EQUIP Team (Early Intervention City & Hackney)

Referrals are accepted from GPs, Primary and Secondary Mental Health Services and other services such as children's services and housing, via Single Point of Access (SPA) Team, Vivienne Cohen House , Cedar Lodge 2 Crozier Terrace London E9 6AT, 020 3222 8000 // elft.ch.spa@nhs.net

Speak to your GP who can refer you directly to EQUIP or Heads Up. New referrals are offered an appointment with a qualified mental health worker within two weeks of referral.

First episode of psychosis.
Adults aged 18-65 years at high risk of developing psychosis

At EQUIP, our aim is to help people make sense of their experiences, manage symptoms, and get back to doing the things that matter most to them. Whether it’s returning to work or study, reconnecting with friends and family, or simply feeling more in control again — we’re here to support that journey.

We provide both practical and emotional support, and we involve families and carers where it’s helpful and wanted. Our approach is based on listening, understanding, and working together to support each person's goals.

Support from EQUIP can last for up to three years, with more intensive help in the beginning. Over time, as people start to feel better and regain confidence, support gradually steps down to encourage independence and lasting recovery.

We work with adults aged 18 to 65 living in Hackney and the City of London, who are experiencing psychosis for the first time, or who are still early in their recovery. Whether your experiences are recent or have been going on for a while, we believe in offering support as early as possible — helping you understand what’s happening and begin to move forward with your life.

Our team includes a range of skilled professionals — care coordinators, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, and peer support workers — all focused on helping you make a good recovery. Together, we look at every area of life that might be affected — from mental health to relationships, physical health, housing, and work.

If there’s something we can’t provide directly — such as help with housing or benefits — we’ll support you to find the right services and advocate on your behalf when needed.

Most people who use EQUIP will be assigned a care coordinator, a key member of the team who will be your main point of contact. You’ll also be offered time with a psychiatrist and access to psychology sessions tailored to your needs.

Heads Up – Early Detection Support

Heads Up is a part of EQUIP, designed for young people aged 18 to 35 who may be at risk of developing psychosis. Sometimes, changes in thoughts, feelings, or how you see the world can feel unsettling or confusing. These early signs aren’t as uncommon as people think, and there are many reasons why they can happen.

Heads Up offers up to two years of support, including specialist assessments, expert guidance, and practical help. It’s a place to talk things through, understand what you’re experiencing, and get support early — before things get harder to manage.

Care Coordination 

Most people under our service are allocated to a care co-ordinator, who will be their main point of contact at EQUIP. Care co-ordinators work with people and their families to develop a plan of the goals they’d like to reach in life, and identify the support that might be needed in order to meet those goals. They also help set up meetings with other professionals, such as medical doctors, and meet with people regularly to offer emotional and practical support.

Psychology 

Everyone receiving support from EQUIP is offered psychology sessions. This is because there is good evidence that psychological therapies can help people and their families move forward following an episode of psychosis. EQUIP psychologists offer a range of different talking therapies, including individual therapy, family therapy and couple’s therapy. 

Some people prefer to use sessions to talk about ways to manage difficult feelings in the present. Others choose to use psychology sessions to make sense of their experiences of psychosis, or to talk about difficult or confusing events that have happened in the past. People may be seen for up to 16-20 sessions.

Occupational Therapy 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) work to promote, enable and maintain engagement with meaningful activities. For example, they support people with setting achievable goals, exploring activities in the community and developing and maintain daily living skills. At EQUIP, OT’s work as care coordinators but they also see people for individual work and sometimes run groups.

Peer Support 

Peer support workers have experienced psychosis and provide support to people under EQUIP using their own experience of recovery. They can meet up with people at home, in the community or in our offices.

Support Workers

Support workers can help people to get out and about and attend appointments and activities. They can support with practical tasks, such as applying for benefits, and help people build up the confidence to get involved in new activities.

Employment Specialists 

Employment specialists help people with mental health difficulties find and retain employment. For example, they can help build a realistic employment plan based on people’s interests and preferences. They can also help people prepare and improve their CV, help prepare for interviews, help searching for jobs and engage with (potential) employers where needed.

At EQUIP, we believe that recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms — it’s also about connection, community, and shared experience. That’s why we offer a number of friendly and welcoming groups designed to bring people together in a supportive environment.

One of our key groups is the Expressions Group, a fortnightly peer support group for people currently using the service. It’s a relaxed and open space where you can connect with others who may have had similar experiences, share stories, explore creativity, and support one another on the journey to recovery. Whether you're talkative or prefer just to listen, everyone is welcome — there's no pressure to contribute in any particular way.

We also run a monthly Family, Friends and Carers Group, specially created for the loved ones of those using EQUIP. This group offers a chance for carers to meet others in similar roles, share experiences, gain insights into psychosis and mental health, and find mutual support in a warm and understanding setting.

These groups are a great way to feel less alone, build confidence, and learn from others who truly understand. They can also be a lot of fun — with opportunities for creative expression, group discussions, and even the occasional cup of tea and laughter along the way.

If you're interested in joining one of our groups or just want to find out more, your care coordinator will be happy to talk you through the options and help you get involved at your own pace.

For some people who experience psychosis medication can be a helpful part of recovery. It’s often most useful during a crisis, when symptoms feel intense or overwhelming, helping to reduce distress and make experiences more manageable. 

How medication can help: Antipsychotic medication can ease symptoms such as hearing voices, strong unusual beliefs, or paranoia. Many people find this helps them regain stability and focus on everyday life. Some may take medication short-term, while others benefit from longer-term use. 

After a first episode of psychosis, it’s often recommended to continue medication for 12–18 months to reduce the risk of relapse. For those who’ve had multiple episodes, longer-term treatment may be advised. Different experiences: Medication works well for some, but not for everyone. Some people feel significantly better, while others may experience side effects or feel the benefits are limited. That’s why treatment needs to be tailored to each person. 

Our Approach at EQUIP 

• Talk openly about how medication may help
• Discuss possible side effects and how to manage them
• Explore alternatives like talking therapies or lifestyle changes
• Regularly review treatment plans together Involve carers, where appropriate and with consent
• We support each person in making informed choices about their care, including whether to use medication, and how it fits into their overall recovery.

There are many trusted websites and online tools that can help you better understand psychosis and how to support someone who is experiencing it. 

These resources offer clear, practical information for families, friends, and carers, and can also help you find guidance on looking after your own wellbeing. 

We’ve listed some useful starting points below:

• ‘Understanding Psychosis’ is a booklet that has been written by both psychologists and service users.
• The charity Mind has a fantastic website which is packed full of information about understanding Psychosis.
• Rethink are a charity who provide a great deal of information about pychosis.
• A website hosting five films which explore the experience of psychosis. The films are a collaboration between artist Marcus Coates and five individuals in recovery from different lived experiences of psychosis.The consensus of those who viewed the films was that they are a valuable resource that ought to be permanently available for learning and understanding of the lived experience of psychosis.