World Mental Health Day: Know who to turn to
This World Mental Health Day (10 October), know who to turn to for mental health support for yourself or someone else.
Whether you're looking for support with your wellbeing or need urgent help, there are services available across South West London to help you get the right support at the right time.
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust is raising awareness of the help available through its Know who to turn to campaign.
Trust Chief Executive, Vanessa Ford MBE, said: "We want everyone in South West London to know who to turn for support as early as possible. Mental health problems are often easier to overcome when people get help before they reach crisis point.
“We know how difficult it can be to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing, and that there never seems to be a right time to seek help. However, reaching out early can make a real difference. If you’re struggling, don’t wait. It could be the first step towards getting the support you need.”
Local people, healthcare partners, community leaders and organisations are being encouraged to help spread the word about local mental health services. The Trust’s Know who to turn to toolkit includes free digital and printable resources to help people find the right support.
The campaign highlights a range of services, including:
Non-urgent support
- NHS Talking Therapies for support with depression, anxiety, stress, worries, phobias and challenges linked to long-term health conditions. People can be referred by their GP or refer themselves online.
- Every Mind Matters , which provides free NHS advice, wellbeing tips and personalised support through its Mind Plan tool.
- Know who to turn to in your community , a directory of trusted voluntary and community sector organisations across Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Fill out this short form to register your organisation.
- Your GP, who can help you access the right support if you're concerned about your mental health. The NHS website also provides a wide range of information and guidance.
Urgent support
- NHS 111 : Following the move of the South West London Mental Health Crisis Line to NHS 111, people can now access urgent mental health support by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people of all ages. You can call for yourself or someone else.
- South London Crisis Text Service : Available 24/7 via WhatsApp using this link, or by sending a message to 0303 330 1511.
- Recovery Cafés (also known as crisis cafés): Free walk-in spaces for adults who are struggling with their mental health or may be at risk of crisis.
- South London CAMHS Crisis Line: Support for children and young people, as well as parents and carers. Call 0203 228 5980, every day from 9am to 11pm. Outside of these hours, call NHS 111. Children and young people over 16 can also access support online via Togetherall.
- In an emergency: Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if someone's life is at immediate risk or they need urgent medical attention.
