Relief Online for Mental Health Problems

Patients in a trust in north west England will soon be able to try out a new set multimedia programs to combat depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia.

The 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust, which covers Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan & Leigh, is to trial the Ultrasis Relief Series a suite of online self-help programs which combine recognised therapeutic techniques with adult learning modules to help patients identify and deal with their conditions.

Ultrasis says that the programs provide easy access and appeal particularly to busy people and those with a special need for privacy. The interactive assessments help users identify their personal profile, set personal targets and track progress. All of the programs illustrate examples of problems and best practice solutions using flash movie animation online.

The Relief Series will be used in conjunction with Ultrasis’ proven programme for depression called Beating the Blues. The initiative is being facilitated by the Learning Foundation, a partnership between the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the University of Central Lancashire and the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust committed to improving mental health services in the 5 Boroughs.

Director of the Learning Foundation, John Smith, said: "We are looking forward to introducing these products across our health communities to offer an alternative to traditional ‘face to face’ consultations. Working with one of our local primary care trusts we hope to further demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of these exciting opportunities and further challenge the stigma attached to mental health.”

Graham Lewis, Ultrasis CEO said: “The Learning Foundation represents an excellent opportunity for our products and technology to provide an effective solution to help NHS patients.”