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Urgent Help

If you or a loved one are in a critical or life-threatening situation you should call 999 straight away.

If you are in a non-life threating situation you should contact your GP who will be able to advise you what to do.

NHS 111 offer advice when it’s not an emergency but you need medical help fast. To call them dial 111.

PPSS: Living Well with Persistent Symptoms Group

Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver our Living Well Group face-to-face currently due to the COVID-19 situation. We have an alternative set up for this group including videos, a handbook and weekly phone calls - please click here to see the videos if you have been assigned to one of our living well groups.

This group is part of our Persistent Physical Symptoms Service (PPSS)

Several groups run in various locations across Copeland, Allerdale, Carlisle & Eden. Groups have 7 sessions, with each session lasting 2 hours, including a break. There will be around 10-15 participants in each group who will all experience persistent physical symptoms. Groups will either run on a morning 10am-12pm or afternoon sessions 2pm-4pm.

You need to be referred into our PPSS pathway by your GP, a medic or physiotherapist to access this group - see our general PPSS service page for more information on referral into our PPSS pathway.

What is the purpose of this group?

The Living Well with Persistent Physical Symptoms Group aims to help people by:

• Exploring the impact of persistent physical symptoms on our daily lives.

• Exploring how our thinking/attempts to cope can unintentionally affect our mood, feelings and behaviours which can then impact upon physical symptoms.

• Using mindfulness skills to help manage symptoms.

• Help to focus on what is important to you/your values.

• Help you to set realistic goals and learn how to pace activities so that you can live a life more in tune with what is important to you.

• Looking at the impact of stress, lifestyle choices and sleep patterns on persistent symptoms and exploring ways in which these can be improved.

• Learning how to cope with set-backs and relapses.

• Learn about the biological, physiological, and psychological mechanisms of pain

The programme is underpinned by a number of evidence-based approaches including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

What can you expect in the group?

You can expect a supportive, non-judgemental environment which is ran by experienced health professionals.

In your group there will be a Psychologist, Physiotherapist and a Living Well Coach, this allows a breadth of experience and knowledge to best help patient’s needs.

Additionally, we understand that a group environment can be a scary environment for many, therefore in the group there is no pressure to speak if you do not feel like it. The group provides an opportunity to meet other people experiencing similar difficulties to you.

Patients will be provided with a group manual in week 1 which contains information, tasks and guidance around the strategies taught throughout the course.