Dear life blog

Warwickshire County Council was proud to support the Baton of Hope tour as it passed through Birmingham earlier this week.

The Baton of Hope, a specially designed symbol of suicide prevention and support, embarked on its journey from Glasgow down to London, aiming to impact the lives of thousands across the UK with a powerful message: "Where there is hope, there is a real opportunity to save lives." Carried by notable personalities, leaders, and inspiring individuals, the Baton of Hope has already visited various cities around the country, spreading a message of inclusivity and support for those affected by suicide.

Firefighting is a profession particularly at risk of suicide, and Chief Fire Officer Ben Brook took part in the virtual Baton relay to demonstrate his support for this important cause.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council, said:

"The Baton for Hope tour is doing an admirable job in raising awareness of this serious issue. Suicide is preventable, and by dispelling myths and making it safer and easier for people to talk about suicide and get help, we can move towards a world where no one feels that suicide is the only option for them.

"When a person dies by suicide, it has a devastating impact on those around them. Suicide is everyone’s business, and we all have a duty to familiarise ourselves with the signs that someone may be considering harming themselves. If you are worried about someone you know, please speak to them and encourage them to seek help. If you are struggling yourself, know that support is available to you. You do not have to struggle alone."

Anyone who is struggling to cope right now can access free support 24/7: 

• Confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171
• Urgent crisis advice: call 111 or the NHS Mental Health Access Hubs on 08081 966 798
• Immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E

For further information and advice go to Warwickshire’s mental health and suicide prevention resource, Dear Life.
 

Hide full story

The new Safe Haven Coventry and Warwickshire service will provide community-based, non-clinical support for those who have feelings of mental health and emotional distress.

Designed for residents age 16+years across Coventry and Warwickshire, and for those times when life challenges start to overwhelm and impair daily living, the service will provide open access drop-in support and will supplement existing NHS mental health crisis or emergency care by increasing the ways in which local residents can access mental health support. It will also help relieve pressure on other mental health services by allowing for earlier interventions.

Building on the existing Safe Haven provision that started in 2018, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind will be expanding the service to better support under-served communities and, following review and wider engagement with local service users, develop aspects of the service to meet identified needs such as easier navigation, more widely accessible face-to-face support, and a 'no-appointment-necessary' approach.

The service takes a 'single front door' approach so access to this all-age service will be through a single phone number, a single website and open-access drop-in venues.
The new service, which starts on Saturday 1st July 2023, is commissioned by NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board and is being operated by Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.

Dr Angela Brady, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said:

"The expansion of the Safe Haven service is a vital part of the mental health support that people across Coventry and Warwickshire need. By operating a drop-in service with no appointment necessary, we are able to offer support to those who are having challenges with their mental health or are experiencing emotional distress when they need it in a way that is accessible and focussed on what matters most to them. No issue is too small or too large.

"We have already seen the impact this service has had over the past few years, and this expansion will further increase the support offered to our local population."

Responding to the NHS Long Term Plan aim of increasing the range of locally available support for those in mental health crisis, the Safe Haven service provides crisis intervention that helps to de-escalate, give back control, stabilise thoughts and actions and prevent further deterioration. When left unsupported, this deterioration affects relationships, can lead to avoidance, isolation and distress, and can lead to suicide ideation.

Safe Haven’s crisis intervention is at the right time and in the right place – accessible when other services might otherwise be unavailable. Local residents who access support can expect:

• Respectful, compassionate, short-term interventions
• A positive relationship-based experience, enabling honest discussion and making space to explore further support.
• A safe, caring, non-clinical environment - informal, open, accessible for all, with no appointment required.
• Open-access support for as often or as little as required.
• A staff team, experienced in delivering mental health support, bringing understanding and helping to remove stigma.

The service will help provide:

• Crisis de-escalation
• Emotional support and help with planning.
• Face-to-face, one-to-one support
• Peer-led support
• Accessible activities
• Light refreshments
• Information and signposting

Councillor Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

"Caring for our residents’ mental health is a top priority for the council: it is an investment in the overall health and happiness of our communities. Expanding the Safe Haven provision will ensure that more people are able to access the right mental health support when they need it, especially those who are currently finding it more difficult to request or receive help."

Councillor Kamran Caan, portfolio holder for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council said:

"The new Safe Haven is a brilliant and more accessible service and we are very conscious of the impact of untreated poor mental health on people and their families locally. We have a clear strategy in Coventry which aims to improve the response from all agencies and remove barriers which prevent some residents from seeking the help they need.

"At the Council we encourage anyone who is feeling low, distressed or overwhelmed to visit the Safe Haven in the city or neighbouring sites across the border in Warwickshire to get the mental health support they need.

"We want residents know that they can walk in any time during opening hours with carers and family members also welcome. We all struggle to cope from time to time, so it is important to remember you are not alone."

Safe Havens can provide a more suitable alternative to A&E for many people experiencing mental health crisis – usually for people whose needs are escalating to crisis point but who do not necessarily have medical needs that require A&E admission. Safe Haven Coventry and Warwickshire will foster relationships with NHS crisis services, primary care services, Ambulance services, and other voluntary and community organisations – helping to reduce pressure on acute and emergency services and support overall better wellbeing for residents.

The Safe Haven Coventry and Warwickshire service, in brief:

• Available from 6pm-11pm, seven-days-a-week, all through the year.
• A dedicated local-dial telephone phone number (024) 7601 7200
• A dedicated website www.cwsafehaven.org.uk 
• Emailing support@cwsafehaven.org.uk
• Updates and service news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn – search for @cwsafehaven

Face-to-face, open-access drop-in venues, offering one-to-one and peer group opportunities:

• Starting on Saturday 1st July at The Retreat, Bond Street, Nuneaton, available seven evenings a week.
• By the end of July 2023, at Wellington Gardens, Windsor Street, Coventry, available seven evenings a week.
• Due October 2023, further venues in Rugby (two evenings a week) and Coleshill (one evening a week).
• Due in November 2023, venues in Stratford-upon-Avon (two evenings a week) and Warwick (two evenings a week).

Hide full story

Anxiety is something that many people experience at some point during their lives, but for those who are struggling with it, there is help available.

Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), organised by the Mental Health Foundation, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote positive mental wellbeing. This year’s campaign is focused on anxiety. It hopes to shine a spotlight on this issue and help people recognise when it is getting out of control to seek support to manage it. For more information about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, visit the MIND website.

In Coventry and Warwickshire, there is support available for those finding it difficult to cope. The Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line is available 24/7 on 0800 616171. The friendly and compassionate advisers are trained and ready to help people feeling low, anxious or stressed, who are having a difficult time coping and need to talk to someone in confidence to find the right service. The Wellbeing for Warwickshire website also includes other types of support, including face-to-face hubs, anonymous online counselling and live assistance via chat.

Anxiety can manifest in different forms at various points in life and the Wellbeing for Life website can provide valuable assistance across these different stages. For instance, children and adolescents may experience anxiety related to school, social interactions, or family dynamic, while for older adults, anxiety can stem from health concerns, isolation, or aging-related issues. Regardless of age or life stage, the Wellbeing for Life website can be a valuable resource in understanding and addressing different types of anxiety.

Financial stress can have a big impact on mental health, including the current rising costs of living. Residents feeling anxious about money can access various types of wellbeing and practical support via the Coventry City Council website and Warwickshire Cost of Living website.

NHS Talking Therapies offers free psychological support to those facing common mental health difficulties, including anxiety. Trained therapists provide evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy and counselling to help people manage and overcome their challenges. NHS Talking Therapies strives to reduce the impact of mental health issues and enhance the overall wellbeing of the local community by providing accessible and effective support. NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies is the new name for our service for people suffering from anxiety and depression, which people may recognise as IAPT or the Healthy Mind Service.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: "Anxiety affects a significant number of people in our community, and it is crucial that we address it compassionately and supportively. By focusing on anxiety during this week, we hope to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their experiences, seeking help, and finding solace in knowing they are not alone.”

