Every Practice Should Have One

Our Support Group at Clee Medical Centre, in Cleethorpes, has been going for almost two
years. The Group was set up by the Patient Participation Group. Therefore, it is fair to say
that the Group has always been patient led.
The development of the Support Group has not been plain sailing. On occasions there have
been tensions and misunderstandings between the Group and the Practice. One of our
early discoveries was that there was not a consistent approach to treating the condition.
Therefore, our assertion for the need for Lead Practitioner for Anxiety and Depression was
met by the Practice.
We have anecdotal evidence that the Group is helpful to participants; there are often
prompt changes of mood and laughter is a constant within our meetings. Comments in the
car park such as: I think what you are doing in there is great and I couldnt wait to get to
the next meeting are commonplace.
We are seeking partners along with Depression Alliance to assist in the development of a
Tool Kit to enable our mantra of: Every Practice Should Have One to be preached
throughout the country. We plan to launch the Tool Kit on World Mental Health Day on
10
th
of October 2014.