You can get help and advice on how you could benefit from heating and insulation measures from the Energy Advice Service on 0300 1231234
Your energy supplier may provide a service called the 'Warm Home Discount scheme' which pays £140 either to your electricity account or vouchers to top up your electricity meter. You will need to contact your electricity supplier to see if you meet their eligibility criteria
People aged 60 or over, disabled people or those who suffer from a chronic illness, are entitled to a range of services, by signing up for free to their energy suppliers Priority Service Register. The Priority Service Register has also been recently extended to include:
Customers with certain mental health conditions which impact on them understanding their bill
Customers who cannot top up their pre-payment meter due to injury
Temporary circumstances where a customer needs extra support for a limited amount of time
Details of how to join can be found on the reverse of your energy bill
If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:
For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172
Better Homes Yorkshire on 0808 1592909 has been created to help residents across Yorkshire pay less for energy and live in healthier, warmer homes. Residents in participating Local Authority area will be able to take advantage of the latest Government funded options to make efficiency improvement works to their homes, this is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords in the following councils: Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, Barnsley, Wakefield, York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby
If you are experiencing difficulties paying your gas/or electricity bill or have an energy debt then you should contact your supplier in the first instance. Other impartial advice is available from the National debtline 0808 808 4000 or from the StepChange debt Charity 0800 138 1111.
Preparing for Colder Weather
From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
Warm & Safe Wiltshire Advice Service
Warm and Safe Wiltshire is a service provided by Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes.
Free telephone advice
0800 038 5722
EmailWarmandsafe@cse.org.uk
Warm and Safe Wiltshire offers all residents across the county free and impartial energy saving advice. We have an advice line service open 9-5pm Monday-Friday and can offer advice on the following:
Help and advice relating to insulation, heating and draft proofing
Guidance on heating systems and controls
Issues with damp and condensation
Advice on understanding your fuel bills
Help with switching energy suppliers and fuel tariffs to keep bills affordable
Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?
Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality
Download the 'One You' drinks tracker makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback) available on itunes or google play
Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
SELF CARE
Further tips on cutting down
Make a plan Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
Set a budget Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
Let them know If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.
Take it a day at a time Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
Make it a smaller one You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
Have a lower-strength drink Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.
Stay hydrated Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.
Take a break Have several drink-free days each week.
Drug and alcohol misuse can have a significant impact on individuals, families, friends and the communities we live in. Providing high quality specialist services that are easily accessed by the people who really need it is vital in reducing the health and social impacts of drug and alcohol misuse.
Mental Health Support Text Messaging Service (all ages)
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health or you are struggling to cope you can text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won't appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen and can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying. The volunteers can provide you with tools to help you going forward and can point you in the right direction of other local support that can be accessed.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
Wiltshire Treehouse offers advice and creative programmes that support the social and emotional well-being of bereaved children and young people. We offer a relaxed, safe and inclusive environment in which people can explore and grow to understand their grief. At Wiltshire Treehouse children can meet others, share stories, make a connection and help each other.
The death of someone close can be a devastating experience and can bring about stronger emotions than most people expect. Each bereavement is unique and our grieving, our reactions and our needs are also unique.
Initially you may have feelings of numbness, anxiety, confusion and/or disbelief. You may also experience a loss of appetite or sleep disturbance. Crying is a natural reaction to bereavement and is not a sign that you cannot cope, some people feel unable to cry and wish to simply get on. Problems can arise when people expect you to react in the same way as them, but it's important to remember that people respond to bereavement in different ways.
There are many organisations that offer advice and support to people going through a bereavement:
Provides support and advice to people on what they need to do after a death. It has lots of practical support and information around topics like registering a death, probate and legal issues.
Support, advice and information for children, young people and adults when someone dies. They offer face-to-face, telephone, email and website support.
Website designed specifically for children and young people:hopeagain.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential support for anyone in a crisis: Samaritans will listen to you at any time of day or night. They are not there only for people who are feeling suicidal. They are there for anyone in distress.
There are local support contacts for The Compassionate Friends in Salisbury, Glastonbury, Keynsham and Swindon. Local contacts provide a safe environment for bereaved parents and their families to express themselves in the company of others who understand their grief.