Anyone who is struggling with their mental health can access help through their GP or the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health Access Hubs helpline: 08081 966798. If you have seriously harmed yourself or are considering this, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you.

For information about a range of local mental health and wellbeing services, please visit: warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth, coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth or covwarkpt.nhs.uk.

Hide full story

Children’s Mental Health Week is taking place from 6 – 12 February 2023 and this year the theme is "Let’s Connect". Spending time with your child – talking to them, doing activities and making memories together – is so important for both their health and yours.

Wellbeing 4 Life have a life map that can help you understand how to improve wellbeing through the different stages of childhood. For younger children, the best way to boost your child’s mental wellbeing is by giving them your time and attention. You can use everyday moments to give your child positive attention such as smiling, hugging, talking, singing and reading to them.

Older children and young people aged 11-25 can take more control of their own mental health, and access services such as Kooth, which provides free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support 365 days of the year. They will have access to fully trained and qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners (between midday to 10pm weekdays and from 6pm to 10pm at weekends), as well as 24/7 access to moderated discussion forums, magazines and wellbeing articles with tips from young people and the Kooth team. The daily journal also allows them to track feelings or emotions to help promote positive mental wellbeing.

The Coventry and Warwickshire RISE website provides helpful resources for parents and carers to help them talk to their child, such as 12 powerful phrases to make talking about mental health with children and young people easier and 26 phrases to help calm an angry child or young person - finding ways to communicate on a level that your child understands can help them to handle their emotions more easily. RISE also provides direct support including group sessions and therapy, community based support and 24-hour self-help support and guidance through the Dimensions Tool and RISE website.

For young people who are interested in contributing their thoughts, experiences and ideas to improve local mental health services, RISE has recently launched an Ambassador role open to 11- to 25-year-olds. Ambassadors will met bimonthly and work on creative projects that bring young people’s voices to the forefront. More information is available on the RISE Facebook page.

Parents and carers of infants, children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) can find support and information through Warwickshire’s Local Offer. It’s a collection of advice and resources as well as a directory to other services in the county that can help infants, children and young people with SEND.

If you or someone you know needs further support, then help is available throughout Coventry and Warwickshire for people of all ages:

• For more information about support from RISE, visit https://cwrise.com/
• To access the Dimensions tool, visit https://dimensions.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/
• For more information about Kooth visit https://www.kooth.com/
• For mental health support for young people in Warwickshire visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mental-health-wellbeing/emotional-wellbeing-mental-health-support-young-people
• For information about mental health support in Coventry visit www.coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth
• For information about support for families in Warwickshire visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/children-families

For anyone under the age of 17 experiencing a mental health crisis, the RISE Crisis Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with an advice-only service outside the core hours of 8am-8pm) on Freephone 08081 966798 (select Option 2).

Hide full story

January can be a challenging time for many people – the festive period is over, the days are cold and dark, and post-December bills are landing on the doorstep.

The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as “Blue Monday”, or the most difficult day of the year. However, everyone will have different days that are harder or easier for them. Instead, Samaritans have created Brew Monday, encouraging people to make time for a cup of tea or coffee and a catch-up with a friend, relative or colleague, to provide a listening ear and some support. Visit the Samaritans website for more about the Brew Monday campaign.

Connecting with others is one of the five ways to wellbeing: actions you can take to reflect on and improve your overall wellbeing. The five ways are:

• Connect – build connections with others, such as by spending time with loved ones, taking part in local community events or finding others with similar interests through a hobby
• Be active – get some exercise, such as going for a walk, working out at home or taking part in a sport or exercise class
• Give – giving can start with something as small as a smile; you can give away your time, skills and knowledge to help others, or donate belongings you no longer need to charity
• Keep learning – learning something new, such as a foreign language, a practical skill or reading a non-fiction book, can help improve your confidence and self-esteem
• Take notice – be aware of the present moment, through mindfulness activities such as meditation and reflection

Wellbeing 4 Life, a Coventry and Warwickshire wellbeing initiative, has produced a life map which offers suggestions of how to apply the five ways depending on your current circumstances and lifestyle.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

“When we get busy or feel stressed, it can be hard to make time for others, but Brew Monday is a great reminder of how important it is to connect with your loved ones. Spending quality time with someone can have a big impact on both your moods, make you feel less isolated and give you the opportunity to share worries or concerns.

“We know that winter can often affect people’s mental health, and this January will be especially hard for many, as credit card and increased heating bills arrive in letterboxes. It is completely normal and natural to need a bit more support at the moment - remember, it is always okay to ask for help from those you know and Warwickshire support services.”

While it is beneficial to take actions to ensure you stay mentally healthy, there is also support available if you are currently struggling. Wellbeing For Warwickshire offers a range of support options, depending on how you feel and how you would like to access support (e.g. phone, online, face-to-face). You can also call the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line any time for free confidential support and guidance on 0800 616171 (available 24/7).

To find out more about the support services available within Warwickshire, visit our Mental Health webpages.

Financial support for residents, such as help paying energy bills and childcare costs, can be found on the Warwickshire Cost of Living website.
 

Hide full story

Warwickshire County Council are reminding residents of the mental health and domestic abuse support services available to help those in need of assistance over the festive period.

The festive period can be a time of joy, community and love, but some people might find themselves feeling stressed out, lonely or scared at this time of year due to social, financial or family pressures. But you are not alone – there are steps you can take to protect your mental wellbeing, as well as a wide range of support avenues available to you.

One way to manage stress during the holiday season is by setting boundaries and making time for self-care. This could be by scheduling relaxation time into the holidays, having a chat with a friend, going for a quiet walk alone in the fresh air, or spending some time on a hobby. It can be good to take a break from screens and social media during this time as well.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, it's okay to ask for help. There are many resources available for those who need extra support. The Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line is available 24/7 over the festive period, including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays, on 0800 616171. The friendly and compassionate helpline team are trained and ready to help you if you are feeling low, anxious or stressed, are looking for information or advice, or are socially isolated and want to connect with others.

If you want to speak to someone in person, Warwickshire Wellbeing Hubs have opening hours throughout the holidays. These friendly spaces provide social support in a café environment. Visit the Wellbeing for Warwickshire website to find your local hub and when they are open over Christmas and the New Year. You can also access support online via anonymous counselling, chat and discussion forums from Kooth (age 16-25) and Qwell (aged 26+).

For those looking for a way to connect with others on Christmas Day, Sarah Millican is running her Twitter conversation #JoinIn on 25 December. The campaign is intended to bring together people feeling lonely over the holidays and provide an opportunity to chat to other people feeling the same.

Increased financial pressures, alcohol consumption and time spent together can lead to increases in incidents of domestic abuse including physical violence and coercive behaviour. If you are concerned about yourself, a dependent or someone you know, you can call Refuge on 0800 408 1552 to speak to a support worker, or visit Talk 2 Someone to see what services are available to support you.

If you are feeling hopeless and like there is nowhere to turn, visit the Dear Life website or call 08081 966 798 for crisis support mental health services in Coventry and Warwickshire (available 24/7).

Councillor Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

"December is traditionally a time for celebration, but it can also be a time of increased stress and pressure. Remember, it's okay to take a break and prioritize your mental health. There is additional support available to all who need it, so pick up the phone, go online, visit a wellbeing hub – whatever is best for you. Take care of yourself and those around you this holiday season."

To find out more about the support services available within Warwickshire, visit our Mental Health webpages.
 

Hide full story

Help is available to Warwickshire residents who are feeling stressed due to money worries.

As the cost of household bills rises, many people around the country are finding it harder to keep up with their finances. Financial stress can have a huge impact on our mental health, particularly if it is over a prolonged period.

Stress can have many different effects, including physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches and nausea, or mental symptoms like feeling overwhelmed or difficulty concentrating. It can also cause changes to behaviour such as sleeping too much or too little, being irritable or drinking more alcohol. This can lead to more significant physical or mental issues if not addressed. Stress can also impact personal relationships and the ability to keep up with work, causing problems in other areas of life.

If you or someone you know is feeling stressed due to the costs of living, there are various types of help available, depending on what support you need and how stressed you are feeling.

You can download a self-help guide to dealing with stress from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, including more information about what stress is and what causes it, plus ways to manage your stress and stay well.

For those wanting to safeguard against their stress getting worse, Wellbeing For Life provides suggestions and advice for improving your mental and physical wellbeing across all stages of life.

For those struggling to cope, there is a confidential helpline to provide emotional support. The highly skilled and compassionate staff can offer a listening ear and put you in touch with a wider network of support. Call 0800 616 171 (available 24/7) or visit Wellbeing For Warwickshire for other methods of contact. 

Severe financial stress can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. For support, browse the Dear Life website.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said:

“It is completely normal to be worrying about money at the moment. However, it is important that this doesn’t start impacting other areas of your life, like sleeping, your health, work and your relationships. It is always easier to address problems early, so if you are starting to feel overwhelmed, reach out now for support.

“If you are at the point where you feel like you can’t cope, it’s even more important to get help. Call the Wellbeing For Warwickshire helpline or speak to your GP as soon as you can.”

This week is Talk Money week: an opportunity for everyone to get involved with activities across the UK which help people have more open conversations about their money, from pocket money to pensions, and continue these conversations year-round. More information about the week and what's on can be found on the Money and Pensions Service website.

Against the backdrop of steep increases in daily living costs, the lead up to the festive period can bring additional financial pressures resulting in money worries. To address this, some thrifty and creative ideas will be shared each day to help minimise Christmas expenses at @bestwarwickshire #FestiveThrift on Instagram. Advice will include smart shopping, meal prepping, homemade gifts, and other money-saving ideas.   

Cost of living support and advice is available on the Warwickshire County Council cost of living webpages.

Information to stay safe and well can be found on the council’s Wellness webpages.

Hide full story

This year's theme is "creating hope through action". The aim is to explore how individual and collective actions, however big or small, can create hope for ourselves and for others, leading to a world where fewer people die by suicide.

The coronavirus pandemic had a significant negative effect on people's mental health, and more recently the cost-of-living crisis has caused increased stress and hardship for many people. For anyone struggling with the demands of life, help is always available.

Coventry and Warwickshire residents can visit the Dear Life website. The site provides a range of support and signposting to vital services for residents who are desperately seeking support for themselves or anyone who is worried about a loved one or someone they know.

The mental health challenges that we face differ throughout different stages of our life. Wellbeing For Life has put together a life course map resource, which provides specific advice and resources suitable for various different situations, such as starting secondary school, pregnancy or retirement.

As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the National Suicide Prevention Alliance asked people to share how they create hope when going through tough times, and created a board of multimedia contributions. Among the contributions, the board features Warwickshire County Council's "Hope" animation which shared three real mental health journeys from young adults in Warwickshire.

On Thursday 8 September, local health partners will be at Ropewalk Shopping Centre in Nuneaton. Various service providers, including Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Mind and Wellbeing for Life, will be available from 1pm to 3.30pm to raise awareness and share information about the mental health support available in the area.

Next week, Warwickshire County Council are running Be Well, an online conference for professionals, focusing on improving mental wellbeing across Warwickshire, taking place 12-16 September. Although many of the sessions will be beneficial to those interested in mental health, on Friday 16 September there is a session titled "Suicide prevention: the world is better with you in it". This interactive session will explore how we can collectively ensure that no one in Coventry and Warwickshire ever feels that suicide is their only option. Registration for Be Well is available here.

Councillor Margaret Bell, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council said:

"Every life lost to a suicide is a life lost too soon and it’s something we must do everything we can to prevent. Suicide prevention work isn’t limited to just one day, but by recognising World Suicide Prevention Day, we can get closer to a world where everyone has access to the information, support and services they need, and feels confident to talk about suicide.

"No one should ever feel that suicide is their only option. If you are worried about someone else or yourself, I urge you to visit the Dear Life website to find out what support is available."

Coventry City Councillor Kamran Caan, portfolio holder for Public Health and Sport, said:

"We are continuing to work with our partners to raise awareness, address the stigma, and reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry. Unfortunately, mental health is not talked about enough and this World Suicide Prevention Day can hopefully help to change that.

"The Dear Life website is a fantastic way to help everyone in our city to feel they have somewhere to go for advice at a time they or someone close to them is struggling. It is of utmost importance that no-one feels alone, and we would encourage everyone in our community to explore the website and share with anyone that could benefit from support."

Anne Prendergast, Lead For Suicide Prevention at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:

"Every year, on 10 September, organisations and individuals around the world get together to raise awareness about suicide prevention. It also serves as a day each year for us to remember all those who have lost their lives to suicide. This year’s theme is creating Hope through Action.

"To mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2022, we will be in Nuneaton town centre on the 8th September, 1pm - 3.30pm, outside the Ropewalk Shopping Centre. There will be a number of services joining us, such as Rise – the mental health service for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire – Safe Havens, family services, Citizen Advice Bureau, Change Grow Live and the Samaritans. If you would like to talk about suicide prevention, your personal experience of bereavement by suicide or to find out about the support on offer, please do come and say hello."

Anyone who is struggling to cope right now can access free support 24/7: 

• Confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171   
• Urgent crisis advice: call 111 or the NHS Mental Health Access Hubs on 08081 966 798 
• Immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E  

For further information and advice go to Warwickshire’s mental health and suicide prevention resource, Dear Life.

Hide full story

Registration is open for Be Well, a week of online sessions for professionals focusing on improving mental wellbeing across Warwickshire, taking place 12-16 September.

Sessions will cover a broad range of topics, such as:

• social isolation and loneliness
• wellbeing for children and young people
• grant funding success
• carer support

Attendees will be able to take part in interactive discussions about how they can collectively improve the mental health and wellbeing resources and support available in the county. There will be opportunities to network with other attendees and build connections with relevant local organisations. There will also be signposting to the many wellbeing services available locally, including those that received recent investment from the Improving Mental Wellbeing fund, which is also funding the Be Well event.

A session on Friday 16 September will focus on suicide prevention, under the title "The world is better with you in it." The session will explore how we can collectively ensure that no one in Coventry and Warwickshire ever feels that suicide is their only option. You can view the full agenda here.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

"The pandemic has taught us a lot about supporting people and communities but has also given rise to a serious mental health crisis. In response we set up the Covid-19 mental health recovery fund and dedicated support, including this event, to help people protect their mental health now and into the future.

"Be Well is for anyone who wants to make a difference and connect with others with the same goal."

All sessions will be delivered 100%  online, and attendees can go to as many or as few sessions throughout the week as they wish. Attendance is free and you can register to attend here.

Hide full story

A new animation from Warwickshire County Council shares genuine mental health journeys from young people in Warwickshire.

The young adults within the video, who are anonymised to protect their identities, share details of the challenges they have faced, such as self-harm and contemplating suicide. But they also talk about how they started to feel better – small acts such as going for a walk or eating well, as well as finding support on the internet or from mental health professionals. They talk about how their lives have improved since, with one saying "I'm the happiest I’ve ever felt". You can watch the animation on the Warwickshire County Council YouTube page.

The council is sharing these stories to help people feel that there is hope, no matter how dark things may seem for them, and to encourage them to reach out for support when they need it.

Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
"By sharing these stories, we hope that people who are struggling with their mental health will find it easier to start talking to someone. Your mental health and wellbeing are important. If you are struggling to cope, don’t wait for things to overwhelm you – instead, start seeking support now."

There is a range of mental health support and services available across Warwickshire, to help people improve wellbeing and provide help during difficult times.

Anyone struggling to cope right now who needs to talk to someone can access free support 24/7.

• Confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171  
• Urgent advice: call 111
• Immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E 

For further information and advice visit the rest of the Dear Life website, Warwickshire’s mental health and suicide prevention resource.

Information about staying well physically as well as mentally is also available at the Warwickshire County Council wellness webpages. 

Hide full story

No one should ever feel as though suicide is their only option. 

This is the vision of Coventry and Warwickshire's Suicide Prevention Partnership which is inviting people to take part in a survey to help shape a refreshed approach to suicide prevention across the region. 

The loss of someone to suicide is devastating and can have a wide-reaching and long-lasting impact leaving loved ones, as well as an entire community, grappling with complex emotions. It is estimated that every death by suicide will affect around 135 people, with 15-30 people severely affected. This broad impact from a single death highlights how crucial it is to have a clear approach to preventing and responding to deaths by suicide.  

On behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Partnership, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council are seeking people's views on a new joint strategy that will provide information, services and support across the area to help prevent suicide. The new strategy will outline how the Councils will work with other local organisations and services to achieve the vision that no one in Coventry and Warwickshire should ever feel that suicide is their only option. 

The approach not only focusses on support for people at crisis point, but also considers earlier action that can be taken to reduce risk factors that contribute to poor mental health and risk of suicide. 

The ambitions and aims in the strategy are based on recommendations from the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). The aim of the JSNA is to understand the mental health and wellbeing needs of adults across Coventry and Warwickshire and considers both national and local evidence to help set local priorities.  

People are being asked to share their thoughts on the strategy and how it applies to them, whether through their work or personal life experience. The three key areas the survey is seeking feedback on are:  

• the ambitions and priorities identified for the strategy 
• the mental health and wellbeing needs of individuals and their communities 
• how and where people look for support if they need it 

The survey is anonymous, confidential and open to everyone. Access the survey at Ask Warwickshire. 

Councillor Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for Adult Health and Social Care said: "Every life lost to a suicide is a life lost too soon and it's something we must do everything we can to prevent. Often, thoughts of suicide are only a temporary feeling, meaning with the right kind of support at the right time, suicide is preventable. That's why we are committed to working together with local organisations and services to deliver a refreshed approach to provide information and support across the area. 

"As a society we now recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health for our wellbeing. Therefore, it’s vital that we understand how we can support people and communities with their mental health needs more generally and, more specifically, how we can help to prevent suicide. We want to ensure that everyone, whether they have been directly impacted by suicide or not, is given the opportunity to share their views and help shape our approach."  

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said:  

"Mental health and wellbeing support services are an important part of local communities, and it is vital that people have their say to help us understand if current services are still meeting the needs of residents and where things can be improved.   

"That is why we want to hear from our residents from all age groups and backgrounds who live and work in Coventry and Warwickshire who can impact in the shaping of this strategy.  

"This is all part of ongoing work with our partners to raise awareness, address the stigma, and reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry and Warwickshire. It is of utmost importance that no-one feels alone and we would encourage everyone in our community to take part in the survey so positive changes can be made to support those that most need help".   

The survey is open until 10 July 2022 and available at Ask Warwickshire. If you need to request the survey in an alternative format, please email your name and address to phadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 731484.    
 

If you are struggling to cope right now and need to talk to someone, free support is available 24/7. 

• immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E 
• urgent advice: call 111 

confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171  

For further information and advice about suicide prevention and support available, please visit www.dearlife.org.uk.

Hide full story

Expansion of the Wellbeing for Warwickshire service will give Warwickshire residents easier access to find the right mental health and emotional wellbeing support.

The already established Wellbeing for Warwickshire service, which has been running for six years across the county, has expanded its service offer to make it simpler for people to access the most appropriate support by going through ‘one-front door’.  

Designed to provide innovative and flexible, low-level and early intervention support for people aged 16 or over living in Warwickshire or registered with a Warwickshire-based GP, the service will now provide a single point of entry via a dedicated phone number and website.  

People accessing the service will receive tailored support to meet their needs which may include:  

• 24/7 telephone support line – available 365 days a year 
• A dedicated website – www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk – hosting information, guidance and signposting links with a ‘live chat’ function to follow soon 
• An anonymous and safe digital mental health service for one-to-one counselling (booked in advance or accessed via a drop-in instant text-based chat), self-help articles, forums, and discussion boards  
• Drop-in venues at seven locations across Warwickshire 
• Opportunities for one-to-one sessions 
• Training and learning around mental wellbeing 

Building on the success of the existing service, this enhanced offering commissioned by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), brings in a number of additional organisations who will work in partnership to deliver an improved journey for those using the service.  

The partnership consists of Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, South Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, KeyRing, Connect Assist and Kooth Plc (for Qwell and Kooth services). 

The key focus for the mental health and wellbeing service is on providing support in the community to prevent those who may be struggling to cope from reaching crisis point.  

By drawing on the collective strengths of the partners, the aim is to provide a more streamlined and ‘joined-up’ support service that can meet a number of needs in a way, and a time and a place, that suits people best. For ease of use, the service has a single phone number 0800 616171 and a single website address www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk and these are available for Warwickshire residents 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Warwickshire County Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “The enhanced service being offered by Wellbeing for Warwickshire will complement other mental health services in the area such as the Safe Havens, out-of-hours crisis support and NHS services. 

“Whilst this support has been in place for some time in Warwickshire, bringing delivery together with this partnership approach is a new way of working for us. It responds to local need as identified from customer feedback and joint service assessments with health. 

“We want people who need mental health support to be able to access the right services more quickly and more easily and this will allow them to do that through one contact over the phone, online or face-to-face.”

The service aims to: 

• Increase ease of access to mental health information, advice, and support through intervention and signposting of further support 
• Improve an individual’s mental health and emotional wellbeing 
• Improve an individual’s understanding of the relationship between physical and mental wellbeing and supported individual action in both areas 
• Enhance and strengthen prevention initiatives including suicide prevention 
• Prevent deterioration of mental wellbeing and periods of mental ill-health and prevent escalation into specialist services 
• Enhance participation in community life and reduce loneliness and social isolation 
• Provide opportunities for individuals to help shape the future of the service through co-production   

The 24/7 service helpline is also open to Coventry residents who will be signposted to equivalent support in their local area.

Hide full story

It's Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and health and care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire are raising awareness of the importance of protecting mental health, and how people can help tackle loneliness and access local support. 

A recent survey of 6,000 UK adults carried out by the Mental Health Foundation, the charity behind the campaign, found that 1 in 4 people felt lonely some or all of the time. Despite loneliness being experienced by so many, the stigma that exists can often prevent people from acknowledging they feel this way, both to themselves and to others. Loneliness isn’t a mental health problem; it can be completely normal to feel lonely from time to time. However, research shows that loneliness is associated with poor physical and mental health.  

To coincide with the end of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), Coventry and Warwickshire’s Wellbeing for Life initiative will be holding a Wellbeing Festival bringing together over 30 local organisations and charities. The event aims to advise the public all about looking after their physical and mental health - from promoting services, signposting opportunities, and hosting activities, all in the name of helping people improve their wellbeing. Everyone is welcome and invited along to the Wellbeing Festival on Saturday 14 May at the Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, where they will be able to pick up lots of ideas and advice to help them support their own and others’ physical and mental wellbeing. Visit the Wellbeing for Life website for more details. 

Anne Prendergast, Lead for Clinical Risk and Suicide Prevention at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “People’s mental health has been a huge issue over the last two years through the pandemic; we’ve felt isolated and anxious, we’ve experienced loss and had to learn how to grieve at a safe distance. Even though life is returning to ‘normal’ many people still don’t know what support is out there to help them through the tough times, which is why we wanted to bring the Wellbeing for Life Festival back in 2022.

“NHS services, charities, business and communities are all coming together to help promote health and wellbeing around Coventry and Warwickshire at this event – whether you’re seeking support, looking for something to get involved in, or wanting to give something back to the community, you’ll be able to find it in the Pump Room Gardens on Saturday 14 May.”

Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, Cllr Kamran Caan said: “I am so pleased that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week ties in with the Wellbeing for Life Festival. A huge part of health and wellbeing is about how well connected we feel to our community.   

"The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been so incredibly challenging for many of us and being able to have this event in person is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of living a happy, healthy life with a good sense of wellbeing. This event will offer residents of Coventry and Warwickshire a chance to reconnect with the services and organisations on their doorstep that can offer a vast array of support. 

“We want Coventry and Warwickshire to be a place where no one feels alone or isolated and to know there is always help and support to those that need it, whatever stage of life they may be.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Margaret Bell, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “An important part of ensuring that people across Coventry and Warwickshire can live healthily and happily involves working with our partners to raise awareness of the local support available. I am delighted that this year’s Wellbeing for Life festival will help to do this by providing an opportunity for people to come along in person to find out about the ways they can improve their own and others’ health and wellbeing.  

“Often just knowing where to go when you need support can feel overwhelming. This unique event will bring lots of different services from across the area together in one place to showcase the breadth of support that is available. I would encourage everyone to come and have a browse to find out what is on offer in their local area. You might find something that will help you now or a few months down the line, or discover something that will help a friend, family member or neighbour.”

Further support for anyone affected by mental health:  

Dear Life has been created by local health and social care professionals across Coventry and Warwickshire. This provides a range of support and signposting to vital services for people who don’t know where to turn for help to address complicated and negative thoughts and feelings.  

Young people across Coventry and Warwickshire aged 11-25 years can access Kooth, a free and anonymous digital counselling and support service. The service has qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners available for one-to-one instant text-based chats or bookable sessions, as well as moderated discussion forums and self-help content. 

For people who can’t access resources online, there is help available to you. Call the free NHS Mental Health Access Hubs on 08081 966 798 for mental health services in Coventry and Warwickshire, available 24/7 offering clinical triage and helping those in urgent need of care. Press 1 for adult mental health and Press 2 for the children and young people's mental health service.    

Anyone struggling to cope can call Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone on 116 123.   

The Five Ways to Welbeing are easy steps to follow to improve mental health and build wellbeing and kindness into daily life to help people feel good and function well. They are connect, be active, keep learning, give and take notice.

If you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you. 

Hide full story

There are many resources on the Rise website at www.cwrise.com including:

For young people

For parents and carers

For professionals

Young people in Coventry and Warwickshire can join Kooth, the FREE, confidential, online mental health community for your age group.

The Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing Tool allows people of all ages to rate how they are feeling in different areas of their emotional life.  It then provides some self-help information like local support groups, telephone numbers, websites, apps, information videos and books.
 

Need someone to talk to 24/7?

If you needs help immediately, information can be found on the CW Rise website at: www.cwrise.com/need-help-now

• Rise Crisis team - for those under 17 years old who are experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the team on:

Freephone 08081 966798 (select Option 2)  - Available 24/7 (note outside of core hours 8am-8pm this is an advice only service)

• Childline -  for those under 19 years old, trained counsellors provide confidential support on anything; no matter how small or large.

0800 1111 – Available 24/7    Or chat with a counsellor online

• Samaritans offer a safe place for anyone to talk any time about whatever’s upsetting them. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Freephone 116123 (free from any phone)  -  Available 24/7

Or sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you to understand them.  You could email them to jo@samaritans.org who will respond to you 24/7

• Papyrus Hopeline UK - for those under 35 years old, offers confidential support and practical advice.

0800 068 4141 or Text: 07860 039967 or Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Open: 9am–10pm weekdays, 2pm–10pm weekends and bank holidays
 

• Coventry and Warwickshire 24/7 Mental Health Helpline provided by Mental Health Matters is a free confidential helpline providing immediate emotional support.

Call Freephone 0800 616171 (landline) or 0300 330 5487 (mobile)  Open 24/7. Live chat is also available

• The Coventry Safe Haven service provided by Mental Health Matters is an out-of-hours crisis support service which offers mental health support to anyone aged 18 or over, in a safe, non-judgmental and non-clinical environment.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 6pm-11pm. The service can be accessed by phone: 07921 876 065, email: coventryhaven.mhm@nhs.net, or in-person at Broad Street Centre, Broad Street, Coventry, CV6 5AX
 

• The Warwickshire Safe Haven service provided by Coventry and Warwickshire Mind is an out-of-hours crisis support service which offers mental health support to anyone aged 16 or over, in a safe, non-judgmental and non-clinical environment.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 6pm-11pm. The service can be accessed by phone: 024 7771 4554, Text: 07970 042270, Email safehaven@cwmind.org.uk, or in person at Newtown Chambers, Corporation Street, Nuneaton CV11 5XR

Hide full story

Three years ago, with rates of suicide increasing in our area, Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership (HCP) found itself in the unique position of being able to make a difference to those in crisis or who were considering taking their own life.
 
Successfully securing suicide prevention funding from NHS England and Public Health England in May 2018, a three-year programme of work began including a focus on middle-aged men whose rates of suicide had been increasing. The programme, led by a multi-agency group, included suicide prevention leads from health, social care, primary care, and voluntary and community sector organisations.  
 
An event highlighting the projects that came out of this funding and looking at ways in which partners can work together to reduce suicides in the area, was held earlier this week.
 
Dr Sharon Binyon, Medical Director at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Three years on from the start of our suicide prevention programme, we were keen to share the positive strides we have made and explore ways in which we can continue to work together to prevent suicides and improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our local population.
 
“We’re proud of some of the projects which have been established, including the suicide prevention website www.dearlife.org.uk, Safe Havens, evidence-based mental health awareness and suicide prevention training for non-mental health professionals, and groups for those whose mental health has been impacted by drug and alcohol addiction, to name but a few.
 
“World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for local communities, including the NHS and Local Authorities, to come together to raise awareness of suicide, the support that is out there, and to encourage people to seek help when they need it.”
 
Coventry City Councillor Kamran Caan, portfolio holder for Public Health and Sport, said:  “We have been working with our partners to raise awareness, address the stigma, and reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry. Unfortunately, mental health is not talked about enough and this World Suicide Prevention Day can hopefully help to change that. 
 
“The Dear Life website is a fantastic way to help everyone in our city to feel they have somewhere to go for advice at a time they or someone close to them is struggling. It is of utmost importance that no-one feels alone, and we would encourage everyone in our community to explore the website and share with anyone that could benefit from support.”  
 
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day and to raise awareness of the local services and support available around mental health, a stand will be near the Ropewalk Shopping Centre in Nuneaton between 1pm and 3pm on Friday 10th September. Anyone can pop along and have a chat with one of the representatives from local support organisations.
 
Despite the three-year suicide prevention programme coming to an end, suicide prevention and mental health is still an ongoing priority for partners and support is still available and continuing to be developed for people in the area.
 
A new, free service jointly funded by Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council, called Amparo, has just been launched across Coventry and Warwickshire, providing support to those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide. Amparo can support anyone who has been affected, whether this is family members, friends, ‘finders’, work colleagues and anyone else affected by a suicide, and can be accessed by calling 0330 088 9255, by emailing amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk or through an online referral form available at https://amparo.org.uk/refer/.
Warwickshire County Councillor Margaret Bell, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Every death by suicide is a tragedy and impacts families, friends and the wider community. Our support for World Suicide Prevention Day is a part of the council’s ongoing commitment to working with our partners to reducing the numbers of people who die by suicide in our communities and providing better support for those dealing with bereavement by suicide.
 
