Mental health services across the region step up support this winter
NHS mental health teams across the North East and North Cumbria are working together to provide extra support for people during the winter months, a time that can be particularly challenging for mental health and wellbeing.
While the festive season is a happy time for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, isolation and financial pressure. These challenges often lead to increased demand for mental health services and teams are urging people to seek help early.
David Storm, Associate Director at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), said:
“Winter can be a difficult time for people of all ages. Cost-of-living pressures, bereavement and loneliness can all impact mental health. We want people to know that support is available and easy to access.”
People can now access urgent mental health help through NHS 111 Option 2, a 24/7 service that connects callers directly to trained mental health professionals. Alongside this, a wide range of community-based services are available including talking therapies for anxiety and depression which people can self-refer to, crisis teams providing round-the-clock support and specialist services such as memory clinics and care home support.
One of the most exciting developments is Hope Haven, a pioneering pilot in Whitehaven, West Cumbria that is transforming how mental health care is delivered.
Hope Haven is one of six ‘neighbourhood mental health centres’ which are part of a national pilot of this new approach, funded by NHS England. It removes traditional barriers such as referrals and discharge. People can simply walk in, call or book online to access support.
David added: “Hope Haven is about making mental health support easy and accessible. Since opening, we have seen a 30% reduction in crisis caseloads in West Cumbria, showing the difference early intervention can make.”
The initiative focuses on partnership working and community involvement, aiming to prevent mental health problems before they escalate.
NHS teams are also prioritising staff wellbeing during this busy period with flexible working, counselling and wellbeing schemes in place to support colleagues who care for others.
The full conversation with David Storm, including more on Hope Haven and practical tips for mental health, is featured in the latest episode of the Frontline Voices podcast.
Listen here.