How are you feeling? Mental Health Awareness Week
Take a moment to check in with yourself, how are you really feeling today?
Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.
The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 22nd year and runs from 9-15 May 2022. This year the theme is ‘Loneliness’, which can affect many of us from time to time. The week aims to give people the tools they need to connect to one another to combat loneliness and live their best possible life.
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together - as individuals, as a society and through government policy - to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
Mel Coombes, Chief Executive Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:
“Something as small as a quick check phone call or a short text, can have a massive impact on someone’s mental health – especially if it helps them feel a little less lonely.
“Here at CWPT, we pride ourselves on providing innovative and pioneering mental health support. Whether it’s our Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service, or our CW Rise service for children – if you or a loved one, no matter what their age or background, is feeling down, depressed, low or lonely, we have a service that can support you in your time of need.”
Portfolio holder for Public and Sport Cllr Kamran Caan said: “I am so pleased that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week ties in with the Wellbeing for Life Festival. A huge part of health and wellbeing is about how well connected we feel to our community.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been incredibly challenging for many of us and being able to have this event in person is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of living a happy, healthy life with a good sense of wellbeing. This event will offer residents of Coventry and Warwickshire a chance to reconnect with the services and organisations on their doorstep that can offer a vast array of support.
We want Coventry and Warwickshire to be a place where no one feels alone or isolated and to know there is always help and support to those that need it, whatever stage of life they may be.”
This Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity make sure you are aware of the mental health and wellbeing support services available to you throughout Coventry and Warwickshire should you need them.
If you’re concerned about your mental health, or that of someone you care about, contact the NHS Mental Health Access Hubs Team directly, any time of the day or night, every day of the year and for any age on freephone: 08081 966798.
For children and young people (under 18 years of age) the Rise Crisis & Home Treatment team provide support on Freephone 08081 966798 (select Option 2) between 8am-8pm 7 days a week. Visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Rise website for more details.
Chat Health is also 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. For Coventry, text 07507 331 949 For Warwickshire, text 07507 331 525.
For out-of-hours mental health support for anyone aged 16 and over, you can access Coventry Safe Haven 6-11pm every day; 07921 876065 or email coventryhaven.mhm@nhs.net or Warwickshire Safe Haven 6 -11pm every day; 02477 714554/07970 042270 or email safehaven@cwmind.org.uk.
Wellbeing for Warwickshire offers a free mental health support line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 0800 616171 or visit the website for Warwickshire residents or Coventry residents.
The Wellbeing for Life Festival is a free one-day event to mark the end of MHAW. It takes place on Saturday 14 May, 10am-3pm at the Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa. The event will involve activities that promote wellbeing and good mental health such as mindfulness, sport and arts.
Alternatively, you can access one of the following local and national mental health support helplines:
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) provides talking therapies and support for people with mild, moderate and moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, living in Coventry, Solihull or Warwickshire. Visit the Healthy Minds Service website for more information.
- Dimensions Tool offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting to local services.
- The Dear Life website offers a wealth of information about where to seek help in a crisis, ways to support others in need and tips and tools on how to maintain and improve your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
- The Zero Suicide Alliance is a charity raising awareness of suicide which has free online training to give people the skills and confidence to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Stay Alive app is a free suicide prevention pocket resource, can also help individuals that are struggling to cope.
- Coventry and Warwickshire Healthy Mind Service (IAPT), call 024 7667 1090 or use the online self-referral form at www.talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/self-referral.
- Visit Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council website to find out about the range of mental health and wellbeing support services available to you.
- Wellbeing for Life offers the 5 Ways to Wellbeing - actions you can take to reflect on, and improve, your overall wellbeing.
- 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.
- Every Mind Matters is the national NHS mental health support to help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. Resources, tools and free apps are available to help support you and your family. Recently launched is the ‘make inside feel better' campaign, largely aimed at those most at risk of mental health problems. Aimed at adults, but weighted towards those most at risk of mental health problems who can take the free NHS-approved ‘Mind Plan’ quiz.
If you or someone you care for has seriously harmed themselves or are considering this, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you.