Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is launching a campaign to raise awareness of mental wellbeing this winter.
The Trust’s annual Winter Wellness campaign aims to reach those who may be struggling over the 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 feel lonely, stressed or worried.
CNTW, a leading provider of mental health and disability services, wants people to know that no matter how negative a situation is, help is at hand.
Karen O’Rourke, Patient Information Centre Manager at CNTW, said: “Mental health can affect anyone at any time. The festive season can be a time of immense pressure, and it’s often easy to neglect your own wellbeing. There are also the darker nights, colder weather hectic schedules that can make people feel increasingly isolated or lonely.
“We want people to know they are not alone and that they don’t have to feel like this and to make it as easy as possible for people to find the support they need.”
As part of the campaign, CNTW will be sending information leaflets and posters to locations across the North East and Cumbria, including GP surgeries, libraries, universities and job centres.
Pubs and bars across the region are also supporting the campaign, including Flares in Newcastle, Low Lights Tavern in North Shields, The Ivy House in Sunderland, The Dolly Peel in South Shields, and The Griffin in Carlisle.
Participating venues will have beer mats which include information about where people can seek help.
Organisations interested in taking part in the Winter Wellness campaign can email the Trust’s Patient Information Centre at [email protected] to request a free resource pack, or download a copy of the leaflet and poster at www.cntw.nhs.uk/winterwellness
There will also be wellbeing tips and advice on the Trust’s social media feeds:
- Instagram – @cntw.nhs
- Twitter – @CNTWNHS
- Facebook – CNTW
CNTW also has 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 help, our Freephone numbers are available 24/7:
North Tyneside and Northumberland
- Adults – 0800 652 2861
- Children and young people – 0800 652 2862
- Text for Deaf service users – 07887 625 277
Newcastle and Gateshead
- Adults – 0800 652 2863
- Children and young people – 0800 652 2864
- Text for Deaf service users – 07919 228 548
North Cumbria
- Adults – 0800 652 2865
- Children and young people – 0800 652 2865
- Text for Deaf service users – 07795 656 226
Sunderland and South Tyneside
- Adults – 0800 652 2867
- Children and young people – 0800 652 2868
- Text for Deaf service users – 07889 36 280