Many constituents have been in touch because they have been experiencing challenges with their mental health during lockdown.
If you are experiencing this, then it is important to get help rather than face it alone.
I have put together a list of some sources of help and advice available locally and nationally, which some of my constituents have found helpful in recent months.
Government advice
Quite a good summary of advice the Government has put together can be seen here.
NHS advice for Children and Young People
The NHS has set up an advice blog by Dr Prathiba Chitsabesan - the Associate National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health for NHS England - with specific advice for children and young people on coping with Covid-19 and social restrictions. It also provides links to help lines and resources that can provide help. For more information, click here.
NHS advice for Parents, Guardians and Carers
A second blog by Dr Prathiba Chitsabesan offers advice for parents, guardians and carers on how to support a child or young person if you’re concerned about their mental health and links to additional resources can be found here.
NHS Kent and Medway booklet
Our local NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust has published a useful guide to looking after your mental health and well being during lockdown and social isolation. It also lists the numbers of several nation-wide organisations that are on hand to help those suffering from stress, anxiety and mental ill health. To view and download the booklet, click here.
Kent and Medway Mental Health Matters helpline
Helpline for people with mental health problems, their carers, families and friends. The organisation can offer emotional guidance and information and help people who may be feeling low, anxious or stressed or in extreme emotional distress and feel that there is nowhere else to turn. call 0800 107 0160
NHS Sleepstation
Sleepstation is an approved NHS service that aims to treat those who have suffered from a sleep problems for more than a month, without medication. For more information visit their website, here, or call 0333 800 9404
Local organisations:
Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource
This local organisation helps those suffering from a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, Schizophrenia and self-harm.
For more information, visit their website here, call 01892 615 552 or email info@mentalhealthresource.org.uk
Fegans
Fegans provides counselling services for children and support for parents. For more information, visit their website here or call 01892 538288
The Weald Family Hub
The Weald Family Hub is based in Goudhurst works closely with Fegans, providing subsidised counselling for children. For more information visit their website here, call 01580 211739 or email wealdfamilyhub@gmail.com
The Counselling Centre
This non-profit making charity provides accredited, affordable counselling for adults aged 18 and over in West Kent and East Sussex. For more information visit their website here, call 01892 548750 or email info@thecounsellingcentre.org.uk
West Kent Mind
West Kent Mind offers a wide range of services from counselling to ASD support groups, support for new mothers, management of personal finances and much more. For more information visit their website here, call 01732 744950 or email hello@westkentmind.org.uk
Paddock Wood Advice Centre
The PWAC is located at 94 Commercial Road in the centre of Paddock Wood and offers free and confidential advice on issues ranging from healthcare, tax, debt, benefits, relationships, homelessness, employment and housing. For more information visit their website here, call 01892 838619 or email info@pwadvice.org