Mental health support during latest lockdown

News - 21 January 2021

Are you struggling to cope with a rainy, cold lockdown in January and the pressures of the pandemic? Have you suffered family bereavement or loss of income and need support? There are several services to help you or your loved ones.

The following numbers offer support so please share with loved ones or someone you know who is struggling. You can find more information about local mental health support services on the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group website.

There is also a video here of real-life Covid stories of people who sought help when needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30j4W-Rideg&feature=emb_logo

24/7 Support & Connect - The free 24/7 Support & Connect helpline is open to everyone over the age of 18 in the BNSSG area and is staffed by experienced counsellors. They will offer emotional support and can connect you to organisations available in the local area. If English isn’t your first language the service can arrange for a translator to support your call. To access the 24/7 Support & Connect Helpline please call 0800 0126549 or visit the website for further information here.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 24/7 helpline -The 24/7 telephone helpline is now available to call free of charge using a new number. Anyone, of any age, who is worried about their own, or someone else’s mental health, can call the helpline on 0800 953 1919 to get advice and support from mental health professionals.

Talking Therapies – Vita Health Group are funded by the NHS to provide the local IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) mental health service to support local residents in the BNSSG area. VitaMinds IAPT service delivers talking therapies designed to support individuals by providing the tools they need to help them get things back on track. It is a free service open to those aged 16 and over. Find out more here

The Bristol Mental Health website has details of lots of services in the city which can support with a range of issues including crisis centres and wellbeing therapy services. Find out more here.

The Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123.

We want everyone to know that they don’t need to suffer in silence. Services to support people with their mental health are continuing to run throughout lockdown and available to provide advice and guidance to people who are struggling to cope.

Dr Umber Malik, clinical lead for mental at BNSSG

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