have been a life saver. I know that I will always have things that I will struggle with, but I can now live my life and begin to accept myself for who I am. I don’t know where I’d be without the support from Age UK County Durham.”
“Thank you for all your support and for helping me figure out all the confusing things I have experienced. I have found myself again. You have also helped my family and friends as they have seen and are grateful for the positive changes I have made.”
To access the service, call Age UK County Durham on 0191 386 3856 or email [email protected]
