COUNSELLING and a wide range of talking therapies are being offered to anyone in need of extra support with their mental health in Darlington.

Talking Changes, operated by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of self-help and talking therapies services aimed at helping people dealing with common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.

The team are now also offering a counselling service for people who are struggling to cope with the effects of significant events in their lives such as relationship difficulties, work problems or bereavement.

Suzanne Fisher, clinical lead at Talking Changes, said: “Sometimes the feelings people experience as a result of what’s happened to them can be overwhelming.

“Counselling provides a safe place, where individuals can feel listened to and understood.

“Talking with a counsellor in confidence can give individuals the opportunity to explore their feelings, make more sense of what is happening to them and consider ways to make things better.”

People can get in touch with the service via the Talking Changes website and complete a short on-line self-referral form at talkingchanges.org.uk

Alternatively, individuals can call the Talking Changes team from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm or until 8pm on Thursdays via 0191-3333300.

Alternatively, patients can ask to be referred to the service by their GP who will then be assessed and offered the most appropriate therapy or supported to access the help they need.