Mental health trust launches 24-hour telephone support service for residents

In order to support people during the coronavirus pandemic, the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust has launched a 24-hour telephone support service.

Anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s mental health can call 0300 3031320 and speak to mental health experts who will provide advice, guidance and support over the telephone.

The mental health 24/7 response line is available around the clock for adults and children seven days a week.

Sarah Constantine, Medical Director, for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust, said: “We know this can be a really difficult time, the way we live our lives has changed dramatically and the way we access our usual help and support may have changed.

“We want to make sure that there is somewhere for people who may be struggling or worried about someone else’s mental health to access the help and support they need.

“Our highly trained and skilled staff can offer professional advice, arrange for mental health advisors and clinicians to provide help and support or direct people to the most appropriate service.

“We are working closely with voluntary sector organisations in order to ensure the right support and guidance is available.”

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) provides inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

There are things you can do to look after your mental health during this period. These include:

• Stay connected with people – stay in touch with family and friends by phone, video call or social media
• Talk about your concerns – sharing your worries and fears can help you feel less anxious
• Support others – helping someone else can make you feel good, but remember to stick to the social distancing guidelines
• Be prepared – make sure you have the things you need to be able to stay at home and how you might get help if you need it
• Look after yourself – try to eat healthily, drink plenty of water, avoid smoking and drugs and try not to drink too much alcohol
• Get some exercise – you can leave the house, alone or with members of your household, for one form of exercise a day, like walking running or cycling. You must keep a safe 2-metre distance from others. Or you could try a home workout.
• Stick to the facts – find credible sources of information you can trust – such as GOV.UK or the NHS website. You might also want to consider limiting the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the outbreak, including on social media
• Stay on top of difficult feelings – try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information
• Do things you enjoy – this will help take your mind off your worries
• Focus on the present – rather than worrying about the future try to focus on the present and try relaxation techniques to help with anxiety
• Get a good night’s sleep – sleeping well can help with how we feel mentally and physically, so it is important to get enough

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/.