MP Barry Sheerman visits NHS service for young people
Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman, has today visited a unique mental health service in the local area. The service has been set up to help 14 to 35 year olds cope with the early symptoms of psychosis. It is run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.
The Kirklees Early Intervention Service, called ‘Insight’, is based at Rushbrook House on Royd Street in Huddersfield but works out in the community with people who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, a first episode of psychosis. It aims to identify and treat symptoms early to promote recovery.
The service seeks to reduce the stigma of mental illness, and to offer health promotion and education. It offers carer support and education groups as well as helping individuals and families cope with stress.
During his visit Barry Sheerman was introduced to the Trust Chair Joyce Catterick and chief executive Steven Michael. He also met with staff from the Insight service including community psychiatric nurses, support, time and recovery workers, occupational therapists, the psychologist and social worker. After this he listened to an overview of the service and asked questions to find out more about what the service offers and how it could benefit local young people.
He said, "Today has been a great opportunity for me to find out more about local mental health services, which is a field I am very interested in. Being the Chair of the children, schools and families committee, Insight is of particular interest to me and with its focus on 14-35 year olds I believe it fills gap in mental health services. It presents an invaluable team of highly qualified people, all of whom are committed to helping not only individuals, but their friends, families and carers too. It has been a great pleasure to meet the team."
Service manager Julie Warren Sykes said "The Insight team is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. We believe that mental health problems are just like physical problems. ‘Psychosis’ is used to describe a number of symptoms which are often grouped together, just like ‘flu’ is used when someone has aching muscles, a headache, and a sore throat. Psychosis can be very frightening but it can be successfully treated. The sooner intervention takes place, the better, which is why the Insight team has been set up. It has been good to promote the service today and share with Barry the tremendous work the team has been doing."
Chair of South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, Joyce Catterick said "The Insight service is committed to helping the young people of Kirklees and the work they’ve done so far has been of great value. I am pleased that Barry has been able to learn about the positive impact the team has been making."