Support available in Bradford district as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event providing an opportunity for us all to focus on achieving good mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation event, which runs from May 9-15, encourages people to use the Every Mind Matters loneliness webpage for support and advice on dealing with loneliness. It will also encourage people to complete a Mind Plan quiz, to get a personalised mental health action plan with practical tips to help deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping, plus advice on how to cope with feelings of loneliness.
There is now substantial evidence that having a lack of social connections significantly increases the risk of premature mortality. Loneliness and the physical and mental health issues that can come with it are affecting more of us in England, and the problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What's happening in Bradford district?
These courses are suitable for people who would like to increase their awareness of Mental Health, those who would like to be able to advocate for Mental Health at work and for those who want to take on the role of Mental Health First Aider within their workplace.
Bradford Council and Bradford Healthy Minds are helping to increase local knowledge about mental health and local support services.
Take part in this quick quiz to test your mental health knowledge and you might be surprised to find out a few things along the way.
This quiz, which takes only about four minutes to complete, aims to reduce stigma and improve awareness so we can make sure people know they don’t have to “just get on with it”.
'Meaningful connections'
Liz Harney, Clinical Manager from MyWellbeing IAPT service at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There’s plenty of things people in the Bradford and Craven district can get involved in to help support them to create meaningful connections.
"The trust runs a ‘Well-Together’ service which offers free, or low cost, activities which cover the whole of the Bradford District in wheelchair-accessible venues or online. The activities range from walking groups and coffee mornings to arts and crafts activities and guided relaxation groups. Anyone can register to the Well Together service and GPs can also refer patients who they feel would benefit."
Some of the mental health support available in Bradford district
If you are in crisis and require urgent support, please contact First Response on 0800 952 1181.
The Healthy Minds website has a bank of wellbeing resources including self-help articles on a wide range of topics.
The loneliness of lockdowns has led to many different mental health challenges. From anxiety to eating disorders, the Healthy Minds website has a helpful collection of wellbeing services specifically for young people.
Guide-Line Telephone: 08001 884 884
Guide-Line is a confidential mental health telephone line (12pm to 12am) or webchat (3pm to 8pm) service providing support.
Qwell is a safe and confidential space for adults (aged 18+) to share experiences and gain support from the online community and professionals.
Kooth is a free anonymous online platform offering mental health support for 11 to 24-year-olds.
Loneliness can sometimes make us feel misunderstood. Finding people who 'get you' can help us feel accepted.
For young people, www.kooth.com is a great place to find support via discussion boards, chat, journaling, and articles.
Youth in Mind support 8 to 19-year-olds in the Bradford district who are struggling with their social, emotional or mental wellbeing. For young people with special educational needs or disabilities, they accept referrals up to the age of 25.
Feeling lonely can be isolating and result in low self-esteem or self-doubt. Youth in Mind offer one-to-one support, groups & peer support for children, young people, and their families across the district. For information visit mindinbradford.org.uk/youth-in-mind.
Night Owls
Recognising you might need some support with your emotional wellbeing is a brave step towards better wellbeing. Night Owls is an overnight listening service for young people and parents 8pm–8am.
Call 0800 1488 244
Text 07984 392700
Telephone: 0300 555 5551
MyWellbeing College is a free NHS service to help people manage their everyday problems such as low mood, stress or anxiety. Self-referral or GP referrals accepted.
Bradford District Befriending Network
Befriending helps people to become less socially isolated, develop their confidence, increase individuals’ wellbeing and so much more. If you’re interested in becoming a befriender, visit the Bradford District Befriending Network.