“It’s a really positive step that we are now able to further expand the support available to those bereaved by suicide by offering this free and confidential service from Amparo across Coventry and Warwickshire. Losing someone as a result of suicide can impact the bereaved in so many ways and having access to both emotional and practical support to get through this very difficult time is vital.
 
“We hope that this new service, along with the Dear Life website, will be able to provide residents with the support and advice they need, on a topic that can still be very difficult for some to approach. You’re not alone, there is help out there and we would encourage anyone struggling or in need of advice to reach out and use the support available to them.”
 
We can also all follow some simple guidelines as part of Wellbeing for Life to encourage good mental health. By paying close attention to our environment and how we feel, it can be easier to manage the things that threaten to overwhelm us. There are five steps that individuals and communities can take to improve mental health and wellbeing and build kindness into daily life; these are the 5 Ways to Wellbeing which include connect, keep learning, be active, give and take notice.
For information about a range of mental health and wellbeing services, including face to face, telephone, online and self-help resources available in Coventry and Warwickshire, please visit: warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth, coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth or covwarkpt.nhs.uk

Hide full story

Mental health awareness week is an opportunity to reflect on our wellbeing and to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world to create positive changes which support and improve how we feel.

Talking about mental health and raising awareness of support is important to get people to seek help. From Coventry and Warwickshire data, we know that in over 70% of suicide cases the individual was not in contact with services and that men are at higher risk.

To shine a light on male mental health, health and care partners in Coventry and Warwickshire have funded the development of real-life stories that relate to men’s experiences to provide messages of hope and support.

Local male survivors of suicide were interviewed, sharing their experiences of mental health support, as well as the advice and hobbies they have taken up that have helped them to engage with others and manage their mental health and wellbeing. From this, five videos were created that aim to share positive messages that we hope will encourage others to seek support.

Individual mental health struggles vary, and the videos reflect this range, from coping with schizophrenia, to finding joy in gardening to addressing alcoholism. This is just a snapshot of the complexity of mental health issues but whatever the circumstance support is available through www.dearlife.org.uk.

Heavily featured in the videos are Coventry Men’s Shed and Coventry and Warwickshire Mind (CWMind). Men’s Shed is open to any male over 30, to help men with their wellbeing, health and confidence through activities (including exploring mental health through puppetry) and peer to peer support and learning. For more information, click here: https://www.facebook.com/coventrymensshed1

CWMind is a local mental health charity affiliated to Mind. They have been developing and delivering quality services with, and for, people with mental health problems for over 50 years. For more information, click here: https://cwmind.org.uk/mind-in-coventry-warwickshire/

Duncan: 
Duncan tell us about how keeping active has helped with his schizophrenia. 

 

Gary:
Gary talks about how music, MIND and getting involved with Men’s Sheds really helped with his depression.

 

John:
John talks about how working on his allotment, and watching nature grow has helped to tackle his alcoholism.

 

Mark:
Mark talks about how writing poetry has helped release some mental pressure.

 

Michael:
Michael tells us about the power of talking to others about how you’re feeling.

 

Hide full story

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May) from the Mental Health Foundation is nature. Health and care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire are supporting the week and asking people to think about how they can use the great outdoors to improve their mental health.  

There is lots going on in Coventry and Warwickshire during the week, helping people enjoy nature and find ways to talk about and improve their mental health. More information and details about activities can be found on the Wellbeing for Life website www.wellbeing4life.co.uk. 

The Mental Health Foundation’s campaign page features lots of tips to help people to connect with nature and understand the role it plays to protect and support wellbeing. Suggestions include; using all our senses, exercising outside, inviting nature inside, protecting nature in local communities, and more at www.mentalhealth.org.uk. 

The good news is people don’t have to do much to feel the benefits and the most important thing is to take notice of our environments, to recognise the sights, sounds and smells of life outside the window. With the pandemic leading to so many of us spending more time than ever indoors, remembering what our outdoor spaces have to offer can be really rewarding, like helping to bring a sense of calm and tranquillity.

Taking notice is one of the five ways to wellbeing, promoted widely in Coventry and Warwickshire to support mental health as part of the Wellbeing for Life initiative which helps communities to take care of their mental and physical health. 
The five ways are easy steps to follow to improve mental health and build wellbeing and kindness into daily life to help people feel good and function well. They are connect, be active, keep learning, give and take notice. To find ways to improve your health and wellbeing by using the five ways, go to https://www.wellbeing4life.co.uk/.


Emily van de Venter, Associate Director of Public Health Warwickshire, said: “We are committed to helping people to be as safe, healthy and independent as possible and encouraging people to look after their mental health is key to this - particularly after this past year. We welcome the week and the wider opportunity it presents for us to start some conversations, normalise mental health challenges and share ideas with people about practical things they can do. 

“Often people are afraid to talk about their mental health experiences because they fear the response they may receive.?However, recognising the importance of taking care of our wellbeing and sharing experiences?can break down?barriers,?helping to end isolation and shame that too many people feel when experiencing a mental health problem.??? 

“As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are working with Coventry to promote the new Wellbeing for Life website and the Dear Life resource which is a support lifeline. We will also be shining a light on male mental health by sharing real-life stories from men who have used local support to offer hope to others who may be struggling at the moment. 

“We want people to know it is okay not to feel okay an professional help is there if it is needed. There are small things we can all do to feel a bit brighter and more positive about our lives as we get back to doing some of the things we have missed.” 

Consultant in Public Health at Coventry City Council Jane Fowles, said: “The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, connecting with nature, couldn’t be more fitting given the present times and the toll the pandemic has taken on the mental wellbeing of many in our communities.? 

“Over the last year so many of us have turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns. It is fantastic to see that getting outdoors around wildlife, in local parks and green spaces has helped residents connect with nature, which has both aided prevention of and assisted recovery from poor mental health. 

“Looking after our wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around us, during these uncertain times is at the top of our agenda. I highly recommend adopting the Five Ways to Wellbeing as part of daily life, to help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing as we recover from the pandemic. 

“There are also fantastic support services available to those in the community that need help, as well as resources such as the Dear Life website. We want Coventry and Warwickshire to be an area where no one feels alone or isolated and?people?are able to find the journey to recovery that suits them after this difficult time.” 

Support for anyone affected by mental health: 

Dear Life has been created by local health and social care professionals across Coventry and Warwickshire. This provides a range of support and signposting to vital services for people who don’t know where to turn for help to address complicated and negative thoughts and feelings. 

For people who can’t access resources online, there is help available to you. Call the free NHS crisis line on 0800 616 171, available 24/7 offering confidential emotional support to residents. 

Anyone struggling to cope can call Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone on 116 123.  

If you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you. 

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, the campaign to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems. It aims to inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all. 
 

Hide full story

It’s normal to feel worried when we face uncertainty around our health and lifestyles but it’s important to stay connected even when we have to distance ourselves socially. Stay part of a community with Togetherall.
 
Alongside a safe online community, Togetherall have a course on managing anxiety.
 
Remember you’re not alone. Visit Togetherall to register for free if you are a Warwickshire resident and join a safe community to support your mental health.

@Togetheralluk

Hide full story

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? No matter how big or small the problem seems to be, the NHS IAPT service can help.

IAPT is a free NHS psychological therapy service which you can refer yourself in; no need to go to your GP.  They provide emotional and psychological support as well as generally helping people gain a greater sense of wellbeing. 

Find out more by watching the video below: 


 

Hide full story

How can Rise help?

24/7 support: find the right self-help video, link or information at cwrise.com. Here you'll find the Dimensions Tool which offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting.

