A new therapy service has launched in Bath and North East Somerset to plug the gap in help for people under stress and strain.
LIFT Psychology is a new service now on offer free to all residents in the local area.
Founded after a Swindon GP recognised a shortfall in NHS psychology provision, the service offers therapy sessions based on group or one to one talking and exploration of the client’s situation, whether this is causing depression, anxiety and panic attacks or obsessive behaviour such as compulsions which damage their quality of life.
Cllr Bevan, member of the council’s Health and Wellbeing panel, said: “We all go through tough times in our lives and need a professional to help us work through them. This service cuts current waiting times for those in crisis or who have suffered from long-term anxiety and stress.
“LIFT Psychology is aptly named and I hope many people will use it and learn how to cope with a wide variety of psychological and long term physical health conditions.”
Courses are run in venues throughout Bath and North East Somerset, including on Saturdays at Chew Valley Children’s Centre, Tuesday evenings at Keynsham Children’s Centre and Bath Fire Station, and on Monday and Thursday evenings at Paulton Memorial Hospital.
Residents can either self-refer by calling the service on 01225 675150 or book online at www.lift.awp.nhs.uk/banes or book through their own GP surgery.
Cllr Bevan is in touch with the organiser and offered to promote the new service through her and Cllr Hartley’s monthly advice surgery.
She added: “It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help when life gets too much – it’s a sign of strength to seek out what we need when we need it. This service is there for everyone suffering from overwhelming emotions which stop them enjoying their lives.”
