World Mental Health Day may have been yesterday, but the support carries on.
Bucks Council, along with their Suicide Prevention Group and Champion the Change Hub, have issued an extensive list of resources and support available in Bucks.
Carl Jackson, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing has said:
"You do not have to be at your lowest to ask for help. It is better to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling and not wait. There is so much support for someone experiencing a mental health problem. There will be something that works for you.”
“If you have noticed a relative, friend or colleague isn’t their normal self, please just check in with them. Ask if they’re really OK and be prepared to #AskTwice if they just say ‘I’m fine’.”
If you need to speak to someone, the Bucks 24/7 Mental Health Helpline is a great place to start.
Anyone concerned about their mental health or that of a loved one can ring 111 at any time, day or night to speak to an NHS mental health professional. They are ready to listen and support adults and children who need advice urgently to ensure they get the right help at the right time.
There are plenty of other ways to find support locally:
- Talk to your GP
- NHS One You – Every Mind Matters
- Healthy Minds Bucks
- Kooth (online support for young people)
- Young Minds
- Childline or 0800 1111 (national agency)
- Samaritans - call 116 123 (24 hours)
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - call 0800 585858 (7 days a week 5pm-midnight)
- MIND - call 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
- PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) - call 08000 684141 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm + 7pm-10pm, weekends 2pm-5pm)
- Youth Concern - call 01296 431183
- Buckinghamshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - call 01865 901951
- Buckinghamshire Adult Mental Health Services - call 01865 901600
- Shout (free 24/7 text service) - text Shout to 85258
- Safe Haven – Wycombe call 01494 218098 (7 days, 6pm – midnight), Aylesbury call 01296 453017 (Sun-Wed, 6pm – midnight)
If you have concerns that you or someone you know is about to act on suicidal thoughts call 111 or 999, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department. In Buckinghamshire this is at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
To find out more about how Champion the Change are working to end mental health stigma, head to www.bucksmind.org.uk/champion-the-change
There is further information and advice, including support for people bereaved by suicide, on the Buckinghamshire Mind website.