A record number of people have self-referred to a local Talking Therapies service to help improve their mental health, including depression and anxiety.
The BSW Talking Therapies service received its highest number of referrals for more than five years.
The figures for July follow an ongoing increase in the number of people from the area accessing the service since the start of 2025.
The service is run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), which provides mental health and learning disability services across the South West.
It provides support for adults, aged 16+, experiencing more common mental health issues, such as anxiety, low mood, and depression who are registered with a GP in B&NES, Swindon or Wiltshire.
Treatment includes cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy or online support.
Mathew Page, Chief Operating Officer at AWP, said: “It is a national and local priority to increase access rates into the Talking Therapy service so more people can get help and support.
“We have focused on increasing awareness of the service through a range of advertising campaigns, and by working closely with local GPs and other healthcare professionals.
“We have also improved the processes within the service so the wait from referral to treatment has also come down significantly, despite the increase in demand.
“More people are reaching out for support, which shows how normal feelings of anxiety, low mood, or depression can be. Our message to anyone in BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire is that our service is here and ready to support you too.”
The service is free and confidential for people who live and/or has a registered GP in the BSW area.
You can self-refer to the service by calling B&NES on 01225 675150. Alternatively, you can self-refer online at www.awp.nhs.uk/talkingtherapies.
