Free help is available in North Wales and Chester for people with mental health difficulties. This article outlines some of the services that are available in each area.
North Wales
Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board (BCUHB) is the main NHS provider for North Wales. They have recently started providing a free telephone help line providing mental health support for people of all ages living in North Wales. It’s easy to access – simply call the established NHS number 111, and choose option 2. You can call whether you want to talk about your own mental health or that of a loved one who you’re concerned about. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to call even if you don’t have phone credit.
You’ll be put through to a dedicated wellbeing practitioner. The new service can provide you with immediate support for emotional health, mental health, and wellbeing difficulties and if your needs are such that more specialist mental health support is needed, they can direct you to the appropriate specialist service. If you’re thinking of ending your life, or someone close to you is, the Health board recommends that you call 999 or attend your nearest hospital Emergency Department (A & E).
For more information please check the website: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/mental-health-hub/111-press-2/
The NHS in Wales also provides an online course, SilverCloud Wales, which provides support for people with depression, anxiety, or stress, based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. If you’re 16 or over you can sign up at https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
In addition in North Wales there's Parabl Talking Therapies, which provides short-term therapy for people facing common mental health difficulties or challenging life events which may be impacting on their emotional wellbeing. Its services are provided by a consortium of charities, and complement those available from BCUHB. Parabl can support you if you are over 18, live in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire or Wrexham, and need support with your mental health. You can find out more at http://www.parabl.org.uk/english/ or call them on 0300 777 2257.
ASNEW (Advocacy Services North East Wales) provides a free, independent advocacy service for Flintshire and Wrexham. Advocates are independent of the council, the NHS, or care providers. Their role is to be on your side, to support you to have your say and help you know and understand your rights. There are advocates who specialise in helping you be heard on a variety of different issues, including mental health. You can contact ASNEW via their website: https://www.asnew.org.uk/our-services/independent-professional-advocacy/ , the Welsh version of their website at https://www.asnew.org.uk/welsh/ , email at advocacy@asnew.org.uk, or call them on 01352 759332.
North Wales Advocacy Service specialises in advocacy for children and young people: looked after children, children in need of care and support under the Social Services Health and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014, and children and young people leaving care, up to 21 years of age (25 years of age if in further education. Their website is at https://www.tgpcymru.org.uk/what-we-do/north-wales-advocacy-service/, their email address is northwalesadvocacy@tgpcymru.org.uk, and their phone number is 01286 238007.
North Wales Parent Advocacy Service specialises in advocacy for parents navigating the child protection system who are living in Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Wrexham. Their website is at https://www.tgpcymru.org.uk/what-we-do/tgp-cymru-parent-advocacy-services/north-wales-parent-advocacy-service/ , their email address is: parentadvocacy@tgpcymru.org.uk and the contact number (from their website) is 029 2039 6974.
Chester
In England the NHS provides a free primary care therapy service called IAPT, which you can access via a referral from your G.P.
In Chester there’s Cafe71 a safe, non-clinical community place for anyone 18 and over who’s distressed or struggling to cope in a crisis. It’s open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year. It’s run by professionals and volunteers, and offers listening, care, and support, help to work through challenges, help to access other support and advice, and creative recovery through social and educational activities. Check out their website https://www.spiderproject.org.uk/cafe71 and you can see a monthly schedule of the range of activities and events at the Café. Relatives and carers can also introduce someone to Cafe71. You can call the café on 01244 393139 or call in: the address is Spider Project Cafe71, 71-77 St. Anne Street, Chester, CH1 3HT.
Also in Chester and surrounding areas there's Platform for Life, a charity that provides counselling, art therapy, play therapy, groups, and family support for adults, young people, and children. You can find out more at https://platformforlife.org.uk/ , or by emailing them at info@platformforlife.org.uk or calling on 01244 394535.
There are a variety of advocacy services available in Chester and Cheshire. Advocates are independent of the council, the NHS, or care providers. Their role is to be on your side, to support you to have your say and help you know and understand your rights. There are advocates who specialise in helping you be heard on a variety of different issues, including mental health. You can search for them on Google using "Advocacy Chester" or "Advocacy Cheshire".
VoiceAbility is a free, independent Advocacy service for people in England. Their website is at: https://www.voiceability.org/ , you can email them at helpline@voiceability.org , and you can refer yourself using their online referral form at https://www.voiceability.org/make-a-referral/myself-step-one?relationship=myself.
Contact Us
If you need further support, you can contact Lemons to Lemonade by email at contact@lemonstolemonade.co.uk or by phone on 07376 010506.