Services
Gloucestershire
Recovery in Psychosis (GRiP)
Gloucestershire Recovery in Psychosis (GRiP) supports people to recover from their first episode of psychosis with a focus on hope, using a range of evidence-based interventions.
You can contact the GRiP team on 0300 421 4884:
We are based at:
Gloucestershire Recovery in Psychosis (GRiP)
Rikenel
The Park
Montpellier
Gloucester
GL1 1LY
Early Intervention in Psychosis
Early Intervention in Psychosis teams are community mental health teams that work with people aged between 14 and 65 who have had a first episode of psychosis and people aged 14 to 35 who are at risk of developing psychosis.
Typically, Early Intervention teams work in the community and will try to meet with people in a place where they feel most comfortable.
If a person has experienced psychosis the support they receive from us can last for up to three years. In this time we will help a person to recover from their psychotic episode and reduce the chance of them experiencing further episodes.
If we feel that a person fits into the ARMS criteria we can usually work with them for between three and twelve months. During this time they may be provided with self-help information, or signposted to another more appropriate service to help with their presenting difficulties. Other people deemed ARMS will receive more targeted support from the Early Intervention Service.
Our service is made up of a team of professionals who have a lot of experience of working with people with psychosis. When you are first referred to us you will meet someone from the team who will talk to you and, if you wish, your family about what you have been experiencing.
Referrals
We have an open referral policy, which means that anyone can refer to our service. You can also call us for a conversation if you are concerned about an individual. Our number is 0300 421 4884.
When you call our triage clinician will have a conversation with you about the individual’s presentation and take some details from you. We may offer an initial assessment, have a further conversation or signpost on to other services. If we assess someone we aim to offer this within 14 days.
We offer evidence-based interventions which are aligned with NICE Guidance. You can read that guidance on the NICE website here and here.
I've been referred to GRiP - what happens next?
Once referred you will be assessed by two members of the team. This will take place somewhere you are comfortable. This can be at your home, at any Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust base, including Pullman Place, or in another mutually convenient place. The assessment will allow us to see whether your needs can be best met by the GRiP team.
If we believe that you are not experiencing an episode of psychosis and are not At Risk Mental State (ARMS), we may refer you to a team more suited to your needs or signpost you to places that may be able to help.
What we offer
GRiP is a multi-disciplinary team; this means that the people who work in the team are made up from a number of different types of professions. Typically a person using our service will work with mainly one or two members of staff; however these people are usually picked depending on the person’s needs and goals. Our team is made up of:
- Mental Health Nurses
- Social Workers
- Support Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Health and Exercise Practitioners
- Employment Specialists
Below is a selection of the things that GRiP may be able to support you with. This list is not extensive, GRiP aim to work with you to help you goals in life that are important to you. Please talk with a member of staff or your care co-ordinator about what these goals may be and to see if GRiP can support you to achieve them.
Carers support
A carer is a family member or friend who spends time helping the person who is not well. We offer informal support as well as assessments, information and support groups.
Early warning signs
Working through your early warning signs to create an ordered list of things you may notice in yourself prior to a relapse will help you recognise and understand your symptoms. This allows you to make an action plan of what to do if anyone notices the signs, which gives you the chance to seek more support sooner rather than later.
Family work
This is a structured way of helping you to understand psychosis and to solve any issues you may face together, as a family.
Groups
There are a variety of groups which can help you build your confidence, manage troubling symptoms and meet other people experiencing similar difficulties. Ask your care co-ordinator for details of the groups we offer.
Healthy lifestyles
Your physical health will be monitored and we will help you understand how your physical health impacts on your mental health.
Hospital
If you become very unwell and your difficulties cannot be safely managed at home, you may be admitted to hospital for a short period. Our hospital has different wards including male and female only wards. Whilst in hospital you will be supported by a variety of health workers including nurses, doctors, art therapists, physiotherapists and occupational and sports therapists.
Medication
Taking medication can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms and can help prevent symptoms from returning. You will discuss medication options with a psychiatrist and will be regularly reviewed.
Psychological interventions
These can be helpful in managing psychosis and its related problems such as depression and anxiety. Assessments and talking therapies may be used as a way for us to learn more about how psychosis is affecting you as an individual. This will help us ensure we provide the right care for you. These interventions are something you take an active part in, rather than something you are prescribed such as medication.
You can watch some YouTube videos here which explain different types of intervention.
Psycho-education
We provide patients, carers and families with information, knowledge and resources to understand psychosis and develop coping skills to promote recovery.
Current Patient Groups and Activities
For patients currently under the care and support of the GRiP Team, we offer these opportunities for engagement in healthy activities, run by our staff.
Football
Mondays at GL1 Leisure Centre
Allotment Group
Fridays at Horton Road, Gloucester
Crafts
Wednesdays at Pullman Place
Gym Group
Tuesdays at GL1 Leisure Centre and Wednesdays at YMCA Sports Centre, Cheltenham
Tennis Group
Tuesdays at Oxstalls Sports Centre
Peer Support Group
Tuesdays (Online Group) Alternate Tuesday evenings at Pullman Place
Walking Groups
(Resuming in the Spring)
Cook & Eat Group
Last Thursday of Month at Treasure Seekers
Patient support to STOP smoking
For patients currently supported under the GRiP team we can offer support to stop smoking tobacco cigarettes or roll-ups with a recognised 12 week Nicotine Replacement Therapy programme.
It’s ALWAYS a good time to stop smoking and there are big health, financial and social benefits to be had by quitting!
Speak to your Care Coordinator in the first instance to discuss smoking cessation support.
If you would like to get involved with any of these activities, please speak to your Care Coordinator for further details in the first instance.
What to do in a crisis
If it is outside of these times or you are not currently under the GRiP team, find out who you can contact in a crisis here.
If it is an emergency please contact the emergency services on 999.
