PP Week 2025- Shifting the Narrative

In November the Psychological Professions Network (PPN) marked its sixth national Psychological Professions Week (PP Week), with events delivered across the country. On Monday 10^th November, the East of England Psychological Professions in Physical Health Community of Practice hosted Shifting the Narrative-  a session designed to support physical health colleagues in having confident, meaningful conversations about mental health.

The presentation aimed to:

• Increase confidence in introducing the topic of mental health
• Empower physical health colleagues
• These conversations matter to patients – there is a benefit
• Encourage a biopsychosocial perspective / approach to the person

The session explored why these conversations matter, how to approach them in practice, practical top tips from clinicians working across physical and mental health, available psychological support pathways, and concluded with a panel discussion.

The event was open to all clinical colleagues working in hospitals, community services and GP practices, as well as patients and members of the public.

Participant Feedback

Attendees joined to gain practical tools, improve confidence, and better understand how to integrate mental and physical healthcare — particularly when supporting people living with long-term conditions.

Participants described the session as informative, eye-opening, and highly relevant to their clinical work.

Key learning included:

• Greater understanding of how physical health conditions impact mental wellbeing.
• Increased confidence in broaching conversations about mental health
• Awareness of referral pathways, including Talking Therapies and long-term conditions pathways
• Practical use of tools such as PHQ-2 and GAD-2 measures to guide discussions

One attendee shared:

“I will routinely introduce the topic of mental health to my patients, build rapport and normalise psychological discussion and support.”

Others highlighted plans to proactively check in with patients over time, adapt language when discussing mental health, and share learning with wider teams.

Missed it?

The recording and presentation materials are available via the PP Week resources page here!