Who are we?
The ARMS Service for Newcastle and Gateshead is a service offering advice and support for people who may be having some unusual experiences that are causing them distress, or may be experiencing psychological problems.
The ARMS service aims to help people get their life back on track. Sometimes people need a bit of extra help. At ARMS, we can give you information and practical support.
Disturbances in thoughts, feelings and how you see the world can be confusing and distressing. You might experience unusual sensory experiences (for example seeing or hearing things that other people can’t), be preoccupied with new or unusual ideas, or be feeling suspicious or worried about your safety. You might withdraw from friends and family or have difficulties coping with day-to-day activities because of how you are feeling.
These changes can occur for a number of reasons. They may be related to using drugs or alcohol, or physical illness, or adjusting to new environments or situations. These changes could also be early symptoms of a mental health problem.
Who do we help?
Young people between 14 and 25 with a Newcastle or Gateshead GP, who have been experiencing any of the following:
- confused or muddled thinking
- noticing that things and people seem strange and unreal
- being preoccupied with particular ideas or thoughts
- unusual experiences such as seeing or hearing things that others cannot see or hear
- feeling suspicious or paranoid about others
Sometimes, the young people we see also experience some of the following:
- feeling anxious, irritable or depressed
- disturbed patterns of sleeping or eating
- preferring to spend time alone, away from family and friends
- struggling to cope at school, college or work.
Who works for us?
The ARMS team is made up of health professionals with a high level of training and experience in working with young people who are going through difficult times.
The team includes a Clinical Psychologist, a Psychological Therapist, Mental Health Nurses, an Assistant Psychologist and a Consultant Psychiatrist.
How can we help?
We can see you wherever is most convenient and normally offer appointments between the hours of 9am and 5pm. We offer:
- a careful and detailed assessment of what you have been experiencing
- a look at all aspects of your life that may be relevant
- a chance to talk with someone to make sense of your unusual sensory experiences
- information about unusual experiences and how other people have coped with similar experiences
- signposting for advice with housing, benefits and finances
- support in getting back to work or study, or in taking up new opportunities
- thoughtful referral or transition to other support or services if this is needed
How can I get referred?
We accept referrals from GPs and a range of organisations and individuals. You can also self-refer to our service.