HEALTH and social care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire are raising awareness of the local mental health support available ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday (October 10).
Organisations in the region are urging anyone who may be struggling with their mental health to get in contact rather than suffer in silence.
One in four people will be affected by a mental health disorder at some stage in their lives and the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that every 40 seconds someone dies from suicide.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has also increased anxiety, stress, low-mood and loneliness among the population.
Dr David Spraggett, GP and Chair at NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Health organisations want to help put an end to the stigma and misconceptions of what mental health problems are. It’s ok not to be ok, and help is available.
“The most important thing to do is to talk to someone about how you are feeling so that you can be supported and can receive the help you need. This can be a friend, family member, your GP or you can contact mental health support charities and organisations if you would prefer to talk to someone else.”
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust is promoting its crisis service on 0300 200 0011, which is operated by a range of experienced NHS staff and clinicians with specific expertise in crisis and de-escalation interventions. The team can give guidance on the service offers available across Coventry and Warwickshire, and assess if a home visit is necessary.
Dr Sharon Binyon, Medical Director at CWPT, said: “I would urge anybody who is struggling with their mental health to reach out and speak to someone.
“If you are struggling with your mental health and need urgent advice, please pick up the phone and speak to one of our specialist mental health staff. They are here to help you get the support you need.”
The Trust has worked with Network Rail to raise awareness of the support line by installing signage at 11 railway stations across the region.
Richard Godwin, Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator Network Rail North West and Central Region said: “It is hoped that by promoting this valuable service to passengers and staff that more people will use the service and get the specialist help they need.”
Coventry and Warwickshire local authorities and health services have also developed a new suicide prevention website called Dear Life – www.dearlife.org.uk – which provides support and signposting to vital services for residents who are desperately seeking support, or anyone who is worried about a loved one.
Warwickshire County Council’s health and wellbeing spokesman Coun Les Caborn said: “World Mental Health day provides an opportunity to talk about this issue and its far-reaching impact. It gives us further opportunity to remind people about the work the council does in partnership with health services to offer support to anyone struggling with their mental wellbeing and urge them to seek support.
“It is important for us to have conversations with each other about how we are feeling, the challenges we face and the effect of these things on every aspect of our lives.
“The coronavirus pandemic has made things particularly difficult for people who may be feeling lonely and confused, facing hardship or addressing concerns about their general health. It is important that people know they are not alone and that services are here to help.
“We have developed a online resource to help people who are finding it hard to cope find the right services to address complicated and negative thoughts and feelings. Life is dear, hold on to it.”
Coventry City Council’s public health spokesman Coun Kamran Caan said: “The effects of the pandemic have been so incredibly challenging for many of us. The new Dear Life website is a fantastic way to help everyone to feel they have somewhere to go for advice at a time they or someone close to them is struggling.
“Therefore, it is important when addressing this and the surrounding stigma around mental health that we make sure people’s stories are heard, and that everyone in our city feels they have someone to talk to and knows there is help available.”
Dr Sarah Raistrick, Chair at NHS Coventry and Rugby CCG added: “Covid-19 has impacted us all and we have had to adjust to the ‘new’ way of life. Connections and having a conversation remain vital and are more important now than ever before.
“There may be a need for physical distancing still, but this should not impact our connections. Pick up the phone, send a text or check in on your neighbour but remember to keep social distancing in mind.”
Visit www.dearlife.org.uk for Dear Life.
The following local and national mental health support and helplines are also available:
- NHS Mental Health Crisis service
https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/urgent-advice
0300 200 0011 (free 24/7 service)
- Rise (for children and young people)
02476 641 799 (8am-8pm)
0300 200 0011 (8pm – 8am)
- Dimensions (offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting to local services)
- Mental Health Matters Coventry and Warwickshire
https://www.mhm.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire-helpline
0800 616 171 (free, 24/7, and confidential)
- Chat Health (a free service enabling 11-18 year olds in Coventry and Warwickshire to send confidential SMS text messages to School Nurses who will provide impartial advice and support)
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/healthchat
For Warwickshire, text 07507 331 525
For Coventry, text 07507 331 949
- Coventry and Warwickshire Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service
https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/iapt
024 7667 1090
- Warwickshire County Council
- Coventry City Council
- The Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us
116 123
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger
Text YM to 85258
- Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline
Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
- Every Mind Matters (national NHS mental health support service)
- If you believe or are concerned someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999.
