#NowICan campaign shows how help in Coventry and Warwickshire is just a call away
Don’t suffer in silence with problems affecting your mental wellbeing - the #NowICan campaign shows how help in Coventry and Warwickshire is just a call away
If you’ve had more bad days than good, you’re feeling more “can’t" than “can", or you’re not enjoying life as much as you should, pick up the phone – that's the message from experts in Coventry, Rugby, Solihull and across Warwickshire.
Leamington Spa supermarket worker, Carl Bazeley, is now on the road to recovery after using these services to help come to terms with a traumatic car crash.
He is now is supporting our campaign to help more people get the support they need.
“I am supporting the #NowICan campaign because my counsellor has helped turn my life around,” said Carl.
“By sharing my story I am hoping I can help more people to do the same. I struggled to get behind the wheel of a car because I was so traumatised by my accident, but now I can.”
“Every day, therapists and counsellors help so many people, some like me. It takes just one phone call to access these free, life-changing services, but people often don’t seek the help they need. I want to help spread the message that it’s OK not to be OK. Don’t wait and don’t suffer. Be kind to yourself and call them now - it’s that easy.”
Almost 2,000 people are already being supported each month by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) for conditions ranging from low mood, over-worrying and panic attacks, through to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
But counsellors and therapists at the trust believe many more people may be struggling with their mental health, especially this Christmas and New Year, because they are not hearing from as many people as expected. Appointments are available and they want more people to benefit from their life-changing services.
Run by the NHS, these services are free and confidential, and you don’t need to involve your GP. Simply dial 024 7667 1090 to speak to a trained member of the team.
CWPT’s Helen Stephenson said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to help Carl. People may not know why they are feeling on edge, worried, low in mood or overwhelmed, or they may be facing difficulties linked to a specific event or trauma, like Carl.
"We want people to know we can help, no matter how big or small the problem seems to be. Our highly skilled and diverse team members are really good at listening and making people feel comfortable, and the stories shared by users of our service as part of our #NowICan campaign demonstrate the long-lasting, positive impact they have experienced as a result.
“Through the #NowICan campaign, we hope more people will know that if they’re finding things a struggle, our dedicated services are here, ready and waiting, for people living across Coventry, Rugby, Solihull and Warwickshire. We want to hear from you if you’re having more bad days than good, you’re feeling more ‘can’t’ than ‘can’, or you’re not enjoying life as much as you should. And with Christmas and New Year around the corner, we know this can cause a lot of extra pressure. If this is the case, our message is ‘pick up the phone and call us - don’t ignore it’.
“We are also encouraging organisations and businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire to spread the message to their staff and customers. Between us, we can help to address the stigma wrongly attached to mental health so that more people can feel well, healthy and positive, and able to keep going.”
People calling the referral number will receive an appointment for an initial assessment that leads to a range of support. For example, specific advice and guidance, one-to-one counselling, or group sessions at locations across Warwickshire, Coventry, Rugby and Solihull.
Do you think you might need help?
If you are registered with a GP in Coventry, Rugby, Warwickshire or Solihull you can refer yourself for an initial appointment or you can be referred by your GP or other health professional by telephoning 024 7667 1090. Lines are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Even if you’re not sure whether you need help, we are happy to hear from you and will be able to provide you with the advice and guidance you need.
For more information and updates visit the CWPT website and follow us on Twitter @CWPT_IAPT and @CWPT_NHS #NowICan