Lift-Up

Lift-Up is a self-help service to support those who are experiencing low mood.

This service includes support by a trained beneficiary Lift-Up supporter with a weekly telephone call to help you understand what low mood is and how to make changes to improve your mood.

figure giving another figure a helping hand

Why are we introducing this service?

For some time now we have been aware that a significant proportion of you are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, including low mood, depression and anxiety. In addition, information from HNAs indicates a high prevalence of low mood across the beneficiary population. As a result of these findings the Trust worked with the University of York and has introduced a programme called ‘Low Mood Improvement for Thalidomide survivors’ (LIfTS) to support beneficiaries. This involved training beneficiary volunteers to act as peer supporters.

telephone conversationLast year we invited you to complete a Mood Survey to see how you rated your mood and asked if you wanted to be involved in the programme to receive support from a trained beneficiary supporter. The results showed that several of you wanted to take part.

Each beneficiary received a weekly telephone call from a volunteer which was spread over six weeks. The sessions included the volunteer and beneficiary completing a workbook. Once the programme was complete a report was produced and the findings have shown that all those who took part experienced improvement in their low mood due to the intervention of support.


What are the symptoms of low mood?

Symptoms of low mood may include feeling:

  • Sad
  • Anxious or panicky
  • More tired than usual or being unable to sleep
  • Angry or frustrated
  • Low on confidence or self-esteem

Other symptoms of depression may include:

  • Not getting any enjoyment out of life
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Not being able to concentrate on everyday things
  • Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming yourself

What causes low mood?

Difficult events and experiences can leave you in low spirits or cause depression. Such events include:

  • Daily pain
  • Chronic illness
  • Relationship problems
  • Bereavement
  • Sleep problems
  • Life changes
  • Stress at work or home
  • Bullying

Sometimes it’s possible to feel down without there being an obvious reason.


The benefits of using a workbook

In addition to the weekly call, the supporter will guide you the through a workbook. The purpose of the workbook is to help you:

  • Recognise the symptoms of low mood, eg health change, life change
  • Understand the value of keeping a diary
  • Identify three types of activity (routine, necessary and pleasurable) and plan to keep a balance of them all
  • Break things down to make them easier to manage
  • Keep the benefits of your activities when you have health problems
  • Spot symptoms of low mood and make an action plan to stay well

 

What shall I do if I need any help?

If you feel that you would like to speak to a trained volunteer or staff member about your low mood, please contact the Health & Wellbeing team on 01480 474074 or email [email protected]