The EIS supports people from the age of 14 years to 65 years who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis.

It aims to provide service users and their families with intensive support for up to three years in order to prevent people from developing a psychotic illness and the need for long-term involvement with mental health services.

The team works alongside patients to empower and encourage personal development and comprises doctors, psychologists, managers, deputy managers, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses and social workers who are also care coordinators as well as support workers, peer support workers and an IPS employment specialist. They also employ a dedicated physical health worker and are in the process of taking on a volunteer to co-facilitate the carers group.

One reviewer said: “My care was very good, the staff were very caring and were empathetic. As far as improvements go, none were required. The care was tailored around me and it was more than adequate.”

Another service user said: “I am completely satisfied with the care and support I have received over the past two and a half years from my care worker.”

Mark Kempster, EIS deputy manager, said: “I am immensely proud of the whole team through what has been an extraordinarily different and challenging year due to the Covid pandemic.

“The cohesive nature of our team has been amazing with everybody being very flexible and covering when staff have been unwell or unable to attend work due to shielding. This has meant that we have managed to maintain a high level of robust care for our client base. Thank you to all of you!”

There are numerous students placed in the team of varying disciplines. The interventions the team provide include cognitive behavioural therapy in psychosis, behavioural family therapy, medication advice, carers support, physical health monitoring and wellbeing interventions, employment support as well as other individualised interventions provided by care coordinators who all have their own individual specialisms.

A further reviewer said: “My treatment I received was great, quick and always supportive. Oxford Health helped me when no one else could during a psychotic episode due to stress. I will be forever thankful.”

Another person said that the care they received was “very understanding and nice” and it made them “feel happy instead of scared.”

A final reviewer said: “When our son became ill it was a frightening time for our family. The ElS team took great care of him ringing him talking to him and helping him. He is a lot better but we do not know what we would have done without the care and support for him and our family at this difficult time.”