A former NHS nurse has given a podcast interview about the importance of early intervention, living with depression on an Island and how working in a group can help Islanders struggling with their mental health.
In a thought-provoking and honest discussion, Vicki Haworth, co-founder of the Newport-based Isorropia Foundation, spoke with ex-Sky News correspondent Harriet Hadfield, host of The Island Stories Podcast.
The foundation has a 5-year contract with the NHS Hampshire and IOW Integrated Care Board to provide a holistic wellbeing service, mostly via group therapy and workshops. Anyone who fears their mental health is declining can self-refer to the team of specially trained nurses and wellbeing coaches.
Vicki Haworth told The Island Stories Podcast:
“We are that bridge between somebody seeing their GP and feeling like things are going downhill but not actually quite needing to be on medication…we are there to try and prevent people from becoming more unwell.”
The team looks after up to 2,000 people a year, with an active caseload of 300 at any one time but there is currently no waiting list for people to get the support they need.
Vicki says:
“If somebody contacts us…they will get a call back within 24 hours, be assessed within a week and they can be on the programme within 2 weeks.”
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The service is free of charge to patients – known as ‘members’ at the foundation’s new base on the former Medina Valley Centre site in Newport.
Vicki says:
“It just feels so therapeutic being here, it’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, with the water and surrounded by woodland… And we were so fortunate, we moved here in September and we just haven’t been able to believe our luck.”
Vicki used to run NHS mental health services on the Island and is passionate about early intervention in helping people avoid more severe illness.
She added:
“One of the things that used to frustrate me about the NHS is that if people had got the help earlier, they might never have ended up needing a bed in hospital or needing to go onto medication – so a big passion of mine when I worked for the NHS was to tap into other ways of keeping people well.”
Harriet Hadfield, podcast host says:
“This is one of our best-ever episodes and is a must-listen if you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health. We are really proud of it and can’t wait to share Vicki’s story with our growing number of listeners both on and off the Island.”
You can listen to the Island Stories podcast via these links and find out more about not-for-profit community interest company the Isorropia Foundation on their website isorropia.uk
I called for help with my mental health… They said they would call me back. Never did call me back….
Does not surprise me, since the pandemic everyone seems to be work shy.
Angry you keep playing the victim, did you think to maybe call again or maybe visit the friendly free service? No you didn’t, you thought it was best to complain on here for a reaction. It’s only you that can change yourself. Well done Isorropia you keep going from strength to strength keep up the good work remember the red door days?
With ‘not for profit’; Who decides who gets paid what and how much? Are the figures available for the general public? Just interested to know how it all works… Especially as it’s an NHS contract…
You will notice that it is all women on the work force with just a few males in case of heavy lifting or any technicalities. Shambles
Can only get to their centre of you have a car I’m afraid, no bus route so if you’re physically disabled you’re stuffed.