Organisations across the North East and North Cumbria are backing ‘Time to Talk Day’ on 3 February, a national campaign which aims to get the nation talking about mental health.
Explaining what the campaign is about, Hollie Edmondson, North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Lead said: “We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like.
“Each conversation we have contributes to reducing mental health stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it.”
Organisations including NHS Trusts, local authorities, and the voluntary sector across the region which make up the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System are encouraging people to get involved.
Hollie continued: “Sharing articles or videos, hosting a ‘lunch and learn’ session at work, or just asking others how they’re doing – these are all simple ways to start conversations about mental health and show the people in your life you’re prepared to talk and listen without judgment.
“For people who are struggling with their mental health, stigma is still a big issue, and talking to someone about it and asking for help can be one of the hardest steps to take.
“If someone does open up about their mental health, we know it might not always feel easy to know what to say. But you don’t have to be an expert to help someone through difficult times; just letting them know that you care, and that you’re there to listen if they want to talk, can make all the difference.”
You’ll find some useful ‘talking tips’ on the Time to Talk Day website.
People who are in distress and need urgent help can get in touch with CNTW’s Initial Response services which are open for anyone to call, 24 hours a day:
- North Cumbria:
All ages – 0800 652 2865
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07795 656 226) - Newcastle and Gateshead:
Adults – 0800 652 2863
Children and young people – 0800 652 2864
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07919 228 548) - North Tyneside and Northumberland:
All ages – 0800 652 2861
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07887 625 277) - South Tyneside and Sunderland:
Adults – 0800 652 2867
Children and young people – 0800 652 2868
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07889 036 280)
If you or another person have been harmed or are at immediate risk, you may require an emergency response; contact 999 and ask for the relevant service.
Some other useful helplines are:
- Samaritans – phone 116 123 or email [email protected]
- CALM – an anonymous and confidential helpline & webchat, open 5pm to midnight every day, phone 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net
- Shout – 24/7 crisis text support service, text 85258
- Childline – phone 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
- Papyrus HopelineUK – for young people under the age of 35, call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967, or email [email protected]