£17.7m contract awarded to NHS trust to provide wellbeing service

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a £17.7m contract for the provision of an innovative service promoting wellbeing and helping people to safeguard their mental health.

Launching on 30 July, The Suffolk Wellbeing Service, (SWS) will provide self-help techniques, therapies and interventions to help people manage common problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. A range of voluntary organisations have been commissioned by the NHS for a minimum three year period to work in partnership and deliver the service.

By offering a range of measures to meet the individual’s needs like befriending, one to one sessions, talking therapies, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, The Suffolk Wellbeing Service aims to reduce the onset of mental health, prevent deterioration and promote recovery.

Partner organisations including the Shaw Trust, Mentis Tree CIC, Relate and Mind will be able to offer help with general wellbeing, whilst also being able to assist with specific issues on employment, education and relationships.

Debbie White, the trust’s director of operations for Suffolk, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded the contract to provide this important service across Suffolk, and look forward to working closely with our partners to make a difference to people’s lives.

“We already have vast experience of providing a whole wellbeing approach across Norfolk, and have used this knowledge and expertise to develop the model for Suffolk. It will offer a wide range of interventions, from self-help and education through to talking therapies, which are effective, easy to access and tailored to meet the needs of each individual. By working closely with our partners, we will promote a wellness and recovery model which encourages people to seek advice and support and access the right services for them at the right time.

“Our ultimate aim is that the service will help bring mental health into the mainstream so that it becomes as important to people as safeguarding their physical health.”

SWS will be available to people aged 13 and over who are registered with a GP in the NHS Suffolk area.

Martin Royal, NHS Suffolk’s director of corporate services said: “We were determined to find the best organisation to run this important new service, which will reduce mental health incidences and promote recovery. Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has been carefully chosen as the new provider and we are confident they will deliver a service that matches the need of people in Suffolk.”