There are a number of hospices in Wiltshire who offer bereavement services to families known to them.
Dorothy House Hospice bereavement service
Telephone: 01225 722988
Prospect Wellbeing Centre
Telephone: 01672 512915
Salisbury Hospice Family Support service
Telephone: 01722 425113
Mental Health Support Text Messaging Service
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health or you are struggling to cope you can text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won't appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen and can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying. The volunteers can provide you with tools to help you going forward and can point you in the right direction of other local support that can be accessed.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we're here to help. Find out how we support you and get information about different cancer types.
We provide practical and emotional support to people with cancer, during and after the treatment period. We support people with all kinds of cancer across the UK. Our services are designed and delivered by people who have experienced cancer themselves – to improve the experience of others.
We know that supporting a loved one through a cancer diagnosis and treatment is tough. We also know that it can be hard to get support because everyone is focused on the person with cancer. Our programme for Plus Ones has grown over the years and support partners, parents, siblings and even adult children. If you’re looking to chat with others who get what you’re going through, we’d love to meet you. We have a Plus Ones Facebook groupthat you can join. We also run a programme calledShine Circles for Plus Onesthat we run a couple of times a year. And you can read about the experiences of other Plus Ones below. If you’d like more information, drop us a line at hi@shinecancersupport.org
You should inform the individual who is experiencing domestic abuse that they should call 999 if they are in danger. If they’re unable to speak when they dial 999, they can use 'The Silent Solution': Wait for the operator to speak and type 55 on the keypad. This will alert the operator that they need help.
There are local and national support services who can help both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and their children. Please click your location from the drop downs below to see contact details for support services available in your locality.
If you have completed a DASH risk assessment and it has scored 14 or above, this is deemed high risk and requires a MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference) referral as well as a referral to your local domestic abuse support service. The MARAC referral process may vary depending on your local authority, please click your local area below for more information.
If there are children linked to the domestically abusive relationship you should make the appropriate safeguarding referrals for your locality.
FearFree have been supporting people dealing with domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for over 25 years. Whoever you are, whatever your background, whether you’re seeking help or looking for information, please reach out and get in touch.
FearFree can support adults and children of all ages, irrespective of disability, ethnicity, sexuality or gender. They can support you if you want to leave an abusive relationship, or if you want to stay safely together. Working with FearFree does not mean you have to work with the police or courts if you choose not to.
Wiltshire out of hours helpline:01225 712880 (5pm - 8am Monday - Friday and 24 hours at the weekend)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
If you are aware of a connected child you must complete a MASH referral – more information can be foundhere.
If you have completed a DASH risk assessment and it has scored 14 or above, this is deemed high risk and requires a MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference) referral. You can find out more information or request a MARAC referral form by emailing MARAC@wiltshire.gov.uk
The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors
Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses
having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)
Falls and their related injuries are a common and serious problem for older people. People aged 65 and older have the highest risk of falling. Having a fall can cause, pain, injury, loss of confidence and can be fatal.
Falls are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year and can have an impact on quality of life, health and healthcare costs.
Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed
Citizens Advice Service
The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to
PayPlans supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts every year, and treat all of their calls with the strictest confidence.
Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing.
They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
Concerned about the rising cost of living?
These organisations and websites may be able to help:
Community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life. The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of food banks that provide emergency food and support. Ask library staff for a full list of Wiltshire food banks.
A project that offers children that receive benefits related free school meals the opportunity to take part in fun activities and receive a meal during school holidays.
Offers Wiltshire residents free and impartial energy saving advice via an advice line - 0800 038 5722. Provides help relating to insulation, heating and draft proofing and advice on available grants and schemes.
Provides information about benefits and the support available.
0300 456 0100
A downloadable leaflet and poster to show what local support is available depending on a person’s financial problem: www.worryingaboutmoney.co.uk/wiltshire
Libraries provide warm spaces with free access to books, newspapers, Wi-Fi and computers, plus printing for a small charge, and staff that can help to answer any queries you may have.
Lists schemes that provide cost of living support (compiled by Wiltshire Citizens Advice).
