Mental Health

New mental health text line – HEAR 85258

A new mental health free text messaging support service has launched in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help those who are struggling to cope.

Launched by NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and in partnership with the national service SHOUT, the free to use text service HEAR 85258 provides real-time support to people of all ages who are struggling with their mental health.

When texting the word HEAR to 85258, the person will be connected to a trained volunteer. During the confidential and anonymous conversation, the texter will be supported and signposted to local and national mental health services.

Mental Health Support

One in four people across the country will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Mental health problems and illnesses include anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders and psychosis.

Experiencing a mental health problem can be upsetting and very frightening. It is important to know you are not alone and that there are a wide range of services and support available to you. These include online support and information services, helplines, talking therapies, counselling and crisis mental health support, as well as specialist mental health help.

There are a number of services that you can access or self-refer to (self-refer means you do not need to have been referred by your GP or medical professional to use the service).

Below, you will find information on local support and services. You can also find further information at www.nhs.uk/mental-health

You can also contact your GP who will be able to provide advice on how to deal with your symptoms and talk to you about available treatments and support services that are available locally.

Support available:

• If you require urgent help and support you can call NHS 111 and select the ‘mental health option’
• Keep Your Head keep-your-head.com website provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
• How Are You (H.A.Y.) haycambspboro.co.uk is an interactive local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing.
• Lifeline – lifecraft.org.uk – Free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121.
• Mind – CPSLMind, cpslmind.org.uk – A mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems and promoting positive mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
• Qwell and Kooth – Free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help. qwell.io – for ages 18+ www.kooth.com– for ages 11-25
•  Crisis support – NHS 111 Option 2 – If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select option 2. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
•  Psychological Wellbeing Service – Psychological therapy for mild to moderate depression or anxiety for anyone aged 17+. You do not need a diagnosis to access the service and can self-refer by visiting cpft.nhs.uk/psychological-wellbeing-service
• Every Mind Matters is here to help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. It helps us to relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Introducing How Are You (H.A.Y.) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (www.HAYCambsPboro.co.uk)

Connecting with others, getting active, learning a new skill, being creative, seeking professional support, exploring the outdoors, volunteering – all of these things (and more) can improve mental wellbeing. However, it isn’t always easy to know what is out there locally or to feel comfortable trying something new.

How Are You (H.A.Y.) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a family of websites that bring together everything in the local community that boosts mental wellbeing. H.A.Y. is all about helping you look after you. The websites provide not just listings of local activities, groups and services but also video introductions to group organisers and taster clips of what to expect.

H.A.Y. is driven by local people. Tell us about what is good for wellbeing in your area and help us share it by contacting HowAreYou@cpft.nhs.uk – we’d love to hear from you. If you run a group or activity and would like to be featured on the How Are You websites, you can find out how at www.HAYCambsPboro.co.uk/join-us

You can keep up-to-date with everything happening at H.A.Y. by following us on Twitter @HAYCambsPboro or on Facebook: @HowAreYouPeterborough, @HowAreYouFenland, @HowAreYouEastCambs, @HowAreYouCambridge, @HowAreYouSouthCambs, @HowAreYouHunts

H.A.Y. is funded by NHS-England as part of the wider Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Community Mental Health Transformation Exemplar.