Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is reminding people across the Black Country of the services on offer to support their mental health this Christmas and throughout the winter.
Mental health support from the Trust is on hand all year around, but it especially important that communities in the Black Country know where to turn during winter, as it can be a difficult time for many.
From the mental health liaison teams that provide a 24-hour service with local acute hospitals to mental health workers in primary care, support is there for people who need it this winter.
Alongside these secondary services, there are a host of ways people can access help this winter, from the 24/7 mental health helpline to Sanctuary Hubs.
Support available across the Black Country this winter includes:
24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline
The 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day and is available to residents across the Black Country.
Specialist mental health professionals are on the other end of the phone to help callers who are experiencing increased anxiety or distress.
The line can be contacted on Freephone on 0800 008 6516 or by text on 07860 025 281.
Sanctuary Hubs
Anyone who needs face to face to mental health support outside of usual service hours can visit a Sanctuary Hub, which are available in each of the Black Country boroughs.
The Sanctuary Hubs can provide emotional support to those in distress or when they need a listening ear.
They are open Monday to Friday, 6pm to 11pm and Saturday – Sunday, noon to 11pm.
No referral is required, but visitors must be over 18 and registered with a GP in the Black Country.
The Sanctuary Hubs can be found at the following locations:
Dudley: DY1 Community Centre, Stafford Street, Dudley , DY1 1SA
Sandwell: Hope Place, 321 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8LU
Walsall: 1 Queen’s Parade, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 2EX
Wolverhampton: 29-31 Temple Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AN
NHS Talking Therapies
NHS Talking Therapies are available across the Black Country. Trained, professional therapists use practical talking therapies based on an individual’s needs for a practical and effective way for people to manage their mental health difficulties.
The service is completely free and people refer themselves for help or can be referred by their GP.
To find out more and to self-refer, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
Support for children and young people
The emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of children and young people are paramount to the teams and services across the Black Country working in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The team has a wide range of responsive services on offer over the Christmas holidays ensuring there is always someone a child or young person can contact. These services and resources include:
Helpful apps to manage anxiety, stress and depression which can be found at: www.blackcountryminds.com/help-advice/helpful-apps
Kooth provides support via text conversations, visit: www.kooth.com
Find out more about the CAMHS Crisis Team and how they can help in an emergency at: www.blackcountryminds.com/crisis-button
If you are struggling this winter, please do reach out for help and remember you are not alone.