People across the Midlands are being encouraged to access Talking Therapies services ahead of World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day takes place on Friday 10 October. This is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

In 2024/25, over 323,000 patients across the Midlands referred themselves to NHS Talking Therapies. This is equivalent to 3% of the population in the Midlands.

NHS Talking Therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners.

The practitioners can help if patients are struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Patients across the Midlands can access talking therapies for free on the NHS. Patients can refer themselves directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer them. Patients can find their local NHS Talking Therapy service by using an online platform on the NHS website.

Joe Brice-Chamberlain, Coventry Team Manager and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, said: “As a manager who also sees patients, I’ve seen first-hand how our referral routes are opening doors for more people.

“From 1 April to 30 June 2025, about 34% of referrals came through our digital referral assistant [chatbot], which has made access easier than ever. Phone calls and referrals from healthcare professional remain just as important. Collectively, they ensure everyone has a way in that works for them.

“I still see patients myself and that reminds me daily why this work matters. Watching people regain confidence in their lives is what drives our whole team.”

Jo Kelly, a Talking Therapies patient from Solihull who worked with a clinician to overcome her Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, said: “I worked through traumatic memories that had been affecting every part of my life. Now I have the tools to cope and feel able to handle whatever comes my way.

“Talking Therapies has been fantastic and I’d 100% recommend the service to anyone who is struggling. If it helped me, it could help so many others.”

Help is available in person, by video tele-conferencing, over the phone or as an online course.

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “It is natural for all of us to feel worried or anxious at some points during our lives.

“During World Mental Health Day I encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing to come forward and access the service.”

A full list of mental health support options including NHS Talking Therapies, is available via the NHS website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.