Published on: 4 February 2021
Charities and NHS providers urge local people to have a small conversation on Time To Talk Day – and to call the county’s 24/7 helpline if more help is needed.
Local residents are being encouraged to talk about how they are feeling during the current Coronavirus restrictions, and to seek practical and professional support if required, as the country marks Time to Talk Day on Thursday 4 February.
Time to Talk Day is a national awareness day which urges everyone to take time to speak to a friend, a family member or a colleague about their mental health. This year the theme is The Power of Small, encouraging people to realise how important a small conversation can be when it comes to someone’s mental health.
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, as one of the main providers of mental health services in Derbyshire, is supporting the Time to Talk campaign.
Have a virtual cuppa
Trust Chief Executive Ifti Majid said: “Time to Talk Day is the day that aims to get the nation talking about mental health. This year’s event will look a little different, but especially at times like this open conversations about how we are feeling, about our mental health and wellbeing are more important than ever. You don’t need to be an expert to start a really valuable conversation – you just need to ask some questions over a virtual cuppa or a walk about how someone is feeling and coping, and really listen to what they say in response. And if you think that someone would benefit from some extra help, please encourage them to speak to a professional – just like they would with a physical health problem.
“Derbyshire has a fantastic 24/7 helpline, called the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service, which we are proud to be a part of. The helpline now offers an even broader range of support and advice, thanks to an innovative partnership between the NHS, the third sector and the emergency services. So why not give it a try?”
Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service supports local residents of any age who are struggling with their mental health. The 24/7 helpline is on a Freephone number (0800 028 0077) and callers can benefit from telephone support not only to help them with their mental health but also to talk through practical issues that may be causing them concern. In addition, they may now be given the option of face-to-face support at a ‘safe haven’, where they can continue to discuss their problems in a calm, welcoming environment.
The helpline, which is run by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has become a permanent service as part of improvements being made through the Joined Up Care Derbyshire programme. The helpline team now consists of staff from the charity P3 and Derbyshire Mental Health Federation, as well as clinical staff from Derbyshire Healthcare. The safe haven, meanwhile, is run by Richmond Fellowship.
Since its launch in April 2020, the helpline has received around 1,500 calls a month from local residents.
