Mental Health Awareness Week

Running from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th May, Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to come together and focus on getting good mental health, to tackle the stigma surrounding it and to help people understand how to prioritise their and others mental health.

Mental health is everything, everywhere, everyone. It's part of all of us, and impacts everyone around us. You can find a range of help and support from a number of organisations, both locally and UK wide:

North East Essex Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is part of Mid and North East Essex Mind, working closely with a wide range of partners, including Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). They work with charity and voluntary sectors partners, local emergency departments, crisis teams, and other services to make sure you get the care and support you need, when you need it.

Available 365 days a year - 7 days a week - 10am-11pm - you can refer yourself, or have someone else refer you to the service - call 0300 330 9492 / How to Refer Yourself to Mind Sanctuary

Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide, including parents, carers, family and friends.

Available 24/7 everyday of the year - call 0800 068 4141 / text 88247 / email pat@papyrus-uk.org 

Mind

Mind is one of the leading mental health charities in the UK. For over 70 years their work has ensured that anyone struggling with their mental health has somewhere to turn to. They're support line is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.

Available Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 9am-6pm - call 0300 102 1234

Samaritans

Samaritans are there for anyone who’s struggling to cope or who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - call 116 123 / email jo@samaritans.org

Shout: 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are there to listen at any time of day or night.

Available 24/7 - text "Shout" to 85258

If you need urgent medical help, feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself please contact 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.