It’s not easy to admit that you are having issues with your emotional health and it can be difficult to ask for help.
A Healthwatch Newcastle research study found that university students in the city, in particular, were reluctant to come forward to ask for help with their mental health. But just remember, one in four people in England will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year. That figure is likely to be even higher now, given the last 18 months that everyone has been through. There’s no shame in needing to ask for help. You’re not alone, and you too deserve support.
First steps
Reaching out to your friends and family can help, as can connecting with young people locally who are in similar shoes. That’s why we’ve set up our local Arthur’s of Newcastle WhatsApp group where you can talk to other young people with arthritis who live in the Newcastle area. There is also Arthur’s social group on Facebook where you will find over 1300 young people all coming together to share their experiences, and everyday top tips.
As the social groups are not a place for medical advice, if you need medical or mental health help, your GP surgery is a good first port of call. If you are at uni, your university will have its own mental health and wellbeing support system.
Newcastle University – Mental Health & Wellbeing
Northumbria University – Counselling & Mental Health Support
However, there is also a whole range of local organisations that can offer support with your mental health and wellbeing.
Talking Helps Newcastle
Talking Helps Newcastle is a free psychological wellbeing service that aims to help residents of Newcastle who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.
If you’re feeling low, anxious or stressed then they are here to help. They have a team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors and Primary Care Mental Health Practitioners. The service is provided by the NHS and is free.
Anyone who is registered with a GP in Newcastle can refer themselves for talking therapies, via the NHS hub here.
Signpost NENC
This is a brand new mental health and wellbeing hub for people in the North East and North Cumbria, including Newcastle and the surrounding area.
It was launched in September 2021 and it’s being regularly updated.
Darren Archer, Manager at the North East Mental Health Clinical Network, says: “The aim of the Signpost North East and North Cumbria (NENC) website is to be one easy-to-navigate ‘hub’, where people can find all the information they need to look after their wellbeing. Access to good information is vital to removing the barriers that can get in the way of good mental health. The site will continually be growing and improving – we encourage people to use the site, test out the information, and let us know where we can make improvements.”
Children North East
Don’t be put off by the name – if you are aged 9 to 25, Children North East has a One to One counselling service to help you with any mental health issues. These services are offered free of charge in some areas.
Find out more here.
Newcastle Crisis Resolution Team
Newcastle’s Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team is a team of experienced mental health staff, which includes nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and pharmacy staff.
They offer assessment and home treatment for people over 16 experiencing a mental health crisis, as an alternative to hospital admission.
The team operates across Newcastle and Gateshead 24 hours a day 7 days a week. However, the crisis team does not provide an ’emergency’ service such as a 999 response.
The telephone number for the team is 0191 814 8899 or freephone 0800 652 2863.
There is a text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties: 07919 228 548.
You can be referred by your Care Co-ordinator, GP, Primary Care Mental Health Team or Specialist Mental Health Service Self referral.
Private therapy/counselling
If you want to look for a counsellor or therapist yourself, the best place to start is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Choosing a practitioner who is a BACP registered member gives you an assurance that they meet the standards of proficiency and ethical practice you would expect. However, most of those listed are private therapists who charge for their services. You can search for a therapist by area here.
Emergency support
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger or harm, please call the Police or Ambulance Service on 999.
If you need medical or mental health help, contact your GP surgery. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or advice that is not life-threatening.
If no-one is available when you need help, or you’d like to speak to an impartial person in confidence, you can contact the Samaritans on 116123 for round-the-clock support. You can also contact them by email or letter.
You can also contact Saneline who run a national out of hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness. Call on 0845 7678000.
Arthur’s Place links:
Wellness Kit: Start Living Again
How to cope with post-diagnosis blues
Hacked off with life right now? It’s ok
Mental health and wellbeing resources to help you through the coronavirus crisis
