Mental health services

Tools and resources to help your mental health and wellbeing

It is normal and okay to feel upset, anxious or confused at times.

You might be feeling anxious and worried about coronavirus and that it could be affecting your mental health. It has never been more important for each of us to think and talk more about mental health and wellbeing, and to seek support when needed.

In London, there are a range of free resources, online tools, and helplines available to help you cope and stay mentally healthy.

You should know that even though things can feel very hard at times, support is available for whatever you are going through.

Simple ways to improve your wellbeing

Doctors of the World, in partnership with Thrive LDN, have put together a list of little things you can do to keep yourself well and some useful ways to get support if you are finding it hard. The guidance is available in English and 26 other languages to support migrant communities.

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about work, housing or financial difficulties, then explore the helpful range of resources and guidance on City Hall's Hub.

Available support now - online tools to help your mental health

The NHS-approved digital mental wellbeing service, Good Thinking, promotes proactive self-care for the four most common mental health conditions: anxiety, low mood, sleeping difficulties and stress. Take the clinically validated self-assessment tool to get a better understanding of what you’re going through, helpful resources and if necessary, relevant treatment options.

To help build resilience and maintain good wellbeing, there’s a range of resources for everyone at Every Mind Matters. Including an interactive quiz, the Your Mind Plan, to get top tips and advice relevant for you. 

NHS wellbeing webinars

A collection of NHS Coping Well During Covid webinars are available if you are feeling anxious about coronavirus and how it is impacting you, your loved ones or your work. The 60-minute sessions will guide you through ideas and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing in an evidenced based and interactive way.

The webinar topics include managing wellbeing, anxiety, low mood, sleeping difficulties, and mindfulness. Additionally, there are also specific webinars on managing financial anxiety and working from home and staying well. 

NHS psychological treatments

If you do not require urgent support but are still concerned about your mental health, contacting your GP is a good place to start.

You can also refer yourself for free, non-urgent NHS psychological therapy (IAPT) services which provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety. These services are open if you feel like you may need further, professional support.

Work stress, relationship or money worries, feeling low or difficulty sleeping?

Talking Therapies is a free and confidential NHS service which provides support from people who understand what you are experiencing. The expert team will work with you to find the best treatment just for you, and give you effective tools and techniques that are proven to work. 

We’ve helped thousands of people who were experiencing the exact same feelings as you and they have said this service has helped them feel better: 

“I’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, it’s changed my life.” Patient Melissa Miles.

“I feel much better now. My sessions with the therapist were really practical.” Patient Lauren Barrett

Getting urgent help for mental health

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.

• If you have an existing mental health condition and an assigned care team or care worker, then it’s important to contact them. If it is out of office hours or you don’t know who to contact, you should call NELFT Mental health direct 0300 555 1000.
• If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call NELFT Mental health direct 0300 555 1000 any time of the day or night. This free, confidential helpline provides expert help, advice and support when you need it most.

NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:

• 24-hour advice and support - for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
• help to speak to a mental health professional
• an assessment to help decide on the best course of care

Alternatively, when life is tough the Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult.

• Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.

Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance.

• Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line.

The bereavement care charity Cruse is helping families affected by coronavirus.

• Call free on 0808 808 1677 or visit the Cruse website  

Mental Health Services in the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge are provided by North East London NHS Foundation Trust.