Kent and Medway residents are being reminded of the help at hand if you need to ‘Release the Pressure’ this festive break.
Money worries, relationship and health issues can all affect our mental wellbeing and you may want to talk.
Release the Pressure offers free expert advice from trained counsellors who can support no matter what you are going through.
- Text the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, to start a confidential conversation with one of the experienced team who can give you help at any time, wherever you are.
- Alternatively, call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 107 0160.
- Find out more about ‘Release the Pressure’ here.
Please don't suffer in silence
Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Release the Pressure services offer free and confidential advice from trained counsellors for every mental health concern – from stress to feeling there is little or no hope. If this relates to you then please don’t suffer in silence this festive season.
“Sometimes, just sharing how you feel with someone who listens, and doesn’t judge, can makes things feel more manageable, while linking up with professional support can lead to changes that get life back on track.”
Reach out for help
Deputy Leader of Medway Council, and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Teresa Murray, said: “Whilst this can be a fun-filled and happy time of year for lots of us, for others it can one of the hardest. Whether it is money worries, anxiety, loneliness, burnout or isolation – if you are struggling with your mental health, please make sure that you reach out for help.
"It is so important that people know they are not alone and that there is help and support out there, including the Release the Pressure service.”
- You can also contact the Samaritans anytime, on 116 123.
Help someone feel seen and heard
KCC Mental Health Consultant, Jess Mookherjee, said: “Every life that is lost to suicide is a tragedy with huge impacts on the families, friends, colleagues and communities connected to the person who has died.
“There is a lot of incredible work going on across Kent and Medway to give people suffering poor mental health reasons for hope but latest figures show this work is needed now more than ever.
“The statistics are also a reminder of the importance of listening to anyone who shares they are struggling. Helping someone feel seen, heard and valued is one of the greatest gifts you can give.”
- In an emergency, if someone’s life is at risk, always call 999. For more about urgent mental health help, visit NHS Kent and Medway.
Choose the right service
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The NHS will be busy this year and we want to help people choose the right service, so they get the help they need. If you’re not sure where you can get mental health support, contact NHS 111, or visit www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk, for a list of local services.
“All adults in Kent and Medway can now also visit www.qwell.io to access support for all mental health issues seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year.“
- Need financial advice and support including around Council Tax Reduction, childcare costs and food and energy bills? If you live in Kent, you can find out more at www.kent.gov.uk/kenttogether. Medway residents can visit www.medway.gov.uk/householdhelp.
- If you are experiencing both money and mental health problems, Citizens Advice also have dedicated teams who can help. To find out more go to the ‘contact us’ page on www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
Advice on debt and other issues
Angela Newey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice (North and West Kent), said: “We offer advice on benefit, debt and other issues. With the support of Citizens Advice, we can start to make a difference, reducing your worries and relieving the stress and anxiety we know these concerns can cause."
- Kent and Medway Safe Havens – offer crisis mental health support to anyone aged over 16, in safe, comfortable and supportive environments. Open every night for face-to-face support, there are Safe Havens in Gillingham, Maidstone, Margate and Canterbury. Find out more, including opening times, here.
- Every Mind Matters – if you’re suffering with stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep issues, the Better Health Every Mind Matters website has lots of information to help you stay on top of your mental wellbeing.