IT’s a time of change – and new ideas – for mental health services in Herefordshire. So welcome to the DadPad.

From April 1 mental health services in the county have become the responsibility of Worcestershire NHS Health and Care Trust.

And the trust is promising new innovations to help provide care and support to those in need.

To raise awareness of the change the trust is sponsoring the Mental Health category in the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards this year.

This award is open to a department or individual carer/nurse/doctor who specialises in the care and treatment of mental health within Herefordshire.

Good mental health is recognized as vital for people’s overall health, and the judges want to hear how the care and support in this sector has improved the lives of individuals and their families.

The Worcestershire trust prides itself on bringing innovative ideas to care, and one of the latest is the DadPad.

The trust’s Now We’re Talking campaign to raise awareness of its local Healthy Minds service has led to a big increase in the numbers of people self-referring for support for anxiety or stress.

DadsPad, an online information pack developed by dads for dads, is helping fathers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire prepare for family life.

It covers a range of issues, such as the support dads can give their partners when they’re breastfeeding, being aware of perinatal mental illness and the anxiety and frustrations that come with parenthood, as well as hands-on advice on issues such as nappy changing. There is also a change to the way services are provided, with a new model for community provision centred on GP practices to make it easier for people to access and be given an appointment and care plan within four weeks.

To nominate someone, or yourself for an award, visit www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare/

Ledbury Reporter: