Older people in Surrey can now more easily access mental health support thanks to an innovative new approach from Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Age UK.
The two organisations are trialling a dedicated weekly mental health clinic in an Age UK Surrey hub in Godalming. The clinic is run by the trust’s talking therapies service, Mind Matters Surrey and means that older people can receive face to face support in trusted community setting.
Jade Finlay, Mind Matter’s Health Inequalities Lead and Senior Therapist, said: “We’re seeing growing numbers of older adults with serious mental health problems and dementia, largely because people are living longer. Many are living well, but more people are also living with multiple health conditions, isolation and poor quality of life, which all increase the risk of mental ill health.
“Digital exclusion, mobility issues and stigma, mean many older adults either can’t get into the system or they wait until they are much more unwell before seeking help. Providing support in a trusted community setting removes some of the biggest barriers they face and means they can get help earlier and closer to home.”
Older adults can be referred to the clinic by Age UK Surrey or self-refer through the Mind Matters website to receive tailored one-to-one support for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Sessions can also provide help with grief and the loss of identity, issues which can emerge following retirement or changes in health.
The clinic is based at the Clockhouse Age UK Surrey hub in Godalming. If the trial is successful the new approach may be expanded.
Charlotte Lawrence, Head of Service at Age UK Surrey, added: “We know from experience that the mental wellbeing of older people is too often overlooked, with a stronger focus on physical ailments that can become more common as we age. This partnership helps redress that balance and ensures a more holistic approach to care.”
The Mental Health Foundation estimates that around a 25 per cent of people aged 65 and over experience depression. The Centre for Mental Health and Age UK found that 75 per cent of people over 65 have experienced significant anxiety or low mood since turning 65.
The initiative supports the NHS Long Term Plan ambition to deliver more care locally, within communities, and aims to reach older adults who may struggle with digital services, mobility issues or stigma around mental health.