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust provides a home security service and online safety service for over 60s, 18+ with a registered disability and victims of domestic abuse throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. The charity funds the operation of three Bobby vans that provide mobile workshops for Bobby operators to secure homes whilst the team of Stay Safe Online Volunteers offer one to one home visits and community talks on online safety.
The Trust strives to help people in Wiltshire and Swindon by:
Improving security of domestic premises occupied by the elderly and vulnerable to prevent burglary, hate crime and domestic abuse;
Reducing incidence of repeat burglary and re-victimisation;
Promoting awareness of fire safety, detection and prevention;
Offering reassurance and advice on crime reduction, and sign-posting other agencies that may be of assistance to clients’ particular needs; and,
Providing practical skills and advice to help prevent online fraud.
The Public Health England 'One You' Website contains a wealth of information on different food choices and healthy recipes
Visit the healthy eating page on the 'Change for Life' website which has loads of great information about food and drink swaps for a healthier diet.
Try the new 'Be Food Smart app'! See how much sugar, sat fat and salt is really inside your food and drink - just by scanning the barcode from your mobile phone, Android and Iphone Apps available.
Visit the recipes page on 'Change for Life' has a extensive list of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and lunchboxes!
It's important to keep a healthy weight. Enter your weight and height into the NHS healthy weight calculatorto check which range you fall into.
Healthy Us
Healthy Us – Adult Weight Management:
Healthy Us is a free 12 week adult group weight management programme open to anyone living in Wiltshire, aged 18 years or over (14+ with a parent or carer) and with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 28 or above.
A free healthy lifestyle programme for 5 to 18-year-olds and their families. The sessions support the child and their family to learn about healthy eating and physical activity in a fun and interactive way.
If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach. A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text
Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.
This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.
Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.
Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
Housing Options
The Housing Options service is for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
We can provide advice and information on dealing with Notices, possession proceedings, rent arrears, mortgage arrears and other common problems.
We will work with you to try and prevent your homelessness and where necessary help you find somewhere else to live.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Our telephone service is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, closed Wednesday, 9am to 2pm. 0300 456 0106
You can also email Housing Options at homeless@wiltshire.gov.uk. Please tell us about your situation and leave a phone number to contact you on.
Please include details such as where and when the person was seen and a brief description to help us find them. We have a specialist team to support rough sleepers.
Social and affordable housing
If you are looking social or affordable housing, and are not homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, go to Homes4Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council tenants
Call 0300 456 0117 for advice on areas such as rent payments and arrears, repairs, anti-social behaviour, renting a garage, transfers and buying your home. For more information go to Council housing
It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory losscan be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.
Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999
Self Care
We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided.
Support services for people with dementia and their carers
Whilst the majority of the care provided for people with dementia comes from informal carers, such as family and friends, people with dementia are significant users of formal care services too. Formal care is provided by care workers, nursing staff or other health and social care professionals. It can involve personal care, helping the person with everyday tasks such as getting washed or dressed, or medical or nursing care. The following organisations provide care and support for people with dementia and their carers in Wiltshire:
Support people who are living with dementia in their own homes, helping them to maintain as much independence and control over their lives as possible. Host activity and support groups across the county. Information, advice and support for people with dementia and their carers.
Voluntary organisation providing information, advice, practical and emotional support.
Caring will affect us all at some point in our lives. We'll be here for you when that happens. With your help, we can be there for the 6,000 people who start looking after someone each day. We give expert advice, information and support. Caring can be extremely complicated. The maze of rights and entitlements can be complicated. Filling in paperwork can be complicated. Getting a break can be complicated. Our feelings about caring can certainly be complicated. We're here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don't have to care alone. Our expert telephone advice and support service is here if you want to talk about caring. If you're looking for answers, our online information and support is the best place to start.
Independent Living Centre St Georges Road Semington Nr Trowbridge BA14 6JQ
Supporting independent lives in thriving, resilient communities. Your Care Your Support gives you information about the adult care process in Wiltshire and has lists of services to help you remain independent.
We are open for telephone enquiries Monday - Friday, 10am to 3pm.
