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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and to mark the occasion, we have a guest blog from Maali McDonnell, at Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
Are you struggling with feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, bereaved or in crisis?
The Telephone Support Line, one of the many services provided by Norfolk and Waveney Mind, provides a safe space for you to talk through how you are feeling, and share your thoughts, plans, and worries. A benefit of this service being over the phone is that we can provide accessible help to a diverse range of people regardless of disability, gender, race, or sexuality. Here at Norfolk and Waveney Mind we pride ourselves in being inclusive to all, respecting individuals’ feelings while aiding people through their recovery journeys. Our responsive nature allows us to listen and assess any concerns you may have and value each individual’s unique recovery process.
But what do we provide?
We provide a confidential and non-judgmental support system made up of a small team of caring professionals who are trained to support you through your highs and lows. As a result of this, you grow to know the people you are talking to and can build confidence in our team to share your experiences and life events. We are trained to help individuals in a variety of ways, from providing a listening ear for you to vent your worries, to providing practical advice when needed. When required we are also able to signpost you to services that may be more suitable to support you.
Our service is open from 10am-midnight every day of the year including weekends, bank holidays, and other holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Our friendly staff are happy to help and listen whenever needed.
This service is provided to individuals over the age of 18 and can be accessed in a variety of ways.
How do we access this service?
To gain access to the support line, you must first receive a referral. To obtain this, come into one of our REST Community Hubs, located in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Aylsham, Thetford, and King’s Lynn, and ask to speak to a member of our team to refer you to the service. You can also speak to your GP, a 111 option 2 operator, your community mental health worker, your job centre, or any other professional you are working with, to make a referral to Norfolk and Waveney Mind on your behalf.
Alternatively, you can call 0300 330 5488 and speak to our Resource Operatives, who are able to refer you.
Once accepted onto our service, you will receive a welcome call, text, or letter outlining our services to you and the number to access our Telephone Support Line. Once you have received this message, you are free to use the line whenever needed.
Calls to our service are free, so you don’t have to worry about being charged to talk to us. You are also not limited to a set number of calls and are free to contact us when needed without any worry. Our calls are recorded for training purposes, but any information you choose to share will be kept strictly confidential. However, if necessary, we have a duty of care to contact the relevant services, be that emergency services or your GP, for example, if you are a risk to yourself or others.
If you are in urgent need of support, please contact 999 or 111 option 2.
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