FORTH VALLEY residents now have access to range of online self-help packages for coping with Covid-19, depression, anxiety, and the emotional impact of some physical health problems.

A new suite of packages from Silver Cloud will mean easier access to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from personal computers, tablets or mobile phones.

The packages target Covid-19 stress, depression, social anxiety, health anxiety, and the emotional impact of conditions such as heart disease, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and lung conditions.

Anyone who wants to be referred to the programme should contact their local GP practice.

Individuals taking part then create their own user name and password so nobody can access any of their details and all data is stored in an encrypted database.

They are also given a contact for NHS Forth Valley’s Psychology Services support team who can arrange for additional modules to be added, if required.