When it comes to mental wellbeing, no one should feel like they have to face their struggles alone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the theme of community by sharing some of the organisations and local services that offer support and a helping hand with mental health.
Mind Wellbeing Group
If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect with other people in the community, the Mind Wellbeing Group could be just what you need.
Held every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm at the Inspire Hub in Grays, the free drop-in session is run in partnership with MIND Thurrock and Brentwood.
Everyone is welcome, no matter your age and no booking is required, just turn up and have a chat about some of the challenges you may be facing, or support someone else through their own.
To find out more, contact the Inspire team at 01375 413735 or thurrockcareers@thurrock.gov.uk, or visit the event page.
Create a Mind Plan
The NHS offer a free 'Every Mind Matters' quiz to help create a 'mind plan' with tips and advice on how to manage your mental health.
Simply answer five questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past two weeks for your personalised plan to be created.
Your mind plan can help you with things such as:
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stress and anxiety
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boosting your mood
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improving your sleep
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feeling more in control
For more information, visit the NHS Every Mind Matters webpage.
Thurrock Frontline
If you need health and wellbeing support, Thurrock Frontline can help to link you to some of the organisations that can help.
Thurrock Frontline is an online directory of locally available services for things such as befriending, mental health, addiction, housing, benefits advice and much more.
To find out more and use the online directory, visit the Thurrock Frontline website.
Thurrock and Brentwood MIND
Thurrock and Brentwood MIND are a mental health charity that are partnered with Thurrock Council, the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System and NHS.
They offer a range of services which have been designed to cater to your unique journey through mental health. From compassionate listening to expert guidance. They also provide a wealth of information and advice to help everyone find the right support for them.
To learn about some of the support available, visit the Thurrock and Brentwood MIND website.
Emergency help
If you're 18 years old or older and need urgent mental health support, phone 111 and select the option for mental health crisis.
Trained staff are available 24/7 to offer advice and support.
They may advise you to attend the Mental Health Urgent Care Department at Basildon Hospital, which is specially designed for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Mental Health Urgent Care Department is a calm, comfortable, safe space with access to mental health specialists who can provide assessments and care.
You can be referred to the Mental Health Urgent Care Department through a crisis support team, or a social care duty worker, if you've used mental health services before.
For more information, including a video tour of the department, go to NHS Essex Partnership University: Mental Health Urgent Care Department.
Getting outdoors
Being outside and around nature can be a great way to boost your mental and physical well-being.
Spending time in nature, even just a short walk in the park, can do wonders for your mental well-being.
Fresh air, natural light, and green spaces have been shown to reduce stress and improve people's moods.
There are plenty of beautiful parks and open spaces in Thurrock that offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, get moving, and reconnect with your surroundings.
To read more about some of the local outdoor spaces near you, visit: Embrace the great outdoors in Thurrock.
Support for new and expectant parents
Bringing a little one into the world is one of the most exciting things you can do, but it's normal to feel stress and anxiety both before and after birth. Thurrock's Family Hubs offer a range of local sessions that have been designed to support parents and childrens wellbeing.
They're a great way to access free wellbeing support from healthcare profressionals while connecting with other parents in your community.
You can find out more about the type of sessions available at the Family Hubs on the Thurrock Council news page.
More support
You can find further information on the Mental Health support available in Thurrock, including where to get help if you have a problem, on the dedicated Thurrock Council Mental Health webpage.