A range of support available on World Mental Health Day
During this difficult year, many local people’s lives and livelihoods have been affected and this has been particularly tough on people’s emotional health and wellbeing.
Local people are being encouraged to speak about their feelings and can seek support if they are feeling anxious, worried, lonely and frustrated. Bury residents are reminded that Early Break’s Getting Help Line offers non-clinical, non-urgent support for anyone experiencing low level emotional health and wellbeing difficulties. Launched on behalf of Bury Council and NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in August, it is available to residents of all ages.
The Getting Help Line is open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 8pm. Early Break’s experienced and professionally trained call handlers will offer confidential support by giving advice, guidance and signposting people of all ages to appropriate local services to meet their needs.
The service can be reached in a number of ways:
- On the phone: 0161 464 3679 – Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm
- By email: GettingHelpLine@earlybreak.co.uk
- Online: earlybreak.co.uk/gettinghelpline
Professionals in Bury supporting someone experiencing mental health difficulties can also refer them to the ‘Getting Help Line’ service by completing a referral form on the Early Break website.
Gemma Philburn, emotional health and wellbeing manager at Early Break, said: “Over the last couple of months we have had a broad range of people from across the community who have contacted the Getting Help Line for support with their wellbeing. No matter how small you may feel an issue is, one of our team will offer a listening ear and help you access the right information and support.
Please share the Getting Help Line information with families, neighbours, friends and colleagues. Looking after our mental health is just as important as our physical health and we would encourage anyone who may need any support at all to give us a call.
Dr Daniel Cooke, local GP and clinical director for mental health at NHS Bury CCG, added: “The pandemic has brought many challenges for people’s emotional health and wellbeing. It is vital that you still connect with people by speaking over the phone, by video call and find time to do things that you enjoy.
“If you feel you need some extra support, there are lots of options in place for local people and the Getting Help Line offers confidential advice and guidance to help you to access the right support.”
Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone: we have had to distance from our extended families and friends to fight coronavirus, many people have lost their livelihoods, and sadly some have lost their love ones during this pandemic. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and we need to take care of ourselves, especially at the moment. If you feel your mood has deteriorated please seek help – the earlier you seek help the better outcome you will have.”
If you would like to find out about a wider range of support, visit: https://www.bury.gov.uk/mentalwellbeing
