All of us have mental health. It is always changing, never staying the same. It is changed through the things we experience in our lives and the relationships with those around us.

 

Good Mental Health can be defined as:

“Freedom from persistent problems with emotions, behaviour and social relationships”.

 

It is just as important to look after our mental health and minds as it is our teeth and our bodies. There are many things we can do to promote and protect our mental health but sometimes it can feel a little difficult, and that’s okay.

 

One of the most common and most spoken about problems we can all face is ANXIETY.

Anxiety is that feeling you may get in your tummy; butterflies, bubbles or just generally not feeling right. We may all be able to think of a time when we have felt anxious, or worried about something. Even adults. Feeling anxious or worried helps to keep us safe from danger but when we start to feel anxious more often than when we don’t, or we don’t really know why we are feeling that way, we may need a little help to make it go away, or know how to manage it. Below are some websites where you can find lots of information, activities and support for a whole range of mental health and well-being.

 

 

BESTIE is an interactive app developed by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and designed by local young people, CAMHS clinicians and IT experts. It has recently been launched by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust CAMHS. BESTIE is freely available and can be found by searching for ‘Worcestershire BESTIE’ on Apple & Android phones or tablets. A web-based version is available at www.camhsbestie.co.uk.

 

 

Young Minds is a charity that provides support to both children and families. Helping to maintain and promote good mental health, but also knowing how to manage during times of difficulty. A dedicated parent support section provides a wealth of resources, as well as a helpline for a more direct line of help.

                                                                    Phone: 0808 802 5544 (Parents' Helpline: Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4pm)

 

 

Anxiety UK support people of all ages who are experiencing some level of anxiety. With access to self help and online therapists it allows you to find strategies and resources that will work for you.

** There is a specific section on how to deal with anxiety during the CORONAVIRUS Pandemic on this website **

 

 

Mind provides an A-Z of Mental Health worries; giving clear explanations and advice on how to manage yourself or seek further support.

Email: info@mind.org.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm, except bank holidays)

 

 

Kooth provide a free, safe and anonymous online service for children and young people. It is an online counselling tool which allows children and young people to discuss in confidence any difficulty they may be facing.

 

 

 

Heads together is a mental health charity that supports people of all ages. It works in partnership with several charities to safeguard and promote good mental health for all ages.

 

 

This is a Worcestershire County website and is free to all users. It offers support, guidance and resources to ensure we are all able to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Together with resource

                                                                                                             for children to continue their learning from home, it provides

                                                                                                             practical advice on where to seek help should you need it.

  

 

The Reach4Wellbeing team aims to promote positive wellbeing, reach children and young people in their communities and reduce the stigma of mental health.

They currently provide short-term group programmes for children and young people age 5-18 experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, self harm and low mood.

 

 

Mentor Link is dedicated to providing social and emotional support to vulnerable and distressed children and young people by providing them with a volunteer mentor.

 

 

Mood Juice offers information and advice around mental health.

The site provides various self-help guides.

 

 

Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.

                                                 Email: jo@samaritans.org      Phone: 116 123

 

WEST in Schools service is designed to help children and young people aged 5 -18 access mental health and wellbeing support early on in educational settings. The service offers short term support delivered by education mental health practitioners and senior practitioners using cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) methods to help with low mood, well being, anxiety or behavioural difficulties.