Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is joining forces with Everyturn Mental Health to support people who are waiting for mental health treatment.
Everyturn is a national charity. Their expert staff will support people in North Cumbria who have a severe mental illness, who are waiting for support from our Community Treatment Team (CTT).
Everyturn will offer emotional support to help people feel better. Staff will also provide practical help with problems that they are struggling with. The team aim to support around 500 people per year.
Together, we will work with other local services to make sure people have the support and confidence they need to stay well. This new project will also create six new local jobs.
Everyturn tried out this way of working with two of our Community Treatment Teams in the North East. 84% of the people they supported said their mental wellbeing improved. This meant the Community Treatment Team’s waiting list got shorter and they saw people quicker. This service was shortlisted for the 2023 Health Service Journal Partnership Awards.
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive of Everyturn Mental Health said: “I am delighted to continue our partnership with CNTW. We understand the increasing pressures Community Treatment Teams face, especially in such a rural area. By offering this extra support, we can ensure that no one in North Cumbria struggles alone.
“I am looking forward to working together to get this off the ground and make a real difference to the wellbeing of communities in North Cumbria.”
Julie Lawlor, Associate Director of Partnerships and Improvement at CNTW, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Everyturn Mental Health to work with us here in North Cumbria. The demand on our services is very real. This programme will help many people waiting to see us, and will shorten waiting times for specialist support.”
Dr Robert Westgate, GP and Clinical Director at Carlisle Healthcare, said: “I recognise the challenges the NHS is facing and the impact of long waits for treatment. I welcome the extra support Everyturn Mental Health are providing in partnership with CNTW and the local community, which should lead to an improvement in patients’ experience and outcomes for people across North Cumbria.”