TO COMBAT the effects winter and the pandemic on wellbeing, health and social care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire are reminding people they are not alone.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is reminding residents they can seek support for negative thoughts and feelings should they need it.
In the meantime, the website dearlife.org.uk offers information about where to get help in a crisis, advice on how to maintain good mental health and ways to support others in need.
Alternatively, Coventry and Warwickshire’s local mental health helpline can be called free on 0800 616 171, provided by Mental Health Matters. Helpline staff can provide emotional support for those feeling low, anxious or stressed, experiencing extreme emotional distress, caring for another person and finding it difficult to cope, needing advice about support with a mental wellbeing issue and feeling isolated.
Dr Sharon Binyon, medical director at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Despite the festive period around the corner, winter is a struggle for many people and with the added pressures from the pandemic, we are expecting it to be a challenging and lonely time for a lot of residents.
“There is a wide range of support services available across Coventry and Warwickshire to help people who are feeling low, stressed or struggling to cope. Dear Life has been carefully constructed and designed to help you find support, provide lifesaving steps and advice in maintaining good mental health.
Please share the website link and phone number with someone who may need it.”
WCC health spokesman Les Caborn added: “The county council is determined to create a culture of kindness by reminding residents to look out for themselves and the benefits to mental health of being kind to one another. Support is always available and we want to make sure people know how to find it.
“Loneliness can influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can make us believe that being lonely is part of our identity. There are things we can do, and support available, to change this mindset. I would strongly encourage anyone who is worried about someone, or themselves, to visit the Dear Life website which has been made specifically to help you find the right support for your needs.
A small act of kindness can save a life, reach out to people you know who may be lonely and isolated at this time.”
– NHS Mental Health Crisis service: 0300 200 0011, free 24/7 service
– Rise (for children and young people) call 08081 966798 (select option 2)
– Warwickshire Safe Haven: 6-11pm every day on 02477 714554/07970 042270 or email [email protected]
– Chat Health is a free service that enables 11 – 18 year olds across Coventry and Warwickshire to send confidential SMS text messages to School Nurses who will provide impartial advice and support – text 07507 331 525
– Coventry and Warwickshire Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, call 024 7667 1090
– Visit Warwickshire County Council website to find out about the range of mental health and wellbeing support services available to you. For tips and advice on being kind, and how this can improve our wellbeing, follow the county council’s kindness advent calendar
– The Samaritans call 116 123
– YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
– Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
