Lets Talk Mental Health Support

This month's Let's Talk gave an introduction to mental health support services in the morning session including Talking Therapies.

There was an introduction to drug and acohol support in Islington in the afternoon, including when to consider getting help, and support available for family and friends when they are supporting someone with a drug or alcohol problem.

Catch-up on the talks below, as well as the slides and contact details shared by the presenters.

NHS North London Foundation Trust: An Updates on plans and priorities for the trust

Dal Babu, Deputy Chair, Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director at North London NHS Foundation Trust, gave a presentation, supported by Olga Cecilia Farach, the Trust's Deputy Lead Governor and Public Islington Governor, together with the Carer and Service User Governor, Jaqueline Noone, representing the Council of Governors.

The North London NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of services, including mental health support, across various boroughs in North London, such as Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington. They’re involved in a series of sector transformations aimed at improving the way mental health services are delivered and making them more effective, accessible, and community-oriented.

The Council of Governors at the North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) represent stakeholders, including patients, service users and carers, staff, nominated governors, the public and the local community. It serves as a voice for these groups, ensuring that their interests and concerns are considered in the decision-making process.

Jackie Noone, Carer and Service User Governor, said, "Members who came to the Age UK Islington Let's Talk event approached myself and Olga wanting information about NLFT Op-Courage referral service and also asked us how to become a Governor in the trust. We were delighted to give them the relevant information about their enquiries."

For more information:

View Dal Babu, Deputy Chair, Non-Executive Director presentation slides.

See also the North London NHS Foundation Trust website for further information about the trust and it's governance.

See the resources which Olga Cecilia Farach shared in response to questions that Age UK Islington clients raised when booking a place for the session.

See also details of Op Courage, the Veteran's Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. 

North London NHS Foundation Trust: Islington Talking Therapies

Lucy Tutty, Psychological Therapist and Bianca Schlotterbeck, Senior Psychological Therapist gave a talk about Camden and Islington Talking Therapies, what they can help with and how to access this support. 

Camden and Islington NHS Talking Therapies (formerly iCope) provides free, confidential, psychological treatments for adults (18+) experiencing common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. The service offers short-term therapies, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), via telephone, video, or in-person

For more information:

View the Islington Talking Therapies presentation slides.

See also the Islington Talking Therapies website.

Better Lives Islington

Better Lives Islington is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults aged 18 and over who live in Islington. The service provides personalised support to help people reduce or stop their substance use, including one-to-one sessions, counselling, prescribing support, community detox, recovery groups, and access to residential rehabilitation.

Support is also available for carers, partners, and family members who may be affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, offering advice, emotional support, and guidance on how to look after their own wellbeing while supporting a loved one. They accept both self-referrals and referrals from professionals, family members, or carers.

For more information:

View the Better Lives presentation slides.

See also the Better Lives Islington's Drug and Alcohol Support website.

Rehabit

Rehabit Islington is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults living in Islington who want support with reducing or stopping their substance use. The service offers one-to-one keywork support, group programmes, peer-led recovery activities and harm reduction advice, as well as help with accessing detox and residential rehabilitation where appropriate.

Rehabit also provides support for families and carers affected by someone else’s substance use, along with guidance around related issues such as housing, benefits, and wellbeing.

For more information:

View the Rehabit presentation slides.

These include information about when you might want to consider getting support for drug and alcohol use.

See also the Rehabit website.

How to Access Mental Health Support Services

See the Mental Health Toolkit produced by Islington Council, Voluntary Action Islington together with the drug and alcohol support service, Rehabit.

See the guide.

How Age UK Islington Can Help