15 January 2018

Launch of the Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service

For immediate publication

Today (Tuesday 16 January), the Talking Therapy Service for adults affected by the Grenfell fire becomes the Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service; this describes the service more accurately (previously called Take Time to Talk).

Other talking therapies services for people with a GP in Kensington & Chelsea, Queens Park and Paddington are now part of a wider mental health and wellbeing service called Community Living Well.

The service has its own website, email and contact number, below:

Web:www.grenfellwellbeing.com

Email:grenfell.wellbeingservice@nhs.net

Tel: 020 8637 6279

The Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service is a free and confidential NHS service for children and adults who were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. So far, the Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service has received 1,071 referrals with 679 having entered treatment. It provides a range of psychological therapies and support to help people feel better if they are feeling traumatised, unable to sleep, having memories or pictures of the event unexpectedly popping into your mind, or feeling anxious, stressed or worried.

Thenew websitewill allow people to self-refer by completing anonline referral form. Referrals can also be completed by GPs or other professionals such as the NHS Outreach Service. For people who aren't able to fill in the form, the service is happy to receive a call.

Ross O'Brien, Service Manager, said: "We have seen and treated a great number of people; some are managing better and some people may want to come to see us again if they still experience difficulties. Healing takes time and the time can be painful whilst other events are unfolding. The Grenfell Inquiry evidence sessions will be starting soon, something essential for this community who want answers and accountability, even though it may be painful for people to hear and relate their testimonies again.

"We have accompanied a lot of people back into the Tower and although painful most people found it helpful, despite the anxiety about the ordeal to be faced; we have been beside them and have spoken to them since.

"Everyday life will be like this for many local residents and we are there to help people when they want it and when they are ready. Everyone has resilience and everyone will have bad times at some stage, even the strongest. It's not unlike a successful athlete or sportsperson who sometimes needs a physiotherapist for an injury; emotional pain is an injury and our specialists can help everyone back onto their feet.

"We want to make finding that help as easy as possible."

Editors notes:

Anyone who is concerned about themselves or about another person should call our Single Point of Access, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and NHS staff will listen to you and help; call them on 0800 0234 650.

The Samaritans have produced a really useful 90 second film about people on the Tube thinking of ending their lives; it powerfully shows how ‘small talk saves lives', by disrupting the thinking of those at risk. You can view the film on Twitter.

The NHS has produced something that takes a little longer - about 20 minutes - but offers sensible training about what to say and how to listen to people (it can be viewed on laptops or phones; it's free and only requires an email address). Visit the website: https://www.relias.co.uk/zero-suicide-alliance/course

For more information, read 'Grenfell - Small Talk Saves Lives'.

There is also an NHS Night service operating from the Notting Hill Methodist Church. The service offers emotional support from NHS staff through the night. It is open from 10pm to 8am, every night.

For more details:

Contact Senior Communications Officer Jeremy Dunning on 0203 214 5756 or emailjeremy.dunning@nhs.net

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net