Our memory services are for people requiring specialist dementia assessment. Services are predominantly clinic based, but assessments may also be carried out at home. They see and work with people individually and in groups and provide training for both patients and carers so as to promote independence and meaningful occupation.
Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support
If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention
If no immediate risk take the following steps:
Encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
SELF CARE
Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways
Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available
Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing. Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
For Men -CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service. They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
Tips to manage mental wellbeing based on Mind’s ‘5 ways to wellbeing’.
Plusself-help CBT techniques sectionLife’s challenges - practical tips on dealing with drivers of poor mental health egcoping with money worries and job uncertainty, maintaining healthy relationships and loneliness
The Mind Plan– free, personalised plan. Answer 5 quick questions on how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks and you’ll get recommendations on practical self-care actions that could help. You can customise the plan and get it emailed to you
Free email support programmes – complete the Mind Plan to sign up for regular emails with further tips on building wellbeing actions into everyday life, or go to the “anxiety” page to sign up for a tailored email programme with expert advice and practical tips to help deal with anxiety
Support Services - Adults
Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.
Support Services - Veterans
Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.
The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.
Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)
It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health. Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too. The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.
Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing. The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.
1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.
As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?
2. Be Active - Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?
3. Take Notice - Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends.
How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?
4. Keep Learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving.
What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?
5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in.
Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?
In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health Support Text Messaging Service
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
There are numerous places to find out what events are happening in your area. In addition to local magazines and media, here are some ideas about where to start looking.
We all have mental health, like we all have physical health. Both change throughout our lives. And, like our bodies, our minds can become unwell at any stage of life.
Anyone can be affected by mental health regardless of age, profession, employment status, and so on. It is everybody's business and can affect people at different stages of their lives. Certain events may have an impact on our mental wellbeing, the same as it might on our physical health.
Discover simple steps to look after your mental health. Find your way to better mental health. Visit the Every Mind Matters webpage to complete your free online action plan today to help you deal with stress, boost your mood, improve your sleep and feel more in control.
Active 10 walking app- track your walking habits to increase the number of brisk minutes, which is when the health benefits will be greatest. No Lycra required, and there are lots of benefits of getting out into local green spaces like parks for your mental health too. Available from the App Store and Google Play
Couch to 5k app -easy to follow, flexible programme to get you running 5k in as little as 9 weeks, or longer if you want. Listen to your preferred music player as you run, between motivational messages from your chosen celebrity “coach”. Track your achievements and collect awards as you progress. Available from the App Store and Google Play
How to be more active - Regular physical activity is good for our bodies and minds, but it can be difficult to get started – especially if we're not particularly sporty or have not done any exercise for a while.
Home workout videos- We could all do with a boost to feel better right now – and you don't even need to leave the house to do it! Exercise is great for your mind as well as your body, so clear some space and follow along with our 10-minute home workouts.
Park Run
Why not join aParkrunin your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is thatyou can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome. For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visithttp://www.parkrun.org.uk/for more information.
Wiltshire Council operates 20 leisure centres throughout the county enabling people to lead happier, healthier lives through regular physical activity. Our aim is to promote general wellbeing, by providing a safe and supportive environment for the whole community to feel welcome and encouraged to visit us. We have a variety of flexible fitness and swimming memberships available to suit every individual need, as well as swimming lessons for children and adults, and a wide range of activities including group exercise classes, racket sports and children’s birthday parties…and much, much more.
Wiltshire Councils Health and Physical Activity team run range of programmes for people to access including:
Get Wiltshire Walking is a project which aims to ensure every community within the county has access to a FREE weekly led walk. Walking is the lowest risk of all physical activities yet produces massive benefits to physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
Active Health is our scheme for physical activity opportunities for those referred by a medical professional. There can be many different reasons for referral and several different exercise programmes are available across the county in leisure centre's and other local facilities, at a reduced rate.
FUEL: The Free Holiday Activity and Food programme – Provision of enriching activities, nutritious meals and healthy eating workshops to children eligible for benefits related free school meals during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays.
