Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is using World Mental Health Day today, Friday 10th October, to remind people that help for mental health is close at hand.
The theme this year is “Access to Mental Health Services.” The Trust says that knowing how to reach the right service quickly can make all the difference when someone is feeling anxious, low or in crisis.
Support across the community
The Trust works with NHS teams, local authorities and voluntary groups to make sure support is available when and where people need it.
Services range from talking therapies to urgent out-of-hours support.
The Trust’s Help in a Crisis page signposts access to key services nationally and locally across Hampshire and Isle of Wight including:
- NHS Talking Therapies: offering support for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and more. This service is available via self-referral or through a GP.
- Safe Havens and Lighthouse Services: Offering immediate, face-to-face, phone, text, email, text support in safe spaces during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service: Call 111 or visit the 111 website and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support from trained mental health professionals.
- Shout Text Service: Text “HANTS” to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 support from trained volunteers who will listen and offer guidance. This service is available to anyone in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight who is struggling with their mental health and doesn’t want their support to appear on their phone bill.
- Samaritans: Offers emotional support to anyone struggling to cope by providing a free, confidential, and non-judgmental listening service, available 24/7 via phone (116 123), email, and in person.
- Kooth: A free, anonymous online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11–25. They offer counselling, self-help tools and peer support.
- PAPYRUS: A UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Life Cards as a quick guide
Another tool the Trust promotes is the Life Card. These pocket-sized cards list contacts for organisations that can help in a crisis and offer advice on supporting others. Digital versions are also available.
Beth Ford, who experiences mental health challenges, explained,
“When I’m struggling or having suicidal thoughts, it’s hard to know where to go. The Life Card helps me find support quickly.
“I carry one in my wallet so I know I have help nearby when I need it most.”
Making it easier to ask for help
Dr Victoria Laakkonen, Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health at the Trust, said,
“We know it’s not always easy to ask for help, especially in a crisis. That’s why we’ve made it simpler for people to know where to turn.
“Whether it’s calling 111, speaking to a GP or texting for support, there are options for everyone. Mental health can affect anyone and knowing how to get help is vital.
“These services are free, confidential and there when people need them most.”
More information can be found on the website. In a life-threatening emergency please dial 999.
