NHFT to hold a free online mental health event to support those struggling in Northamptonshire

The Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is holding a free online event on Monday January 18 from 2pm to 4pm to provide wellbeing advice and mental health support to those struggling across the county.

The third national lockdown, announced on January 4, and the overall impact of the pandemic has seen many people experience additional life stresses, which - in turn - can have a knock on effect on their mental health.

The foundation’s aim is to ensure that anyone living in Northamptonshire can access the mental health suppor they need to provide them with help during what can be a very difficult and lonely time.

Director of Mental Health at NHFT, Anne Rackham, said: “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our communities, however I want to ensure our community knows that we are still here and we are ready to support you with your mental health.

“If you are struggling please don’t suffer in silence, there is support available – no matter how you are feeling. We have a number of services who will work with you to ensure that we work with you to find the right care for you.”

The day of the online event was chosen deliberately as the third Monday of January - dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ - is said to be the ‘most depressing day of the year’. The community healthcare provider, however, knows that anyone can experience difficulty with their mental health at any time of the year.

People can register for their free online event by visiting www.nhft.nhs.uk/membership.

Visit https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/help if you are in need of immediate mental health support; go to https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/suicide-prevention for details of support and guidance if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

If you have been experiencing low mood, anxiety, isolation, financial worries or feeling overwhelmed NHFT’s Changing Minds IAPT service can work with you to provide talking therapies and get you back to feeling yourself.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there is a dedicated phone line which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide confidential mental health support and advice. Call the mental health number on 0800 448 0828 to speak to a member of the team.

Visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth to find out more about mental health support for adults living in Northamptonshire and visit visit: www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhs to get support for children and young people.