Support for those struggling with their mental health at this time of year
Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time for many. If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available throughout the year.
We offer a number of services for people of all ages who are in crisis and need urgent help.
You can call 111 and select the option for mental health for immediate and specialist support. 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is a single point of contact for anyone in crisis or in need of support on behalf of someone else.
Our Mental Health Urgent Care Department at Basildon Hospital also provides urgent support for anyone over 18 in mid and south Essex, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Staff work with patients to understand what has triggered their mental health crisis and ensure they receive the right care in the right place, whether that’s at home or in hospital.
The department is staffed by specialist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from EPUT, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and the East of England Ambulance Service. They also work with community services and charities.
The 111 service and Mental Health Urgent Care Department do not replace 999. If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis and requires serious or life threatening emergency mental or physical care, call 999 immediately.
If you are struggling but do not need help urgently, our Therapy for You (NHS Talking Therapies) service provides free talking therapies for adults aged 18 and over living in south east Essex and over 16 years living in north east Essex.
The service provides psychological support for people experiencing depression and anxiety including post-traumatic stress disorder, panic and phobias.
You can access confidential therapy either online, in person, or by telephone or video call, as well as group therapy sessions. There are also free online courses you can complete at your own pace. Online course topics include post natal depression, stress and anxiety, bereavement, depression, panic attacks, living well with physical health problems, mindfulness, understanding self-esteem, and managing stress in parenthood.
Our services in north east Essex are delivered in partnership with mental health charity North Essex Mind. Please visit www.therapyforyou.co.uk for more information.
You can self-refer via the website or contact the numbers below:
If you live in south east Essex (Hadleigh, Leigh-on-Sea, Rochford, Rayleigh, Benfleet, Southend, Shoeburyness, Westcliff and Canvey Island), call 01268 739128.
If you live in north east Essex (Colchester and Tendring), call 01206 334001.
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service offers urgent support to anyone under the age of 18 who is in crisis.
You can call them on 0800 953 0222. Outside of working hours, please call 0800 995 1000.
The following organisations also provide help and support:
Samaritans
Call 116 123 for free, any time. For more information, visit the Samaritans website.
YoungMinds Mental Health
Visit the Young Minds website and Parents Helpline and webchat
Papyrus - Prevention of young suicide
For confidential advice, contact HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039967.
Visit the Papyrus website.
Mind
Visit the Mind website for information and advice.
Mental Health Foundation
Visit the Mental Health Foundation website for information and advice.