Check-in for a chat: How to start a conversation around mental health

Summary

• Learn how many of us are impacted by common mental health problems
• Read our suggestions for how to start a conversation with someone you care about
• Information and resources on the services available to help

One in four adults in England will experience a common mental health problem (such as low mood, depression or anxiety) at some point in their life. That accounts to 25% of people in Devon. Now, more than ever, talking about our mental health and wellbeing is vitally important. However, too many people keep their difficulties to themselves and don’t get access the support they need.

When we are worried about someone, it can be difficult to know how to approach them and start a conversation about how they are feeling. We don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable, but we also want them to know that we’re here to listen.

What services are available in Devon?

NHS Talking Therapies services, like TALKWORKS, are available free of charge through the NHS. People living in Devon (outside Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options), who are experiencing a common mental health problem, such as low mood, anxiety, stress or worry, can self-refer to TALKWORKS for support.

You do not need a referral from a GP to access TALKWORKS’ services and you can refer yourself online or over the phone by calling 0300 555 3444 (phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 4:45pm). Support for adults in Plymouth is covered by NHS Plymouth Talking Therapies, and can be accessed through their website, or you can find out more information by calling 01752 435419 (phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm).

If you, or someone you care about, requires emergency mental health support, please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You will then be put through to Devon Partnership NHS Trust's First Response Service, available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Devon Partnership NHS Trust also has a range of specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services for people in Devon and across the South West. You can find more information about each of the services and the support available on their website.

The Moorings provide telephone advice and out-of-hours mental health support from three locations across Devon (Barnstaple, Exeter and Torquay).

Andy's Man Club - offer free peer-to-peer support groups across Devon and online

Other SERVICES THAT CAN HELP

Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Whatever you’re going through, call for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Staying Safe provide vital 'safety plan' tools and guidance to help people cope with emotional distress. It also offers ways to help keep people safer from thoughts of harm and suicide, seek support and discover hope of recovery through powerful videos from people with personal experience.

Shout - text 'Shout' to 85258 to chat with a trained Shout volunteer. Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for support.

HOPELINE247 - call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email  pat@papyrus-uk.org. Free, confidential, 24/7 service for anyone under 35, experiencing thoughts of suicide or concerned about a young person.

Under 18?

Need urgent help?

• Call 111 and select mental health option
• If you have a care plan or discharge plan, that will tell you who to contact
• Kooth offers digital support via an online mental wellbeing community