Many services to help you with looking after your mental health and wellbeing are #HereForYou across Kent and Medway.
With the coronavirus pandemic putting extra strain on everyone’s lives, GPs across the county are reminding people of the services available.
GP and Chair of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Navin Kumta said: “If you, or your child, are experiencing any mental health issues, your GP, care coordinator (if you have one) or NHS 111 are still here to help.
“There are also many different services available locally to support you should you need them, including online help and services that you can self-refer to.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May) is kindness.
Dr Kumta added: “Everyone has been affected by the coronavirus in some way and we are seeing many acts of human kindness, but please remember also to be kind to yourself.
“Increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression are to be expected and existing mental health conditions may be worse than normal.
“It is a difficult time and it’s important that you get the support you need.”
#HereForYou #HelpUsHelpYou #KentTogether #Kindness
If you need support urgently, Release the Pressure is a 24-hour helpline available by calling 0800 107 0160.
For 24-hour mental health crisis support, text “Kent” or “Medway” (depending on where you live) to 85258.
More information on mental health and wellbeing services for adults, children and young people available at this time throughout Kent and Medway is available to download on our Coronavirus page.
Services may be different depending on which area of the county that you live, so please download the document most appropriate for you:
Fortnightly bulletins with resources to support parents, carers, schools, colleges, children and young people during the Covid19 pandemic are available to download.
Schools across the county have also been asked to share information via their social media channels about online mental health and wellbeing services available locally.
- If you are concerned about the mental health of a child or young person in Kent and Medway and are not sure what extra help is needed, you can call the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0800 011 3474. This service is there to help find the most appropriate response to your concerns.
- KOOTH - Aged between 10-16 and need mental health support? Kooth is #HereForYou. Please visit www.kooth.com to register for our supportive online community where we have lots of guided support courses and resources for you.
- Big White Wall provides mental health support for young people aged 16-18 in Kent. Visit www.bigwhitewall.com to access the supportive online community which includes lots of guided support course and resources.
- Mood Spark - provides mental health support to young people in Kent, and their website is full of useful resources and service information for parents and teachers too: www.kentresiliencehub.org.uk
- Kent Child Health - If your child is aged 4-19 and struggling with their emotional health, you can access support from the Children and Young People’s Counselling Service. Go to www.kentcht.nhs.uk/school-health or phone 0300 123 4496.
- ChatHealth - If you’re aged 11-19 years old and struggling with your emotions, text Chathealth to 07520618850 for mental health support and find out a number of ways to help you, or visit www.kentyouthhealth.nhs.uk.
County-wide and area specific mental health services are available for older adults and people living with dementia.
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) provides a 24-hour freephone helpline (0800 783 9111) for urgent mental health support, advice and guidance.
Details of what’s available in which area are available to download from our Coronavirus resources list.
You can refer yourself to a Talking therapies service without seeing your GP.
Talking therapies can help with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, phobias and other related problems.
Therapeutic appointments are available weekdays and evenings and some weekend appointments are available. All services are operating remotely via phone and online.
You can search the nhs website for psychological therapy services close to you here: Find a psychological therapies service.
#HereForYou #HelpUsHelpYou #KentTogether #Kindness