Mental health

Good mental wellbeing is critical for our health, relationships, sense of purpose and our ability to cope with our daily life. Just like we may need help with our physical health, many of us will need mental health support at some point in our lives.

Urgent- I need help now

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis – you can call Mental Health Direct 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 995 1000 or NHS 111 - Option 2.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call Samaritans on 116 123 for free. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will give you free, confidential, and non-judgmental emotional support.

If you are at immediate risk of physical harm because of mental health concern or feel like you need immediate assistance, please call 999 or visit your local A&E if you are able to.

Shout Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text 85258. For more information visit the Shout Crisis website.

Find a GP near you

If you are concerned about your mental health, you should schedule an appointment with your GP for advice, support, or treatment. Find your local GP

You can also call NHS free of charge by calling 111.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Map (Update in progress)

View the wide range of local and online services and support on the interactive Mental Health and Wellbeing Map. This map is designed to be a one-stop-shop for accessing a range of mental health and wellbeing services – which includes therapeutic support, social support groups, wellness activities, and others.

Therapy and counselling

Redbridge Talking Therapies provides a range of psychological therapies and counselling services. For free. You can self-refer online or call 0300 300 1554 (option 1) available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (EWMHS/CAMHS) offers a wide range of specialist treatment programs to children, young people and their families. Call 0300 300 1618 (option: CAMHS).

Safe Connections Community hub provides a safe space for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to talk about their feelings and concerns. Call 0300 561 0115 or email safeconnections@mithn.org.uk to request a call back.

Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online counselling service for young people.

Mentell provides circles for men aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement.

James' Place offers free life-saving therapy to men who are contemplating suicide.

Self help

Good thinking - If you are feeling stressed, anxious, sad, or low, Good Thinking offers a range of free tools and resources.

NHS Mental Health Page - provides information and support for a range of mental health conditions.

Better Health- every mind matters/NHS - provides information and support for dealing with life’s challenges. Also offers self-help CBT techniques for treating specific mental health conditions. You can also take a short quiz to get your own plan with practical tips to help you make positive changes in your life.

Young Minds - Offers a variety of practical guidance and assistance specifically designed for young people and the challenges they face, whilst also offering support to parents to help them support their child or any young person in their care.

Carers Trust - Helping you to take care of yourself , whilst caring for others.

Five steps to improve your wellbeing

The NHS has shared five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing:

Connect with other people
Be active - take the stairs, go for a walk, sign up to a yoga class
Learn new skills
Give to others - volunteer, join a community group, help someone
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness) of the environment around you and enjoy the moment.

Understanding Your Own Trauma - Free Course

This online course is for people who want to understand more about their own trauma or to support others in managing trauma.

Psychological trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Trauma overwhelms the processes in our brain, which usually help us to make sense of experiences and can have a lasting impact on our lives.

Understanding your own trauma is for people who have experienced trauma at any point in their lives, perhaps through loss, bereavement, an accident, or illness. It is also for those who want to support friends or family through trauma. This course is not a replacement for therapy or counselling. You may find it difficult at times, and perhaps you would find it helpful to talk to someone, so we have included some signposts for further support, should you need it.

To access the free course visit - inourplace | Solihull Approach – Redbridge | inourplace

Bereavement Support

Mind - Grieve in Pieces - This service has been designed for and by people in North East London boroughs who have been bereaved by suicide, to help you navigate the healing and coping process in a safe and confidential environment.

Cruse Bereavement Support - A national service that provides assistance to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Their services are designed to help people navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with bereavement.

Telephone: 0808 808 1677. Open Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 09:30 - 17:00. Tues 13:00 - 20:00.

The compassionate Friends - A national service that offers peer support to bereaved parents, adult siblings and grandparents who have experienced the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.

Telephone: 0345 123 2304. Open everyday 10:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 22:00

Become a mental health champion

By becoming a mental health champion, you can play an active part in improving your own wellbeing and support the wellbeing of those around you.

You will:

have the skills, tools, and resources to support one another
have awareness and understanding of the factors influencing mental health and wellbeing
have access to training opportunities
make a real difference in people’s life
be more resilient and feel able to cope with life’s challenges

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