StreetGames – Provision of weekly estate-based sport and physical activity opportunities to inactive young people aged 10-25 focussing on three Wiltshire communities with high levels of deprivation.
Ability Sports – Provision of targeted weekly activities and events designed to engage and increase activity amongst individuals with a learning and/or physical disability.
Walking Sports – Provision of weekly sessions that offer traditional sports adapted to be delivered at a walking pace to engage older people and individuals with poor mobility.
Problem gambling is often described as a hidden addiction and some people may have gone to great lengths to hide this. Where the person has highlighted that problem gambling may be affecting them and/or the people around them.
Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support
Northern Gambling Service
We’re here to provide specialist addiction therapy and recovery to people affected by gambling addiction, as well as those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings. We also provide intervention to people close to those with gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers.
We’re a clinical team made up of psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses. There is also access to experts by experience, who have recovered from gambling addiction. We are based in Leeds, Sunderland and Manchester
The BeGambleAware website has a short series of questions you can complete if you are concerned about your gambling. This has direct link to help, support and advice about problem gambling. The National Gambling Helpline can be contact on 0808 8020 133
The Helpline provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year).
The NetLine provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. The NetLine is an online text ‘chat’ service, where the ‘caller’ and advisor talk by typing to each other. This is offered on a one to one basis. The service can accessed via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC. As well as reading what the adviser types, the adviser can also send the caller documents and links to read later. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year on the GamCare website).
The GamCare Forum is an online message board, providing a safe and secure space for users (who may be gamblers or their partners, friends and family) to share experiences, thoughts and feelings about problem gambling. Although the Forum is moderated by the GamCare Team, it is designed first and foremost for people to come together in similar situations, working through similar concerns and problems. (Available 24/7 via the GamCare website, 365 days a year).
We run regular sessions in the GamCare online Chatroom, where users can use live text chat to talk about issues related to problem gambling. Our Chatroom is a welcoming, friendly, safe and supportive environment. Each session is moderated by a GamCare Adviser, who is welcoming and on hand to ensure everyone is supported.
GamCare Treatment Services:
GamCare provides local services for people concerned about their own gambling and for people affected by someone else’s gambling.
People can refer themselves or be referred by another professional. Following assessment we provide individually tailored support through 1-1 sessions and groups or courses. We work holistically to enhance opportunities for people to make changes in their own gambling. We support affected others by providing a safe space for them to recognise and increase their coping skills.
GamCare Youth Services
Young people may be problem gamblers themselves or affected by another person’s gambling. Our full treatment services are offered to anyone 16 years or older, available through our regional partner networks.
Young people of any age can speak to our specially trained advisers on our helpline and net line and use our information and activities on bigdeal.org.uk
As of April 2018, GamCare will have a Youth Outreach Hub in Hull and the surrounding areas. This will offer free workshops for schools and youth groups, and free CPD training for youth-facing professionals.
Runs local support groups for people with gambling addictions and advocates the same 12-step approach to recovery as Alcoholics Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous also offers help and support via their website, including a forum, chat room and literature. Anyone who is seeking help for gambling addiction is able to attend meetings.
Is an organisation dedicated to supporting the husbands, wives, partners, relatives or close friends of someone with a gambling problem who have also been affected by the problem. Like Gamblers Anonymous, meetings are held throughout the country, with online support also available.
Where the person has indicated that problem gambling may be affecting their physical and mental health and wellbeing. (This could include anxiety/depression, low mood, stress, use of alcohol as a coping mechanism etc)
Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways whilst they seek help for any associated gambling problems.
MECC Link has dedicated content for a range of national and local support services for Mental and Physical Health.
Where the personal has indicated that they would like more information on self-exclusion from bookmakers or online gambling sites.
National self-exclusion schemes
New multi-operator schemes are being introduced across the five main sectors of the gambling industry to allow you to exclude yourself from each of those forms of gambling across the whole of Great Britain.
Online sector self-exclusion and blocking software
If you want to self-exclude from an online (remote) gambling company then you will need to contact each of the companies with which you hold an account. This can usually be done on the responsible gambling pages of the website. You can also get email addresses and telephone numbers for online gambling companies that are part of the Remote Gambling Association here
If you are worried about online gambling then you can download a 'site blocker', which can block access to on line gambling sites. You can find further information on blocking software here
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.
