Mental health support | News and events

Mental health services and support over festive period

Dr Emma Tiffin, GP and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Mental Health Lead said, “With the festive season fast approaching, it can be a happy time and a great way to connect with loved ones. But for some, this can be all a bit overwhelming with relationships tested, finances stretched, and feelings of loneliness heightened. It is important to know you are not alone and that there are a wide range of services available to help and support you across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. These include online support and information services, helplines, talking therapies and specialist help including crisis mental health support if needed.

“We have a dedicated local website www.keep-your-head.com that is packed full of mental health tips, guidance and advice, it also provides information on mental health services available locally and nationally, so a great first place to look. If you would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling, we have a local helpline that you can call anonymously and confidentially and talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121 and is open throughout the festive period.  Outside of this time there is the national helpline Samaritans on 116 123 which is also available. You can also contact your GP who will be able to provide advice on how to deal with your symptoms and talk to you about treatments and support services that are available locally.

”The festive period is also a good time to check in on neighbours, friends and loved ones who live alone and who might be experiencing loneliness. A phone call or a visit can make all the difference to someone’s wellbeing this Christmas.”  

Support available:

• Crisis support – NHS 111 Option 2 - If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select option 2. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
• Keep Your Head www.keep-your-head.com website provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
• How Are You (H.A.Y.) www.haycambspboro.co.uk is an interactive local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing.
• Lifeline – www.lifecraft.org.uk - Free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121.
• Mind - CPSLMind, www.cpslmind.org.uk  - A mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems and promoting positive mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
• Qwell and Kooth - Free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help.  www.qwell.io – for ages 18+ www.kooth.com – for ages 11-25