Pick up the phone you’re not alone: Support available throughout the festive season for those struggling to cope

Update from Shropshire Council:

Shropshire Council and partners are reminding those struggling to cope during the festive season that support is available, and you don’t have to cope with your feelings alone.

Throughout the period, organisations will be highlighting those services that will remain open throughout Christmas and New Year:

• SAMARITANS will be available throughout the festive period. Anyone needing support can call SAMARITANS for free on 116 123.
• For those who find comfort in text communication, SHOUT offers a text service available to anyone struggling to cope. Simply text SHOUT to 85258.
• Young people under the age of 35 or anyone concerned that a young person is thinking of suicide can reach out to Papyrus HOPELINE247. Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967 for immediate support.
• Pick up the phone you are not alone’ resource pick-up-phone-z-card-single-pages.pdf produced by Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Suicide Prevention Network, provides brief advice and guidance on how to address concerns and first point of contacts for confidential support and a listening ear.

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health at Shropshire Council said:

"As the festive season approaches, we recognise that it can be a difficult time for many individuals. We want everyone to know that, whatever you're going through, there is help available. Don't hesitate to reach out to these vital services who will remain open throughout this period,"

“Remember, you are not alone. If you need assistance or have suicidal thoughts, please reach out. Help is available to support you throughout Christmas and New Year and beyond.”

Loren Reeve, Director for Shrewsbury Samaritans added:

“Day or night we are here when life is difficult. If life's hard right now we’re here to listen, so you don't have to face it alone. Contact Samaritans, day or night, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or email Jo@samaritans.org. You can also write at Freepost Samaritans Letters. We are waiting for your call.”

In addition, there are wide a range of different places that people can be directed to for advice, support and services in Shropshire:

• TogetherAll is an online community for any Shropshire resident aged 16 and over, for people who are stressed, anxious or feeling low. The service has an active forum with round-the-clock support from trained professionals. You can talk anonymously and confidentially to other members. Benefit from practical wellbeing tools and resources. Gain access in minutes, available all day, every day, even on Christmas day!
• Mental health and wellbeing support in Shropshire resource pack – This new resource contains lots of useful local and national contacts to support mental health and wellbeing including supported employment, support for people with health and social care needs, support for sexual abuse, support for family and unpaid carers and support for children and young people.
• Support for children, young people, and young adults – there is a wide range of advice, information and support for children and young people. This includes NHS Shropshire, Telford Wrekin website Healthier Together which offers advice for parents, young people, and pregnant women, as well as clinical resources to support healthcare professionals.
• Urgent help – Call NHS 111 select mental health: If you or somebody you know is in crisis and needs urgent mental health support you can now contact your local crisis service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by calling NHS 111 or visiting www.111.nhs.uk and selecting the mental health option.
• Shropshire Mental Health Support: Provides immediate support for anyone with an emotional or mental health need. Contact them at 01743 368 647.
• Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapies: A free NHS service offering a range of therapies for common mental health problems. Self-referrals can be made via their website or by phone.
• Healthy Lives Shropshire: Offers a variety of resources for mental well-being, including listening ear and emotional support, community support, and mental health services.
• Suicide Prevention Resources: Available on the Shropshire Healthy Lives website, these resources include information on how to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and where to find support.
• Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Suicide and Sudden Unexpected Death Bereavement Service: is for anyone affected by suicide or possible suicide. This service is available to families, friends, colleagues and anyone living in Shropshire Telford and Wrekin who feels affected by a suicide and can help find the path to the right support, understanding and recovery. Email: bereavementsupport@shropshiremhs.com or Call 07483 906788.