Vita launches new IAPT service in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

Health leaders in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are strengthening the provision of local mental health services for patients by making it easier to access mental health support as Vita Health Group take over the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, from today Thursday 1 April 2021.

The IAPT service, which was previously known in LLR as Let’s Talk Wellbeing, provides vital access to talking therapy for anyone 16 and over who is suffering from anxiety, depression, low moods and lack of motivation amongst other mental health issues.

Vita Health Group are a leading UK provider of mental health services and will work in partnership with the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland CCGs (LLR CCGs) to deliver a range of free psychological therapies in partnership with other key mental health services providers across the local area.

Vita Health Group will run the VitaMinds talking therapy IAPT service with three local partners: Equality Action, The Bridge and the LGBT Centre. Access is available for any person over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP practice in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.

Dr Avinashi Prasad, local GP and Mental Health lead in Leicester, said: “For many people, the last year has brought a lot of uncertainty, isolation, stress and worry; not only about Covid-19 but also financial insecurity, employment worries and exacerbated many other day to day issues as well. We continue to urge all our patients and the wider community to seek help when they need it especially if they are feeling low, anxious or depressed as help is available to anyone that needs support – you don’t need to struggle on your own.

“We are delighted to be improving the access and quality of mental health support in collaboration with Vita Health Group in LLR and look forward to seeing the benefits the VitaMinds IAPT service will bring for thousands of patients locally. Please remember that even during the ongoing Covid restrictions help is still available via online video sessions so don’t delay, self-refer today.”

Alice Beckwith, NHS Transformation Director, at Vita Health Group, said: “Tackling mental health and wellbeing is a challenge for many people and the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened levels of stress and anxiety across communities. Our professional standards, services and expertise will ensure that the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland get the right care, in the right place at the right time.”

IAPT is a self-referral service and can be accessed online at: https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/leicester-leicestershire-rutland/ from Thursday 1 April, 2021 or by calling: 0333 0153 494.

A variety of flexible appointment times are available, including evenings and weekends.