Posted on: 25 January 2021
Time to Talk Day takes place on 4 February 2021 and it encourages everyone to talk more openly about emotional and mental health.
The pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on people’s mental health across the country.
In times like these it is more important than ever to say how you are feeling and seek support if you need it.
It can feel difficult to reach out for support sometimes because you may feel someone won’t understand, that you are the only person feeling this way or the person there to help might judge you.
You are not alone and many will be feeling the same way, whether you’re feeling isolated, stressed about germs and wanting to clean much more than ever before, or you feel worried about losing a loved one.
Our services are here to lend a friendly non-judgemental ear and support you during this difficult time.
Check in and Chat
If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation and need someone to talk to, Check in and Chat is here to provide a one hour phone call each week for eight weeks. You’ll be able to talk to our friendly volunteers and they’ll be able to provide informal support and encourage networking with community resources. Learn More:
Check in and Chat for patients
CNWL Talking Therapies Service
Anyone living in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster can access this service. It provides confidential talking therapies for anyone experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. Therapies are delivered by psychological Wellbeing Practitioners or Psychological Therapists. Patients are allowed to self-refer instead of going through their GP.
See the link below to find out more and self-refer.
If you need support out of hours or in a crisis you can also speak to the Single Point of Access Team on 0800 0234 650. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or email cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
Whether you use Time to Talk Day as the catalyst to seek help from a professional, call a volunteer for a friendly chat or share your story openly with friends/family, you will be taking the first step in helping with the mental health recovery from this pandemic.
Sharing a problem in a safe space with family or friends and seeking help for yourself, could lead on to help another person going through something similar feel less lonely.
National restrictions will be lowered and normal life will begin again, and if you need support readjusting from national restrictions our services are here to help with that too. In the meantime, stay safe and take time to talk.