The current state of Mental Health
It is widely recognised there is a global shortage of trained mental health and wellbeing therapists available to meet the growing needs of today's society; especially post COVID-19. Lack of Mental Healthcare Support remains a global challenge. In 2019 before COVID -19 the WHO estimated 264 million people globally suffering from a combination of depression and/or anxiety, leading causes of disability.
In May 2020 the United Nations advised its members that "it is a global priority to improve mental health wellness support for all people and communities in the United Nations UN Executive Summary COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health. Donor financing of mental health is poor. CBRT is ready to meet this call to arms and help to provide the population solution required.
UK Clinicians agree that NEW forms of evidence based mental wellness psychological therapies are urgently needed. The NHS IAPT Programme - mental health services uses CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) as the primary behavioural health intervention.
Latest NHS data 01 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 demonstrates of the 1.17 million Referrals who started treatment, only 606,192 completed their course of treatment with 51.1% referrals moving to recovery. 48.9% of patients did not move to recovery and still require support.
There is a need to improve infrastructure for social connectedness. National governments should provide a designated funding stream for local authorities to support community development initiatives, including peer support, to promote public mental health. This should be available to all communities and include targeted initiatives for vulnerable communities.
CBRT preparation for NHS Entry
CBRT is delivered by accredited and assured Practitioners who have completed a two-day training programme by National and Regional Trainers. Practitioners are trained to deliver CBRT Relaxation Support Sessions as either a 1 : 1 talking therapy relaxation intervention or group activity for up to as many as 20 people. Delivered through a socialised environment in a clinic or community, helping people to support each other and de-stigmatise mental health. CBRT Sessions bringing Wellness and Wellbeing to a multi-cultural and wide group of people.
CBRT Relaxation Support Sessions for individuals and groups of up to 20 people has been in use in mental health support since 2005. CBRT provides a Mindfulness approach for Patient groups and individuals who would benefit from the provision of structured relaxation sessions - helping them learn to relax naturally – e.g. those with symptoms of mild depression or anxiety related conditions.
Patients are provided with a “Colour Breathing Disks Easel Chart” as a visual tool to focus on (also see image on top of front page) containing a set of seven coloured disks whilst a) becoming aware of their natural breathing pattern and b) relaxing their body in seven stages. The product is very safe to use, being of printed matter.
The seven “Colour Breathing Disks®” have been specially designed with subtle gradient effects for individuals to use with ease. They are a physical item to see and hold, yet visual point of focus, for individual and group led relaxation support sessions. Individuals enjoy using CBRT as a relaxation technique and using colour as a means of expressing how they feel.
A 'Policy Matter of National Interest'
We are pioneers. We believe CBRT to be the first mental health and relaxation application system which has a certified and CPD regulated Practitioner Training Programme with full internal quality assurance process. Our Training Assurance Framework has been developed to meet the assurance compliance requirements of the UK Healthcare and Education Regulation and External Auditing Bodies; this will be replicated for the USA and all countries CBRT operate in.
A few highlights:
- Since 2017 over 175 + individuals living in areas of high economic and social disadvantage have been supported through the use of CBRT to develop coping skills in order to enhance their quality of life and improve their health and mental well-being.
- An NHS GP based in Yorkshire trained to become a Colour Breathing Practitioner in 2005 and has used CBRT with NHS Patients in her practice.
- Group trainings of Mental Health Community Teams in Northern Ireland. Some of these training programmes were part funded by The National Lottery.
- CBRT invited to showcase at the very first National Innovation Healthcare EXPO. Show Manager congratulated on CBRT being the most popular exhibit.
- Extensive independent NHS due dilligence has included 92.53% score with the NHS National Innovation Centre recognised as a Med Tech. CBRT has received senior NHS staff and management to write a QIPP cost saving NHS Training Initiative which is Patient-centred, recovery focused and promotes Self-Care. Multiple meetings throughout UK with Senior NHS Directorate and Department of Health Staff in relation to the NHS IAPT Programme, Children and Young People, Older People and Demetia. Director of IAPT suggested we write to Jeremy Hunt for central government funding with CBRT as "a policy matter of national interest."
CBRT ESCAB
The CBRT Expert Scientific Clinician Advisory Board is currently in formation and is gaining support from internationally renowned and leading scientists, clinicians and behavioural health experts.
Our first Patron is Richard Velleman, Emeritus Professor of Mental Health Research.
