Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways
Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available
Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing. Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service. They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
Tips to manage mental wellbeing based on Mind’s ‘5 ways to wellbeing’.
Plusself-help CBT techniques sectionLife’s challenges - practical tips on dealing with drivers of poor mental health egcoping with money worries and job uncertainty, maintaining healthy relationships and loneliness
The Mind Plan– free, personalised plan. Answer 5 quick questions on how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks and you’ll get recommendations on practical self-care actions that could help. You can customise the plan and get it emailed to you
Free email support programmes – complete the Mind Plan to sign up for regular emails with further tips on building wellbeing actions into everyday life, or go to the “anxiety” page to sign up for a tailored email programme with expert advice and practical tips to help deal with anxiety
Support Services - Adults
'Talking Therapies' Here, you can explore various talking therapies and counselling options available through the NHS to support your mental health. Discover how these free and confidential services can help you manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues by providing professional guidance and support. Take the first step towards better mental well-being with NHS Talking Therapies.
Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.
Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health. Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too. The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.
Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, the UK's independent regulator for workplace health and safety provides guidance, regulations, and resources to help you maintain a safe and healthy work environment across various industries. Visit the HSE website for more information.
Find information on risk factors, signs and causes of work-related stress with guidance for both employers and employees here
Find in-depth information on supporting workplace health and wellbeing in the MECC section Workplace Health and Wellbeing
If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.
If no immediate risk take the following steps:
Encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
Other options include:
contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
call their social worker or key worker, if they have one
encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).
It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.
A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned
Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:
All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Health' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section.
SELF CARE
Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services
Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
TheNHS have has a range of self-help tools available
Andy's Man Clubprovides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing. Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber
In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is something that every single one of us have and different life events could have an impact on our mental wellbeing, the same as it might on our physical health. If we all have it, then hopefully we can all understand how important it is to take positive steps to look after it. Swindon Borough Council are working in partnership with a range of organisations to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing and supporting your friends, family members and colleagues to look after theirs.
At a loss - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) - Swindon
Peer-led support groups and national helpline can provide a safe, confidential environment in which those impacted by suicide can share experiences and feelings, thus giving and gaining support from each other. Services also include email supportemail.support@uksobs.org and an online community forum.
Our National Helpline number is 0300 111 5065 and available Monday to Sunday 9am -9pm.
Active 10 walking app- track your walking habits to increase the number of brisk minutes, which is when the health benefits will be greatest. No Lycra required, and there are lots of benefits of getting out into local green spaces like parks for your mental health too. Available from the App Store and Google Play
Couch to 5k app -easy to follow, flexible programme to get you running 5k in as little as 9 weeks, or longer if you want. Listen to your preferred music player as you run, between motivational messages from your chosen celebrity “coach”. Track your achievements and collect awards as you progress. Available from the App Store and Google Play
How to be more active - Regular physical activity is good for our bodies and minds, but it can be difficult to get started – especially if we're not particularly sporty or have not done any exercise for a while.
Home workout videos- We could all do with a boost to feel better right now – and you don't even need to leave the house to do it! Exercise is great for your mind as well as your body, so clear some space and follow along with our 10-minute home workouts.
Park Run
Why not join aParkrunin your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is thatyou can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome. For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visithttp://www.parkrun.org.uk/for more information.
Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*
Better Health quit smoking websitewhich includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool
NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
Get a free Personal Quit PlanQuitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.
SELF CARE
Download the NHS Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
Get daily email support- If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for email support
Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment. Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook
Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good
Developed by experts and ex-smokers and delivered by professionals, the Stop Smoking Service provides tailored advice, support and encouragement at various locations across Swindon. The service is free and offers individuals the following:
Help and advice to choose a suitable medication
Free carbon monoxide testing
Help in developing an individually tailored quit plan
Support in making behaviour change
Help with managing cravings and temptations
Support with worries about weight gain and/or managing stress
8 -12 weeks of stop smoking medication for those exempt from prescription charges
Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?
Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality
Download the 'One You' drinks tracker makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback) available on itunes or google play
Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
SELF CARE
Further tips on cutting down
Make a plan Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
Set a budget Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
Let them know If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.
Take it a day at a time Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
Make it a smaller one You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
Have a lower-strength drink Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.
Stay hydrated Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.
Take a break Have several drink-free days each week.
Change Grow Live Drug and Alcohol Service – Swindon
Change Grow Live Drug and Alcohol Service – Swindon
Change Grow Live Drug and Alcohol Service – Swindon
We will spend time listening to you so we can understand your needs. Then, we'll work with you to agree a suitable plan. We have a range of options to support you, including detox services, health assessments, needle exchange and peer-led activities.
You can get help and advice on how you could benefit from heating and insulation measures from the Energy Advice Service on 0300 1231234
Your energy supplier may provide a service called the 'Warm Home Discount scheme' which pays £140 either to your electricity account or vouchers to top up your electricity meter. You will need to contact your electricity supplier to see if you meet their eligibility criteria
People aged 60 or over, disabled people or those who suffer from a chronic illness, are entitled to a range of services, by signing up for free to their energy suppliers Priority Service Register. The Priority Service Register has also been recently extended to include:
Customers with certain mental health conditions which impact on them understanding their bill
Customers who cannot top up their pre-payment meter due to injury
Temporary circumstances where a customer needs extra support for a limited amount of time
Details of how to join can be found on the reverse of your energy bill
If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:
For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172
Better Homes Yorkshire on 0808 1592909 has been created to help residents across Yorkshire pay less for energy and live in healthier, warmer homes. Residents in participating Local Authority area will be able to take advantage of the latest Government funded options to make efficiency improvement works to their homes, this is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords in the following councils: Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, Barnsley, Wakefield, York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby
If you are experiencing difficulties paying your gas/or electricity bill or have an energy debt then you should contact your supplier in the first instance. Other impartial advice is available from the National debtline 0808 808 4000 or from the StepChange debt Charity 0800 138 1111.
