Growing mental health referrals in Soton so our sister charity needs more therapists
Our sister charity Options Wellbeing Trust is urgently searching for 30 Associate Therapists and Practitioners in Southampton to meet demand as mental health referrals go up.
According to 2021 data that has been recently released, mental health services in England received 4.3 million referrals, which is a record number.
Referrals up
Service Manager at Shirley Road-based Options Wellbeing Trust, Claire Trent, says: “COVID has taken its toll. The uncertainty, the worry and the lockdowns have wreaked havoc on wellbeing in England, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
“When it analysed NHS Digital data, it found 3.3 million specific referrals to specialist adult mental health services were made in 2021.
“This is higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total of 3.7 million. In December 2021 alone, the NHS delivered 1.8 million mental health consultations. And there are still 1.4 million people waiting for treatment, including many in Southampton.
Greater demand for services
“The Royal College of Psychiatrists says the pandemic is the ‘biggest hit to mental health in generations.’
“We’re receiving an uplift in referrals from the NHS and seeing a much greater demand for the services we deliver.
Searching for qualified therapists
“So, we’re searching for qualified therapists or practitioners to join us straightaway to deal with the demand and help those who need support on the NHS waiting lists.
“We understand some individual counsellors may be seeing their private work drying up. But we’re receiving a lot of referrals from our partners, who work with and for the NHS.
Anxiety, isolation & loneliness
“We cover issues connected with isolation and loneliness. These have worsened due to the restrictions and are now seeping into the phase, post-pandemic, we’re currently moving into.
“Also, as people return to their workplaces without social distancing and masks, leaving home, where they felt safe, and dealing with close contact with colleagues once again, anxiety has increased too.
Relationship breakdowns
“Relationships have suffered in the past two years as well and breakdowns are rising.”
Options Wellbeing Trust is now getting demand for face-to-face and client evening appointments, as people return to a ‘normal’ work life pattern.
Applicants are asked to commit to a minimum of one evening and four hours during the daytime each week.
Benefits
Those who join the charity as an associate will be able to access a whole host of benefits including working in a team.
Contact the team
Trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship, alcohol and gambling issues are all areas that Options Wellbeing Trust is looking for people with experience in.
Anyone who is a qualified practitioner or therapist and registered with a recognised professional body is invited to get in touch. Recognised bodies include BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP, CA, ANLP & NCS.
To find out more about this opportunity and a role description, please click here.