This site offers various aids for the compulsive gambler including a forum, a chat room, literature and most importantly a meeting finder.
Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and we have meetings every day of the week throughout England, Wales and Ulster.
For information about sexual health and contraception visit the FPA sexual health charity website www.fpa.org.uk or the sexual health pages of www.nhs.uk
You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
Posters and leaflets can be ordered through the NCSP website or more information can be found via NHS choices
Sexual health services include access to contraception, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), support and information about safer sexual relationships. Many sexually transmitted infections are treated easily with antibiotics prescribed by a medical professional. As with any infection, the earlier you're tested the sooner treatment can be given if it's needed. However, there are several infections such as HIV where there is no current cure, there are effective treatments available that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life. It is therefore very important that these infections are diagnosed as early as possible to start effective treatment.
Wiltshire Sexual Health Service (WiSe) is a free, non judgemental and confidential NHS service providing STI testing and treatment, contraception and HIV services in Wiltshire.
Public Health and Wiltshire Council service where young people aged 13-24 can get information about sexual health, reducing unintended pregnancies, and being positive about sexuality.
Services available are:
Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) / Emergency copper coil (IUD) - depending on the method available at the venue you attend and your preference.
Free condoms and condom demonstration
Pregnancy testing
Chlamydia self-test kits and treatment available for patient and partners
Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*
Better Health quit smoking websitewhich includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool
NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
Get a free Personal Quit PlanQuitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.
SELF CARE
Download the NHS Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
Get daily email support- If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for email support
Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment. Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook
Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good
Our trained stop smoking advisors offer friendly, non-judgemental advice and support across the county. The advisors can give you tips and information while working with you to beat your cravings and change your smoking habits.
Your first session will last for 20-30 minutes with follow-up sessions of 10 minutes to complete the 12-week course. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic most local stop smoking services are being delivered remotely.
If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.
If no immediate risk take the following steps:
Encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
Other options include:
contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
call their social worker or key worker, if they have one
encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).
It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.
A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned
Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:
All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Health' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section.
SELF CARE
Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services
Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
TheNHS have has a range of self-help tools available
Andy's Man Clubprovides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing. Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber
In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that won’t appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
What to do in a crisis situation
We all have mental health, like we all have physical health. Both change throughout our lives. And, like our bodies, our minds can become unwell at any stage of life.
Anyone can be affected by mental health regardless of age, profession, employment status, and so on. It is everybody's business and can affect people at different stages of their lives. Certain events may have an impact on our mental wellbeing, the same as it might on our physical health.
For urgent help, go to your nearest A&E Department or call 999
Call the NHS 111service free from a landline or mobile on 111. Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency. Available 24 hours a day.
Mental Health Response Line 24/7 advice and support for adults and children in crisis, provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Call: 0800 953 1919 awp.nhs.uk/advice-support/24-hour-support
Call the SANE mental health charity national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness including family, friends and carers. They are open every day of the year from 4.30pm to 10.30pm on 0300 304 7000.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) National support for people who are suicidal. Advise and support as well as free phone service 0800 58 58 58
Worried about a child?
We all have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe from harm. If you believe a child or young person is at immediate risk of serious harm or injury, or you believe a criminal offence has been committed, call the police on 999.
On Your Mind – We can help Practical tips and advice about supporting children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. Advice and support for your emotional well being Latest news Are you a child or young person? Are you a parent or carer? We are here for you.
If you believe a child or young person is at risk of significant harm, neglect or injury, report your concerns to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)on 0300 456 0108.
If you have significant safeguarding concerns about someone who is working or volunteering with children and young people, call 0300 456 0108 and ask to speak to the Designated Officer for Allegations (DOFA) for advice, or emaildofaservice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Suicide awareness training
What you’ll learn
How to spot suicide warning signs
How to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about
For those wishing to find out whether they are eligible for a vaccination and how to book an appointment, go back to the Assist section and guide them through.
Local information and support
Specific borough information for local vaccination and support services can be found below.