A local talking therapies service is supporting this year’s Men’s Health Week (13-19 June) and encouraging people to speak up about stress.

Access Sefton, provided in partnership with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Insight Healthcare, is a free service for anyone over the age of 16 living in Sefton, providing help for people with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Ryan Forrest, deputy operations manager from the service says, “We know that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year, and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 35.

“Looking after our mental health is really important, and there are lots of ways we can take steps ourselves to improve things - for example by learning a new skill or by getting involved in volunteering, by enjoying some 'me time' to relax, or simply by enjoying a good night's sleep.”

"But if you’re feeling low, anxious, or stressed and you’d like to talk to someone who can provide some practical help, give Access Sefton a call on 0151 955 3200 or speak to your GP about referral. We also offer treatments for conditions including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder and health anxiety.

"Our team of therapists provide treatments approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence which can really make a difference.”

Dr Anushta Sivananthan, CWP consultant psychiatrist and medical director says: “In the UK, there is a suicide attempt every 20 minutes and 70% of people who die by taking their own life are not in touch with mental health professionals.”

“With such alarming statistics, we are calling on everybody to make positive mental health a priority. There are lots of simple things that all of us can do. Reaching out to people who are going through a difficult time can make such a difference. They may feel low or suicidal, thinking no-one cares so small things like hearing from friends or family, feeling listened to or just being asked the question 'are you ok?' could be a life-saving act.”

Getting access to the service is easy (for men and women) – ask your GP or self-refer online at www.insighthealthcare.org/accesssefton. You can also pick up the phone and call 0151 955 3200 to arrange an initial appointment.

Visit www.cwp.nhs.uk for more information.