Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service

What we do

We help assess, treat and support people (between the ages of 14-65 years old) who may be experiencing their first episode of psychosis. We do this in the community – either in or near your home. 

We can help by:

• Educating you, your friends and family about psychosis
• Creating plans to help you through a crisis
• Medication
• Working with your family or guardians
• One-to-one support
• Providing access to psychological therapies
• Supporting you with your physical health
• Supporting you in your education or employment
• Helping you to continue with your everyday life.

We normally work with you for up to three years.

Individual Placement and Support

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Service offers encouragement and practical support to help people struggling with their mental health to find suitable paid work, apply for a job and provide support in your employment. Details here: IPS Together - Shaw Trust

Accessing the service

You, your family, carers, or friends can make a referral to the EIP service - you don't have to go through your GP. Just contact your local team (their contact details are on the right of this page).

Once your referral is received, the EIP team will review it carefully. If appropriate, you will be offered an assessment to explore the support available.

If EIP is not the most appropriate service to meet your needs, they will support you in accessing the service that is - ensuring you’re connected to the right help at the right time.

Looking after your physical health 

Looking after your physical health is important, especially if you’re living with mental health difficulties. People with mental health problems are more likely to have physical health issues like:

• Being overweight
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels

Having several of these together can lead to serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Why does this happen?

It can be due to things like:

• Eating unhealthily
• Not getting enough exercise
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs
• Side effects from medication
• Finding it hard to get help or treatment
• Feeling anxious, low, or isolated

Your care team is here to support your physical health

Each year, they’ll offer you a health check and help you stay on top of your wellbeing. They can also connect you with other services, like support to stop smoking.
Below are some useful links to help you find local services and national organisations that offer helpful information.

Our Hampshire Hearts page has an interactive map of commissioned smoking cessation, weight management and alcohol services.