Parent and carer consultations: 

• Know a young person living in Warwickshire? Speak 1-1 to a mental health professional about your concerns. For an appointment contact risecommunityoffer@covwarkpt.nhs.uk or call 07917504682
• Know a young person living in Coventry? Join a consultation with the professionals in your child's life (e.g. education, health, social care). For more information, call 02476 961476.

Ask a professional in the child/young person's life (e.g. GP, school-related, healthrelated or social care) to make a referral to Rise. We will navigate the diverse range of specialist advice and therapeutic support available from our NHS or partnered
services. Professionals can contact the Rise Navigation Hub on: 0300 200 2021.

24/7 urgent crisis support: Rise offers extended opening hours during the Covid-19 response. For under-18s experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Rise Crisis Team: 02476 641799 (8am and 8pm) or 0300 200 0011 (overnight). Note: overnight, this is an advice-only service.

Hide full story

Coventry and Warwickshire Safe Haven services now available seven evenings a week between 6-11pm! 

Are you feeling distressed, frightened, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? 

Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support? 

Are your usual sources of support closed? 

 

The Safe Haven is a service for people who:

• feel as though they are unable to cope 
• may not know where to start looking for help 
• need out-of-hours mental health support

This is a free open service for anyone (in Warwickshire you must be aged 16+ and Coventry 18+) – you do not already have to be known to any service 

 

Warwickshire: 

Contact the team in the following ways: 

• Call: 02477 714 554 

• Text: 07970 042 270 

• email: safehaven@cwmind.org.uk  

• Visit:  Newtown Chambers, Corporation Street, Nuneaton CV11 5XR 

• Web: https://cwmind.org.uk/warwickshire-safe-haven-nuneaton/  

* Face-to-face appointments should be booked. Please contact the Safe Haven staff between the hours of 6pm and 11pm who will arrange an appointment with you. 

 

Coventry: 

Contact the team in the following ways: 

• Call: 07483 991 848 

• Email: coventryhaven.mhm@nhs.net 

• Visit: Broad Street Centre, Coventry, CV6 5AX 

• Web: https://www.mhm.org.uk/coventry-safe-haven  

 

* Face-to-face appointments should be booked. Please contact the Safe Haven staff between the hours of 6pm and 11pm who will arrange an appointment with you. 

Hide full story

Springfield Mind have been asking everyone in the charity how they make time in the day to take a break.  

We believe making time for yourself to relax, have fun, or learn something new is extremely important for looking after your Mental Health and Wellbeing.  

We have created a poster we will be releasing on World Mental Health Day, 'Springfield Mind Ways to Take a Break'. We hope it will be used as inspiration and reminders to make time in the day for ourselves to take a break. Find the poster and more on our website: https://springfieldmind.org.uk/  

Hide full story

At Coventry University we recognise the challenges that our students and staff may experience in managing their mental health and wellbeing and the impact this can have on the ability to not only study and work but to enjoy life.  

We are launching a week-long campaign, ‘Spotlight on mental health’, in collaboration with Coventry University Students’ Union, Student Services and colleagues from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Zone to coincide with World Mental Health Day. 

There activities for both staff and students, remotely and some on campus in accordance with social distancing guidelines: from mindfulness and art, to webinars that offer hints and tips as to how to combat loneliness. 

These are being offered through our Connections Matter initiative, which gives access to relevant and evidence-based resources to support increased mental health literacy in our communities, helping to demystify mental health issues, reduce the stigma, and encourage meaningful conversations. 

Visit our website for more information

Hide full story

Carers Trust will be having a dedicated helpline on Saturday 10th October for Carers worried about their Mental Health 

The theme this year is ‘Mental Health for All’ 

Being a carer can have an impact on our Mental Wellbeing, if you are worried or have any concerns about your Mental Health please call our Carers Mental Health Support Line, on World Mental Health Day.   

Lines will be open between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. 

Telephone:  024 76 632972 (option 2) 

Hide full story

Wellbeing Support Services at the University of Warwick provide a range of services that can help students to develop the personal resources and skills needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of student life.  

 At Warwick, for the Autumn Term, we have some themed resources that we will be sharing with our students - there is something for everyone. Each week we will be promoting a range of masterclasses, specialist student skills sessions and a wide range of self-help resources which include top tips and short 2 minute videos.  

For World Mental Health Day, we will be signposting students to resources that are currently available for staff and students and also to Togetherall. 

Students are encouraged to engage with Wellbeing via our Wellbeing Portal if they need further support. 

 

Hide full story

Health and social care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire are marking World Mental Health Day on 10 October by raising public’s awareness of resources that they can access to help improve their wellbeing as well as where to find help. 
 
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues we are mindful that more people may struggle with their mental health. We will join global organisations and communities and use the day to come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide and good mental health for all is a recognised priority.
 
Organised by the World Federation for Mental Health, this year’s theme is mental health for all. We all know someone who has been affected by mental health challenges, particularly during the pandemic and the challenges and difficult circumstances it has brought to all our lives. For many it has led to isolation, fear, loneliness and uncertainty, and for some, the difficulties they have faced have even led to thoughts about taking their own life.
 
We can show support for better mental health by acknowledging the issue and talking to each other to promote wellbeing for everyone. Against the backdrop of the pandemic with national restrictions likely to be in place for some time, this is more important than ever.
 
For anyone struggling with the demands of life or finding things particularly hard during the pandemic, Dear Life (www.dearlife.org.uk) is a valuable resource. The website was developed in partnership by Coventry and Warwickshire local authorities and health services to help signpost vital services to residents who are desperately seeking support for themselves or someone they know.
 
To continue to raise awareness of the mental health support across Coventry and Warwickshire, www.dearlife.org.uk will feature a series of blog posts from services about the kind of support they can offer to people. With blogs from Samaritans, Wellbeing for Warwickshire, Arty Folks and more, they are a reminder that while the world may feel strange, there is always help available.
 
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust’s YouTube channel hosts a series of videos dedicated to looking after your mental health and wellbeing which were originally shown during the Wellbeing for Life festival in September.
 
We can all follow some simple guidelines to encourage good mental health. By paying close attention to our environment and how we feel, it can be easier to manage the things that threaten to overwhelm us. There are five steps that individuals and communities can take to improve mental health and wellbeing and build kindness into daily life; these are the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and include connect, keep learning, be active, give and take notice. More information can be found at www.dearlife.org.uk/looking-after-yourself

Anne Prendergast, lead officer for clinical risk and suicide prevention at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “This World Mental Health Day we want to raise awareness about how important it is to take care of your mental health, during the pandemic, and look out for friends and family who may be struggling. No matter what you’re going through, it’s okay to talk and there’s lots of help and support available to you across Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Les Caborn, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: "World Mental Health day provides an opportunity to talk about this issue and its far reaching impact. It gives us further opportunity to remind people about the work the council does in partnership with health services to offer support to anyone struggling with their mental wellbeing and urge them to seek support.
 
"It is important for us to have conversations with each other about how we are feeling, the challenges we face and the effect of these things on every aspect of our lives. The coronavirus pandemic has made things particularly difficult for people who may be feeling lonely and confused, facing hardship or addressing concerns about their general health. It is important that people know they are not alone and that services are here to help. 
 
"We have developed an online resource to help people who are finding it hard to cope. I strongly recommend anyone with concerns for themselves or someone they know to visit dearlife.org.uk, to help them find the right services to address complicated and negative thoughts and feelings. Life is dear, hold on to it."

Coventry City Councillor Kamran Caan, portfolio holder for Public Health and Sport, said:
 
“This World Mental Health Day we and our partners are continuing to focus on working to reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry and poor mental health. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been so incredibly challenging for many of us. The Dear Life website is a fantastic way to help everyone in our city to feel they have somewhere to go for advice at a time they or someone close to them is struggling. 
 
“Therefore it is important when addressing this and the surrounding stigma around mental health that we make sure people’s stories are heard, and that everyone in our city feels they have someone to talk to and knows there is help available.”
 
