What is Paddle?

Paddle is an app which has been developed by patients for patients to help them make the most of therapy, by storing all related information in one secure location. It is not a therapy tool, but it can be used during, and perhaps more importantly after a course of psychological therapy to help people stay well for longer. 

How do I find out more about Paddle?

You can find out more about Paddle by visiting https://www.paddleapp.org or talking to your therapist.

How do I access Paddle?

There will be a phased roll-out of this app from 2019. Paddle is currently only available by invitation from a selected number of therapists working in one of the following NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) services: Healthy Minds (Buckinghamshire), Talking Therapies (Berkshire), Talking Space Plus (Oxfordshire) and Talk for Change (Milton Keynes). In order to access the app your therapist simply needs to add your name and email address to their Paddle portal. You’ll be sent an invitation email with a link to download the mobile app to your phone and a PIN to use the first time you log in to Paddle. If you have been invited to download Paddle, you can also use the web-based version of the app by visiting https://www.paddleapp.org. 

How do I log in to Paddle the first time?

You will be sent a link to download Paddle, along with a 5-digit PIN (passcode). Please use this PIN the first time you use Paddle and then change it to a more memorable PIN when prompted to do so.

What do I do if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, simply click on ‘Forgot my PIN’ and you will be sent a new temporary one.

What data can I add to Paddle?

You can add free text, word documents, PDFs, audio files, URLs and contact information to the app.

How do I add data to the app?

You can add data directly into a section within the app (e.g. by selecting +ADD ITEM) or you can click on the dark blue +ADD button which is always available at the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Please see the userguide at https://www.paddleapp.org for further information about how to do this, as well as how to add files that are already stored on your phone or laptop/PC.

Where is my data stored and who has access to it?

Your data is encrypted and stored securely on an Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust server. Only you have access to your data.

Can I access my documents offline?

You can access documents within your SOS section (information that would be useful to you in an emergency) offline. You need to be online to access all other sections of the app.

What if I lose my phone?

Access to data within your app will be protected via your PIN, and you will still be able to access your Paddle files via the web-based version of the app. You can also install Paddle on a new device if appropriate.

What if I no longer wish to use Paddle?

If you no longer wish to use Paddle you can simply uninstall the app from your phone. You will still be able to use the web-based version of Paddle and you will be able to download the app again in the future should you wish to use it again. You can also clear the data from your mobile device (for example when you change phones) – please see the user guide at https://www.paddleapp.org for further information on how to do this. 

How can I reinstall the app if I change my mind about using Paddle in the future?

If you would like to reinstall the app after uninstalling it, simply visit the App store (if you have an iPhone) or Google Play store (if you have an android phone) to download it again.

Can I delete my Paddle account?

There is also the option to permanently delete your Paddle account. However, if you choose this option, all data stored within the app will be deleted from the web-based version of Paddle as well as the mobile app and will not be recoverable (please see the user guide at https://www.paddleapp.org) for further information).

Can I contact my therapist via the app?

There is no facility to contact your therapist via the app. If you wish to make contact, you should get in touch with your local Talking Therapies service in the normal way. If you need help in an emergency, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.

Can I complete my questionnaires via the app?

Patients cannot complete questionnaires via the app in the first phase of Paddle which is being rolled out currently. However, we hope to add this functionality during the second phase of Paddle.

 

For further information about Paddle, please visit https://www.paddleapp.org.