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WOKINGHAM Borough Council is promoting a number of services and initiatives for Mental Health Awareness Week.
The annual awareness week, taking place between Monday, May 9, to Sunday, May 15, will focus on loneliness as an opportunity to overcome some of the challenges that have been made worse by Covid-19.
Experts say loneliness can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health, but there are a number of ways to reduce isolation and make new friends.
Dr Ingrid Slade, assistant director for population health, integration and partnerships, said: “Knowing that our residents have easy access to a variety of excellent services that can help with their mental health is very important to us.
“One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives and those people can often experience feelings of isolation, stigma and a reluctance to seek advice and support.
“That is why we must do what we can to promote the work volunteers and charities in our community are putting in to ensure we break down those barriers and be there for people when it is most needed.
“We are fortunate to have so many initiatives running across the borough, which support all ages and encourage people to make new friends.
“Our priority is to offer our residents access to quality care and support, at the right time. If you are suffering with your mental health, you are not alone – help is available.”
If people need help with managing mental illness such as anxiety and depression, the council is encouraging them to contact the Wokingham Recovery College or the NHS talking service.
For those battling loneliness, The Friendship Alliance provides community spaces, cafés and pubs and will offer to host a “Friendship Table” on a regular basis, encouraging people to meet up, connect with others and feel supported.
Jac Pluves, who runs a friendship table at Finchampsted Church on Tuesday mornings, said: “As is often the case with volunteering, you offer to get involved because you want to help other people, but you end up benefitting yourself.
“I really look forward to a weekly catch-up with regulars who warmly welcome new people to join in with the conversation and friendship.”
For those facing a mental health crisis, contact the NHS on 111.
You can also contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. You can text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you are under 19.
If you are under 19, you can also call Childline on 0800 1111 and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
