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 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 whether you want to talk about your own mental health or that of a loved one who you’re concerned about. It’s free to call even if you don’t have phone credit. At the moment you can call this service from 08:30 to 23:00 (11pm), but its hoped that this will be expanded to 24-hour coverage soon.
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/news/health-board-news/people-in-north-wales-can-now-access-mental-health-support-by-calling-111/
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/
Chester
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.
In England the NHS provides a free primary care therapy service called IAPT, which you can access via a referral from your G.P.
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.