If you’re looking after someone, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, anxious or low at times. But it’s important to get the help and support you need, no matter what your situation is.
Talk to your GP and let them know that you’re looking after someone if you haven’t already, and let them know how you are feeling so that they can help support you.
You can also call us on 0800 181 4118 for advice, information, support or just a friendly voice at the end of the phone. Our Here to Talk service is also available for time to talk and be listened to by a trained volunteer.
Please remember in an emergency to call 999.
There are also lots of organisations that may be able to help you
Anxiety, low mood and stress webchats/helplines
Samaritans has a helpline you can call 24/7, 365 days a year to talk with someone about whatever you are struggling with. Call them on 116 123. You can also email their email service jo@samaritans.org and they will reply within 24 hours.
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership
AWP has a 24/7 helpline. If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope without professional advice, their dedicated staff will ensure that you are directed to the team best able to meet your needs. The number to call is 0300 303 1320
If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email or text 07786 209 697.
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, (55+) open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Their number is 0800 470 80 90.
Rethink Inclusion Coaches
The Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service offer a free drop-in hub for anyone needing support with their mental health and wellbeing. A chance to meet with an Inclusion Coach and discuss what opportunities are available to help you to help you wellbeing and find community support.
Download their leaflet with more information here.
When & Where
Chippenham: Community Hub, SN15 3WL
Last Thursday of each month, 1-4pm
Devizes: St James Centre, SN10 1LR
3rd Wednesday of each month, 1-4pm
Salisbury: Arts Centre, SP1 3UT
1st Tuesday of each month, 10am-12.30pm
Trowbridge: Town Hall, BA14 8EQ
2nd Tuesday of each month, 1-4pm
For further information, contact the service at WiltsMHIS@rethink.org or on 07467 764171.
IAPT
IAPT Wiltshire offers 1-1 support and a wide range of courses on topics such as managing low mood and dealing with stress. People are able to self refer for help and register for courses (listed on their website).
Websites with helpful blogs and information around mental health
Mind provides advice and support around mental health. They have legal information, easy to read information about different mental health diagnoses and more. Wiltshire Mind often offer subsidised counselling to those who feel they would benefit from it. This is currently £10 per session and there may be a waiting list, but you can contact them to find out what they can currently offer.
Friendly website with support for depression and other mental illnesses.
Easy to understand advice, information and support on living with mental illness or caring for someone with a mental illness.
Quick tips for staying calm:
- Remember to breathe. Take a moment to sit and close your eyes, imagine breathing in your favourite colour, and breath out all the negative thoughts in your mind.
- Distract yourself. Don’t spend all day looking at the news. Read your favourite book, put on a movie that makes you smile or take a warm bath and relax to some music.
- Repeat positive words to yourself. When everything gets overwhelming it can be hard to shut off the bad thoughts in our heads. If you find yourself being dragged down with negative thoughts, take a moment to repeat something calming. Try ‘I am safe and loved.’
Remember: You are not alone.
You can call us free at Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118
Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Fridays 9:30 – 4:00pm for advice or just to speak to someone.
