Just as we take steps to look after our physical health, it is just as important to look after our mental health too. For general information and advice to help improve your mental wellbeing, please visit the mental wellbeing section of the livewell campaign website.
Local support services
If you feel you need support with your mental wellbeing, there are a number of local services that can help, including:
- Therapy For You - the free NHS counselling and talking therapies service for people in south Essex
- South East and Central Essex Mind
- Trust Links - local independent charity for mental health and wellbeing
- CASSS – provides information for the public about counselling and therapy services
- Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support services for young people
You can find a more comprehensive list of local organisations that offer support to people experiencing mental ill health and / or related problems on The Essex Community Tree Network.
To help you find the right support you can also visit the Find mental health services page on the NHS website.
Getting help urgently
Adults
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent help, you can call 111 and select option 2. Callers will be connected to trained staff who can provide immediate and appropriate advice and support. The Crisis Response Service is for people in Essex aged 18 and over and operates 24 hours a day. It aims to ensure those in need of support can access it quickly when they need it most. If you, a family member or friend are in crisis and need help, please dial 111 and select the option for mental health crisis (option 2).
Under 18s
If you are under the age of 18, or are the family member of someone under the age of 18 who is in crisis, please call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service on 0300 300 1600 or email nelft-ewmhs.referrals@nhs.net. If you need urgent help or out of hours help, call 0300 555 1201.
Alternatively, you can get immediate help from trained volunteers 24/7 by:
- Calling the Samaritans on 116 123
- Texting “SHOUT” to 85258
- Calling Childline on 0800 1111 (if you’re under 19 years of age)
Local support services for people with dementia
The Dementia Community Support Team provides enhanced, tailored support for people living with dementia and their carers across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point.
For more details please visit https://www.southend.gov.uk/specialist-support/dementia