With the world reflecting on mental health this weekend for World Mental Health Day, it's important to know where and who can help and support locally...
So we took to researching what support there is for mental health in Staffordshire and also the national charities and organisations that you can access at any time when you feel vulnerable, or just need to open up to someone about how you are feeling.
Remember, it really is okay not to feel okay. Please reach out to a friend, a family member, a stranger, or one of the below organisations if you need to talk. There’s always a solution.
Here is a list of numbers you can contact for support for your mental health in Staffordshire. Remember that your call is just as important as the next even if it seems busier than usual because if the coronavirus pandemic.
For urgent help, contact
Samaritans
Call the free helpline 116 123 at any time of day, 7 days a week.
Give us a Shout
Text 85258. A free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Mental Health Access Team
Staffordshire Mental Health Service
NHS 111
Contact the NHS on 111 for urgent health advice at anytime of the day.
Other local services and support contacts:
Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline
Set up by Brighter Futures. Free call 0808 200 2234 or send a free text to 07860022821. You can also email staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk or log on and use the chat service at: www.brighter-futures.org.uk/.
North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Service
On April 1, 2020 the North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Service was launched as a way of improving access to talking therapies and services provided locally. The new service brings together all existing services into one fully integrated service with a single point of access. This service is for any person 16 years and over experiencing anxiety, depression or stress. You can refer yourself for services using the online form here.
Men Unite
Men Unite offers mental health support for men. Visit the website on menunite.org.
North Staffs Mind
An independent charity run by local people for local people. They offer a number of services including counselling, befriending and mentoring, supported housing parent support, and social support groups. Call 01782 262100 or visit nsmind.org.uk.
Toolbox Project
The Toolbox Project is run by the South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health and aims to help people identify strengths not weaknesses and help to design management plans for people to stay emotionally well every day. Call 01543 301139 or email sunetwork@ssnmentalhealth.co.uk.
And the following national charities can provide help and support for your mental health in Staffordshire.
Every Mind Matters
An NHS online resource providing help and advice about mental health. www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/.
Men’s Health Forum
An online resource devoted to improving the health of men and boys. www.menshealthforum.org.uk/.
Anxiety UK
Help for those who are affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression. www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Bipolar UK
Support for those affected by bipolar so that they can live a full life. www.bipolaruk.org/.
CALM
The CALM helpline is there for anyone who needs to talk confidentially about a tough time they are experiencing. Open every day from 5pm – 12am 0800 585858.
Mental Health Foundation
The organisation behind World Mental Health Day. See more at www.mentalhealth.org.uk.
Rethink
A local network of groups and services are available to help improve the lives of those severely affected by mental illness. www.rethink.org.uk.
SANE
Find out more about the mental health charity at www.sane.org.uk.
