MP meets specialist mental health team

Clinicians from our specialist mental health team at the C&E Centre in Chelmsford welcomed Vicky Ford MP on 8 September.

Mrs Ford met staff from the multi-disciplinary team, who care for people with complex mental health problems, including personality disorders and psychoses.

Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Roberta De Rossi, Operational Manager Sean Paulin, and Clinical Manager John McGrath hosted the visit. Mrs Ford spent some time with Art Psychotherapist Carey Bennet and Psychodynamic Counsellor Claire O’Connor.

Carey said: “We were pleased to show Mrs Ford some of the fantastic art our patients have created and to explain about the process of art psychotherapy.

“The group offers a valuable way of helping patients to work quietly on their own and also engage with others in the group, expressing and exploring their thoughts, feelings and imagery.

“Patients from the group say it has helped them identify how past experiences have affected them, and to learn from each other.”

Speaking about her visit, Vicky Ford said: “Supporting people with acute mental health needs can be challenging and different people need different types of support. 

“It was extremely interesting to see how art based psychotherapy is helping some of the patients across Chelmsford with mental health needs.

“I was very impressed by the dedication of the team and volunteers.”

The current art psychotherapy group will run at the C&E Centre until mid-March 2024.

Patients who are currently cared for under an EPUT specialist mental health team who would like to take part can ask their lead practitioner to refer them.