Every mind matters provides useful information and action plans to keep you on track.
 
Also available to residents is the Stay Alive app, a free suicide prevention pocket resource designed to be a lifeline for people at risk of suicide, or for those concerned about the safety of someone.

For people who can’t access resources online, there is help available to you. If you feel you are in crisis, support is available. You can contact your local urgent mental health crisis service on 0300 200 0011 which is available free and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust crisis service is aligned to their home treatment team. When a member of the public contacts them they will explore the nature of the crisis and assess if they need to make a home visit. The service is operated by a range of experienced NHS staff and clinicians with specific expertise in crisis and de-escalation interventions. The team can give guidance on the service offers available across Coventry and Warwickshire.

If you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you.
 

Hide full story

Arty Folks ‘Come-Connect’ event on World Mental Health Day  

On Saturday 10 October, Arty-Folks will be collaborating with Chat Central with an event for the public and professionals to find out what support community groups can offer in Coventry and Warwickshire at present. 

‘Come Connect’ is a community super-Zoom event open to anyone in Coventry and Warwickshire. It will give people an opportunity to meet organisations and community groups virtually to find out the online and in-person wellbeing activities available to them. 

How will it work? 

Think of it as a kind of speed-chat all from the comfort of your own home. When you enter you will be able to hop into the different groups in breakout rooms, find out what they do, have a chat, ask questions, find out how to join them, and then hop over to visit the next group. 

Zoom details: LINK:  tiny.cc/come-connect      MEETING ID: 838 5877 4856 

Organisations that will be there:- 

• Chat Central 

• Arty Folks 

• Inini 

• WATCH and Hillz FM 

• CARAG 

• Coventry Men’s Shed 

• Mi-Friendly Cities 

• Ziferblat 

• Positive Images Festival 

• Underground Lights 

• Creative Kindness 

• Foleshill Creates 
   

Chat Central is a two year funded project that supports people in Coventry who are struggling with isolation. Since the pandemic, we have been running regular online zoom event including chair yoga, Arabic dancing, arts and craft. We also run social distanced out door activities, such as a coffee morning. All of our activities are designed to provide a safe space to try out new things and connect with others.

Hide full story

Samaritans have published the first in a series of research studies undertaken across the UK and Ireland into the support available to those who self-harm. The research was conducted earlier this year and follows the recent inquiry led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention into young people who self-harm. 

Throughout World Mental Health Day, Samaritans will be sharing links to useful advice and resources on social media, including new online resources on how to support someone who is self-harming.  

https://www.instagram.com/samaritanscharity/  

https://www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity/ 

https://twitter.com/samaritans 

Hide full story

Prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now.  So this year, to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Wellbeing for Warwickshire will be encouraging everyone to #DoOneThing. 

Making positive change can seem so hard, especially during uncertain times, and sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. 

Do One Thing Today! 

Wellbeing for Warwickshire staff will be encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else. 

Any shared ideas or pledges will be included on Coventry and Warwickshire Mind’s #DoOneThing website page or Springfield Mind’s Ways to Take a Break poster. 
 

Out and about 

Why not pop by our bus and find out more about what support is available at Wellbeing for Warwickshire: 

Friday 9 October, 12-3pm, All Saint’s Square, Bedworth 

Tuesday 13 October, 10am-1pm, outside Rugby Library 

Our current delivery, as per below, will also continue during this period. 

Current Service Delivery 

Practitioners will be encouraging all clients receiving regular welfare check calls to #DoOneThing.  

All support is currently being delivered by telephone, email or video link: 

Contact us: 

Telephone: 02477 712288    

Email: wbw@cwmind.org.uk    

We hope to be resuming face to face COVID-safe delivery soon.    

Please contact us or check our website for latest details www.cwmind.org.uk/wbw 

Telephone voicemails and emails are picked up by staff regularly  

We can offer -   

One off chat - Email or telephone us for a confidential chat with one of our experienced wellbeing practitioners.  
 

One-to-One Appointments -  Please contact us to book an appointment  for our Pathfinder and Grow sessions

Pathfinder: 

Support is available for anyone wanting one to one support who is experiencing a time of emotional distress.  The wellbeing practitioner will offer up to 6 sessions to help identify & address the causes of the distress.  Support includes, practical problem solving, action planning, self-help strategies and information giving.    

Grow:

Support is available through one to one interventions for anyone with ongoing mental health needs, supporting personal recovery.  The wellbeing practitioner will offer up to 8 sessions to improve self-management & coping skills, build on resilience, identify goals, interests, and aspirations, explore options to move forward and to enjoy personal growth.    

Hide full story

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted on nearly everyone’s mental health. For some people, the difficulties that have been faced have led them to thoughts about taking their own life.

For anyone struggling during the pandemic and beyond, help is always available.

Dear Life is a new suicide prevention website which aims to reach people in Coventry and Warwickshire who are desperately seeking support or anyone who is worried about a loved one or someone they know.

dearlife.org.uk, created by local health and social care professionals, provides a range of support and signposting to vital services for residents who don’t know where to turn for help to address complicated and negative thoughts and feelings.

According to Samaritans, death by suicide increased by 10.9% in 2018 in the UK, with a rise among under-25s and middle-aged men. Between 2016 to 2018, there were 230 suicides in Coventry and Warwickshire – one suicide will always be one too many.

In response to this, and with the growing focus on the effects of Covid-19 and how this is impacting on mental wellbeing, professionals working together as the Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership CWHCP developed the new resource. It offers a wealth of information about where to get help in a crisis, advice on how to maintain good mental health and ways to support others in need.

Partners including Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and NHS services developed Dear Life to:

• signpost residents in Coventry and Warwickshire to the local and national suicide prevention support
• provide steps to help someone who is worried about their own, or someone else’s, wellbeing
• build safer communities by raising awareness of suicide prevention training opportunities
• remove the myths around suicide and encourage people to talk openly about their mental health
• support people who have been bereaved by suicide
• give help and advice in maintaining good mental health.

The website also enables people to share their experiences with a blog. Through our partners and charities, people can submit stories about mental health and suicide to encourage people to open up and talk about this topic. It is hoped this will help to open up conversations about suicide by helping people to recognise it’s okay not to feel okay and help is available, and at the same time create a culture of kindness across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Dr Sharon Binyon, Medical Director at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “The development of this website was an important opportunity for all partners to come together to raise awareness of suicide and the support we jointly have available to everyone across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“If you or someone close to you has had thoughts of suicide, the Dear Life website has been carefully constructed and designed to help you find support, provide lifesaving steps and advice in maintaining good mental health.

“I encourage everyone to share Dear Life with family, friends and colleagues.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Les Caborn, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Death by suicide has devastating consequences for family, friends, colleagues and communities. We want to make sure residents feel supported and safe by knowing there is always help available for them.

“The Dear Life website is a really positive development to our suicide prevention work. It provides residents with advice on a topic that many find difficult to approach. I urge everyone to visit the site, learn more about the subject and share it widely among their community.

“We want to remind everyone that they matter, they are not alone and there is always support available to them. Life is dear, keep hold of it, you are not alone.”

Coventry City Councillor Kamran Caan, portfolio holder for Public Health and Sport, said: “We have been working with our partners to raise awareness and reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry. Unfortunately, mental health is not talked about enough and the Dear Life website is a fantastic way to help everyone in our city to feel they have somewhere to go for advice at a time they or someone close to them is struggling.

“It is of utmost importance that no one feels alone and we would encourage everyone in our community to explore the website and share with anyone that could benefit from support.”

The website has been developed following a period of research with input from national charities and mental health campaigns. The website will continue to evolve as we receive new information to support people. For questions and to give feedback, please email phadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk.

For people who can’t access resources online, there is help available to you. If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone on 116 123. If you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 or ask someone to call 999 for you.

Hide full story