A NEW employment support service has launched in Oxfordshire specifically designed for workers experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.

TalkingSpace Plus Employment Support Service has been launched for people with common mental health concerns who are more likely to experience difficulties in the workplace.

Dr Samantha Sadler, Oxford Health Senior Locality Lead, explained: “If you are struggling at work, returning to a job after a period of absence or are unemployed and looking to find work, our new Employment Support Service can help.”

TalkingSpace Plus is a free and confidential NHS service that helps adults over 18 to cope with life’s ups and downs, feel better about themselves and learn strategies for keeping well via a range of talking treatments like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

Around one in four people experience a mental health problem each year while one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem like anxiety, low mood, depression or stress in any given week.

Dr Sadler added: “Did you know that if you have anxiety, depression, or both, you are also more likely to experience difficulties in the workplace.

“It might seem obvious but because there is still a stigma about mental health and many are unaware just how common it is, some people can be reluctant to talk to their employer about how they are feeling.”

“There may be times when you find life and work difficult: you may struggle to cope with your daily routines or you may become easily upset. We are here to help you.”

Anyone aged 18 and over and registered with an Oxfordshire GP can access TalkingSpace Plus any weekday by calling 01865 901222. It is open 8am to 8pm Tuesdays to Thursdays and 9am to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays.

Or you can fill in an online referral https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/talkingspaceplus/contact-us/