The REDS is a service for people aged 17+, who experience difficulties associated with strong emotions and interpersonal relationships. The programme is accessed via referral from a GP and offers service users a choice in the style and content of their treatment.
How to contact
Where to go
Available Throughout Cambridge
Chesterton Medical Centre 35 Union Lane Cambridge CB4 1PX
Meet the team:
Hear from someone who attended the Making Connections programme:
What to expect
Referral to REDS is initially via your GP who will arrange an assessment by a mental health practitioner, either online or in person. Once you have been referred you will be invited to two introductory workshops which will outline the types of difficulties you may be experiencing, how they may have arisen and why this means you struggle with your emotions. This segment is called 'Is this for Me?' and is a useful beginning, helping to set outcome expectations. You will also be introduced to a choice of two treatment options, of which you can choose one or complete both in succession:
- Peer Support Group Programme
A 12-week group programme, led by CPSL Mind, with a different theme each week. Participants will be asked to consider some relevant psycho-educational material and will be given space to consider their own experiences in relation to each topic. This course is a good choice for those who benefit from an informal atmosphere and time to think about their own challenges. The peer support received in this group dynamic is an important aspect of the sessions. - Making Connections (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Group)
A 16 week group programme, facilitated by NHS Psychological Practitioners, based on psychoeducational skills. Sessions draw heavily on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) principles. Research indicates that this is an effective treatment for people with mild to moderate symptoms of emotional dysregulation, possibly associated with a personality disorder. It is particularly suitable for people who may engage in harmful or low-level risky behaviours but who can benefit from psychoeducation, possess the organisational skills to attend group and individual sessions over the 16 weeks, the determination to try to do things differently, and the resilience to respond to feedback. If you complete Making Connections, you may want to self-refer to the Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) programme, details of which will be shared with you on completion.
Both treatment options are online and group-based, but you can talk to course leaders about additional one-to-one support.
More information
Access to REDS requires a referral from your GP or other mental health professional.
REDS is delivered online so you will need access to an email address and an internet enabled device with a working camera.
CPFT's website also includes some useful self-help information which are aimed at both professionals and people who are accessing REDS, covering a broad range of topics. If you're interested in learning more about DBT skills, you can explore RED-E, a free online programme. RED-E includes a range of short teaching sessions and scenario-based videos that reflect the skills taught in our group programmes. Registration is quick and easy, and access is completely free on this link Course: RED-E LANDING PAGE
Other support that you can self-refer to (without a GP or health professional referral) can be found in the self-referral section of the How Are You Cambridge website https://haycambridge.co.uk/find-support/mental-health-self-refer/
Other mental health support information can be found on the Keep Your Head website.
This service is free.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, please call the First Response Service on the NHS 111 helpline and select the mental health option.
How to contact
Where to go
Available Throughout Cambridge
Chesterton Medical Centre 35 Union Lane Cambridge CB4 1PX
