New name for mental health service

Posted: 10 February 2022

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s MyWellbeing College, which supports people with Evelyn Palmer life’s ups and downs, will change its name to MyWellbeing IAPT Service on 9 February 2022.

This follows feedback from people that use the mental health service, who wanted to feel they were part of a clinical model, rather than an educational model.  The name change was also championed by GPs and MyWellbeing College staff. The newly named MyWellbeing IAPT Service will still provide the same quality service to people in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven and will be delivered by the same staff.

Sixty-one-year-old Evelyn Palmer, who has used the service, welcomed the name change and credits MyWellbeing IAPT Service with supporting her with her mental wellbeing. Over a number of years Evelyn suffered from nightmares, flashbacks and depression following traumatic childhood experiences.

Evelyn explained: “I had talking therapies over the years and then I’d have a break from it, but then the nightmares would start again. So, I thought I’d get in touch with MyWellbeing IAPT Service and had EMDR therapy – which was really helpful. I stopped the therapy as I just needed time to process what I’d remembered – and it did help me process the experiences.”

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychological treatment that’s been found to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves recalling the traumatic incident in detail, while making eye movements, usually by following the movement of a therapist’s finger. It’s believed that it may help change the negative way an individual thinks about a traumatic experience.

Evelyn continued: “A few years later I reconnected with MyWellbeing IAPT Service and did a talking therapy, and we did a plan of action. It was very helpful to get the support, but it didn’t alleviate the stress related symptoms or flashbacks. I was then introduced to meditation therapy and relaxation.  It was amazing and has really helped me. I wish I’d done it years ago.” Evelyn reflected: “It’s been a three-step process, I needed to do the others first to really benefit. I feel like it’s changed my life. Having that support from MyWellbeing IAPT Service, from people that understand, has just been amazing.”

Naomi Holdsworth from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s MyWellbeing IAPT Service said: “Our staff regularly feedback that they find it a privilege when clients share their stories with them – often leading to major, life changing, positive transformations like Evelyn’s. Listening to people who access our service has also been pivotal in the decision for the name change, as we’ve taken onboard the feedback we’ve received from people that use our services and from local GPs and staff. We’re excited to announce our new name change that is better aligned with what our service offers.”

MyWellbeing IAPT Service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support.

From the 9 February 2022 people accessing support can register online at www.bmywellbeingiapt.nhs.uk

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.