Stay at home doesn’t mean staying away from mental health services, that's our message this week amid news of new Tier 4 (stay at home) restrictions.
NHS mental health services are reminding local residents of the raft of free and virtual support available in Surrey and NE Hants.
People who are self-isolating or in a clinically vulnerable group - or who would simply rather not travel to access services – can access a range of virtual support without leaving home by phone or video call, and without having to see a GP first.
We know there are people who need our support who are not coming forward at the moment because of concerns about contracting Covid-19. Our virtual services mean we can still reach people and provide them with the support they need.
There are options to suit everyone from courses to help you maintain your mental health and wellbeing to more targeted interventions, such as talking therapies to support people with low level mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
Adults
Mind Matters – Talking therapies service for over 18s
The Mind Matters service is open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Surrey and experiencing mild to moderate mental ill-health such as anxiety and depression. Treatments are based on talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
One to one support is available via telephone or video call. There are also an increasing number of online group workshops available on topics such as Covid-19 wellbeing, bereavement, improving low self-esteem and more.
People can refer themselves online at https://www.mindmattersnhs.co.uk/or be referred by a health professional such as a GP.
Recovery Colleges – Free online courses to support mental health and wellbeing
Recovery Colleges provide educational courses and workshops on a range of psychological, mental and physical health conditions. They are open to anyone aged 18+ living in Surrey or North East Hampshire.
Previously courses were delivered in person at a range of community locations however courses are now available online.
New courses have been developed with the pandemic in mind including relationships, loneliness and isolation, self-compassion, managing finances and working from home.
To access the courses, visit: www.sabp.nhs.uk/recoverycollege.
Surrey Wellbeing Hub – Directory of virtual support groups from coffee mornings to Zumba classes
Surrey residents aged 18 and over can access the hub by visiting www.virtualwellbeing.healthysurrey.org.uk. Here people can view the range of classes and register their interest, and a member of the organisation running the session will get in touch to finalise details. People can self-refer, or be referred by someone else.
The hub is a joint partnership between Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, Surrey County Council and Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Sessions are provided by third sector organisations including The Richmond Fellowship, Catalyst, the Mary Francis Trust and The Surrey Coalition of Disabled People.
Children and Young People
CYP haven workshops
Online workshops for children and young people on different mental health topics. Visit www.cyphaven.net for times and joining details.
Kooth
Our partner Kooth provides a number of free support options for children and young people including, magazines, forums, activity centres, messaging and online counselling. Visit their website for more information: www.kooth.com.
Urgent Support
Get details of the mental health crisis services open 365 days a year and including over the festive period.
In an emergency always dial 999