Free mental health support available on Christmas Day in Northampton

As the colder days and darker nights draw in, and the festive period is around the corner, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's 'Changing Minds' team is here to provide support throughout Christmas.

It is a confidential mental wellbeing service, which offers support for anyone over the age of 17-and-a-half, and living in Northamptonshire.

Every month the team helps over 1,000 people in the county who are feeling stressed, low in mood or have mild to moderate depression, or an anxiety disorder.

Anne Rackham, director of mental health at NHFT, said: “Christmas is going to be a little different this year, and for some of us this time of year can be difficult anyway.

"As the community provider of mental health services, we are dedicated to ensuring that our communities know that there is support available to them.

“It is okay not to be okay. Our trained friendly colleagues are on hand to offer support to anyone facing mental health problems this winter, and help you to get back on track. I would encourage anyone who is experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, isolation or financial worries to get in touch today to find out how we can support them this Christmas time.”

The Changing Minds team is offering support until December 24, and helps put the right techniques in place to help you get back to feeling like you again.

The service can be accessed online here through an online form or via the phone on 0300 999 1616 (9 to 5, weekdays), or on 0800 448 0828 Christmas Day.

For mental wellbeing support 24 hours a day, seven days a week contact NHFT and mental health charity Mind colleagues on 0800 448 0828. The mental health number is available existing users of NHFT services, anyone facing mental health problems or in a crisis.

For mental wellbeing support for children or young people visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhslive or they can text their school nurse on 07507 329 600.