As Christmas and New Year approach, I thought it would be helpful for local residents to have a list of local and national emergency contacts in case they need them over the festive period:
North Lincolnshire
The Talking Shop in the Foundry- if you are feeling anxiety, low mood or stress, the Talking Shop in Scunthorpe is able to offer a free brief telephone consultation at 01724 867297, and may ask to come in for a one-to-one chat. This is an NHS-funded psychological therapy service available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm, and they are able direct you to services they feel will you help or advise you on steps you can take to improve your wellbeing. They are based in the Foundry in the town centre.
Scunthorpe and District Mind - They are the local branch of the national charity Mind, and provide advice and support to people locally. They offer 1-1 sessions, as well as telephone support on 01724 279500. In times of crisis, Mind run a prevention service for over 16s from Thursday-Sunday called the Haven. From 6pm-midnight, the organisation welcomes those in difficulty to a communal area in their headquarters at Printer’s Yard on Fenton Street. There, people can receive self-help advice, and develop a plan to improve their wellbeing. There is more general mental health advice from Mind at:
Samaritans Scunthorpe - Samaritans continue to provide completely free advice via telephone, email and letter. You can talk to one of their volunteers 24/7, and no judgement is given on the importance or type of issue that you may be concerned about. They can be called on 116 123, or found online at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/scunthorpe/
Our nearest Samaritans branch is on Lindum Street.
Life Central- a support service created by North Lincolnshire Council, in conjunction with North Lincolnshire Youth Council and the local NHS Trust, to provide advice to young people on everyday topics like eating healthily, dealing with exam stress and bullying. You can access this help on https://www.life-central.org/ or their app.
Qwell- A free online mental mental health and wellbeing support service for over 18s in the Humber, Coast and Vale. You can exchange messages with accredited professionals in a safe and confidential environment, and access tools like online journals to track your mood. Access https://www.qwell.io/#offering here.
Your GP – You are able to book an appointment with your GP if you are having mental health difficulties. There may be a range of different outcomes to this, from suggested lifestyle changes, to a referral to psychological wellbeing services, to medication. Your GP should have availability over the next few weeks, so do not be afraid to get in touch with them if you need.
Humber, Coast and Vale Resilience Hub- For health and care workers. Manned by trained mental health professionals who focus on helping people going through emotional wellbeing to bereavement, debt, domestic violence and relationship issues. There is now a referral number you can contact to receive support- 03300 022 044- an app containing steps to improve wellbeing and refer yourself, called HNY Our People.
Rethink Mental Illness –The charity focusses on advancing the right of those affected by mental illness and their carers. They run a Scunthorpe Carers group which has been running since 2002 for anyone that cares or supports someone living with mental illness. They meet at St Bernadettes Church Hall on Ashby Road on the first Thursday of every month from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. The group can be contacted on 07552 136884 or scunthorpecarergroup@rethink.org. Find out more at: https://www.rethink.org/
National
Shout- Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. It’s used most frequently by people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. To access the service and start a conversation with a trained volunteer, send a text to 85258.
No Panic - No Panic is a registered charity which helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. A confidential helpline that is staffed by trained volunteers can be accessed by 0844 967 4848.
Kooth – Is an online platform for children and young adults aged 11-25. It allows registered users to access free online counselling, and join in conversations on moderated discussion boards. Access at https://www.kooth.com/.
CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against poor mental health. They run a free and confidential helpline and webchat which is available 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. They also have a helpline on 0800 58 58 58 which is open from 5pm-midnight 365 days a year for anybody who is in crisis. More information on their services can be found at https://www.thecalmzone.net/.