Background
The PGcert in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies provides individuals with training to become an 'Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies' programme (IAPT) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. The National Department of Health IAPT Programme is an innovative approach to address common mental health problems. Therapists are trained to help those who experience depression and anxiety through use of evidence-based psychological therapies.
Trainee PWPs are provided with training on this course to implement packages of cognitive-behaviour therapy (e.g., supported self-help). The goal of their role is to aid clinical improvement and social inclusion – including return to work or other meaningful activity. Applicants for this course must do concurrently, relevant work which includes minimum supervision resource dictated by the IAPT programme. For NHS-funded places, individuals will be employed in services. We hope to introduce self-funded posts for the 2011-2012 intake. Self-funded individuals will need either to be in relevant employment which will be appropriate and support the training, or will be allocated an unpaid placement arranged by the course.
The programme is based in a pleasant University campus which is adjacent to Newcastle's City Centre. Newcastle is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe which enjoys a relatively inexpensive cost of living, also being positioned near to courty-side which is renowned for its beauty (e.g., Lake District, Scottish Borders).
