Published on: 13th October 2022
The county’s free NHS talking therapies service, steps2change, has received the prestigious APPTS reaccreditation. This recognises the quality of its services and is valid until 2025. The accreditation was awarded for the second time by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The service supports people with common mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
The Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies Service (APPTS) recognises talking therapy services. steps2change demonstrated ongoing improvements in several areas. For example, providing information and choice to service users about their care.
Feedback from service users showed that they appreciated the way in which steps2change teams adapted to working flexibly, finding the online options very helpful. They unanimously agreed that they were treated with compassion, empathy, kindness, respect and dignity.
Steps2change scored 100 per cent in all essential standards for providing safe, caring, and well-led services. The service also scored highly in other areas, achieving 84 per cent for more aspirational standards.
Claire Hancox, steps2change Service Manager, paid credit to staff for their hard work.
“The APPTS accreditation is a fantastic achievement for our service. It provides assurance of our commitment to delivering quality services.
“In times of increasing demand, steps2change consistently meets national waiting time targets. The teams achieve this while remaining focused on what’s best for our service users.
“This includes support from our employment advisors who work with service users. They help people to remain in employment, return to work, or find work that’s right for them.”
It is quick and easy to refer to steps2change to access support. Refer yourself online by visiting www.steps2change.nhs.uk, call 0303 123 4000 or visit your GP.
