Mental Health - useful links
Contact NHS First Response Service if you are experiencing mental health distress or worried about someone else's emotional state - support is available 24 hours a day.
Talkworks provides mental health support that you don't need a referral for - you can just pick up the phone and call them on 0300 555 3344.
Qwell is a free and confidential digital mental health and wellbeing service for adults is now available across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. It offers a safe online space for adults to access help and support, including self-help articles, forums, and discussion boards that are moderated by qualified practitioners.
For young people aged 11 to 18, Kooth.com is a free and confidential digital service similar to Qwell. It's available across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
You can get in touch with The Samaritans about anything that's troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. The Samaritans are here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what's on your mind. Call them on116 123.
The Devon Mental Health Alliance is a partnership between six organisations dedicated to providing support for people experiencing challenges with their mental health. They have a cost of living signposting and support service providing free advice and guidance to anyone facing challenges around cost of living pressures. The service has a focus on connecting people with organisations in their community which are best placed to provide ongoing help. Call them on 020 3467 7509.
Be Body Positive is a tool where young people can reflect on their eating behaviours and learn how to feel at ease in their bodies. Parents, carers and professionals can also learn how best to support the young people in their lives, and have access to a wealth of NHS-backed resources on topics covering normal eating, body image, fussy eating, ARFID (Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and disordered eating.
Mental Health Support Groups and Activities
Take our Hand is a national charity supporting young people who are dealing with bereavement. They offer care packages, therapies and peer support for people aged 16 to 25.
Community Links SW run a mental health support group for adults at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton. They meet every fortnight on a Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 07933 663796 or email to book your place.
The HOPE (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) Programme is a free course supporting people dealing with long-term conditions to build confidence and resilience. HOPE aims to boost your self-confidence and to help you cope better emotionally, psychologically, and practically. There are multiple ways to access the course including through face to face, virtual, and self-guided digital sessions.
Mind is a national mental health charity with a support line on 0300 123 3393 and are open 9-6pm Mon-Fri