In uncertain times, our world can seem scary and overwhelming. In these times, we must make sure we prioritise our mental health.
It is normal to feel anxious, worried, concerned or stressed about what is going on in your life or the outside world. You are not alone in feeling this way.
Everyone reacts differently to different things. It is OK if your response is not the same as others.
To help everyone manage difficult and uncertain times, see below a range of helpful support services and links to help you.
Young Minds
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent help
text YM to 85258.
Young Minds also offer a helpline for parents who are worried about their young person.
Call the Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm, free for mobiles and landlines).
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters offer a range of advice and support on mental health and staying well.
Every Mind Matters also offer advice on helping others.
One You
The One You website from the NHS also provides a great list of apps you may want to download to help you towards positive mental health and well-being.
The Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation have a range of tips and advice for looking after your mental health during this time.
They have also provided advice finance, housing and unemployment concerns.
The Mental Health Foundation offer lots of tips and their social media channels give lots of daily tips on staying healthy or seeking support during this time.
Samaritans
When life is tough, Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult.
Call free on 116 123.
Shout
Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance.
Text “SHOUT” to 85258.
Papyrus's Hopeline UK
If you are under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, call Papyrus’s HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends.
Call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41.
Text 07786 209697.
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason.
Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight).
Education Support Partnership
If you are a member of staff at the college or you work in education you can access the Education Support Partnership who offer a free 24-hour helpline.
Call 08000 562 561.
Mental wellbeing audio guides
On this page you can listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood.
You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood.
Therapy For You
Therapy For You is available to anyone over the age of 18 who needs support with their mental health.
Using a range of different therapies including online courses, 1-2-1, group, telephone and video, there will be a service to meet your needs.
You can contact Therapy For You on their website, by calling 01268 739 128
or by emailing
Havens Hospices Coronavirus Crisis Bereavement Line
A telephone helpline open seven days a week for bereaved adults and children from across Essex, whose loved one has died directly or indirectly as a result of Coronavirus.
Call 01702 220 321
Urgent, non-emergency medical advice
If you need help urgently but are not at risk of death or serious illness, use the NHS 111 non-emergency advice online.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service
Call 01702 220 321
Life-threatening, Dial 999
In a life-threatening emergency, phone the emergency services and ask for an ambulance.
Call 999
