Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is launching a campaign on World Mental Health Day (10 October) to support peoples’ mental wellbeing this winter.
The Trust’s annual Winter Wellness campaign aims to reach those who may be struggling this festive season, and to offer advice on how to support loved ones who might be in need.
While the festive period can be a time of fun, it is also common for people to find things difficult. This year even more so, as we adjust to a ‘new normal’ after an incredibly difficult two years.
We want people to know that no matter how negative a situation is, things can get better. This campaign is about making sure people know where they can go to get the support they need.
Karen O’RourkePatient Information Centre Manager at CNTW
Karen O’Rourke, Patient Information Centre Manager at CNTW, said: “Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, and after the year we’ve had it’s understandable for people to be struggling.
“There can be a lot of pressure on people at this time of year. It’s often easy to neglect your own personal wellbeing – and the darker nights and colder weather don’t help. All of this can make people feel increasingly stressed, worried, and isolated.
“We want people to know that no matter how negative a situation is, things can get better. This campaign is about making sure people know where they can go to get the support they need.”
As part of the campaign, CNTW will be sending information leaflets and posters to locations across the North East and North Cumbria, including GP surgeries, libraries, universities, and job centres.
Drip mats will also be distributed throughout popular pubs and bars across the north of England.
There will also be wellbeing tips shared on the Trust’s social media feeds – search for ‘CNTW NHS’ on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Organisations interested in taking part in the campaign can email CNTW’s Patient Information Centre at [email protected] to request a free Winter Wellness resource pack, or download a copy of the leaflet and poster at www.cntw.nhs.uk/winterwellness.
CNTW also has free self-help guides on a range of topics from anxiety to sleeping problems and stress. They are available in a range of formats, including audio and British Sign Language, and can be found online at www.cntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp.
If you need urgent mental health support, our Crisis Teams can be contacted 24/7 via the Freephone numbers below:
North Cumbria:
All ages – 0800 652 2865
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07795 656 226)
Newcastle and Gateshead:
Adults – 0800 652 2863
Children and young people – 0800 652 2864
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07919 228 548)
North Tyneside and Northumberland:
All ages – 0800 652 2861
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07887 625 277)
South Tyneside and Sunderland:
Adults – 0800 652 2867
Children and young people – 0800 652 2868
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07889 036 280)
If you or another person have been harmed or are at immediate risk, you may require an emergency response; contact 999 and ask for the relevant service.