Celebrating 25 years of excellence in Psychological Therapies Training
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) has proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Psychological Therapies Training Centre.
Established in 2000, the Centre has become a nationally recognised leader in evidence-based psychological therapies training, shaping thousands of skilled practitioners across the UK.
To mark the anniversary the Centre hosted a day-long event, which included speakers nationally renowned in the field, at GMMH’s admin HQ at The Curve in Prestwich.
Originally founded to create a centre of excellence for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in the northwest, the Centre has evolved in response to national priorities aimed at improving access to high-quality psychological care.
Today, it offers a diverse range of therapies including Parent Training, Systemic Family Practice and Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents, with training tailored to meet the needs of children, young people, families, individuals with learning disabilities and those with long-term health conditions.
As one of the few non-university organisations offering postgraduate-level psychological therapies training, the Centre has cultivated a distinctive culture that places service users, families, and carers at the heart of its mission.
Its programmes are designed to align with NHS recommendations and Clinical Governance objectives, ensuring that trainees are equipped to deliver impactful, evidence-based care.
The anniversary event also highlighted the Centre’s enduring partnership with the University of Manchester, which has been instrumental in maintaining academic standards and fostering innovation. This collaboration continues to ensure that the Centre’s programmes meet the highest standards.
Since 2008, the Centre has secured major contracts with NHS England, contributing significantly to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative. Its training programmes have supported practitioners working across diverse populations and settings, including schools, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health needs.
Freda McManus, Head of the Centre, said: “This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and the transformative impact of our training programmes. We remain committed to developing the next generation of psychological professionals who will continue to improve lives across the NHS.”
One trainer added: “Being part of this Centre has been a career-defining experience. The emphasis on clinical relevance and inclusivity makes our work not only meaningful but deeply rewarding.”
Professor David M Clark speaking at the event.
Among those reflecting on the Centre’s legacy and future was Professor David M Clark, who is Clinical and Informatics Advisor: NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression, NHS England. Prof Clark holds the Chair of Experimental Psychology at University of Oxford and is the National Clinical and Informatics Advisor for the NHS Talking Therapies Programme.
The 25th anniversary celebration brought together alumni, educators, clinicians, and partners to honour the Centre’s achievements and reaffirm its commitment to excellence in mental health care. The Centre continues to champion lifelong learning, professional development, and inclusive practices - welcoming trainees from communities that have experienced racial inequalities and embedding equality and diversity across its curricula.