Preparing for Colder Weather
From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
Warm and Safe Wiltshire is a service provided by Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes.
Free telephone advice
0800 038 5722
EmailWarmandsafe@cse.org.uk
Warm and Safe Wiltshire offers all residents across the county free and impartial energy saving advice. We have an advice line service open 9-5pm Monday-Friday and can offer advice on the following:
Help and advice relating to insulation, heating and draft proofing
Guidance on heating systems and controls
Issues with damp and condensation
Advice on understanding your fuel bills
Help with switching energy suppliers and fuel tariffs to keep bills affordable
If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.
This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.
Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.
Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/
Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed
Citizens Advice Service
The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to
PayPlans supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts every year, and treat all of their calls with the strictest confidence.
Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing.
They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.
Carers UK have provided a range of topics illustrating the different forms of financial support you might be entitled to as a carer or you may wish to claim on behalf of someone you care for.
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust provides a home security service and online safety service for over 60s, 18+ with a registered disability and victims of domestic abuse throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. The charity funds the operation of three Bobby vans that provide mobile workshops for Bobby operators to secure homes whilst the team of Stay Safe Online Volunteers offer one to one home visits and community talks on online safety.
The Trust strives to help people in Wiltshire and Swindon by:
Improving security of domestic premises occupied by the elderly and vulnerable to prevent burglary, hate crime and domestic abuse;
Reducing incidence of repeat burglary and re-victimisation;
Promoting awareness of fire safety, detection and prevention;
Offering reassurance and advice on crime reduction, and sign-posting other agencies that may be of assistance to clients’ particular needs; and,
Providing practical skills and advice to help prevent online fraud.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we're here to help. Find out how we support you and get information about different cancer types.
We provide practical and emotional support to people with cancer, during and after the treatment period. We support people with all kinds of cancer across the UK. Our services are designed and delivered by people who have experienced cancer themselves – to improve the experience of others.
We know that supporting a loved one through a cancer diagnosis and treatment is tough. We also know that it can be hard to get support because everyone is focused on the person with cancer. Our programme for Plus Ones has grown over the years and support partners, parents, siblings and even adult children. If you’re looking to chat with others who get what you’re going through, we’d love to meet you. We have a Plus Ones Facebook groupthat you can join. We also run a programme calledShine Circles for Plus Onesthat we run a couple of times a year. And you can read about the experiences of other Plus Ones below. If you’d like more information, drop us a line at hi@shinecancersupport.org
For information about sexual health and contraception visit the FPA sexual health charity website www.fpa.org.uk or the sexual health pages of www.nhs.uk
You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
Posters and leaflets can be ordered through the NCSP website or more information can be found via NHS choices
Age UK - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas. Call free on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm or see Fall prevention for the elderly | Age UK
Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses
having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)
There are different ways in which you can help prevent falls for yourself, or the person you care for. Some of these changes are simple checks you can conduct yourself.
Some issues will require the advice and input of your GP or medical professional as there may be another reason falls are becoming a problem.
Here, you will find essential information and resources to help prevent falls and ensure safety, particularly for older adults and those at risk. Find practical tips, advice, and support services aimed at reducing the risk of falls and promoting well-being in our community.
Sometimes if you are an older person it can be easy to assume that your concerns will not be taken seriously by the support services available to you.
All healthcare professionals take the risks of falls and their impact on health and wellbeing seriously.
If you are a carer for an older person or are looking for equipment to help yourself, more information and support on equipment to help you at home is available.
It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be frustrating if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. Read about real stories and up-to-date news on dementia. The website provides tips and checklist to help you discuss your symptoms with a GP or healthcare professional.
Dementia UK - Take part in events to help raise funds for families affected by dementia. Find information and support for the emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis on their website or use Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses): 0800 888 6678
Tide - Here, you will find a comprehensive list of all the upcoming events and activities organized by Tide (Together in Dementia Everyday). Explore the calendar for workshops and training sessions to social gatherings and awareness campaigns, each event is crafted to foster a supportive community and provide valuable resources. TIDE - Together In Dementia Everyday - Events
Carers UK- This is your go-to resource for information, support, and guidance tailored specifically for carers. Whether you're looking for practical advice on caregiving, financial support, or your rights as a carer, you'll find a resources for your caregiving journey. Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999 or visit Help and advice | Carers UK
Herbert Protocol
If you’re caring for someone who may be at risk of going missing or getting lost, you can fill out a form with a list of important information to help the police if they go missing.
The Herbert Protocol is a form that carers, family or friends of a vulnerable person can fill in. It contains an important list of information to help the police if the person goes missing, including: medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a recent photograph.
If you are worried about yourself or a family member or friend experiencing forgetfulness, the first port of call should always be the GP.
This is important because other conditions such as depression, stress, infection or certain blood problems may cause similar, but treatable changes in thinking and behaviour.
As well as doing a brief test to assess your memory, the GP can also quickly check your physical health to exclude and treat other causes.
Whilst GPs do not normally make a diagnosis of dementia, as mentioned they will do a brief assessment of memory and thinking.
If other causes have been ruled out, then based on the outcome of this test, the GP may just keep an eye on you and see you again in a few months to repeat the tests to see if things have changed, or if indicated, they may refer an individual on to a specialist memory assessment service.