Wigan has the highest recovery rate for people suffering with mental ill-health in the North West

New figures have revealed that Wigan has the highest recovery rate for people suffering with mental ill-health in the North West and the seventh highest in the country.

Data from the Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group and our Trust shows that more than half of people on our psychological therapies programmes have recovered.


We are also one of only three Trust’s covered by the Strategic Health Authority to achieve ‘Green’ status on the Red Amber Green (RAG) scale. National figures recently published show that our recovery rate is the highest. The percentage of people referred to our programme is also above the national expectation with 61 per cent entering the service.

“These figures reflect the hard work continually demonstrated by the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies team,” says Jane Kenny – Service Manager and Project Lead. “I’d like to thank and congratulate them; also those service users who are now enjoying better mental well-being as a result of their commitment to engaging with psychological therapies. We hope to assist many more people on their path to recovery.”

Can we help you?

If you or someone else has noticed a change in your mood and behaviours; alterations in your sleep patterns, or believe that you are drinking or using other stimulants more frequently than usual, it could be that these are the early signs of a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. If treated early, this can be managed with the support of our Improving Access to Psychological Therapies team.

Accessing one of our services does not mean that you have a significant mental health problem. We are here to help you to manage the more difficult times in your life.

For more information about the Psychological Therapies Services in Wigan,it is advised that you consult your GP. He or she can then make a referral on your behalf.

Real-life Experience

Emma, 27, from Leigh has successfully completed a Life Skills course

“Last September I was promoted to Supervisor at the Smart optician’s where I worked in Manchester. I welcomed this new chance to shine; however when my manager unexpectedly left,I was asked to ‘act up’ another level, which made me feel slightly anxious.. Christmas was just around the corner. Could I lead the team through our busiest period? It seemed like a huge ask.

I was coping – just. Unfortunately my partner’s father then died of a brain tumour. I’d never seen anyone die before. I took it in but found it difficult to express my grief. When my partner’s uncle was diagnosed with cancer, it was a huge shock.I had to be strong for my colleagues at work, but most importantly for my partner at home.

An unexpected marriage proposal over the holidays gave me a much needed boost. Then in January, my granddad sadly passed away. People were congratulating me and my fiancé on our engagement and commiserating us on our losses at the same time.

When I took annual leave in February, I couldn’t stop crying. The smallest of things made me anxious. I was gripped by a terrible unshakeable fear that someone else I loved might die. What would I do then?

“I don’t feel myself,” I told my fiancé – booking an appointment with my GP. He prescribed me a course of mild anti-depressants. “For you to get back to the way you were before, you need to change the way you think about things,” he advised – referring me to the Trust where I signed up for an eight-week ‘talking therapies’ Life Skills course.

Firstly, I attended a course at the Lindamere Unit at Leigh Infirmary, and then nearby. Psychological Well-being Practitioner Anna Howarth and Clinical Psychologist Debbie Timson were absolutely amazing. They gave me the tools I needed to change my way of thinking; rationalise the negative thoughts and to cope with stress in a healthy, positive way.

I’m off my anti-depressants now, and my outlook has dramatically changed. If I start to feel anxious or stressed, I just dip back into my toolbox to get myself back on track.

It’s surprising – so many people who I’ve told about my experience say “Me too”. There’s so much stigma and misunderstanding around mental ill-health. I want people to know there is help and it does work. I’m living proof.”