New wellbeing service is launched

WEST End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall has launched a service to help people improve their emotional wellbeing.

The Suffolk Wellbeing Service, which is run by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with other organisations, combines a range of approaches and resources to enable people to manage common emotional problems such as low mood, stress or anxiety.

Miss Henshall, from Reydon, officially launched the service at the Arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds yesterday by being the first person to write a wish about improving emotional wellbeing on a card and hanging it on a tree sapling.

The launch coincided with World Mental Health Day and Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month.

Miss Henshall said: “For some people there are times in our lives when we can feel stressed, anxious, depressed, confused or simply cannot cope. Sometimes these feelings can be so overwhelming they can start to affect our daily lives and stop us doing the things we enjoy.

“Many people may feel that nothing can be done or it’s okay to feel like this, but this is not the case.”

She said the new service would provide help for those aged 13 and upwards, adding how what was “incredible” about the service was people could self-refer.

“So if you know anyone or you are somebody who is suffering you don’t have to suffer any more and you don’t have to suffer in silence. You can get in contact with the Suffolk Wellbeing Service. Visit www.readytochange.org.uk”

Miss Henshall said her involvement came about as she is patron of Suffolk Family Carers, which is one of the service’s partners.

“It was something that I felt positive about. I lost a sister to depression, and nobody knew how bad things were. We have to recognise this. We have to do something about this.”

She added: “I have been depressed in my life and I don’t think I have spoken to anyone who hasn’t been at some stage.”

Nesta Reeve, clinical psychologist and lead for the service, said: “The Suffolk Wellbeing Service can help people to improve emotional wellbeing through a range of support systems that’s right for them.

“This could include advice at workshops, computerised interactive support or putting people in touch with friends in the community - the options are varied and we aim to give people the right support at the right time.”

Service partners include The Shaw Trust, Mentis Tree, VoiceAbility, Mind, Big White Wall, Suffolk Family Carers and 4YP.

To find out more visit www.readytochange.org.uk, phone 03001231781 or visit your GP.

Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust merged with Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in January this year to become Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.