World Mental Health Day returns today (10 October) and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) is using the day to highlight support that is on offer to help people live healthier and happier lives.
World Mental Health Day takes place every year to raise awareness of mental health and to drive positive change. The theme for this year is ‘mental health is a universal human right’.
Inspired by the theme, BCHFT is using the week to highlight projects that are happening across the Black Country to ensure people across our communities are not excluded from life and society because of mental ill health.
Stories will be shared on the Trust’s social media channels and website throughout the week.
From work to support refugees and migrants with their mental wellbeing to ensuing people with severe mental illness have the financial support they need, the projects highlighted this week demonstrate how the Trust is working collaboratively with partners across the Black Country to create mentally healthier communities.
Kuli Kaur-Wilson, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As Lead Provider for mental health services in the Black Country, the Trust works collaboratively with partners and communities to develop services and support offers that can make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Mental ill health disproportionally impacts citizens and communities who are already facing exclusion, poverty, discrimination and/or social injustice. Achieving more equitable mental health outcomes requires a commitment to promoting citizenship and human rights.
“World Mental Health Day is as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to achieving better for, and with, our Black Country communities, and an opportunity to encourage people to speak openly about their mental health so that together we can learn from their experiences, and take action.”
People across the Black Country are also being reminded this World Mental Health Day of support that is available for their mental health from BCHFT.
Signposting to support this World Mental Health Day
Black Country 24/7 Helpline
If you need urgent help with your mental health or you are struggling to cope, the Black Country 24/7 helpline is here to help you.
The Black Country 24/7 helpline offers a range of services which provide support at times and places when people need it the most. The service provides advice, emotional support, triage, referrals and signposting.
You don’t need to be referred by your GP or other health professionals, you can just reach out for help when you need it. Mental health professionals will be on hand to help you avoid a crisis and help you find the path to recovery.
Call freephone 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025 281
NHS Talking Therapies
The NHS in Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall offers a free, confidential, talking therapies service that provides a range of psychological therapies to support people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, panic or phobias.
They will work with you to find the best treatment for your needs; this could include wellbeing workshops, computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT), individual therapy, guided self-help and signposting to other support services.
For more information, including how to self-refer, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/talking-therapies