Meet Steve, a Thurrock resident whose life was transformed by accessing mental health support directly through his local GP. For Steve, the moment that mattered was receiving specialist care quickly, right within his community. No longer just a cry for help, this initiative empowered him to reclaim his life and step out with newfound confidence.
Previously, Steve described his situation as “going down a plug hole,” battling issues related to his health and a stint in prison. However, the presence of mental health professionals in some of Thurrock’s GP surgeries offered him the support he so desperately needed. These specialists provide wraparound care tailored to individual needs, coordinating with a myriad of services, from social care to psychology.
This integrated approach to healthcare in Thurrock aims to bring support closer to home, avoid crises, and improve outcomes. Whether it’s low mood, stress, or eating disorders, the strategy ensures residents can access the best services for their specific situation. The success of this model is now set to be replicated across Essex.
Steve puts it best: “This service basically brought me back to normality. I’m not the shell, shy person I was… It’s given me a new lease of life.”
Together, we make the moments that matter.
Steve’s story transcript
In mid and south Essex, we’re exploring the benefits of joined up working in health and care through the eyes of local people.
Steve lives in Thurrock. His moment that mattered was being able to quickly access mental health services in primary care when he needed them. This meant he received support for his mental wellbeing, building his confidence and helping him to gain a new lease of life.
“It was a cry for help, basically. Issues regarding my health and being spending a bit of time in prison. It all came on top of me, like going down a plug hole I was just going further and further down and I know I needed help.”
Mental health professionals are now based in some GP surgeries to support people who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. This may include low mood, stress, bereavement or eating disorders to name but a few. The needs of every single person are different, and so these professionals work closely with partners across a wide range of services and organisations, – including social care and psychology, to help provide wraparound care, ensuring that residents can access the best services for them.
Bringing care closer to home and joining up services will mean: more personalised care, tailoring support to meet individual needs. It will prevent ill health, to help people take control and tackle issues early on and avoid them ending up in a crisis situation, and achieving better outcomes, delivering better joined up care closer to home to improve health and wellbeing.
“This service basically bought me back to normality. I’m not the shell, shy person I was indoors, scared to go outside. It’s gave me a new lease of life.”
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System. Together we can make the moments that matter.