You are not alone | News and events

While the festive season will be exciting for some, it can be a difficult time for many people for lots of different reasons. Locally, NHS and mental health organisations want to remind local people that if you, or someone you know, needs mental health support over the festive period that help is always available.

Dr Emma Tiffin, local GP and Mental Health Clinical Lead for NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough said:“ Whether you’re managing the pressure of living up to certain expectations, dealing with family dynamics, struggling financially, or facing difficult memories, lots of us struggle with our mental health at this time of year and can feel more lonely than usual.

“It is important to remember you are not alone. It’s ok to not be ok and there’s a wide range of services available, from online support, phone and text helplines to specialist help around bereavement, alongside crisis mental health support that is available 24/7 if needed. So please pick up the phone, visit helpful websites or seek other support when you need it. ”

A great place to start is Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s dedicated mental health website Keep Your Head. The website includes latest information on local services and support available on a wide range of topics including mental health, anxiety, stress, depression, alcohol and drugs, bullying, eating disorders, addiction, autism and ADHD.

Dr Tiffin added “ We also urge people to look out for others. Please check in on neighbours, friends and loved ones who live alone and who might be experiencing loneliness. A phone call or a visit can make all the difference to someone’s wellbeing this Christmas.”

Below outlines local support available. Further information on local services can be found on the Well Together page of the ICS Website.

Crisis support:

• Crisis support – NHS 111 mental health option - If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 by calling 111. Simply dial 111 and select the mental health option. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs. This is open to anyone of any age.

Online support:

• Keep Your Head   website provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire , Peterborough & Royston .
• How Are You (H.A.Y.) is a local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing.
• Mind - CPSLMind is a mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems.
•  Kooth (for age 11-18)- Free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help
• Centre 33 (young people up to age 25) offering mental health advice and support for young people up to the age of 25.

Phone/text helplines:

• Lifecraft  offers free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121.
• HEAR 85258 a mental health free text messaging support service - texting the word HEAR to 85258 to be connected to a trained volunteer who will offer them calm in a time or place of crisis.

Relationship and domestic abuse support:

• Relate
• Domestic Abuse Support Service (DASS) – freephone 0300 373  1073  supports victims and survivors of domestic abuse of any gender identity and any sexual orientation

Bereavement support:

• Bereavement Support Services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough booklet
• Cruse - offers trained volunteers in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now.
• Bereavement Support Services in Cambridgeshire
• Good Grief Cafes
• Grief Encounter - supporting bereaved children and young people

Financial related:

• National Gambling Service  - GamCare helpline - available on 0808 8020 133
• Debt management support - available via Citizens Advice