News

Christmas and New Year can be a stressful time, but help is at hand for people who need support with their mental health.

NHS Kent and Medway, Kent County Council and Medway Council are working together to make sure people know where to go for help at this time of year.

Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said:

“More people may need to reach out for help to manage their mental health. Just sharing how you feel with someone who listens, and doesn't judge, can help you reassess and get life back on track.

“One in four people experience mental health challenges at some point in their life so please don't think you are alone - and reach out for support. The NHS is busy at this time of year but it's important people come forward for help. Using the right service for you helps the NHS and can mean you are seen quicker.”

Where to go for help

Anyone experiencing an urgent mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health, when prompted, to speak to a specially trained mental health practitioner. You should call 999 if someone's life is in danger.

People can get in touch in a number of other ways for help, including:

• Kent and Medway Safe Havens offer drop-in mental health support to adults in crisis. Support is offered from nine locations, including two sites in Medway and Thanet that are open 24/7, as well as over the phone.
• The Release the Pressure service offers free expert advice from trained counsellors to all Kent and Medway residents - whether they are feeling isolated, overwhelmed or sad. Residents can text the word “SHOUT” to 85258 or call the 24/7 phone line on 0800 107 0160 to access the support.
• Qwell provides adults aged 18-years-old and over in Kent and Medway with access to free online support for all mental health issues seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year. Support includes one-to-one text-based chat sessions. (Available 12noon to 8pm on 24, 26 and 31 December and from 4pm to 8pm on 25 December and 1 January).
• Kooth is a free online service offering emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 10 and 25-years-old in Kent and Medway. Support is available for all mental health issues seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year and includes one-to-one text-based chat sessions during the festive season. (Available 12noon to 8pm on 24, 26 and 31 December and from 4pm to 8pm on 25 December and 1 January).

More information

The Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub is a one-stop shop of NHS, council and other specialist services for anyone living in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council: Talking and listening are free but precious gifts

Medway Council: Mental wellbeing support