Staying well in winter

The Livewell Campaign highlights 7 steps we can all take to support our mental health and includes links to the latest government advice on looking after our mental health and that of children and young people.

In addition, the following is a list of mental health charities and organisations for both adults and young people that are contactable for support and advice:

Adults

Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Foundation take a public mental health approach to prevention, finding solutions for individuals, those at risk and for society, in order to improve everyone’s mental wellbeing.

NHS Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters gives simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting our mood or sleeping better. They help individuals spot the signs of common mental health conditions, get personalised practical self-care tips and information on further support.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

They have launched a My Whole Self toolkit, the digital centre piece of its new campaign for workplace culture change. The toolkit helps everyone to support their mental health while working from home.

Mid and North East Essex MIND

Live Well Link Well

A free and confidential social prescribing service that provides practical or emotional support of a non-medical nature. They can help you to access support with a range of areas of health and wellbeing, including maintaining mental wellbeing, supporting independence, looking after someone, getting out and about, and social isolation.

If you live in mid Essex and are over 18 you can contact the service without having to go through your GP. Call 03003039988 (Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm) or email livewell.linkwell@nhs.net.

Anxiety UK

Anxiety UK provide support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. You can contact them by calling 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am- 5.30pm).

Men’s Health Forum

They offer 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

OCD Action

They provide support for people with OCD. They offer information on treatment and online resources. Call them on 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm).

Samaritans

They provide confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call them on 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Textcare

They provide comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most.

Children and young people

Virgin Care and Barnardos Chat Health Service

They enable all 11-19 year old’s to text their school nurse on 07520 615731 to discuss their mental health and receive confidential advice and support.

KOOTH

They offer young people free, safe and online support. To find out more info and support options please visit their website.

PAPYRUS

PAPYRUS are a suicide prevention society for young people. Call 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays).

YoungMinds

They offer offers information on child and adolescent mental health, services for parents and professionals. Call 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm).

Essex Youth Service

They provide Children and Young People Early Intervention Mental Health Services (CYP MHEIS).

If you would like to speak to someone for more information about the services CYP MHEIS offer and to find out about what support might be available for you please call their Single Point of Access team on 0300 300 1600 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.

Childline

Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.

You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are there to support you.

The multi-schools lowdown

Join the Multi Schools Council's journey to educate the world about children with special educational needs and mental health difficulties.

In their podcast they take a look into our education system and beyond into employment and society giving children another platform to have their voices heard.