EPUT : At Risk Mental State Service (ARMS - North East Essex)

ARMS stands for the At Risk Mental State Service. We work with young people and adults aged between 14 and 35 years old (registered with a GP in North East Essex) who may be struggling with experiences such as having unusual thoughts, feeling paranoid, hearing or seeing things that others don’t. For more information, please contact your GP, who will be able to provide advice and referral options.

Service information

Many people who have distressing unusual experiences find this can start to get in the way of education, employment or socialising. This early period is called an ‘At-Risk Mental State’. Getting support at this point can prevent a person from going on to develop a more serious mental health problem.

Our aim is to prevent people from needing more intensive support in the future.

Every person that we support is at the centre of all that we do and we try to understand what has led to the thoughts, feelings and behaviours being expressed.

We provide care and support to people who may have experienced:

Feeling disconnected from the world and preferring to spend time alone.
A feeling that things have changed in some way such as people or places seem strange or unfamiliar.
Confused or muddled thinking.
Being troubled by unusual ideas or thoughts which friends or family may find difficult to believe.
Seeing, hearing or experiencing things other people do not.
Struggling with daily life.

The support we offer

Please see service leaflet for more information: North east Essex ARMS

Psychological therapy - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the NICE recommended therapy in ARMS.
Practical support to help improve access to local community services, such as substance misuse, employment, education, faith/spirituality groups (signposting and supporting first appointment, or joint working with community organisations where appropriate).
Training and consultancy to support staff working with people who hear voices, see visions or feel paranoid.

Things you may find helpful

Voice Collective is a free service that supports young people, and their families, who may be having unusual experiences (hearing, seeing or sensing things that others do not). Their website provides information regarding unusual experiences, as well as peer support groups and an online community (Discord Peer Support Forum).

Understanding Voices is another free service that can help people better understand the experiences of those who hear things that others do not, as well as finding ways to support them.

Who can use this service?

How are services delivered?

People aged 14 to 35 who may be struggling with experiences like having unusual thoughts, feeling paranoid or hearing voices. We work with anyone who is registered with a GP in North East Essex. Please contact your health care professional, such as your GP or primary care nurse for a referral.

What to expect

If our service is for you, you will be invited to an assessment in a location close to home.

One of the team will meet with you to talk and understand of your experiences and how these make you feel. We may also ask about how other areas of your life are going to see whether we may be able to help.

The assessment may take place over more than one session. This is to make sure you have enough time to explain what has been happening.

Voice hearing unusual thoughts unusual experiences hallucinations feeling paranoid Mental Health Support