Poor mental health and wellbeing can affect anyone, at any time, and there are a range of services and organisations in Wolverhampton that can help people who are struggling.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Around a quarter of people in England suffer from poor mental health, and the coronavirus pandemic has made the situation worse for many.
“It’s important that they know that they do not need to suffer in silence because help and support is available and so, this World Mental Health Day, I would encourage people to seek the help they, or their loved ones, need.”
People who are concerned about their mental wellbeing are encouraged to contact one of the following organisations for help and support:
- Wolverhampton Healthy Minds, for anyone aged 16+ registered with a Wolverhampton GP experiencing stress, low mood or anxiety. Call 0800 923 0222, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or visit Wolverhampton Healthy Minds
- The Sanctuary Hub, a safe place for anyone aged 18 or over who requires support outside of regular mental health services. Call 01902 572040, 6pm to 11pm, Monday to Friday, noon to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday
- WLGBT+, providing free counselling to those that identify as LGBTQ+. Email wolveslgbtalliance1@outlook.com
- The NHS offers a range of information about good mental health and wellbeing, including self-assessment, audio guides and practical tools, at NHS
- Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice to enable people to take better care of their mental health - visit Every Mind Matters
For anyone requiring urgent help, the following support is available:
- Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 support line, for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 0800 008 6516
- The Samaritans, for people having a difficult time or who are worried about someone else. Visit Samaritans, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (emails will be replied to within 24 hours)
- Rethink Emotional Support Helpline, for those who need support, reassurance and understanding. Visit Rethink or call 0808 802 2208, 6pm-3am, Monday to Friday, 2pm to 3am Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, a number of local organisations are marking World Mental Health Day with special events over the coming days.
Wolverhampton's Library Service is backing the Take 10 campaign run by the Literacy Trust and encouraging people to take 10 minutes out of the day on Friday (8 October) at 10am to switch off and read a book to boost their mental health. The city's libraries also offer a Reading Well collection of books focused on improving mental health and wellbeing available both in print and via the Borrowbox app.
Schools, offices and community groups in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to say #HelloYellow on Friday and wear something yellow to show support and let young people know they are not alone. The #HelloYellow campaign, created by Young Minds, aims to raise awareness of some of the issues that young people may face with their mental health and how to deal with them. Find out more at Young Minds.
And Recovery Is For Everyone, a multi disciplinary art exhibition, is on display at the Mander Centre until Sunday 17 October, with representatives from a range of local providers in attendance until this Sunday.
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'Mental Health in an Unequal World'. Find out more at World Mental Health Day.
