GP PRACTICES in the district have been shortlisted for a coveted award recognising mental health support they provide to adults.

The Modality AWC Partnership and Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Primary Care Network are finalists in the national General Practice Awards.

Now in their 15th year, the accolades are designed to celebrate "best examples of innovation, dedication and teamwork" in primary care.

The GP practice groups, part of the Community Mental Health Transformation Partnership, have been shortlisted in the 'clinical improvement in mental health' category.

Also involved in the partnership are Bradford District Health Care NHS Foundation Trust, organisations including Pioneer Projects and Keighley Healthy Living and over 20 specialist delivery partners.

In the first year of the initiative, more than 1,500 people have benefited.

A spokesperson says: "Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with some describing the service as lifesaving.

"GP practice staff and social prescribers refer patients to specialist community services or groups for consistent and local adult mental health and wellbeing support.

"Local people were involved in designing the scheme and this helped create a culturally appropriate service for South Asian women, provided specialist support to people facing drug and alcohol problems, and set up wellbeing hubs in rural locations."

Sasha Bhat, priority director for healthy minds at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, says: "Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven is a huge area with lots of diversity.

"Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Primary Care Network and Modality AWC – in partnership with grassroots organisations – have used local data, knowledge and insight to mould and deliver mental health and wellbeing services that suit our people.

"This is a step forward in delivering care that provides people with support and hope, and means no one is left behind. We want people to live long, happy and healthy lives with care tailored to their needs and close to where they live."

Dr Brendan Kennedy, a GP partner at Modality, says: "I'm glad this project is getting the recognition it deserves.

"Our teams have worked tirelessly to reach those who need our help the most. The partnership shows how working with organisations with different expertise can improve patient outcomes. The programme is seeing amazing results and patients can now access more specialist support quickly. We're actively sharing our learning and hope to see this scheme rolled out more widely."

Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on December 6.