As England enters a third national lockdown to control the spread of a new variant of COVID-19, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) are reassuring the public that NHS mental health and learning disability services across North Cumbria and the North East are still available.
John Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive at CNTW, said: “We want to reassure everyone that CNTW are continuing to provide mental health and learning disability services during this challenging period.”
We know that many people are understandably worried about catching or spreading the virus. People are also worried about being a ‘burden’ when the NHS system is under pressure. But the NHS is here to support your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as your physical health. We want to reassure everyone that CNTW are continuing to provide mental health and learning disability services during this challenging period.
You shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor about a physical health condition, and the same goes for your mental health: the earlier you seek help, the better.
It is understandable if you feel you need more mental health support at the moment. Lots of people are facing increased stress and anxiety, about their own health and the health of friends and family, bereavements, financial insecurity, and changes to how they must live and work.
Mental health services are still open and providing advice, care and treatment from our expert professionals. If you feel like you need some more support, please speak to your GP or Care Coordinator.
John Lawlor OBEChief Executive at CNTW
Where to seek help:
NHS psychological therapies services (also known as IAPT, which stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) can help with a range of common mental health problems including depression, anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You can refer yourself for support, or ask your GP to make a referral for you. Find more details about your local psychological therapies service.
If someone is in a mental health crisis and needs urgent help, they can call CNTW’s regional Crisis Teams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These are emergency specialist teams, working with all ages and mental health conditions, and will ensure you get the help you need:
- For the Northumberland and North Tyneside Universal Crisis Team call 0800 6522 861. (Those who are Deaf/hard of hearing can text 07887625277.)
- For the Sunderland and South Tyneside Universal Crisis Team call 0800 6522 867. (Those who are Deaf/hard of hearing can text 07889036280.)
- For the Newcastle and Gateshead Universal Crisis Team call 0800 6522 863. (Those who are Deaf/hard of hearing can text 07919 228 548.)
- For the North Cumbria Universal Crisis Team call 0800 6522 865. (Those who are Deaf/hard of hearing can text 0779 565 6226.)
For mental health emergencies where someone’s life is at risk or where you cannot keep someone safe, you should dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency (A&E) Department. Specialist mental health clinicians work at A&E departments across the region, who will be able to assess and treat mental health conditions.
CNTW also offers a range of award-winning self-help guides, offering information and practical advice on coping with issues including anxiety, sleeping problems and stress. They are available in a variety of formats, including audio and British Sign Language, and can be found online at www.cntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp.