Mental Health Matters (MHM) have been successful in securing the contract to deliver Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services across the Sefton area.

The MHM-ran service, Talking Matters Sefton (TMS), will come into effect on 1 January 2021. Developed in partnership with NHS South Sefton and Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups, the provision will ensure that patients can continue to access high-quality talking therapies as conveniently as possible, which is more important than ever in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its impact on mental wellbeing.

Talking Matters Sefton (TMS) will deliver a person-centred IAPT service to help those aged over 16, with common mental health problems, to achieve positive outcomes and recovery.

Crucially, people who are already using the current talking therapies service can expect a consistent level of care and continuity of support. The current provider, Access Sefton, is working with MHM and the CCGs to ensure a seamless transition for patients and staff.

Jane Hughes, CEO at MHM, said: “We are incredibly proud to have secured this contract, which is testament to the quality of the services that we provide to those in need. We will build upon our wealth of expertise in delivering local services to best support patients across the Sefton area.”

Dr Sue Gough, mental health lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, added: “These talking therapies are a central element of the care that Sefton residents can access to support their mental health and wellbeing. They are particularly important as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 and close working between all partners is ensuring the seamless transfer of their management from the current to the new provider so services continue to be there for our residents when they need them."

Dr Hilal Mulla, mental health lead for NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Whilst the name may be changing, importantly existing patients won’t notice any difference to the high quality of therapies they receive from therapy professionals as a result of this switch in provider.

Mental Health Matters is a third sector organisation providing a wide range of support to people with mental health needs offering a welcoming, safe, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment.

MHM have experience in successfully delivering IAPT services for over 12 years and continue to leverage their wealth of experience and clinical best practice to expand services and reach more patients in need.

Learn more: https://www.mhm.org.uk/