A NEW mental health service is supporting young people and adults across Ilkley.

Future Focus Early Engagement team was launched earlier this month by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The team works with people who may be more vulnerable to developing mental health difficulties, for example they may experience a sudden change in the way they see things or people, or want to do less than usual.

They may have a family member with a diagnosis of psychosis and are feeling low themselves.

The service is available for people aged 14 to 35 living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Dr Razia Akhtar, Future Focus service manager and senior clinical psychologist at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Future Focus service aims to engage with people who need support early.

“We can offer help such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), as well as help for the family.

“We can also offer social support to people if they need help with things like benefits, housing related issues, employment or education support.

“People can self-refer into the service if they think they meet the criteria, or they can be referred by a family member, friend or health professional.”

For more information on the service, criteria and how to self-refer, visit the website bdct.nhs.uk/services/futurefocus/.