NHS Kirklees Talking Therapies aims to improve access to psychological therapies for people and communities who may face additional barriers when accessing support.
We recognise that some individuals and groups can experience challenges in reaching services, feeling understood, or engaging with therapy due to cultural differences, stigma, communication needs, previous experiences, or services not always feeling accessible or inclusive.
Our service focuses on improving engagement, access, and experiences for:
• Ethnic minorities
• People from LGBTQ+ communities
• People who are neurodivergent
What are we doing?
Some of the work we are currently involved in includes:
• Exploring adjustments and different ways of delivering support to better meet individual needs. This may include the use of interpreters and translated resources, adapting session length where appropriate, offering remote appointments, and considering environmental adjustments such as autism-friendly clinic spaces.
• Improving staff knowledge and confidence in working with difference through training and shared learning in supervision.
• Attending community events and groups to raise awareness of Talking Therapies and improve understanding of the support available.
Why is this important?
We want everyone to feel able to access support in a way that feels safe, respectful, and inclusive. Anxiety and low mood can affect anyone, but not everyone experiences services in the same way. Some people may delay seeking support, feel unsure whether services are for them, or worry about being misunderstood. Our aim is to reduce these barriers and help people feel more supported when accessing therapy.
