referrals to services / counciling etc

[zeemiller]

im on esa, in the area im in the jobcentre esa person refured me to steps to change after an assesment i did the course but had probs with group setting then had to be refured again and was then placed in a 6 week one on one cbt counciling which was only 20 mins per week altho the 20mins was utter usless the homewrk i got real helped.
i went to the drs today and asked to be refured to an alternative service that would maybe have longer one on one time etc i was told only steps to change refurals avaliable.
there are no mind services in the area and it seems st marys gate is for serious life or death situations eg ppl worse than me etc.
i do speak to samaritans but would like one on one service someone to turn to each month would help.
i was just wondering what other areas have available in terms of refurals as it seems v little on offer here.
there is a service called dora but as im on esa i think its more in line with getting help if u are refured rather than go on own accord etc any info b grateful of thanks 8-)

[Catbrian]

I live in London and it may be difficult to believe, but I also had difficulty accessing the services I am now feeling very supported by.  What I found, there are many hidden services available and, unless you go looking, seldom will they become obvious.  Have you googled the area you live for mental health services?  Would there be funding available to pay for therapy privately?  Maybe from DWP or the Local authority's Direct Payment scheme.  This is one of the things it is geared towards; allowing you live independently and access services that will support you.

You mention St Mary's gate... Why not try calling them or email.  Let them be the judge of whether you do or don't meet their criteria.

You always seem to benefit from tackling your depression in a constructive way, ie CBT homework.  Have you tried some self help books?

Good luck

[zeemiller]

have used many self help books think the one by sue atkinson or someone close to a name like that was best one. have emailed a lot of places but told they dnt cover the area am waiting for reply from 2 others. will go to steps to change again if no other options but thought it would be easier if you are willing to try and get better but like u say many are hidden just if ur not good u cant find energy to look etc so best do it now b4 winter sets in as that always my worse times. will update on any emails that i get with more news not just that the services like mind arnt in area etc 8-)