Psychosis pilot scheme begins

A pioneering mental health service which aims to address first episodes of psychosis was launched in Cork on Wednesday.

The Responsive Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, abbreviated to RISE, is run by Cork Kerry Community Healthcare mental health services and is one of three pilot sites across the country for early intervention for psychosis.

Those who use the service in Cork will have access to a dedicated keyworker, psychological interventions, behavioural family intervention, physical health interventions and support to access work or education.

They will also have access to a peer support worker who has personal experience of psychosis. The service will be provided for three years.

It’s estimated that about 1,500 people every year, mostly young people, develop a first episode of psychosis.

Head of Mental Health Services with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Sinead Glennon said the new service will make a very real different to people in need of support at a difficult point in their lives.

She added: “Providing this kind of early intervention can have a significant impact. It supports people to move towards recovery, and to get the most out of life. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is committed to improving access, and the provision of this new service will certainly advance that priority. I’d like to pay tribute to our staff who have been involved in developing the service for the people of the southside of Cork city and environs, and thank them for their dedication.”

This service will be available to all service users presenting with a first episode of psychosis on the southside of Cork city and county, a population of 200,000 people. Access to the service is through the local community mental health teams.