MENTAL health professionals have celebrated helping nearly 1000 people across the region in their first year of providing a new service.

The Wellbeing Service deal with people across Eden, Keswick and Solway - it is part of the Integrated Care Communities, which in turn is part of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The service recognises that health is affected by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.

The service helps to connect people with voluntary organisations and community resources to support their non-medical and psychological needs.

Amanda Riley, practise manager at Penrith's Birbeck Medical Group, which uses the living well coach, said: “The coach has become an integral part of the team here the group.

"They have so far provided a number of our patients with the skill and confidence to make the necessary behavioural changes to improve their health and quality of life.”

The service runs various groups that are open to adults living in Cumbria including a healthy choices group that covers all aspects of creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A psychological wellbeing group supports people with mental health conditions to effectively manage their wellbeing.

The groups are designed to constantly evolve and people's needs Simon Coe, living well coach and leader for the men’s group, said: “I enjoy being part of a patient’s journey and being able to use my skills to coach the patient to make positive changes to their wellbeing.”

After receiving coaching from Simon, a patient said they wished they could "photocopy" him so everyone could have him to help them.

For information groups online Eventbrite page where a list of all our current groups or available.

Alternatively email wellbeing@cumbria.nhs.uk or call 01768 245954 for information.

To access one-to-one coaching from the service contact your local GP who will make a referral.