Mental Health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

Mental Health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and pesonality disorders are all examples of mental health problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS Talking Therapies Service are here to help people with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

They offer information, guidance, and talking therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and counselling.

To access this service you need to be aged 16 or over and registered with a Shropshire or Telford and Wrekin GP. 

If you are under 16 years old, please contact BeeU for support. People who are 16 and 17 are welcome to use Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Talking Therapies Service however they will ask for contact information for your parent or guardian, in case they have any concerns about your safety.

For more information, help and advice, please follow the link - Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapies :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (mpft.nhs.uk)

A Letter from Louise is a free pen pal correspondence service that matches volunteer pen pal writers with clients for regular friendly conversations and sharing of stories. This project is open to people of all ages and is fully safeguarded and all correspondence is sent via our London House office. A Letter from Louise helps individuals suffering from social isolation, loneliness, and other health conditions. No personal addresses or surnames are to be shared.

Postcards from the past is a sister project to A Letter from Louise. Postcards from the Past are for those who like to receive friendly postcards that often help trigger memories and smiles.

Are you struggling with mild to moderate depression and anxiety related problems?

There is now a direct self-referral pathway for you to access the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapy Service, also called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).

You do not need to make an appointment through the surgery, and we encourage you to complete the self-referral form HERE

Alternatively, you can contact them on 01952 457415 (open 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday). They will take your details and a telephone assessment will be arranged for you.

"Only those who have experienced this terrible tragedy can fully understand. None of us needs to suffer alone and together we can help each other"

Do you need support with suicide bereavement? Help and support is available from the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide group. Please click the link to visit their website HERE

For more information about your closest group, please click HERE

The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in Shropshire online resource booklet is now available from the Healthy Shropshire site HERE or directly accessible HERE. 

This resource has been produced to provide a quick reference on the support available locally and can be used by individuals or professionals to help signpost. This resource is intended to provide a first point of contact overview rather than to be a full directory. 

Branches TACT Listening Support

We are a Telford & Wrekin commissioned listening service to facilitate those with acute anxiety and/or situational anguish offering 3-4, 50-minute sessions. Sessions are offered in a safe, non-judgmental space and can offer further support via the wider TACT services. Branches will help in a crisis but will also support recovery by helping people to develop skills for work and life.

Branches TACT is a charity based in Wellington. They offer a Listening Service which is a solution based therapy freely accessible to all. 

To contact the listening service, please click HERE

To view the TACT weekly drop in timetable, please click HERE

Alongside the Listening service, TACT offer a drop-in service, an outreach service, a night service and can offer supported housing. 

Referrals to the listening service are welcomed by self-referral or via a professional referral, and we aim to make first contact with service users within 4 weeks. A blank referral form can be sent out on request, please email info@tacteam.org.uk to request one or call 01952 899205 

Branches TACT is a charity that supports adults with mental health and/or addition issues. They operate Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and the night service is 7 days a week from 6pm - 2am.

We are all affected by loneliness at times in our lives. The Better Health - Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign aims to normalise feelings of loneliness to reduce the stigma so people feel able to seek help and support.

We are all affected by loneliness at times in our lives. Everyone should know they are not alone and help is available.

Research shows that 16 to 24 year olds are the loneliest age group but also the least likely to take action to help themselves. In fact, figures show that nearly half of students admit they've hidden their feelings of loneliness for fear of being judged.

The campaign aims to normalise loneliness as part of life and to reduce the stigma of loneliness that often prevents people from accessing support. Please follow the link to access the Communications Toolkit.

For more information please visit the website - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Mental Health - Healthtalkonline

Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.

Alzheimer's Disease

An information sheet helping to understand more about Alzheimer's Disease.

Depression

An information sheet helping to understand more about the causes, treatment and understanding of Depression.

Alzheimer's Society

Comprehensive information for people with all forms of dementia. Alzheimer's Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. We offer personalised support services, community activities, information and advice at every stage of the dementia journey.

Mental Health Foundation

Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK chairty that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.

NHS Mental Health Toolkit

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.