The event took place on the morning of Monday, 21 September 2026 at ELFT’s HQ in Aldgate. Colleagues from Doncaster were invited to join the celebrations, reflecting the two services’ shared history as the original demonstration sites.
In 2006, Newham and Doncaster were selected as the two demonstration sites to test an innovative approach to improving access to psychological therapies for people experiencing depression and anxiety.
Known as ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT), the programme addressed the recognised gap in access to effective psychological treatments through the NHS. A review of outcomes from the two sites showed that the approach offered an effective and affordable way to provide evidence-based therapy, paving the way for the national rollout in 2008. In January 2023, the programme was rebranded to ‘NHS Talking Therapies’, to make it clearer for the general public what the service offers.
ELFT now provides four Talking Therapies services, reflecting its continued commitment to expanding access to evidence-based psychological care across the communities it serves. The clinical leads from the Trust’s three other Talking Therapies services (Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies, Bedfordshire Talking Therapies and ELFT Digital Therapy) were also present at the event.
The celebration brought together key architects of the IAPT model, colleagues and service users to reflect on this journey. It recognised the team’s hard work over the past 20 years to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of Newham’s communities, alongside the vital contribution of service users as service designers, helping shape how care is developed and delivered.
Speakers included The Rt Hon Lord Layard FBA, Dr Ben Wright and Professor David Clark CBE FBA who provided the historical context, the original vision for IAPT and the national rollout of Talking Therapies across the country. Colleagues from Newham and Doncaster also spoke about their experiences providing care for their respective communities, before Dr Adrian Whittington, National Clinical Lead for Psychological Professions at NHS England, spoke about the impact of IAPT at a national level.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Adrian Whittington said: “Newham NHS Talking Therapies have forged the way for others across the country, demonstrating what is possible when we are bold, determined, principled, compassionate and adaptable.”
Professor David M. Clark CBE added: “Thank you for the invitation. I thought it was a terrific event. I was particularly interested to hear about all the new initiatives you are driving forward in the service, always with a close eye on the outcome data. For example, the Muslim faith-informed behavioural activation group, AI-supported translation and therapy notes, etc. Clearly, Newham continues to be a great innovator. Well done!”
Daniela Antonie, Clinical Lead for Newham Talking Therapies, concluded: “Looking ahead, we want to continue to innovate and influence the future of Talking Therapies through practice-based evidence and research, adapt our services to meet increasingly complex needs, and work closely with our mental health partners to provide a truly joined-up and positive experience of care.”
“It was a really special day and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, vision and work that have shaped Newham Talking Therapies over the past 20 years.”
Alongside these reflections, a panel discussion brought together members of the executive team, directors and stakeholders (including GPs) to explore aspirations for the future of Talking Therapies. The panel considered its place in prevention and community health, and how digital transformation could improve access, support clinicians and enhance the experience of care.