This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May) and Doncaster residents in need of mental health support during the coronavirus lockdown are being assured there are many places to turn to for help.
With lockdown taking its toll, anxiety about health, job security, finances, social isolation and family relationships are some of the many ways a person's mental health can worsen during the pandemic.
In his latest blog, local GP and Clinical Director for NHS Doncaster CCG, Dr David Crichton said: “Coronavirus has resulted in uncertain times for all of us and worries about the current situation can affect anyone, young or old, in different ways.
“Looking after your health and emotional wellbeing is important and is hopefully a regular part of your overall daily activities. If you find yourself feeling low and think you are alone, please be reassured that you are not, you are part of local, regional and national communities.”
Health experts are encouraging people across the borough to look after their mental health and wellbeing, and can do so partly by connecting with friends and family over the phone and keeping the mind active.
Mental health services across the borough are open for business with services continuing to operate and referral routes open to everyone as normal.
Locally and nationally, there are agencies you can turn to for help which include:
· IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
Doncaster: 01302 565556
Free for people who feel they need help and support for anxiety
· Doncaster Talking Shop
Call: 01302 565650
Free for people over 18 who need knowledge and support about talking therapies, which include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and IPT/ Counselling.
· Doncaster Mind
Call: 01302 812190 or email: office@doncastermind.org
Support for people experiencing mental health difficulties, including personal wellbeing and recovery advice and information.
· Doncaster Rethink
Call: 0808 8010442
24/7 emotional support and information to people effected by mental illness, age 16 and over who live in Doncaster.
· Doncaster Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Open 24/7
· Doncaster Community Hub
Call: 01302 430300
Open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm
· Doncaster Adult Social Services and Wellbeing
Call: 01302 737391
Open 8.30am- 5pm Monday – Friday.
· Doncaster Single Point of Access
Call: 01302 566999
A 24/7 service providing assessments to identify the most appropriate needs and services to support individuals.
· Aspire Drug & Alcohol Services in Doncaster
Call: 01302 730956
A single point of access designed to provide advice, support and signposting.
· Doncaster Children’s Services Trust
Call: 01302 734 100
If you have a concern about a child call: 01302 734100 between 8.30am – 5pm Monday-Friday
· CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
Call: 01302 796191
Providing assessment, therapy and interventions for children and young people up to the age of 18.
· Doncaster School Nursing (Age 5-19)
Call: 01302 566776 or Text 07917 031891
Offering support and advice for young people and their families. Open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
· Young Minds
Text: YM to 85258
Providing 24/7 urgent and crisis support
You can also find a list of useful contacts and online resources on the NHS Doncaster CCG website.
Dr Crichton encourages people to seek support saying: “If you are feeling anxious, worried or low in mood, please speak to someone. It really does help to talk and to share your concerns and worries. Help is available, so please step forward and access the support you need so you feel better in yourself. Everyone deserves to feel good.”
You can also find out more information about improving your mental health wellbeing by visiting the NHS Every Mind Matters website and take a short quiz to get your own personalised plan with tips to help improve your mental health wellbeing.